1 Peter 5
New Catholic Bible
Chapter 5
Faithful and Humble Leadership.[a] 1 I now exhort the presbyters[b] among you, as a fellow presbyter myself and a witness to the sufferings of Christ, and as one who has shared in the glory that is to be revealed. 2 Be shepherds of the flock of God that has been entrusted to your care. Watch over it, not as a duty, but willingly in accord with the will of God, not for sordid gain, but because you are eager to do so.
3 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. 4 Then, when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away.
Humility and Firm Faith.[c] 5 In the same way, you who are younger must be submissive to those who are older. And all of you should clothe yourselves with humility in your relationships with one another, for
“God opposes the proud,
but he gives grace to the humble.”
6 Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares about you.
8 Remain sober and alert, for your enemy the devil is on the prowl like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him and be firm in your faith, for you are well aware that your brethren throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
10 Promise of Strength and Vindication. After you have suffered for a brief period, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and support you. 11 All power belongs to him forever and ever. Amen.
Conclusion
12 Final Greetings.[d] I have written this brief letter to you through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, in order to exhort you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
13 Your sister Church[e] in Babylon sends you greetings, as does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a loving kiss.[f]
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 5:1 The presbyters (or elders) exercise responsibilities in the life of communities (see 1 Tim 5:17; Tit 1:5-9). However, authority always experiences the temptation to exercise power for its own profit. This should not be the case in a Christian group. We might recall the word of Jesus: “I am in your midst as one who serves” (Lk 22:27). On this subject, we could also read Paul’s reflection to the elders of the region of Ephesus (see Acts 20:28-35).
- 1 Peter 5:1 Presbyters: the official teachers of the Christian community (see 1 Tim 5:17f; Tit 1:5-8; Jas 5:14). Witness to the sufferings of Christ: Peter had been a witness of all the phases and aspects of Christ’s ministry, including his suffering (see Mt 26:58; Mk 14:54; Lk 22:60-62; Jn 18:10-11, 15-16).
- 1 Peter 5:5 Nothing is more opposed to the Gospel than pretense and pride; hence this Letter insists on attitudes of submissiveness. It also recommends that Christians remain steadfast in the spiritual combat—which is more difficult to do in this context of threats—in order to achieve true victory. It is from God himself that believers await the courage. You who are younger: these may simply be the faithful distinguished from their leaders.
- 1 Peter 5:12 The Letter is doubtless written at Rome, the “Babylon” of the age (see Introduction). Silvanus: one of Paul’s coworkers (see 1 Thes 1:1; 2 Thes 1:1; 2 Cor 1:19) also known by the name of “Silas” (see Acts 15:22; 17:4).
- 1 Peter 5:13 Your sister Church: literally, “Your chosen sister.” Mark: an occasional companion of Paul (see Acts 12:25; 2 Tim 4:11) and probably the author of the second Gospel.
- 1 Peter 5:14 Kiss: on the liturgical kiss, see 1 Cor 16:20. Peace to all of you who are in Christ: in concluding, the author stresses a basic theme of the Letter—the union of believers with Christ.
彼得前书 5
Chinese New Version (Simplified)
务要牧养 神的羊群
5 我这同作长老，也是为基督受苦作见证，又是同享将来所要显现的荣耀的，劝你们当中作长老的： 2 务要牧养在你们中间的 神的羊群，按着 神的旨意看顾他们。不是出于勉强，而是出于甘心；不是因为贪财，而是出于热诚； 3 也不是要辖制托付你们的羊群，而是作他们的榜样。 4 到了牧长显现的时候，你们必定得着那永不衰残的荣耀冠冕。
5 照样，你们青年人要顺服年长的。就是你们各人也要彼此以谦卑为装束，因为
“ 神敌挡骄傲的人，
赐恩给谦卑的人。”
6 所以你们要谦卑，服在 神大能的手下，到了时候，他必叫你们升高。 7 你们要把一切忧虑卸给 神，因为他顾念你们。
8 你们要谨守、警醒。你们的仇敌魔鬼，好象吼叫的狮子走来走去，寻找可以吞吃的人； 9 你们要用坚强的信心抵挡他，因为知道你们在世上的弟兄，也经历过同样的苦难。 10 但满有恩典的 神，就是在基督里召你们进入他永远荣耀的那一位，在你们受了短暂的苦难之后，必定亲自成全你们，坚固你们，赐力量给你们，建立你们。 11 愿权能归给他，直到永远。阿们。
劝勉和祝福
12 我借着我认为忠心的弟兄西拉，简略地写了这封信劝勉你们，又向你们证实这是 神真正的恩典；你们要在这恩典上站立得住。 13 在巴比伦与你们同蒙拣选的，和我儿子马可都问候你们。 14 你们要用爱心彼此亲吻问安。愿平安归与你们所有在基督里的人。
Chinese New Version (CNV). Copyright © 1976, 1992, 1999, 2001, 2005 by Worldwide Bible Society.