New Testament
1 Peter 5
Overview
Peter closes with final charges, first to the elders as a fellow elder and witness of Christ's sufferings: shepherd the flock of God among them willingly, not for shameful gain, not domineering but as examples, in view of the unfading crown of glory they will receive when the Chief Shepherd appears. He then calls the younger to submit to the elders and all to clothe themselves with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. On that basis Peter urges them to humble themselves under God's mighty hand, casting all their anxieties on Him because He cares for them, and to be sober and watchful, for their adversary the devil prowls like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour; they must resist him, firm in faith, knowing the same sufferings are being experienced by the brotherhood throughout the world. He assures them that the God of all grace, who called them to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish them after they have suffered a little while. The letter ends with greetings, a mention of Silvanus and "she who is at Babylon," and a kiss of love, with the benediction of peace to all who are in Christ.
1Therefore I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed:
2shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily; not for dishonest gain, but willingly;
3not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
4When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.
5Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time,
7casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
8Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
9Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.
10But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
11To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
12Through Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you. So does Mark, my son.
14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to all of you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.