1 Peter Chapter 5
Verses 1-5: This section introduces the charge to the “elders” (Greek, presbuterous), a term borrowed from Israel (Exo. 18:21), to describe the men who ruled in the church (1Tim. 3). The term is synonymous with bishop (Greek episkopos) and is a term often overlapping for pastor in some forms of Protestant church government.
“A crown of glory” is promised to faithful pastors. “When the chief Shepherd shall appear:” The rewards will be realized when Jesus returns for His church.
Shepherd the Flock of God
"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:" 1 Peter 5:1
The elders which... Greek: presbuteros, presbyters, bishops, pastors, and overseers of the churches (see, Acts 14:23). Times of suffering and persecution in the church call for the noblest leadership. The “elder” is the same leader as the “shepherd” (verse 2), and “Guardian” (2:25), or “overseer”. The word “elder” emphasizes their spiritual maturity. As in almost all other uses of the word (with the exception of Peter’s reference to himself here and John’s in 2Jhn. 1 and 3Jhn. 1), Peter wrote in the plural, indicating it was usual to have a plurality of godly leaders who oversaw and fed the flock.
also an elder... Greek: sumpresbuteros, a fellow elder; one on the same level with yourselves. If Peter was the first pope, the prince of the apostles, and the head of the church, he certainly missed the opportunity here of making this clear to the church.
Five things that Peter claimed to be:
1. A servant of Jesus Christ (2Pet. 1:1)
2. An apostle of Jesus Christ (1Pet. 1:1)
3. A fellow elder (1Pet. 5:1)
4. A witness of the sufferings of Christ (1Pet. 5:1; Acts 5:32)
5. A partaker of the glory (1Pet. 5:1)
Peter loaded this exhortation to the elders with some rich motivation.
1. First, there was motivation by identification with Peter, who refers to himself as a fellow-elder. As such, he could give relevant exhortation to the spiritual leaders.
2. Second, there was motivation by authority. By noting that he had been an eyewitness of Christ’s suffering, Peter was affirming his apostleship (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:21-22).
3. Third, there was the motivation by anticipation. The fact that Christian leaders will one day receive from the hand of Christ a reward for their service should be a stimulant to faithful duty.
Also a partaker... Peter, apostle, elder (pastor), and eyewitness of Jesus’ sufferings, had also briefly beheld the transfigured person of Jesus Christ, His face shining as the sun and His garment as white as the light (Mat. 17:2).
He, with James and John, had a fleeting glimpse of Jesus’ effulgent majesty. When His glory is fully revealed at His return, those who have suffered for Him and those who have faithfully served Him will share forever His eternal glory (Rev. 2:10; 3:12, 21).
Peter is speaking to those who have some authority in this verse. He separates them out from the average Christian, because their responsibility is greater. He is aware that they are not only responsible for themselves, but for the Christians in their congregation. Peter related to them because of the great responsibility of the church placed upon him.
In the final chapter Peter emphasized new responsibilities within the church in light of the troubled times. He exhorted the elders to shepherd the people, the young men to submit to the elders, and everyone to stand firm in the faith.
Peter’s charge to elders was given in three pairs of negative and positive exhortations. The exhortations reflect Ezekiel (Eze. 34:1-16), where false shepherds were contrasted with the True Shepherd
Peter, in addressing the elders (presbyterous; cf. Acts 11:30; 20:17), also used a word that identified himself as one who held the same office (sympresbyteros, “fellow-presbyter”). As an elder, Peter was speaking from experience. However, Peter’s authority came from the fact that he was an apostle (1Pet. 1:1), and a witness (martys; cf. Acts 3:15; 10:39) of Christ’s sufferings. Peter also referred to himself as one who… will share (koinōnos; cf. 1Pet. 4:13) in the glory to be revealed. Peter had just made the point that those who share in Christ’s sufferings will also share in His glory (1Pet. 4:13). Peter further identified with his readers by referring to his own suffering for Christ’s sake (Acts 5:40).
