Dual PanelThe Christian community
1NOW I APPEAL to the elders of your community, as a fellow-elder and a witness to Christ's sufferings, and as one who has shared in the glory to be revealed:
2look after the flock of God whose shepherds you are; do it, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have it; not for gain but out of sheer devotion;
3not lording it over your charges, but setting an example to the flock.
4So when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive glory, a crown that never fades.
5In the same way the younger men should submit to the older. You should all clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because “God sets his face against the arrogant but shows favour to the humble.”
6Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, and in due time he will lift you up.
7He cares for you, so cast all your anxiety on him.
8Be on the alert! Wake up! Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, prowls around looking for someone to devour.
9Stand up to him, firm in your faith, and remember that your fellow-Christians in this world are going through the same kinds of suffering.
10After your brief suffering, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you on a firm foundation.
11All power belongs to him for ever and ever! Amen.
Final greetings
12I WRITE you this brief letter through Silvanus, whom I know to be a trustworthy colleague, to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God; in this stand fast.
13Greetings from your sister church in Babylon, and from my son Mark.
14Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to you all who belong to Christ!