Instructions to Elders

1I exhorta the elders among you, a fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory being about to be revealed: 2Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversightb not under compulsion, but willingly according to God;c and not for base gain but eagerly, 3not as exercising lordship over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4And the Chief Shepherd having been revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Cast Your Cares on Him

5Likewise, younger ones, be subject to your elders. And all, gird on humility one to another, because,

“God opposes the proud,

but gives grace to the humble.”d

6Be humbled therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, 7having cast all your anxiety upon Him, because with Him there is care about you.

8Be sober-minded; watch. Your adversary the devil prowls about as a roaring lion seeking whom to devour, 9whom you should resist, firm in the faith, knowing the same sufferings to be accomplished in your brotherhood throughout the world.

Benediction and Farewell

10And the God of all grace, the One having called you to His eternal glory in Christ,e of you having suffered a little while, He Himself will perfect, will confirm, will strengthen, and will establish you. 11To Him be the power to the ages of the ages. Amen.

12Through Silvanus,f the faithful brother as I regard him, I have written to you through few words, exhorting and testifying this to be the true grace of God, in which you stand.

13She in Babylon elected with you greets you, and my son Mark.

14Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace be to all of you who are in Christ.g