The Complete Jewish Bible CJB
The Bible in Basic English BBE
1 Therefore, I urge the congregation leaders among you, as a fellow-leader and witness to the Messiah's sufferings, as well as a sharer in the glory to be revealed:
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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:
2 shepherd the flock of God that is in your care, exercising oversight not out of constraint, but willingly, as God wants; and not out of a desire for dishonest gain, but with enthusiasm;
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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;
3 also not as machers domineering over those in your care, but as people who become examples to the flock.
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Not as lords over God's heritage, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
4 Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive glory as your unfading crown.
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And at the coming of the chief Keeper of the sheep, you will be given the eternal crown of glory.
5 Likewise, you who are less experienced, submit to leaders. Further, all of you should clothe yourselves in humility toward one another, because God opposes the arrogant, but to the humble he gives grace.
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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.
6 Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the right time he may lift you up.
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For this cause make yourselves low under the strong hand of God, so that when the time comes you may be lifted up;
7 Throw all your anxieties upon him, because he cares about you.
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Putting all your troubles on him, for he takes care of you.
8 Stay sober, stay alert! Your enemy, the Adversary, stalks about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
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Be serious and keep watch; the Evil One, who is against you, goes about like a lion with open mouth in search of food;
9 Stand against him, firm in your trust, knowing that your brothers throughout the world are going through the same kinds of suffering.
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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.
10 You will have to suffer only a little while; after that, God, who is full of grace, the one who called you to his eternal glory in union with the Messiah, will himself restore, establish and strengthen you and make you firm.
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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;
11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
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His is the power for ever. So be it.
12 Through Sila, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written you briefly, encouraging you and giving my witness that this is God's true grace. Stand firm in it!
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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.
13 Your sister congregation in Bavel, chosen along with you, sends greetings to you, as does my son Mark.
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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.
14 Greet each other with a kiss of love. "Shalom aleikhem!" to all who belong to the Messiah.
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Give one another the kiss of love. Peace be to you all in Christ.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.