Further admonitions
1 ① I now address myself to those elders among you; I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ, hoping to share the Glory that is to be revealed. 2Shepherd the flock which God has entrusted to you, guarding it not out of obligation but willingly for God’s sake; not as one looking for a reward but with a generous heart; 3do not lord it over those in your care, rather be an example to your flock. 4Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will be given a crown of unfading glory.
5In the same way, let the younger ones among you respect the authority of the elders. All of you must clothe yourself with humility in your dealings with one another, because God opposes the proud but gives his grace to the humble.
6Bow down, then, before the power of God so that he will raise you up at the appointed time. 7Place all your worries on him since he takes care of you.
8Be sober and alert because your enemy the devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. 9Stand your ground, firm in your faith, knowing that our brothers and sisters, scattered throughout the world, are confronting similar sufferings. 10God, the giver of all grace, has called you to share in Christ’s eternal Glory and after you have suffered a little he will bring you to perfection: he will confirm, strengthen and establish you forever. 11Glory be to him forever and ever. Amen. 12 ② I have had these few lines of encouragement written to you by Silvanus, our brother, whom I know to be trustworthy. For I wanted to remind you of the kindness of God really present in all this. Hold on to it. 13Greetings from the community in Babylon, gathered by God, and from my son, Mark. 14Greet one another with a friendly embrace. Peace to you all who are in Christ.
- 1 p 5,1 In the varied counsels which follow, note what concerns the elders, leaders and pastors of the community. In persecution Peter also sees a work of the devil, who does his best to discourage those who hope in Christ. It is a proven fact that when we get ready to make an important decision or to make some commitment in the service of Christ, many unexpected obstacles arise. The person who becomes intimidated loses everything. When he tries again to take some step, the devil will increase his attacks. These trials are common and to face them we need to be alert in our faith. 1 p 5,12 To remind you of the kindness of God (v. 12). This kindness, or grace, means God's whole plan to save us, all that came to us through Christ. Babylon: in the language of the Christians of the time indicates the great city, the center of pagan religions, namely, Rome (see Rev 17). Rome already has a community, the Church, at the time that Peter writes.
- 1 p 5,1 In the varied counsels which follow, note what concerns the elders, leaders and pastors of the community. In persecution Peter also sees a work of the devil, who does his best to discourage those who hope in Christ. It is a proven fact that when we get ready to make an important decision or to make some commitment in the service of Christ, many unexpected obstacles arise. The person who becomes intimidated loses everything. When he tries again to take some step, the devil will increase his attacks. These trials are common and to face them we need to be alert in our faith. 1 p 5,12 To remind you of the kindness of God (v. 12). This kindness, or grace, means God's whole plan to save us, all that came to us through Christ. Babylon: in the language of the Christians of the time indicates the great city, the center of pagan religions, namely, Rome (see Rev 17). Rome already has a community, the Church, at the time that Peter writes.
