¹I appeal to your spiritual leaders.^aI make this appeal as a spiritual leader who also witnessed Christ’s sufferings and will share in the glory that will be revealed. ²Be shepherds over the flock God has entrusted to you. Watch over it as God does: Don’t do this because you have to, but because you want to. Don’t do it out of greed, but out of a desire to serve. ³Don’t be rulers over the people entrusted to you, but be examples for the flock to follow. ⁴Then, when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Instructions for Christians

⁵Young people, in a similar way, place yourselves under the authority of spiritual leaders.

Furthermore, all of you must serve each other with humility, because God opposes the arrogant but favors the humble. ⁶Be humbled by God’s power so that when the right time comes he will honor you.

⁷Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you. ⁸Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour. ⁹Be firm in the faith and resist him, knowing that other believers throughout the world are going through the same kind of suffering. ¹⁰God, who shows you his kindness^band who has called you through Christ Jesus to his eternal glory, will restore you, strengthen you, make you strong, and support you as you suffer for a little while. ¹¹Power belongs to him forever. Amen.

Farewell

¹²I’ve written this short letter to you and I’m sending it by Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother. I’ve written to encourage you and to testify that this is God’s genuine good will.^cRemain firmly established in it!

¹³Your sister church in Babylon, chosen by God, and my son Mark send you greetings. ¹⁴Greet each other with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Read in Logos

Footnotes

a 5:1 Or “pastors,” or “elders.”
b 5:10 Or “grace.”
c 5:12 Or “grace.”