1 Peter 5

To the Elders and the Flock

5To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder^b and a witness^c of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:^{d 2}Be shepherds of God’s flock^e that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;^f not pursuing dishonest gain,^g but eager to serve; ³not lording it over^h those entrusted to you, but being examplesⁱ to the flock. ⁴And when the Chief Shepherd^j appears, you will receive the crown of glory^k that will never fade away.^l

⁵In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves^m to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humilityⁿ toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble.”^ao

⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.^{p 7}Cast all your anxiety on him^q because he cares for you.^r

⁸Be alert and of sober mind.^s Your enemy the devil prowls around^t like a roaring lion^u looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him,^v standing firm in the faith,^w because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.^x

¹⁰And the God of all grace, who called you^y to his eternal glory^z in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,^a will himself restore you and make you strong,^b firm and steadfast. ¹¹To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.^c

Final Greetings

¹²With the help of Silas,^bd whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly,^e encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.^f

¹³She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.^{g 14}Greet one another with a kiss of love.^h

Peaceⁱ to all of you who are in Christ.