A special exhortation for all bishops or priests to feed the flock of Christ, and what their duty is, and what reward they shall have if they be diligent. He exhorts young persons to submit themselves to the elders, and everyone to love one another, to be sober, and to watch so that they may resist the enemy.

5 The elders who are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the afflictions of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. ² See that you feed the flock of Christ that is among you, taking the oversight of them not as though you were compelled to it, but willingly; ³ not for wrongful gain, but of a good mind; not as though you were lords over the parishes, but so that you are an example to the flock. ⁴ And when the chief shepherd appears, you shall receive an incorruptible crown of glory.

⁵ Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to the elders. Submit yourselves everyone, one to another. Knit yourselves together in lowliness of mind. For God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. ⁶ Submit yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you when the time is come. ⁷ Cast all your care upon him, for he cares for you.

⁸ Be sober and watch, for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; ⁹ whom resist steadfast in the faith, remembering that you do but fulfil the same afflictions as are appointed to your brethren that are in the world. ¹⁰ The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, will his own self, after you have suffered a little affliction, make you perfect – will settle, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹ To him be glory and dominion forever and while the world endures. Amen.

¹² By Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother to you, I have written briefly, exhorting and testifying how this is the true grace of God, wherein you stand.

¹³ The companions of your election who are at Babylon send greetings to you; and Mark, my son.

¹⁴ Greet ye one another with the kiss of love.

Peace be with you
all who are in
Christ Jesus.
Amen.