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

1The elders that are among you I exhort, who am also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed; feed the flock of God that is among you, 2taking the episcopal charge of it, not by constraint, but willingly; not for shameful lucre, but with a ready mind: 3nor as lording it over the people, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the sovereign Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive an unfading crown of glory.

Cast Your Cares on Him

5Likewise ye younger, be subject to the elder; and all of you behaving with due submission one to another, be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, but sheweth favor to the humble.

6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time; 7casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you. 8Be sober, be vigilant; for your adversary the devil, like a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9whom resist, stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are endured by your brethren in the world.

Benediction and Farewell

10But may the God of all grace, who hath called us to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after ye have suffered a little while, make you perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12Thus I have written briefly by Silvanus, a faithful brother to you (as I judge) exhorting and testifying, that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. 13The church in Babylon, chosen together with you saluteth you, and so doth Marcus my son. 14Salute one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.