1 Peter 4:7-5:14

Christian Standard Bible

End-Time Ethics

⁷ The end of all things is near;^(A) therefore, be alert and sober-minded^(B) for prayer. ⁸ Above all, maintain constant love^(C) for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.^{[a](D) 9} Be hospitable^(E) to one another without complaining. ¹⁰ Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others,^(F) as good stewards of the varied grace of God. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides,^(G) so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Christian Suffering

¹² Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.^{(H) 13} Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ,^(I) so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.^{(J) 14} If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ,^(K) you are blessed, because the Spirit^(L) of glory and of God^[b] rests on you. ¹⁵ Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.^{[c] 16} But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.^{[d] 17} For the time has come for judgment^(M) to begin with God’s household,^(N) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

¹⁹ So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves^(P) to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.

About the Elders

5 I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness^(Q) to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed:^{(R) 2} Shepherd God’s flock among you,^(S) not overseeing^[f] out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you;^[g] not out of greed for money but eagerly; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the chief Shepherd^(T) appears, you will receive the unfading crown^(U) of glory. ⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with^[h] humility toward one another, because

Conclusion

⁶ Humble^(W) yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand^(X) of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, ⁷ casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.^{(Y) 8} Be sober-minded,^(Z) be alert.^(AA) Your adversary the devil^(AB) is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. ⁹ Resist him,^(AC) firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

¹⁰ The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory^(AD) in Christ,^[j] will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.^{[k] 11} To him be dominion^[l] forever.^[m] Amen.

¹² Through Silvanus,^[n](AE) a faithful brother (as I consider him), I have written to you briefly in order to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! ¹³ She who is in Babylon,^(AF) chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son. ¹⁴ Greet one another with a kiss of love.^(AG) Peace^(AH) to all of you who are in Christ.^[o]