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Kefa I 5

1 Therefore, I give this word of chozek to the Zekenim (Elders [see SHEMOT 12:21]) among you I, as a fellow Zaken (Elder) and as an Eidus (Witness) of the sevalot (sufferings) of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, and also as a partaker of the Kavod about to be unveiled:2 Exercise the avodas hakodesh ministry of Ro'eh (Shepherd) on behalf of the Eder Hashem (Flock of G-d [YIRMEYAH 13:17]) among you, serving as Mashgichim Ruchaniyim (Spiritual Overseers), not unwillingly, for the sake of dishonest gelt, but willingly, eagerly, in conformity with Hashem,3 Not as domineering the ones assigned by Hashem to your oversight, but being a mofet (example) for the tzon (flock).4 After the Sar HaRo'im (Chief of Shepherds) has been manifested [1:20], you will receive the unfading Ateret HaKavod (Crown of Glory).5 Likewise, bochrim (young men), be submissive to the Zekenim (Elders) and clothe yourselves in the kaftan of anavah (humility) toward one another, because IM LALETZIM HU YALITZ V'LA'ANAYIM YITEN CHEN ("Indeed Hashem scorns the scorners, but gives grace to the humble" MISHLE 3:34).6 Therefore, be humbled under the mighty hand of Hashem, that you may be exalted in due time.7 HASHLECH AL ADONOI Y'HAVECHA V'HU Y'CHALKELECHA ("Cast your care on Hashem and He will sustain you" TEHILLIM 55:23), because Hashem cares and is concerned about you.8 Be shomer in zililut da'as (sober-mindedness). Your adversary Hasatan [Samma'el], prowls around like a roaring arye (lion), seeking whom to swallow.9 Oppose him, firm in emunah, knowing that in the Olam Hazeh, the same Chevlei [Moshiach] are to be laid upon HaAchim b'Moshiach.10 Now the Elohei Kol Chen v'Chesed (the G-d of all Grace), the one having bestowed upon you the kri'ah (calling) into His eternal kavod in Moshiach Yehoshua, after you have suffered tzoros for a little while, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.11 Lo HaKavod V'HaOz L'Olemei Olamim. Omein.12 To you, through Sila HaAch HaNe'eman (the Faithful Brother in Moshiach), as such I regard him, I have written you briefly, a dvar chizzuk, encouraging you and giving edut (testimony) that this is the true Chen v'Chesed Hashem in which you stand.13 Drishat Shalom to you from your coequal Nivcharah (Chosen One), she in Babel. Drishat Shalom also from Markos, beni.14 Greet one another with a neshikat ahavah (kiss of agape). Drishat Shalom to all of you, the ones in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach.

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