1 Therefore I appeal to the elders among you—as a fellow elder and witness of Messiah’s sufferings, and a partaker also of the glory about to be revealed—
2 shepherd God’s flock among you. Watch over it not under compulsion but willingly before God, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.
3 Don’t lord it over those apportioned to you, but become examples to the flock.
4 When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
5 Likewise, you younger ones, submit yourselves to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time.
7 Cast all your worries on Him, for He cares for you.
8 Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour.
9 Stand up against him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being laid upon your brothers and sisters throughout the world.
10 After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace—who has called you into His eternal glory in Messiah—will Himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
11 All power to Him forever! Amen.
12 Through Silvanus, whom I consider our faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!
13 Messiah’s community in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings. So does my son Mark.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Shalom to you all who are in Messiah. Amen.