Instructions to Elders
(1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9)

1The elders, therefore, I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of Christ's sufferings, also a partaker of the glory about to be revealed; 2feed the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it, not by constraint, but willingly; nor yet for base gain, but of a ready mind; 3neither as lording it over the allotted charges, but becoming examples to the flock; 4and, when the Chief Shepherd is manifested, ye will obtain the unfading crown of glory.

Cast Your Cares on Him

5Likewise, ye younger, be subject to the elder; yea, all of you gird on the lowly mind to serve one another; because "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the lowly."

6Be humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due season; 7having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He careth for you. 8Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, is going about, seeking whom he may devour; 9whom resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same kinds of sufferings are being accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.

Benediction and Farewell

10And the God of all grace, Who called you into His everlasting glory in Christ, after ye have suffered a little while, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, settle you. 11To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

12Through Sylvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I wrote to you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God; within which stand ye. 13The assembly in Babylon, elected with you, and Mark my son, salute you. 14Salute ye one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.