1Therefore, as a fellow elder and witness Ac 4:20 to the sufferings of the Messiah and also a participant in the glory about to be revealed, Rm 8:18; Col 3:4 I exhort the elders among you:

2Shepherd God’s flock among you, Jr 3:15; 23:1; Jn 21:16; Ac 20:28 not overseeing Other mss omit overseeing out of compulsion but freely, according to God’s will; Other mss omit according to God’s will not for the money but eagerly;

3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

4And when the chief Shepherd Jn 10:11,14; 21:15-17; Heb 13:20; 1Pt 2:25 appears, you will receive the unfading crown 1Co 9:25; Rv 12:1 of glory.

5In the same way, you younger men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with Lit you tie around yourselves humility toward one another, because

8Be serious! 1Th 5:6,8; 2Tm 4:5; 1Pt 1:13; 4:7 Be alert! Rv 16:15 Your adversary the Devil Mt 4:1,10; Ac 13:10 is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

9Resist him Eph 6:13-14; Jms 4:7 and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

10Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory 1Pt 5:1,4; 2Pt 3:18 in Christ Jesus, will personally Lit Himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. Or a little while, or to a small extent

11The dominion Other mss read dominion and glory ; other mss read glory and dominion belongs to Him forever. Other mss read forever and ever Amen.

12I have written you this brief letter through Silvanus Or Silas ; Ac 15:22-32; 16:19-40; 17:1-16 Ac 15:22; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1 (I know him to be a faithful brother) to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Take your stand in it!

13The church in Babylon, Probably refers to Rome Rv 14:8; 16:19; 17:5,18; 18:2,10,21 also chosen, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son.

14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Rm 16:16; 1Co 16:20; 2Co 13:12; 1Th 5:26 Peace Eph 6:23 to all of you who are in Christ. Other mss read Christ Jesus. Amen.