1 Peter 5
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
5 I warn and counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded):
2 Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully;
3 Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation).
4 And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the [a]conqueror’s crown of glory.
5 Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)—[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, [b]so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)—[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble.(A)
6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
7 Casting the [c]whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, [d]once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you [e]watchfully.(B)
8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [[f]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same ([g]identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.
11 To Him be the dominion (power, authority, rule) forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
12 By Silvanus, a true (loyal, consistent, incorruptible) brother, as I consider him, I have written briefly to you, to counsel and urge and stimulate [you] and to declare [to you] that this is the true [account of the] grace (the undeserved favor) of God. Be steadfast and persevere in it.
13 She [your sister church here] in Babylon, [who is] elect (chosen) with [yourselves], sends you greetings, and [so does] my son (disciple) Mark.
14 Salute one another with a kiss of love [the symbol of mutual affection]. To all of you that are in Christ Jesus (the Messiah), may there be peace ([h]every kind of peace and blessing, especially peace with God, and [i] freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts). Amen (so be it).
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 5:4 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies: When Paul uses the word translated “crown,” he typically has the conqueror’s crown in mind, using the imagery of the winner of an athletic contest (see I Cor. 9:25). Peter seems to have this same imagery in mind as a symbol of the heavenly reward.
- 1 Peter 5:5 Johann Bengel, Gnomon Novi Testamenti.
- 1 Peter 5:7 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
- 1 Peter 5:7 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
- 1 Peter 5:7 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
- 1 Peter 5:8 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
- 1 Peter 5:9 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
- 1 Peter 5:14 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
- 1 Peter 5:14 Webster’s New International Dictionary offers this as a definition of “peace.”
1 Peter 5
Christian Standard Bible
About the Elders
5 I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness(A) to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed:(B) 2 Shepherd God’s flock among you,(C) not overseeing[a] out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you;[b] 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(D) appears, you will receive the unfading crown(E) of glory. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with[c] humility toward one another, because
Conclusion
6 Humble(G) yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand(H) of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.(I) 8 Be sober-minded,(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) 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(N) in Christ,[e] will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.[f] 11 To him be dominion[g] forever.[h] Amen.
12 Through Silvanus,[i](O) 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,(P) chosen together with you, 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.[j]
Footnotes
- 5:2 Other mss omit overseeing
- 5:2 Other mss omit as God would have you
- 5:5 Or you tie around yourselves
- 5:5 Pr 3:34 LXX
- 5:10 Other mss read in Christ Jesus
- 5:10 Or to a small extent
- 5:11 Some mss read dominion and glory; other mss read glory and dominion
- 5:11 Other mss read forever and ever
- 5:12 Or Silas; Ac 15:22–32; 16:19–40; 17:1–16
- 5:14 Other mss read Christ Jesus. Amen.
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