Be calm and alert. Your opponent the devil is always prowling about like a roaring lion, trying to devour you.

Cast every worry you have upon Him, because He cares for you.

So, as a joint-elder with them, a witness of the suffering borne by Christ, and a sharer of the glory that is to be uncovered, I beg the elders among you,

You younger men, on your part, must be submissive to the elders. And you must all put on the servant's apron of humility to one another, because God opposes the haughty but bestows His unmerited favor on the humble.

Therefore humbly submit to God's strong hand, so that at the proper time He may exalt you.

be shepherds of the flock of God that is among you, not as though you had to but of your own free will, not from the motive of personal profit but freely,

And God, the giver of every spiritual blessing, who through your union with Christ has called you to His eternal glory, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself make you perfect, firm, and strong,

Resist him and be strong in faith, because you know that your brotherhood all over the world is experiencing the same sort of sufferings.

To Him be dominion forever. Amen.

By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I regard him, I have written you this short letter, to encourage you and to testify that this is the true, unmerited favor of God. Stand firm in it.

Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you that are in union with Christ.

and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious crown that never fades.

Your sister-church in Babylon, chosen along with you, and Mark my son, wish to be remembered to you.

and not as domineering over those in your charge but proving yourselves models for the flock to imitate;