1 Peter 4:5-5:11

Tree of Life Version

⁵ But they will have to give an account to the One who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this was the reason the Good News was proclaimed even to those now dead, so that though they are judged in the flesh before humans, they might live in the Ruach before God.

⁷ Now the end of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for prayer. ⁸ Above all, keep your love for one another constant, for “love covers a multitude of sins.” ^{[a] 9} Be hospitable one to another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of the many-sided grace of God. ¹¹ Whoever speaks, let it be as one speaking the utterances of God. Whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies. So in all things may God be glorified through Messiah Yeshua—all glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen.

¹² Loved ones, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal taking place among you to test you—as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ Instead, rejoice insofar as you share in the sufferings of Messiah, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be glad. ¹⁴ If you are insulted for the name of Messiah,^[b] you are fortunate, for the Spirit of glory^[c] and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ For let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or evildoer or as a troublemaker. ¹⁶ But if anyone suffers for following Messiah,^[d] let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. ¹⁷ For the time has come for judgment to begin with the house of God.^[e] If judgment begins with us first, what will be the end for those who disobey the Good News of God?

¹⁸ Now, “if it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what shall become of the ungodly and the sinner?”^[f]

¹⁹ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will—let them trust their souls to a faithful Creator while continuing to do good.

Shepherds Lead by Example

5 Therefore I appeal to the elders among you—as a fellow elder and witness of Messiah’s sufferings, and a partaker also of the glory about to be revealed— ² shepherd God’s flock among you. Watch over it not under compulsion but willingly before God, not for dishonest gain but eagerly. ³ Don’t lord it over^[g] those apportioned to you, but become examples to the flock. ⁴ When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. ⁵ Likewise, you younger ones, submit yourselves to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time. ⁷ Cast all your worries on Him,^[i] for He cares for you. ⁸ Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour. ⁹ Stand up against him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being laid upon your brothers and sisters throughout the world. ¹⁰ After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace—who has called you into His eternal glory in Messiah—will Himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹ All power to Him forever!^[j] Amen.