Instructions to Elders (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9)
1 CPDV Therefore, I beg the elders who are among you, as one who is also an elder and a witness of the Passion of Christ, who also shares in that glory which is to be revealed in the future: BSB BSB: As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you:
2 CPDV pasture the flock of God that is among you, providing for it, not as a requirement, but willingly, in accord with God, and not for the sake of tainted profit, but freely, BSB BSB: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
3 CPDV not so as to dominate by means of the clerical state, but so as to be formed into a flock from the heart. BSB BSB: not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
4 CPDV And when the Leader of pastors will have appeared, you shall secure an unfading crown of glory. BSB BSB: And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Cast Your Cares on Him 5 CPDV Similarly, young persons, be subject to the elders. And infuse all humility among one another, for God resists the arrogant, but to the humble he gives grace. BSB BSB: Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
6 CPDV And so, be humbled under the powerful hand of God, so that he may exalt you in the time of visitation. BSB BSB: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.
7 CPDV Cast all your cares upon him, for he takes care of you. BSB BSB: Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
8 CPDV Be sober and vigilant. For your adversary, the devil, is like a roaring lion, traveling around and seeking those whom he might devour. BSB BSB: Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 CPDV Resist him by being strong in faith, being aware that the same passions afflict those who are your brothers in the world. BSB BSB: Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
Benediction and Farewell 10 CPDV But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself perfect, confirm, and establish us, after a brief time of suffering. BSB BSB: And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.
11 CPDV To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. BSB BSB: To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
12 CPDV I have written briefly, through Sylvanus, whom I consider to be a faithful brother to you, begging and testifying that this is the true grace of God, in which you have been established. BSB BSB: Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
14 CPDV Greet one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all of you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen. BSB BSB: Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.