Chapter 5

He exhorts both priests and laity, to their respective duties, and recommends to all humility and watchfulness.

1. 1

   The ancients, therefore, that are among you, I beseech, who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ: as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come.

2. 2

   Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care thereof not by constraint, but willingly, according to God: not for the sake of filthy lucre, but voluntarily:

3. 3

   Neither as domineering it over the clergy, but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart.

4. 4

   And when the Prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never-fading crown of glory.

5. 5

   In like manner, ye young men, be subject to the ancients. And do ye all insinuate humility one to another, for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

6. 6

   Be you humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation:

7. 7

   Casting all your solicitude upon him, for he hath care of you.

8. 8

   Be sober, and watch: because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about, seeking whom he may devour:

9. 9

   Whom resist ye, strong in faith; knowing that the same affliction befalleth your brethren who are in the world.

10. 10

    But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory, in Christ Jesus, when you have suffered a little, will himself perfect, and confirm, and establish you.

11. 11

    To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12. 12

    By Sylvanus a faithful brother unto you, as I think, I have written briefly: beseeching and testifying, that this is the true grace of God, wherein you stand.

13. 13

    The church, which is in Babylon, co-elected, saluteth you: and my son, Mark.

14. 14

    Salute one another with a holy kiss. Grace unto you all, who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.