The Flock of God

5 ¹Now I have something to say to the elders* in your group. I am also an elder. I myself have seen Christ's sufferings. And I will share in the glory that will be shown to us. I beg you to ²take care of the group of people that you are responsible for. They are God's flock.* Watch over that flock because you want to, not because you are forced to do it. That is how God wants it. Do it because you are happy to serve, not because you want money. ³Don't be like a ruler over those people you are responsible for. But be good examples to those people. ⁴Then when the Ruling Shepherd (Christ) comes, you will get a crown. That crown will be very glorious, and it will never lose its beauty. ⁵Young men, I have something to say to you, too. You should accept the authority of the elders.* All of you should be very humble with each other. "God is against the proud people. But he gives grace (kindness) to the humble people." Proverbs 3:34

⁶So be humble under God's powerful hand. Then he will lift you up when the right time comes. ⁷Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you. ⁸Control yourselves and be careful! The devil is your enemy. And he goes around like a roaring lion looking for some person to eat. ⁹Refuse to follow the devil. Stand strong in your faith. You know that your brothers and sisters all over the world are having the same sufferings that you have. ¹⁰Yes, you will suffer for a short time. But after that, God will make everything right. He will make you strong. He will support you and keep you from falling. He is the God that gives all grace (kindness). He called you to share in his glory in Christ. That glory will continue forever. ¹¹All power is his forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

¹²Silas will bring this letter to you. I know that he is a faithful brother [in Christ]. I wrote this short letter to encourage you. I wanted to tell you that this is the true grace (kindness) of God. Stand strong in that grace. ¹³The church in Babylon* says hello to you. Those people were chosen the same as you. Mark, my son [in Christ], also says hello. ¹⁴Give each other a kiss of love when you meet. Peace to all of you that are in Christ.

elders A group of men chosen to lead a church. Also called "overseers" and "pastors" (shepherds), they have the work of caring for God's people (Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11; Tit. 1:7,9). God's flock God's people. They are like a flock (group) of sheep that need to be cared for. church in Babylon Literally, "She in Babylon."