Be Shepherds of God’s Flock

5 Therefore, as a fellow elder, a witness of the Messiah’s^[a] sufferings, and one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: ² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over it, not because you must but because you want to, and not greedily but eagerly, as God desires. ³ Do not lord it over the people entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock. ⁴ Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the victor’s crown of glory that will never fade away.

Be Humble and Alert

⁵ In a similar way, you young people must submit to the elders.^[b] All of you must clothe yourselves with humility for the sake of each other, because:

⁶ Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you. ⁷ Throw all your worry on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the Devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him and be firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. ¹⁰ After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you by the Messiah^[d] Jesus^[e] to his eternal glory, will restore you, establish you, strengthen you, and support you. ¹¹ Power belongs^[f] to him forever and ever! Amen.

Final Greeting

¹² Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is to be the true grace of God in which you are to stand firm! ¹³ Your sister church^[g] in Babylon, chosen along with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, whom I regard as a son. ¹⁴ Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace be to all of you who are in the Messiah!^[h]