1 T he elders which among you I exhort, who fellow-elder and witness of the sufferings of the Christ, who also partaker of the glory about to be revealed:

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):

2 s hepherd the flock of God which among you, exercising oversight, not by necessity, but willingly; not for base gain, but readily;

Tend (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;

3 n ot as lording it over your possessions, but being models for the flock.

Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation).

4 A nd when the chief shepherd is manifested ye shall receive the unfading crown of glory.

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

5 L ikewise younger, be subject to elder, and all of you bind on humility towards one another; for God sets himself against proud, but to humble gives grace.

Likewise, 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.

6 H umble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in time;

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

7 h aving cast all your care upon him, for he cares about you.

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

8 B e vigilant, watch. Your adversary devil as a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour.

Be 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.

9 W hom resist, stedfast in faith, knowing that the selfsame sufferings are accomplished in your brotherhood which in world.

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

10 B ut the God of all grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, when ye have suffered for a little while, himself shall make perfect, stablish, strengthen, ground:

And 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.

11 t o him the glory and the might for the ages of the ages. Amen.

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

12 B y Silvanus, the faithful brother, as I suppose, I have written to you briefly; exhorting and testifying that this is true grace of God in which ye stand.

By 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.

13 S he that is elected with in Babylon salutes you, and Marcus my son.

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

14 S alute one another with a kiss of love. Peace be with you all who in Christ.

Salute 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).