1To the elders among you, I, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed, I urge you to: 2Care for the flock of God that is among you, providing oversight of it, not out of obligation or compulsion, but willingly; not for financial gain, but out of an earnest desire to serve; 3Not lording it over those that God has entrusted to your care, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Great Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that will never fade away. 5In like manner, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. You should all be submissive to one another, and clothed with humility; for “God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.” 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7Casting all your care (anxiety) upon Him; for He cares for you. 8Be sober and alert; because your enemy, the devil, prowls about, looking for someone to devour; 9Resist him by standing firmly in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are endured by your Christian brothers and sisters throughout the world.

10But after you have suffered a while, the God of all grace, Who has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, shall make you perfect, strong, and steadfast. 11To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12With the help of Silvanus (Silas), a faithful brother, I have written this brief letter to encourage you, and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in that grace. 13The church that is at Babylon, elected (chosen) along with you, greets you; as does my son, Mark. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be with all of you that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.