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):

I want to speak to the church leaders among you. I am a church leader also. I saw Christ suffer and die on a cross. I will also share His shining-greatness when He comes again.

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;

Be good shepherds of the flock God has put in your care. Do not care for the flock as if you were made to. Do not care for the flock for money, but do it because you want to.

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

Do not be bosses over the people you lead. Live as you would like to have them live.

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

When the Head Shepherd comes again, you will get the crown of shining-greatness that will not come to an end.

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.

In the same way, you younger men must obey the church leaders. Be gentle as you care for each other. God works against those who have pride. He gives His loving-favor to those who do not try to honor themselves.

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

So put away all pride from yourselves. You are standing under the powerful hand of God. At the right time He will lift you up.

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.

Give all your worries to Him because 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.

Keep awake! Watch at all times. The devil is working against you. He is walking around like a hungry lion with his mouth open. He is looking for someone to eat.

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.

Stand against him and be strong in your faith. Remember, other Christians over all the world are suffering the same as you are.

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.

After you have suffered for awhile, God Himself will make you perfect. He will keep you in the right way. He will give you strength. He is the God of all loving-favor and has called you through Christ Jesus to share His shining-greatness forever.

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

God has power over all things forever. Let it be so.

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.

I have known Silvanus as a faithful Christian brother and it is by him I have written this short letter to help you. It tells you of the true loving-favor of God. Stay true in His loving-favor.

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

The church which is in the city of Babylon says hello. It has been chosen by God the same as you have been. My son, Mark, says hello also.

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 each other with a kiss of holy love. May all of you Christians have peace.