1 Peter 5

5 ¹ So I appeal to the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a sharer in the glory that is about to be revealed: ² shepherd the flock of our Father that is among you, watching over it — not under compulsion but willingly, as our Father would have it; not for shameful gain but eagerly; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. ^a a v4 The Chief Shepherd is Jesus — the one the faithful elders serve under, who rewards them when he appears.

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because our Father opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of our Father, so that he may lift you up in due time, ⁷ casting all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.

⁸ Stay clear-headed; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that your family of believers throughout the world is going through the same kinds of suffering.

¹⁰ And our Father of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little while. ¹¹ To him be the dominion forever. Amen.

¹² Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of our Father. Stand firm in it.

Final Greetings

¹³ She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. ^b b v13 "Babylon" here is most likely a veiled name for Rome, the seat of empire from which Peter wrote — not the ancient city. ¹⁴ Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.