Chapter 5

Message to Elders

I BESEECH the elders which are among you, of whom I am a fellow elder; and a witness of the sufferings of Christ; and a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2 Shepherd the flock of God among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by obligation, but willingly; not for shameful personal gain, but with eagerness;

3 Neither as lords over those in your care, rather being examples to the flock.

4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Submit to Elders

5 ¶ Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves to the elders. And, all of you be subject to one another, and clothed in humility: For God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your cares upon him; for he cares for you.

8 ¶ Be self controlled, keep watch; because your accuser the devil, is as a roaring lion, roaming about, seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom, you are to resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are happening to your brothers that are in the world.

10 And the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus (after you have suffered a while), will make you perfect, established, and on a strong foundation.

11 To him be glory and dominion, for all ages and forever. Amen.

Farewell

12 ¶ Through Silvanus, a faithful brother to you (in my view), I have written briefly, beseeching, and testifying that this is the true grace of God, wherein you stand.

13 Those in Babylon, elect together with you, send you greetings; and so does Mark my son.

14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.