1 The seniors who are among you, I exhort, who am also a senior, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory which is to be revealed.
2 Feed the flock of God, which is with you; exercising the overseer's office, not by constraint, but willingly; neither for the sake of sordid gain, but from good disposition;
3 neither as lording it over the heritage of God, but, being patterns to the flock:
4 and when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive the crown of glory which fades not away.
5 For the like reason, you younger persons subject yourselves to the seniors. Yes, all be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud but gives favor to the humble.
6 Be humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
7 Cast all your anxious care on him, because he cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant: your adversary, the devil, is walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour:
9 whom resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the very same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren, who are in the world.
10 And may the God of all favor, who has called us to his eternal glory, by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, himself make you complete; support, strengthen, establish you:
11 to him be the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 By Sylvanus, a faithful brother, (as I conclude,) I have written to you in few words, exhorting you, and strongly testifying that this is the true favor of God, in which you stand.
13 They at Babylon, elected jointly with you, and Mark, my son, salute you.
14 Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all, who are in Christ Jesus.