5
I'm speaking to the elders among you. I was a witness of Christ's sufferings. And I will also share in the glory that is going to come. I'm making my appeal to you as one who is an elder together with you. 2 Be shepherds of God's flock, the believers under your care. Watch over them, though not because you have to. Instead, do it because you want to. That's what God wants you to do. Don't do it because you want to get money in dishonest ways. Do it because you really want to serve. 3 Don't act as if you were a ruler over those under your care. Instead, be examples to the flock. 4 The Chief Shepherd will come again. Then you will receive the crown of glory. It is a crown that will never fade away. 5 In the same way, I'm speaking to you who are younger. Follow the lead of those who are older. All of you, put on a spirit free of pride towards one another. Put it on as if it were your clothes. Do this because Scripture says,
‘God opposes those who are proud.
But he gives grace to those who are humble.’ (Proverbs 3:34)
5:1–5 Peter described church elders and leaders as shepherds over God's people. His instructions to them were like Jesus' instructions to his disciples in Luke 22:24–30. Church leaders mustn't act proud or act like rulers. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd and they must obey him. They must follow Jesus' example of being a leader who served. Leaders who serve faithfully will share Jesus' glory when he returns to earth. Other believers must respect and follow leaders who lead like Jesus.
6 So make yourselves humble. Put yourselves under God's mighty hand. Then he will honour you at the right time. 7 Turn all your worries over to him. He cares about you.
8 Be watchful and control yourselves. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to swallow up. 9 Stand up to him. Remain strong in what you believe. You know that you are not alone in your suffering. The family of believers throughout the world is going through the same thing.
10 God always gives you all the grace you need. So you will only have to suffer for a little while. Then God himself will build you up again. He will make you strong and steady. And he has chosen you to share in his eternal glory because you belong to Christ. 11 Give him the power for ever and ever. Amen.
12 I consider Silas to be a faithful brother. With his help I have written you this short letter. I have written it to encourage you. And I have written to speak the truth about the true grace of God. Remain strong in it.
13 The members of the church in Babylon send you their greetings. They were chosen together with you. Mark, my son in the faith, also sends you his greetings.
14 Greet each other with a kiss of friendship.
May God give peace to all of you who believe in Christ.
5:6–14 Peter ended his letter by encouraging the believers in several ways. He reminded them that God truly cares about his people. They can trust God completely. The devil tries to make believers doubt God and stop obeying him. Peter described this like the devil swallowing them up. But God gives believers the grace they need to oppose the devil. They are humble but God is mighty. He gives them strength to hold on to what they believe. Believers aren't alone as they struggle and suffer. God's people all over the world are also suffering and are struggling against evil. They are joined together as one in God's family and in friendship. Greetings from Silas, Mark and the church also encouraged the believers. Peter used the name Babylon to talk about Rome.