About the Elders

1I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witnessa to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed:b 2Shepherd God’s flock among you,a not overseeingA out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you;B not out of greed for money but eagerly; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherda appears, you will receive the unfading crownb of glory. 5In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves withA humility toward one another, because

God resists the proud

but gives grace to the humble.a b

Conclusion

6Humblea yourselves, therefore, under the mighty handb of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.a 8Be sober-minded,a be alert.b Your adversary the devilc is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9Resist him,a firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

10The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glorya in Christ,A will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.B 11To him be dominionA forever.B Amen.

12Through Silvanus,a a 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! 13She who is in Babylon,a chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love.a Peaceb to all of you who are in Christ.A