1 T he elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

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 the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

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 either as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.

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 shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.

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

5 L ikewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace 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 H umble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;

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 all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.

Give all your worries to Him because He cares for you.

8 B e sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may 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 hom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in 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 the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen 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 for ever and ever. Amen.

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

12 B y Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand ye fast therein.

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 that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son.

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. Peace be unto you all that are in Christ.

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