New Living Translation | NET Bible |
1And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: | 1So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you: |
2Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. | 2Give a shepherd's care to God's flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God's direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly. |
3Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. | 3And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock. |
4And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. | 4Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away. |
5In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” | 5In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. |
6So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. | 6And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand |
7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. | 7by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you. |
8Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. | 8Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. |
9Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. | 9Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. |
10In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. | 10And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. |
11All power to him forever! Amen. Peter’s Final Greetings | 11To him belongs the power forever. Amen. |
12I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace. | 12Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. |
13Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. | 13The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you, and so does Mark, my son. |
14Greet each other with a kiss of love. Peace be with all of you who are in Christ. | 14Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. |
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