1 Therefore, I urge the congregation leaders among you, as a fellow-leader and witness to the Messiah’s sufferings, as well as a sharer in the glory to be revealed:
2 shepherd the flock of God that is in your care, exercising oversight not out of constraint, but willingly, as God wants; and not out of a desire for dishonest gain, but with enthusiasm;
3 also not asmachersdomineering over those in your care, but as people who become examples to the flock.
4 Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive glory as your unfading crown.
5 Likewise, you who are less experienced, submit to leaders. Further, all of you should clothe yourselves in humility toward one another, because
God opposes the arrogant,
but to the humble he gives grace.
6 Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the right time he may lift you up.
7 Throw all your anxieties upon him, because he cares about you.
8 Stay sober, stay alert! Your enemy, the Adversary, stalks about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Stand against him, firm in your trust, knowing that your brothers throughout the world are going through the same kinds of suffering.
10 You will have to suffer only a little while; after that, God, who is full of grace, the one who called you to his eternal glory in union with the Messiah, will himself restore, establish and strengthen you and make you firm.
11 To him be the power forever and ever.Amen.
12 Through Sila, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written you briefly, encouraging you and giving my witness that this is God’s true grace. Stand firm in it!
13 Your sister congregation in Bavel, chosen along with you, sends greetings to you, as does my son Mark.
14 Greet each other with a kiss of love.
“Shalom aleikhem!” to all who belong to the Messiah.