"Feed 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;" 1 Peter 5:2
Feed the flock... Six commands to the elders (1Pet. 5:2-3):
1. Feed the flock of God, but don’t fleece them.
2. Take oversight of the flock of God.
3. Serve God and His flock willingly.
4. Serve readily, not for personal gain.
5. Do not be lords over God’s heritage.
6. Be examples to the flock.
After the motivation (verse 1) comes the exhortation (verses 2-4). Since the primary objective of shepherding is feeding, that is, teaching, every elder must be able to teach (John 21:15-17). Involved with the feeding of the flock is also protecting the flock (Acts 20:28-30). In both duties, it must be remembered that the flock belongs to God, not to the pastor. God entrusts some of His flock to the pastor of a church to lead, care for, and feed (verse 3).
He is not speaking of physical food, but the food of the Word of God. They are not to minister because of obligation to do so, but from love of the brethren. The minister must desire to help others. This should be his, or her, motivation for ministering, and not because they are compelled to do it. Ministry is not an occupation, it is a call.
not by constraint,... Specifically, Peter may be warning the elders against a first danger, laziness. The divine calling (1Cor. 9:16), along with the urgency of the task (Rom. 1:15), should prevent laziness and indifference. (2Cor. 9:7).
Not for filthy... Greek: aischrokerdos, eagerness for base gain. Only here (cp. 1Tim. 3:3, 3:8). False teachers are always motivated by a second danger, money, and use their power and position to rob people of their own wealth. Scripture is clear that churches should pay their shepherds well (1Cor. 9:7-14; 1Tim. 5:17-18); but a desire for undeserved money must never be a motive for ministers to serve.
Those who minister because of the salary they receive are not in the ministry for the right reason. The call of God on ministers' lives should be so great that they would minister if there was no payment for it at all. We all know they need a salary to live, but it should not be their reason for ministering.
The command Be shepherds was also given by Jesus to Peter (John 21:16) The word poimanate means “to tend.” Besides feeding, it includes caring, leading, guiding, and protecting — all duties and responsibilities a shepherd has for his flock. Related to the participle serving as overseers (episkopountes) is the noun “overseer” (episkopos, used five other times: Phlp. 1:1; 1Tim. 3:1-2; Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 2:25). “Overseer” seems to be interchangeable with “elder” and connotes both a spiritual and physical guardianship. (“Serving as overseers” is not in some Gr. mss.)
Peter, through contrasting exhortations, presented both the motive and the manner of one’s ministry. An elder’s motive must be from willingness, not from a sense of external compulsion: not because you must, but because you are willing. Social or financial pressures should not be substituted for the pure motivation to do God’s will and to serve Him freely and eagerly: not greedy for money, but eager to serve (cf. 1Tim. 3:8; Tit. 1:7, 1:11). Shepherds who serve with false motives care only for themselves and devour the flock (Eze. 34:2-3).
"Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:3
being lords over... Not exercising lordship over the flock that is under you, but being examples in utter humility and service.
but being ensamples... Greek: tupos, pattern (see, Phlp. 3:17). This is the third major temptation for a pastor:
1. Laziness (verse 2).
2. Dishonest finance (verse 2).
3. Demagoguery.
In this context; “lording it over” means to dominate someone or some situation. It implies leadership by manipulation and intimidation. Rather, true spiritual leadership is by example (see 1Tim. 4:12).
The high priest and the priest's office in the temple had been used many times to rule over the people. This is not the way Jesus taught the leaders of the Christians to be. The greatest among you should be the servant, is what He taught.
The ministers should not glory in their authority, but should live godly lives before the people as an example of how the people were to live. The requirements for those in authority are greater than for the average Christian, because they are operating in knowledge.
Jas. 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin."
The word translated lording it over (katakyrieuontes) includes the idea of domineering as in the rule of a strong person over one who is weak (cf. Mat. 20:25; Mark 10:42; Acts 19:16). Ezekiel indicted false shepherds: “You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd” (Eze. 34:4-5). Peter exhorted the elders to be examples (typoi, “types or patterns”), to serve as models for the people to follow. They were not to drive God’s people, but to lead them by their examples of mature Christian character.
