004:012 Dear friends, do not be surprised at finding that that scorching flame of persecution is raging among you to put you to the test-- as though some surprising thing were accidentally happening to you. 004:013 On the contrary, in the degree that you share in the sufferings of the Christ, rejoice, so that at the unveiling of His glory you may also rejoice with triumphant gladness. 004:014 You are to be envied, if you are being reproached for bearing the name of Christ; for in that case the Spirit of glory-- even the Spirit of God--is resting upon you. 004:015 But let not one of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evil-doer, or as a spy upon other people's business. 004:016 If, however, any one suffers because he is a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God for being permitted to bear that name. 004:017 For the time has come for judgement to begin, and to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who reject God's Good News? 004:018 And if it is difficult even for a righteous man to be saved, what will become of irreligious men and sinners? 004:019 Therefore also, let those who are suffering in accordance with the will of God entrust their souls in well-doing to a faithful Creator. 005:001 So I exhort the Elders among you--I who am their fellow Elder and have been an eye-witness of the sufferings of the Christ, and am also a sharer in the glory which is soon to be revealed. 005:002 Be shepherds of God's flock which is among you. Exercise the oversight not reluctantly but eagerly, in accordance with the will of God; not for base gain but with cheerful minds; 005:003 not lording it over your Churches but proving yourselves patterns for the flock to imitate. 005:004 And then, when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the never-withering wreath of glory. 005:005 In the same way you younger men must submit to your elders; and all of you must gird yourselves with humility towards one another, for God sets Himself against the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 005:006 Humble yourselves therefore beneath the mighty hand of God, so that at the right time He may set you on high. 005:007 Throw the whole of your anxiety upon Him, because He Himself cares for you. 005:008 Curb every passion, and be on the alert. Your great accuser, the Devil, is going about like a roaring lion to see whom he can devour. 005:009 Withstand him, firm in your faith; knowing that your brethren in other parts of the world are passing through just the same experiences.