The Bible in Basic English BBE
Good News Translation GNT
1 I who am myself one of the rulers of the church, and a witness of the death of Christ, having my part in the coming glory, send this serious request to the chief men among you:
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I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you. I am a witness of Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be revealed. I appeal to you
2 Keep watch over the flock of God which is in your care, using your authority, not as forced to do so, but gladly; and not for unclean profit but with a ready mind;
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to be shepherds of the flock that God gave you and to take care of it willingly, as God wants you to, and not unwillingly. Do your work, not for mere pay, but from a real desire to serve.
3 Not as lords over God's heritage, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
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Do not try to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to the flock.
4 And at the coming of the chief Keeper of the sheep, you will be given the eternal crown of glory.
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And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious crown which will never lose its brightness.
5 And in the same way, let the younger men be ruled by the older ones. Let all of you put away pride and make yourselves ready to be servants: for God is a hater of pride, but he gives grace to those who make themselves low.
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In the same way you younger people must submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, "God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble."
6 For this cause make yourselves low under the strong hand of God, so that when the time comes you may be lifted up;
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Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time.
7 Putting all your troubles on him, for he takes care of you.
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Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.
8 Be serious and keep watch; the Evil One, who is against you, goes about like a lion with open mouth in search of food;
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Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
9 Do not give way to him but be strong in your faith, in the knowledge that your brothers who are in the world undergo the same troubles.
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Be firm in your faith and resist him, because you know that other believers in all the world are going through the same kind of sufferings.
10 And after you have undergone pain for a little time, the God of all grace who has given you a part in his eternal glory through Christ Jesus, will himself give you strength and support, and make you complete in every good thing;
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But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation.
11 His is the power for ever. So be it.
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To him be the power forever! Amen.
12 I have sent you this short letter by Silvanus, a true brother, in my opinion; comforting you and witnessing that this is the true grace of God; keep to it.
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I write you this brief letter with the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful Christian. I want to encourage you and give my testimony that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
13 She who is in Babylon, who has a part with you in the purpose of God, sends you her love; and so does my son Mark.
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Your sister church in Babylon, also chosen by God, sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark.
14 Give one another the kiss of love. Peace be to you all in Christ.
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Greet one another with the kiss of Christian love. May peace be with all of you who belong to Christ.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.