Instructions to Elders
(1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9)

1Therefore I, being a fellow-elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, also a communicant of the glory which is about to be revealed, exhort the elders who are among you: 2shepherdize the flock of God which is among you, not coercively, but willingly, for the sake of God; not for filthy lucre, but cheerfully. 3Not as domineering over the heritages, but having become examples of the flock: 4and chief Shepherd having appeared, you shall receive a crown of glory which will never fade away.

Cast Your Cares on Him

5Likewise, you younger men, submit to the elders: and all put on humility toward one another; because God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.

6Therefore humble yourselves beneath the mighty hand of God, that he may lift you up in due time: 7having cast all your care upon him; because there is a care to him concerning you. 8Be sober, watch. The devil is walking round like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour: 9whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that it is for you to complete the same sufferings in this world along with your brotherhood.

Benediction and Farewell

10But the God of all grace, the one having called you into his own eternal glory in Christ, will himself make you perfect, having suffered a little while, will establish you, will strengthen you, will settle you. 11To him is the power unto the age of the ages. Amen.

12Through Silvanus, the faithful brother, as I consider, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and witnessing that this same grace of God is true in which you may stand. 13The elect sister who is in Babylon, and my son Mark, salute you. 14Salute one another with a holy kiss. Peace be unto you all who are in Christ.