| 1 | I warn
and
counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded): |
| 2 | Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion
or
constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages
and
profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly
and
cheerfully; |
| 3 | Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). |
| 4 | And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the
[a]conqueror’s crown of glory. |
| 5 | Likewise, you who are younger
and
of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)—[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant,
[b]so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)—[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble. |
| 6 | Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, |
| 7 | Casting the
[c]whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns,
[d]once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately
and
cares about you
[e]watchfully. |
| 8 | Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant
and
cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [
[f]in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon
and
devour. |
| 9 | Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (
[g]identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world. |
| 10 | And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ
Jesus
, will Himself complete
and
make you what you ought to be, establish
and
ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you. |
| 11 | To Him be the dominion (power, authority, rule) forever and ever. Amen (so be it). |
| 12 | By Silvanus, a true (loyal, consistent, incorruptible) brother, as I consider him, I have written briefly to you, to counsel
and
urge
and
stimulate [you] and to declare [to you] that this is the true [account of the] grace (the undeserved favor) of God. Be steadfast
and
persevere in it. |
| 13 | She [your sister church here] in Babylon, [who is] elect (chosen) with [yourselves], sends you greetings, and [so does] my son (disciple) Mark. |
| 14 | Salute one another with a kiss of love [the symbol of mutual affection]. To all of you that are in Christ
Jesus
(the Messiah), may there be peace (
[h]every kind of peace and blessing, especially peace with God, and
[i] freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts).
Amen (so be it).
|
Cross references:
-
1 Peter 5:5 : Prov. 3:34.
-
1 Peter 5:7 : Ps. 55:22.
|