1 T herefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to 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 s hepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

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 or yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be 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 appears, you will receive the unfading 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 Y ou younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives 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 T herefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper 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 on Him, because He cares for you.

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

8 B e of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to 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 B ut resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by 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 fter you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish 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 dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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

12 T hrough Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him ), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm 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 who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, 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 G reet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.

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