5
“Humble Yourselves, Therefore, under the Mighty Hand of God”
1 In light of everything I’ve said, it is the elders among you to whom I, as a fellow elder and witness on behalf of the Messiah’s sufferings, and as one who will share, too, in the glory to be revealed, now give this exhortation:
2 Shepherd the flock that God has entrusted to your care, giving oversight not because you feel forced, but gladly as God desires, not out of a hunger for money, but out of a sincere eagerness to serve,
3 exercising authority over those assigned to your care not like dictators, but as examples to the flock.
4 Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will be repaid with the very victor’s crown of glory, which will never fade away.
5 In the same way, you who are younger are to submit yourselves to the elders.
Now all of you: Clothe yourselves, indeed each person toward the other, with humility, because,
“As for God, the arrogant he opposes;
to the humble, however, he graciously gives mercy and help.”+
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that you he may exalt at the appointed time,
7 casting upon him all your cares, because he cares for you.
8 Be self-controlled, stay awake and be watchful. Your accuser, the devil: It is “like a roaring lion”+ that he is “walking about to and fro”+ searching for someone to devour.
9 Stand your ground against him, firm in your faith, remembering that the same kinds of suffering are laid upon your brothers and sisters all over the world.
10 The God from whom comes every gracious gift, however, who summoned you to his glory which endures forever into the very ages of the ages, in union with the Messiah: After you have suffered for but a little while, he himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
11 To him be the supremacy forever into the ages. Amen.
“Peace to All of You Who Are United with the Messiah”
12 It is through Silas, whom I know to be a completely trustworthy brother, that I have sent you this very brief letter, in order to exhort and encourage you and to give solemn warning as an eyewitness that what is written in it constitutes the true teaching about the grace of God, on which you must stand firm.
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends her greetings, as does Mark, my dear son in the faith.
14 Greet one another with the kiss of fellowship. Peace to all of you who are united with the Messiah.