1 Peter 5

1 As a fellow elder [a respected leader in the church], a witness [who has seen and experienced] of Christ’s [the Anointed One] sufferings [hardships and afflictions], and a partaker [a participant, sharing in] of the glory [honor and praise] to be revealed [uncovered and disclosed], I appeal [plead and comfort] to the elders [respected leaders] among you: word study 2 Be shepherds [tend, care for, feed] of God’s [the supreme Creator, Almighty] flock [believers, congregation] that is among you, watching over them [exercising oversight, caring for] not out of compulsion [necessarily, by constraint], but because it is God’s [divine] will; not out of greed [for filthy lucre, selfish gain], but out of eagerness [willingly, with a ready mind]; word study 3 not lording [exercising dominion, being a master] it over those entrusted [assigned, put in your care] to you, but being [making yourselves, becoming] examples [patterns, models] to the flock [God’s heritage, believers]. word study 4 And when the Chief Shepherd [the head of the shepherds, Jesus] appears, you will receive the crown [a wreath or garland given as a prize] of glory [honor, praise, admiration] that will never fade away [unfading, eternal, incorruptible]. word study 5 Young men [younger, new in the faith], in the same way [similarly, in a like manner], submit [be subject, obey] yourselves to your elders [older ones, respected leaders]. And all [every one, everyone] of you, clothe [gird, wrap] yourselves with humility [lowliness, meekness] toward one another [each other, mutually], because, “God [the supreme deity] opposes [resists, stands against] the proud [arrogant, haughty], but gives [bestows, grants] grace [unmerited favor, divine influence] to the humble [lowly, submissive].” word study 6 Humble [lower your pride, make yourselves low] yourselves, therefore [then, as a consequence], under [subject to, in submission to] God’s [the one true deity, Almighty] mighty [powerful, strong] hand [instrument, authority], so that [in order that, to] in due time [at the right moment, in the time of visitation] He may exalt [lift up, elevate] you. word study 7 Cast [surrender, throw upon] all your anxiety [worries, concerns, cares] on Him [the Lord, Jesus], because [since, for the reason that] He cares for [is concerned about, has a deep interest in] you [as His beloved children]. word study 8 Be [serious and keep watch, vigilant] sober-minded [discreet and morally alert] and alert [watchful, self-controlled]. Your [opponent] adversary the devil [the Evil One, a false accuser] prowls around [walks about, goes about] like a [wild, fierce] roaring lion, seeking [looking for, trying to find] someone [whom he may devour] to devour [to swallow up, consume]. word study 9 Resist [stand against, oppose] him, standing firm [strong, steadfast] in your faith [trust, confidence in God] and in the knowledge [awareness, understanding] that your brothers [fellow believers, brethren] throughout the world [the earth, all nations] are undergoing [experiencing, suffering] the same kinds [similar types] of suffering [afflictions, hardships]. word study 10 And after you have suffered [endured hardship, experienced pain] for a little while [a short time, a brief season], the God [Elohim, the supreme Provider] of all [every, complete] grace [unmerited favor, divine influence], who has called [invited, summoned] you to His eternal [age-during, forever] glory [honor, praise] in Christ [the Anointed One, Jesus], will Himself restore [renew, revive] you, secure [strengthen, support] you, strengthen [give power, confirm] you, and establish [found, settle] you. word study 11 To Him [the Almighty, eternal God] be the power [dominion, strength] forever [for all eternity, throughout the ages] and ever [perpetually, without end]. Amen [so be it, may it be confirmed]. word study 12 Through Silvanus [a faithful brother, a trustworthy fellow believer], whom I regard as a faithful [loyal, dependable] brother, I have written to you briefly [in few words, with a short letter], encouraging [exhorting, comforting] you and testifying [bearing witness, confirming] that this is the true [genuine, real] grace [unmerited favor, divine influence] of God [the one true deity]. Stand firm [be steadfast, remain secure] in it [God’s grace, this true grace]. word study 13 The church [assembly, community of believers] in Babylon [the capital of Chaldea], chosen [elected, selected by God] together with you, sends you greetings [salutes you, pays respects to you], as does my son [spiritual child, disciple] Mark. word study 14 Greet one another [with affection, mutual respect] with a kiss [a symbol] of love [unconditional, divine affection]. Peace [harmony, spiritual well-being] to all [every one, without exception] of you who are in [united with, belonging to] Christ [the Anointed One, Jesus]. word study