1The elders therefore 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: 2Tend 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 ; 3neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you , but making yourselves ensamples to the flock . 4And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested , ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.
The Call to Humility
5Likewise , 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 . 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God , that he may exalt you in due time ; 7casting all your anxiety upon him , because he careth for you .
Resisting the Devil
8Be sober , be watchful : your adversary the devil , as a roaring lion , walketh about , seeking whom he may devour : 9whom withstand stedfast in your faith , knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world . 10And 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 .
Final Greetings and Encouragement
11To him be the dominion for ever and ever . Amen. 12By 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 . 13She that is in Babylon, elect together with you , saluteth you ; and so doth Mark my son . 14Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace be unto you all that are in Christ .