1 Peter 4:12-5:14

English Standard Version

Suffering as a Christian

¹²Beloved, do not be surprised at ^(A)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice ^(B)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad ^(C)when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴^(D)If you are insulted ^(E)for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[a] and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵But ^(F)let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or ^(G)as a meddler. ¹⁶Yet ^(H)if anyone suffers as a ^(I)Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God ^(J)in that name. ¹⁷For it is time for judgment ^(K)to begin at the household of God; and ^(L)if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who ^(M)do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸And

^(N)“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”^[b]

¹⁹Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will ^(O)entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Shepherd the Flock of God

5 So I exhort the elders among you, ^(P)as a fellow elder and ^(Q)a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: ²^(R)shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,^[c] ^(S)not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;^[d] ^(T)not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ³not ^(U)domineering over those in your charge, but ^(V)being examples to the flock. ⁴And when ^(W)the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the ^(X)unfading ^(Y)crown of glory. ⁵Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. ^(Z)Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ^(AA)“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

⁶^(AB)Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷^(AC)casting all your anxieties on him, because ^(AD)he cares for you. ⁸^(AE)Be sober-minded; ^(AF)be watchful. Your ^(AG)adversary the devil ^(AH)prowls around ^(AI)like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹^(AJ)Resist him, ^(AK)firm in your faith, knowing that ^(AL)the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ¹⁰And ^(AM)after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, ^(AN)who has called you to his ^(AO)eternal glory in Christ, will himself ^(AP)restore, ^(AQ)confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹^(AR)To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

¹²By ^(AS)Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, ^(AT)I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is ^(AU)the true grace of God. ^(AV)Stand firm in it. ¹³She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does ^(AW)Mark, my son. ¹⁴^(AX)Greet one another with the kiss of love.