"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." 1 Peter 5:4
chief Shepherd shall... great shepherd, Ten titles of Christ:
1. The shepherd (Gen. 49:24; Zec. 13:7; Mat. 26:31; Mark 14:27)
2. My shepherd (man’s, Psm. 23:1)
3. O shepherd of Israel (Psm. 80:1; Isa. 40:11; 63:11)
4. One shepherd (Eze. 34:23; 37:24)
5. My shepherd (God’s, Zec. 13:7)
6. The shepherd of the sheep (John 10:2)
7. The good shepherd (John 10:11, 10:14)
8. Great shepherd of the sheep (Heb. 13:20)
9. The Shepherd and Bishop of your souls (1Pet. 2:25)
10. The chief Shepherd (1Pet. 5:4)
Jesus Christ, the “chief Shepherd” (John 10:11; Heb. 13:20), will return to reward His faithful under shepherds with “a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” This special reward for faithful, godly spiritual leaders is one of five crowns mentioned in Scripture for living, faithful service (1Cor. :25; 1Thes. 2:19; 2Tim. 4:8; Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10, 3:11).
ye shall receive... Notice the word "receive" in the verse above. The crown belongs to Jesus, but He puts it on our head. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. Anything He gave you would be for all of eternity. When Jesus our Chief Shepherd appears means at the coming of Christ.
crown of glory... The 6th New Testament prophecy in (2Tim. 4:8, unfulfilled). This is the prize for Paul’s efforts of 2Tim. 4:6-7. The crown is laid up for all who prove true, but possessed of none until time of reward. It is in view, not in possession.
All the crowns describe certain characteristics of eternal life:
1. The imperishable wreath that celebrates salvation’s victory over corruption (1Cor. 9:25).
2. The righteous wreath that celebrates salvation’s victory over unrighteousness (2Tim. 4:8).
3. The unfading wreath.
4. The wreath of life that celebrates salvation’s victory over death (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10).
5. The wreath of exultation which celebrates salvation’s victory over Satan and mankind’s persecution of believers.
Christ, the Chief Shepherd (archipoimenos), is “the True Shepherd” (Eze. 34:11-16), “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 10:14), and “the Great Shepherd” (Heb. 13:20). When Christ returns, His faithful under-shepherds will share in His glory (1Pet. 5:1) and receive unfading crowns (cf. 1Pet. 1:4).
"Likewise, 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. 1 Peter 5:5
submit yourselves unto... Eight commands to Christians:
1. Let the younger submit to the elder (1Pet. 5:5).
2. All submit to one another (1Pet. 5:5).
3. Be clothed with humility (1Pet. 5:5).
4. Humble yourselves to God (1Pet. 5:6).
5. Cast all your care upon God (1Pet. 5:7).
6. Be sober (1Pet. 5:8).
7. Be vigilant (1Pet. 5:8).
8. Resist Satan in the faith (1Pet. 5:9).
The elders are the pastors, the spiritual leaders of the church (verse 1). The church members, especially the young people, are to give honor, deference, and respect to spiritual leadership. Submission is a fundamental attitude of spiritual maturity (1Cor. 16:15; 1Thes. 5:12-14; Titus 3:1-2; Heb. 13:7, 17). Lack of submission to the elders not only makes the ministry difficult, but also forfeits God’s grace, as noted in the quote from Prov. 3:34.
This is saying that the Christian, who has been one for a long time, has probably studied the Word of God more than one who is a new Christian. It would be best for the new Christian to learn from the elder.
clothed with humility... Christian Humility
Greek: tapeinophrosune. Translated "humility" (1Pet. 5:5; Col. 2:18, 2:23); "humility of mind" (Acts 20:19); "humbleness of mind" (Col. 3:12); "lowliness" (Eph. 4:2); and "lowiness of mind" (Phlp. 2:3).
