Instructions for Elders
1 Therefore I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder, and a witness of the suffering of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly; 3 not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock. 4 When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
Humble Yourselves
5 Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elders. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another, for
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” a
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your worries on him because he cares for you.
8 Be sober-minded and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking the one whom he can devour. 9 Withstand him, steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same suffering.
Benediction
10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory through Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
12 Through Silvanus, as I think of him, our faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you. So does Mark, my son.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace be to all of you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.