New Revised Standard NRS
The Bible in Basic English BBE
1 Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you
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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 to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it —not for sordid gain but eagerly.
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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 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.
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Not as lords over God's heritage, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.
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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 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
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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 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.
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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 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
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Putting all your troubles on him, for he takes care of you.
8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, 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 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing 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 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
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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 Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast 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 church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings; and so 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 one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
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Give one another the kiss of love. Peace be to you all in Christ.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.