Chapter 5

¹I appeal therefore to those who are elders among you; I am their brother-elder and a witness to what the Christ suffered, and I am to share in the glory that is to be revealed— ²be shepherds of the flock of God that is among you, not as though it were forced upon you but of your own free will, and not from base love of gain but freely, ³and not as tyrannizing over those in your charge but proving models for the flock; ⁴and when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious wreath that will never fade. ⁵You younger men must show deference to the elders. And you must all clothe yourselves in humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud, but shows mercy to the humble. ⁶Submit humbly, therefore, to God’s mighty hand, so that he may in due time raise you up. ⁷Throw all your anxiety upon him, for he cares for you. ⁸Be calm and watchful. Your opponent the devil is prowling about like a roaring lion, wanting to devour you. ⁹Resist him and be strong in the faith, for you know that your brotherhood all over the world is having the same experience of suffering. ¹⁰And God, the giver of all mercy, who through your union with Christ has called you to his eternal glory, after you have suffered a little while will himself make you perfect, steadfast, and strong. ¹¹His be the dominion forever. Amen.

¹²By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I think him, I have written you this short letter to encourage you and bear my testimony that this is what the true mercy of God means. Stand fast in it. ¹³Your sister-church in Babylon, chosen like you, and Mark my son wish to be remembered to you. ¹⁴Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to all of you that are in union with Christ.