1 I warn and counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded):

¶ The elders who are among you I exhort (I am also an elder with them and a witness of the afflictions of the Christ, and also a participant of the glory that shall be revealed).

2 T end (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is, not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits, but eagerly and cheerfully;

Feed the flock of God which is among you, caring for her, not by force, but willingly; not for shameful lucre, but with willing desire;

3 N ot domineering over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation).

and not as having lordship over the heritage of the Lord, but in such a manner as to be examples of the flock.

4 A nd when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror’s crown of glory.

And when the great Prince of the pastors shall appear, ye shall receive the incorruptible crown of glory.

5 L ikewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)—. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility '> so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)—, but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble.

¶ Likewise, young people, be subject to the elders in such a manner that you are all subject to one another. Be clothed with humility of will, for God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.

6 T herefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,

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

7 C asting the whole of your care '> once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

casting all your cares upon him, for he cares for you.

8 B e well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring '> in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

¶ Be temperate and vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour,

9 W ithstand him; be firm in faith, knowing that the same ( identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.

resist him steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are to be accomplished in the company of your brethren that are in the world.

10 A nd after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, Who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you.

¶ But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Jesus, the Christ, after ye have suffered a little while, he himself perfects, confirms, strengthens, and establishes you.

11 T o Him be the dominion (power, authority, rule) forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12 B y Silvanus, a true (loyal, consistent, incorruptible) brother, as I consider him, I have written briefly to you, to counsel and urge and stimulate and to declare that this is the true grace (the undeserved favor) of God. Be steadfast and persevere in it.

By Silvanus, a faithful brother; (according to my reckoning), I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which ye stand.

13 S he in Babylon, elect (chosen) with, sends you greetings, and my son (disciple) Mark.

Those here at Babylon, chosen together with you, salute you and so does Mark, my son.

14 S alute one another with a kiss of love. To all of you that are in Christ Jesus (the Messiah), may there be peace ( every kind of peace and blessing, especially peace with God, and freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts). Amen (so be it).

Greet one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Jesus, the Christ. Amen.