1 I exhort the elders among you. I too am an older man and a witness of the sufferings of Christ. I am also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed.
2 Shepherd the flock of God in your care. Exercise the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God. Do not do it for dishonest gain, but eagerly.
3 Do not lord it over your charge, but make yourselves examples to the flock.
4 When the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
5 Likewise, you younger men, be subject to the older men. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and serve one another. God resists the proud, but gives loving kindness to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time.
7 Throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.
8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walks about, seeking whom he may devour consume.
9 Stand firm in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brothers in the world.
10 After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will perfect, establish, and strengthen you.
11 To him is the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast.
13 She that is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all that are in Christ.