About the Elders

5 Therefore, as a fellow elder and witness^(A) to the sufferings of the Messiah and also a participant in the glory about to be revealed,^(B) I exhort the elders among you: ² Shepherd God’s flock among you,^(C) not overseeing^[a] out of compulsion but freely, according to God’s will;^[b] not for the money but eagerly; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the chief Shepherd^(D) appears, you will receive the unfading crown^(E) of glory.

⁵ In the same way, you younger men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with^[c] humility toward one another, because

⁶ Humble^(G) yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand^(H) of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time,^{[e] 7} casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.^(I)

Conclusion

⁸ Be serious!^(J) Be alert!^(K) Your adversary the Devil^(L) is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. ⁹ Resist him^(M) and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

¹⁰ Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory^(N) in Christ Jesus, will personally^[f] restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.^{[g] 11} The dominion^[h] belongs to Him forever.^[i] Amen.

¹² I have written you this brief letter through Silvanus^[j](O) (I know him to be a faithful brother) to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Take your stand in it! ¹³ The church in Babylon,^[k](P) also chosen, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son. ¹⁴ Greet one another with a kiss of love.^(Q) Peace^(R) to all of you who are in Christ.^[l]