About the Elders

1I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness† to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed:† 2Shepherd God’s flock among you,† not overseeing† out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you;† not out of greed for money but eagerly; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd† appears, you will receive the unfading crown† of glory. 5In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with† humility toward one another, because

God resists the proud

but gives grace to the humble.† †

Conclusion

6Humble† yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand† of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.† 8Be sober-minded,† be alert.† Your adversary the devil† is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9Resist him,† firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

10The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory† in Christ,† will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.† 11To him be dominion† forever.† Amen.

12Through Silvanus,† † a faithful brother (as I consider him), I have written to you briefly in order to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! 13She who is in Babylon,† chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love.† Peace† to all of you who are in Christ.†