1 Peter 5

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

1I am writing to the leaders in your churches. A leader like that is called an elder. I am an elder too. I saw with my own eyes how Christ suffered. And I will share in the glory God will show one day.

2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

2Take care of God's people the way a shepherd takes care of sheep. Watch over them. Do not do it because someone makes you. Do it because you want to. Do not do it to get money. Do it gladly.

3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

3Do not boss them around as if you owned them. Live in a way they can copy.

4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

4The Chief Shepherd is the one over all the other shepherds. When he comes, you will be given a crown of glory. It will never fade away.

5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

5Younger people, listen to your elders and follow them. And all of you, be humble with each other. Put humility on like clothes. God stands against proud people. He is kind and good to humble people.

6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

6So be humble under God's strong hand. At the right time he will lift you up.

7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

7Give him all your worries. He cares about you.

8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

8Keep a clear head. Stay awake and watch. Your enemy the devil walks around like a roaring lion. He is looking for someone to eat up.

9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

9Say no to him. Stand strong in trusting God. Remember that God's people all over the world are going through the same hard things.

10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

10God is full of kindness. He has called you to share his glory forever, through Christ Jesus. You will suffer for a little while. Then God himself will make you whole. He will make you safe, strong, and steady.

11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

11All power and honor belong to him forever and ever. Amen. Amen means "yes, this is true."

12By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

12Silvanus helped me get this short letter to you. I count him as a brother I can trust. I wrote to cheer you on. I wanted to tell you that this is God's real kindness. Stand strong in it.

13The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

13The believers in the city of Babylon say hello to you. God chose them, just as he chose you. Mark, who is like a son to me, says hello too.

NoteThe King James Bible spells this name "Marcus." It is the same name as Mark. Peter calls him "my son," which means Peter taught him and loved him, not that Mark was his own child.

14Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

14Say hello to each other with a kiss that shows love. Peace to all of you who belong to Christ Jesus. Amen.

NoteThe King James Bible says "a kiss of charity." Back then, "charity" meant love, not giving money away. A light kiss on the cheek was a normal, friendly hello, the way a hug or a handshake is now.