1 Peter 5

1 The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:2 Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;3 neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.4 And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,9 whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.10 And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.11 To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand ye fast therein.13 She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son.14 Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace be unto you all that are in Christ.

1 PETER 5

Helping Christian Leaders

1 Church leaders, I am writing to encourage you. I too am a leader, as well as a witness to Christ's suffering, and I will share in his glory when it is shown to us.
2  t Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money. 3 Don't be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them.

4 Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory.

5  t All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone should be humble toward everyone else. The Scriptures say,
“God opposes proud people,
but he helps everyone
who is humble.”
6  t Be humble in the presence of God's mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes.

7 t God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.
8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. 9 But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord's followers are suffering just as you are. 10 But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That's why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm.

11 God will be in control forever! Amen.

Final Greetings

12  t Silvanus helped me write this short letter, and I consider him a faithful follower of the Lord. I wanted to encourage you and tell you how kind God really is, so you will keep on having faith in him.

13  t Greetings from the Lord's followers in Babylon.t They are God's chosen ones.
Mark, who is like a son to me, sends his greetings too.
14 Give each other a warm greeting. I pray that God will give peace to everyone who belongs to Christ.t