International Standard Version

1Peter 5

1 Therefore, as a fellow elder, a witness of the Messiah’s ^a sufferings, and one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:

2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over it, not because you must but because you want to, and not greedily but eagerly, as God desires.

3 Do not lord it over the people entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock.

4 Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the victor’s crown of glory that will never fade away.

5 In a similar way, you young people must submit to the elders. ^b All of you must clothe yourselves with humility for the sake of each other, because: “God opposes the arrogant, but gives grace to the humble.” ^c

6 Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you.

7 Throw all your worry on him, because he cares for you.

8 Be clear-minded and alert. Your opponent, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

9 Resist him and be firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you by the Messiah ^d Jesus ^e to his eternal glory, will restore you, establish you, strengthen you, and support you.

11 Power belongs ^f to him forever and ever! Amen.

12 Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is to be the true grace of God in which you are to stand firm!

13 Your sister church ^g in Babylon, chosen along with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, whom I regard as a son.

14 Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace be to all of you who are in the Messiah! ^h