Chapter 5

Now I exhort the presbyters among you---I, your fellow-presbyter and witness of the sufferings of Christ, the partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed in time to come---

tend the flock of God which is among you, governing not under constraint, but willingly, according to God; nor yet for the sake of base gain, but eagerly;

nor yet as lording it over your charges, but becoming from the heart a pattern to the flock.

And when the Prince of the shepherds appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Counsels to the Laity

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the presbyters. And all of you practise humility towards one another; for, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation;

cast all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.

Be sober, be watchful! For your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking someone to devour.

Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same suffering befalls your brethren all over the world.

But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself, after we have suffered a little while, perfect, strengthen and establish us.

To him is the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Farewell

By Silvanus, the faithful brother as I account him, I have written to you thus briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

The church which is at Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you; and so does my son Mark.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to you all who are in Christ. Amen.