1 Peter 4:12-5:7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.(A) 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory,[a] which is the Spirit of God,[b] is resting on you.[c](B) 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker.[d](C) 16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.[e] 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(D) 18 And
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust their lives to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.
Tending the Flock of God
5 Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you(E) 2 to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight,[f] not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it,[g] not for sordid gain but eagerly.(F) 3 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.(G) 4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.(H) 5 In the same way, you who are younger must be subject to the elders.[h] And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”(I)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.(J)
Footnotes
- 4.14 Other ancient authorities add and of power
- 4.14 Or spirit of glory and of God
- 4.14 Other ancient authorities add On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified
- 4.15 Meaning of Gk uncertain
- 4.16 Other ancient authorities read in this respect
- 5.2 Other ancient authorities lack exercising the oversight
- 5.2 Or in a godly manner; other ancient authorities lack as God would have you do it
- 5.5 Or of those who are older
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.