1 Peter
Summary
Peter provides closing pastoral instructions, beginning with an exhortation to the "elders among you" to shepherd the flock of God willingly and with a ready mind, not for "greedy gain." He reminds them that when the "Chief Shepherd" appears, they will receive an unfading crown of glory. Peter also calls the younger members to be subject to their elders and encourages everyone to "clothed with humility." He warns about the "adversary the devil," who walks about as a "roaring lion," and urges the believers to resist him with stedfast faith, concluding with greetings from Mark and the church in Babylon.
The elders who are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for greedy gain, but of a ready mind;
Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.
Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:
Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brothers who are in the world.
But the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
By Silvanus, a faithful brother to you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, greets you; and so does Marcus my son.
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be with you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.