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 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:

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, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

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

Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.

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

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

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, 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.

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 care upon him; for he careth 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 sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh 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.

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in 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 hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle 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 unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

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

The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus 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 ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.