The elders are to feed the flock of God—Humility and godly graces lead to perfection.
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: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;53Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.4
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.66Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:27Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.58Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:129Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
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.311To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.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.13The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
14Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.