Hebrew Names Version HNV
The Message Bible MSG
1 I exhort the Zakenim among you, as a fellow elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Messiah, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed.
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I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory.
2 Shepherd 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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Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously.[
3 neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
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Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
4 When the chief Shepherd will be revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn't fade away.
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When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly.
5 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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And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for - God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;
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So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time.
7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
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Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
8 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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Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.
9 Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.
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Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.
10 But may the God of all grace (who called you to his eternal glory by Messiah Yeshua), after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
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The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ - eternal and glorious plans they are! - will have you put together and on your feet for good.
11 To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amein.
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He gets the last word; yes, he does.
12 Through Sila, 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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I'm sending this brief letter to you by Silas, a most dependable brother. I have the highest regard for him. I've written as urgently and accurately as I know how. This is God's generous truth; embrace it with both arms!
13 She who is in Bavel, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark, my son.
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The church in exile here with me - but not for a moment forgotten by God - wants to be remembered to you. Mark, who is like a son to me, says hello.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Shalom be to you all who are in Messiah Yeshua. Amein. 's Second Letter
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Give holy embraces all around! Peace to you - to all who walk in Christ's ways.
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.