Chapter 5

  I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed.  

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  Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly;  

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  neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.  

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  When the chief Shepherd will be revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn't fade away.  

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  Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'  

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  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;  

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  casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.  

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  Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  

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  Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.  

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  But may the God of all grace (who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus), after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  

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  To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.  

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  Through Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.  

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  She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark, my son.  

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  Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.  

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