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.
1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof , not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you .
11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
13The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you , saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
14Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.