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1 Peter 5
New Catholic Bible
1 Peter 5
New Catholic Bible
Chapter 5
Faithful and Humble Leadership.[a] 1 I now exhort the presbyters[b] among you, as a fellow presbyter myself and a witness to the sufferings of Christ, and as one who has shared in the glory that is to be revealed. 2 Be shepherds of the flock of God that has been entrusted to your care. Watch over it, not as a duty, but willingly in accord with the will of God, not for sordid gain, but because you are eager to do so.
3 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. 4 Then, when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away.
Humility and Firm Faith.[c] 5 In the same way, you who are younger must be submissive to those who are older. And all of you should clothe yourselves with humility in your relationships with one another, for
“God opposes the proud,
but he gives grace to the humble.”
6 Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares about you.
8 Remain sober and alert, for your enemy the devil is on the prowl like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him and be firm in your faith, for you are well aware that your brethren throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
10 Promise of Strength and Vindication. After you have suffered for a brief period, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and support you. 11 All power belongs to him forever and ever. Amen.
Conclusion
12 Final Greetings.[d] I have written this brief letter to you through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, in order to exhort you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
13 Your sister Church[e] in Babylon sends you greetings, as does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a loving kiss.[f]
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 5:1 The presbyters (or elders) exercise responsibilities in the life of communities (see 1 Tim 5:17; Tit 1:5-9). However, authority always experiences the temptation to exercise power for its own profit. This should not be the case in a Christian group. We might recall the word of Jesus: “I am in your midst as one who serves” (Lk 22:27). On this subject, we could also read Paul’s reflection to the elders of the region of Ephesus (see Acts 20:28-35).
- 1 Peter 5:1 Presbyters: the official teachers of the Christian community (see 1 Tim 5:17f; Tit 1:5-8; Jas 5:14). Witness to the sufferings of Christ: Peter had been a witness of all the phases and aspects of Christ’s ministry, including his suffering (see Mt 26:58; Mk 14:54; Lk 22:60-62; Jn 18:10-11, 15-16).
- 1 Peter 5:5 Nothing is more opposed to the Gospel than pretense and pride; hence this Letter insists on attitudes of submissiveness. It also recommends that Christians remain steadfast in the spiritual combat—which is more difficult to do in this context of threats—in order to achieve true victory. It is from God himself that believers await the courage. You who are younger: these may simply be the faithful distinguished from their leaders.
- 1 Peter 5:12 The Letter is doubtless written at Rome, the “Babylon” of the age (see Introduction). Silvanus: one of Paul’s coworkers (see 1 Thes 1:1; 2 Thes 1:1; 2 Cor 1:19) also known by the name of “Silas” (see Acts 15:22; 17:4).
- 1 Peter 5:13 Your sister Church: literally, “Your chosen sister.” Mark: an occasional companion of Paul (see Acts 12:25; 2 Tim 4:11) and probably the author of the second Gospel.
- 1 Peter 5:14 Kiss: on the liturgical kiss, see 1 Cor 16:20. Peace to all of you who are in Christ: in concluding, the author stresses a basic theme of the Letter—the union of believers with Christ.
1 Peter 5
New International Version
1 Peter 5
New International Version
To the Elders and the Flock
5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder(A) and a witness(B) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:(C) 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock(D) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(E) not pursuing dishonest gain,(F) but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over(G) those entrusted to you, but being examples(H) to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd(I) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(J) that will never fade away.(K)
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves(L) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility(M) toward one another, because,
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.(O) 7 Cast all your anxiety on him(P) because he cares for you.(Q)
8 Be alert and of sober mind.(R) Your enemy the devil prowls around(S) like a roaring lion(T) looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him,(U) standing firm in the faith,(V) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.(W)
10 And the God of all grace, who called you(X) to his eternal glory(Y) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,(Z) will himself restore you and make you strong,(AA) firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.(AB)
Final Greetings
12 With the help of Silas,[b](AC) whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly,(AD) encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.(AE)
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.(AF) 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.(AG)
Peace(AH) to all of you who are in Christ.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
- 1 Peter 5:12 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
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