Category: 1 Peter

[4:12] My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you.

[4:13] Rather be glad that you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed.

[4:14] Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ's followers; this means that the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you.

[4:15] If you suffer, it must not be because you are a murderer or a thief or a criminal or a meddler in other people's affairs.

[4:16] However, if you suffer because you are a Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ's name.

[4:17] The time has come for judgment to begin, and God's own people are the first to be judged. If it starts with us, how will it end with those who do not believe the Good News from God?

[4:18] As the scripture says, “It is difficult for good people to be saved; what, then, will become of godless sinners?”

[4:19] So then, those who suffer because it is God's will for them, should by their good actions trust themselves completely to their Creator, who always keeps his promise.

[5:1] I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you. I am a witness of Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be revealed. I appeal to you

[5:2] to be shepherds of the flock that God gave you and to take care of it willingly, as God wants you to, and not unwillingly. Do your work, not for mere pay, but from a real desire to serve.

[5:3] Do not try to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to the flock.

[5:4] And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious crown which will never lose its brightness.

[5:5] In the same way you younger people must submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble.”

[5:6] Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time.

[5:7] Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.

[5:8] Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

[5:9] Be firm in your faith and resist him, because you know that other believers in all the world are going through the same kind of sufferings.

[5:10] But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation.

[5:11] To him be the power forever! Amen.

[5:12] I write you this brief letter with the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful Christian. I want to encourage you and give my testimony that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

[5:13] Your sister church in Babylon, also chosen by God, sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark.

[5:14] Greet one another with the kiss of Christian love. May peace be with all of you who belong to Christ.