I Peter Chapter 5
I Peter 5: 1
I (Peter) want to talk to the leaders among you. I am also an elder of the church. (Elders are church leaders.) I have seen the sufferings of Christ. I will share in his glory and honor when He returns.
I Peter 5: 2
Feed the “sheep” of God that are among you. (Sheep means the people of God—the believers) Be a leader. Do not do it because you feel you have to. Do it because you want to. Do not do it because of what you get out of it or for the money.
I Peter 5: 3
Do not act like a “lord” over the people. Commanding them, bossing them. Like a master would give orders to a servant—no.
But be a good example to them.
I Peter 5: 4
When Jesus comes again—-He is the chief Shepherd— He will give you a crown of glory that will not rust away.
I Peter 5: 5
In the same way, the younger people should submit (yield) to the elders. All of you should be willing to yield to one another. Be humble. God is against the proud, but He shows favor to the humble.
I Peter 5: 6
Humble yourselves before God. In His good time He will honor you.
I Peter 5:7
Put all your cares and worries onto God—-He cares what happens to you.
I Peter 5: 8
Be serious. Be watching—because your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion going around waiting to eat (destroy) you. (Satan is always looking for a way to get us to sin or give up the faith.)
I Peter 5: 9
Stand against him—-keep your faith. Understand that all the trouble that you and your Christian brothers are going through are the same troubles that other Christians are going through in other parts of the world.
I Peter 5: 10
God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, —-after you have suffered for awhile—He will help you be more perfect (holy), He will make you stand firm and sure, He will give you strength and peace.
I Peter 5: 11
To Him be glory and power and authority —now and forever. Amen.
I Peter 5: 12
Silvanus (Silas), a brother who has been faithful, has helped me write this letter. My reason for writing is to encourage you. I want you to feel sure that the grace of God as you stand in faith.
She who is in Babylon, chosen like you, is your sister in the Lord. (It is not sure who this is. Some Bible teachers think this is a church in Rome.) sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son (in the Lord). (Paul was not married and did not have children.)
Greet one another with a kiss of love. (People of those countries then and now—kiss each other on each cheek as a greeting.)
Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.