Further admonitions
1 I now address myself to those elders among you; I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ, hoping to share the Glory that is to be revealed.
2 Shepherd the flock which God has entrusted to you, guarding it not out of obligation but willingly for God’s sake; not as one looking for a reward but with a generous heart;
3 do not lord it over those in your care, rather be an ex ample to your flock.
4 Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will be given a crown of unfading glory.
5 In the same way, let the younger ones among you respect the authority of the elders. All of you must clothe yourself with humility in your dealings with one another, be cause God opposes the proud but gives his grace to the humble.
6 Bow down, then, before the power of God so that he will raise you up at the appointed time.
7 Place all your worries on him since he takes care of you.
8 Be sober and alert because your enemy the devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.
9 Stand your ground, firm in your faith, knowing that our brothers and sisters, scattered throughout the world, are confronting similar sufferings.
10 God, the giver of all grace, has called you to share in Christ’s eternal Glory and after you have suffered a little he will bring you to perfection: he will confirm, strengthen and establish you forever.
11 Glory be to him forever and ever. Amen.
12 I have had these few lines of encouragement written to you by Sil vanus, our brother, whom I know to be trustworthy. For I wanted to re mind you of the kindness of God really present in all this. Hold on to it.
13 Greetings from the community in Babylon, gathered by God, and from my son, Mark.
14 Greet one another with a friendly embrace. Peace to you all who are in Christ.
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Comments Letter of Peter 1, Chapter 5
• 5.1 In the varied counsels that follow, note what concerns the elders, leaders and pastors of the community.
In persecution Peter also sees a work of the devil, who does his best to discourage those who hope in Christ.
It is a proven fact that when we get ready to make an important decision or to make some com mitment in the ser vice of Christ, many un expected obstacles arise. The person who be comes intimidated loses everything. When he tries again to take some step, the devil will in crease his attacks. These trials are common and to face them we need to be alert in our faith.
• 12. To remind you of the kindness of God (v. 12). This kindness, or grace, means God’s whole plan to save us, all that came to us through Christ.
Babylon: in the language of the Christians of the time indicates “the great city,” the center of pagan religions, namely, Rome (see Rev 17). Rome already has a community, the Church, at the time that Peter writes.