Humility is the secret to the following things:
1. The glory of the creature (Rev. 4:11; Luke 17:10)
2. Redemption (Phlp. 2:5-8)
3. Riches and honor (Pro. 15:33; 22:4; Mat. 5:3)
4. Fellowship (Isa. 57:15; 66:2)
5. Soul rest (Mat. 11:29)
6. Personal salvation (Mat. 18:3; Luke 18:1-43)
7. Greatness (Mat. 20:26-27; Luke 22:26)
8. Exaltation (Mat. 23:12; Luke 14:11)
9. Revelation (Mat. 11:25; Luke 10:21)
10. Unity (Eph. 4:1-3; 5:21; 1Pet. 5:5)
11. Victorious Christian living (Rom. 12:10, 12:16; 1Cor. 13:1-13; Gal. 5:26; Phlp. 2:1-4; Col. 3:5-14; 1Jhn. 4:20; 1Tim. 1:15; Tit. 2:11-14)
12. Faith (Mat. 8:8; 15:28; John 4:50)
Ten Examples of Humility:
1. Abraham (Gen. 18:27, 18:32)
2. Jacob (Gen. 32:10-11)
3. Moses (Exo. 4:10; Num. 12:1-16)
4. David (2Sam. 7:18-19; 1Ch. 17:17)
5. Job (Job 42:4-6)
6. Isaiah (Isa. 6:5)
7. The centurion (Mat. 8:8)
8. John the Baptist (John 3:30)
9. Jesus Son of God
10. Paul (Eph. 3:8; 1Tim. 1:15)
To “clothe yourselves” literally means to tie something on oneself with a knot or a bow. This term was often used of a slave putting on an apron over his clothes in order to keep his clothes clean. “Humility” is literally “lowly mindedness,” an attitude that one is not too good to serve.
Humility was not considered a virtue by the ancient world, any more than it is today. Those who believe they already know everything cannot be helped. They are too proud to receive help. To humble yourself before God is the first step to receiving from God.
Jas. 4:10 "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
for God resisteth... God mocks arrogant mockers (cf. See Pro. 1:22), causing their actions to boomerang on them, whereas the humble receive His grace (cf. Jas. 4:6; 1Pet. 5:5)
Peter then turned his attention from the shepherds to the sheep. Good leaders deserve good followers. Those who are led are responsible to be in subjection to men and to God.
Young men… be submissive (hypotagēte; cf. 1Pet. 3:1) to those who are older. Church leaders were usually older members. The younger members were to place themselves willingly under the authority of those who had been given the responsibility of leadership. Peter exhorted both young and old alike to clothe (enkombōsasthe, “clothe or tie on oneself”; an enkombōma was the apron of a slave) yourselves with humility. True humility is attractive dress (cf. 1Pet. 3:8). Peter may have alluded to Christ’s girding Himself with a towel and teaching the disciples that humility is the prerequisite for service and service is the practice of humility (John 13:4-15).
Peter quoted Pro. 3:34 to emphasize God’s different attitudes toward the proud and the humble. God opposes (lit., “sets Himself against”) the arrogant but grants favor and acceptance to the humble.
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:" 1 Peter 5:6
under the mighty... This is an Old Testament symbol of the power of God working in the experience of men, always accomplishing His sovereign purpose (Exo. 3:19-20; Job 30:20-21; Eze. 20:33, 37; Mic. 6:8). The readers of Peter’s letter were not to fight the sovereign hand of God, even when it brought them through testing.
Moses was one of the most humble men who ever lived, and we know that God exalted Moses greatly. Moses was the only one God revealed Himself to by bringing Moses to the mountain top for 40 days at a time to fellowship with.
Peter remembered the Lord Jesus' statement in Luke 14:11.
"For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
Mat. 18:4 "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
exalt you in... God will lift up the suffering, submissive believers in His wisely appointed time. One of the evidences of lack of submission and humility is impatience with God in His work of humbling believers.
Knowing God’s attitude should cause Christians not only to be subject to others but also to subject themselves deliberately to God’s sovereign rule. The command humble yourselves (tapeinōthēte) could be translated “allow yourselves to be humbled.” Those who were suffering persecution for Christ’s sake could be encouraged by the fact that the same mighty hand that let them suffer would one day lift (hypsēsē, “exalt”) them up (cf. Jas. 4:10).
