Good News [1976], GOOD NEWS BIBLE WITH DEUTEROCANONICALS / APOCRYPHA Today's English Version (AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, New York) [word count] [B15000].
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The Flock of God
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
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. note
3 Do not try to rule over
those who have been put in your
care, but be examples to the flock.
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive the glorious
crown which will never lose its
brightness.
5 In the same way you younger
men must submit yourselves to the
older men. 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.” note
6 Humble
yourselves, then, under God's
mighty hand, so that he will lift you
up in his own good time. note
7 Leave all
your worries with him, because he
cares for you. note
8 Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy,
the Devil, roams around like a
roaring lion, looking for someone to
devour.
9 Be firm in your faith and
resist him, because you know that
your fellow believers in all the world
are going through the same kind of
sufferings.
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.
11 To him be the power forever!
Amen.
Final Greetings
12 I write you this brief letter with
the help of Silas, whom I regard as a
faithful Christian brother. I want to
encourage you and give my testimony
that this is the true grace of
God. Stand firm in it. note
13 Your sister church in Babylon, note
also chosen by God, sends you greetings,
and so does my son Mark. note
14 Greet one another with the kiss of
Christian love.
14 May peace be with all of you who
belong to Christ.
Good News [1976], GOOD NEWS BIBLE WITH DEUTEROCANONICALS / APOCRYPHA Today's English Version (AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, New York) [word count] [B15000].
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