[1] 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: [2] feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight of them, not by constraint but willingly, not for filthy lucre but out of a ready mind, [3] neither as being lords over God's heritage, but by being examples to the flock. [4] And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. [5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." [6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, [7] casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you. [8] Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. [9] Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world. [10] But after ye have suffered a while, may the God of all grace, who hath called us into His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. [11] To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. [12] By Silvanus, whom I account to be a faithful brother unto you, I have written briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. [13] The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you, and so doth Mark, my son. [14] Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