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your... This verse partly quotes and partly interprets Psm. 55:22. casting means “to throw something on something,” as to throw a blanket on a donkey (Luke 19:35). Christians are to cast all of their discontent, discouragement, despair, and suffering on the Lord, and trust Him for knowing what He’s doing with their lives (1Sam. 1:10-18).
Along with submission (verse 5) and humility (verses 5-6), trust in God is the third attitude necessary for victorious Christian living.
If the problem is too big for God to handle, it is far too big for me to handle. We see how foolish it is on our part to try to take the cares of the world upon our own shoulders. God is able to take care of you and me. This is a beautiful promise from the Old Testament.
Psm. 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
The righteous are His, because they have put on the righteousness of Christ.
Mat. 6:25-26 "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
Mat. 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Peter then referred to Christ’s classic words of encouragement in the Sermon on the Mount (Mat. 6:25-32), while quoting Psm. 55:22 : “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.” All a believer’s anxieties can be cast… on Him. Christ sustains because He cares. A Christian’s confidence rests in the fact that Christ is genuinely concerned for his welfare.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be... Greek: nepho, sober, to live soberly.
vigilant; because your... Greek: gregoreo, to be awake. Translated "vigilant" (1Pet. 5:8); "wake" (1Thes. 5:10); "watchful" (Rev. 3:2); and "watch" 20 times (Mat. 24:42-43; 25:13; Acts 20:31; 1Cor. 16:13, see; Col. 4:2; 1Thes. 5:6; Rev. 3:3; Rev. 16:15; etc.). Never be off your guard. Be ready every moment to resist the devil (1Pet. 5:9; Jas. 4:7; Eph. 4:27). Strong confidence in God’s sovereign care does not mean that the believer may live carelessly. The outside evil forces which come against the Christian demand that the Christian stay alert.
adversary the devil... Greek: antidikos, an opponent in a suit; properly the defendant, but also the plaintiff or the one who brings suit. Here; Mat. 5:25; Luke 12:58; 18:3.
devil, as a... Twenty-one Names and Titles of Satan:
1. Devil (1Pet. 5:8; Mat. 4:1-11; Eph. 6:11)
2. Adversary (1Pet. 5:8; 1Tim. 5:14)
3. Satan (Rev. 12:9; Luke 10:18; 11:18)
4. Belial (2Cor. 6:15; Deut. 13:13)
5. Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14)
6. Dragon (Rev. 12:3-17; 13:2-11; 20:2)
7. Serpent (Rev. 12:9; 2Cor. 11:3)
8. Enemy (Mat. 13:39; Luke 10:19)
9. Tempter (Mat. 4:3; 1Thes. 3:5)
10. Wicked one (Mat. 13:19; 1Jhn. 5:18)
11. Beelzebub (Mat. 10:25; 12:24)
12. The god of this world (2Cor. 4:4)
13. Prince of this world (John 12:31)
14. Accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10)
15. Prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:1-3; 5:12)
16. The anointed cherub (Eze. 28:11-17)
17. Angel of light (2Cor. 11:14)
18. Prince of devils (Mat. 12:24)
19. The thief (John 10:10)
20. King over all the children of pride (Job 41:34)
21. Leviathan (Job 41:1; Isa. 27:1)
roaring lion, walketh... Seven Things Satan Is Compared To:
1. A roaring lion (1Pet. 5:8)
2. A fowler (Psm. 91:3)
3. Fowls (Mat. 13:4, 13:19)
4. A wolf (John 10:12)
5. A thief (John 10:10)
6. A serpent (Rev. 12:9; 20:3)
7. A great red dragon (Rev. 12:3-12)
The roaring lion, here, is speaking of the devil. The devil would love to catch us unaware {not vigilant}. We must be like the 5 wise virgins who stayed ready to meet their master. This does not mean that you must stop living. It means that we must keep our sound mind operating at full capacity. We should not take drugs, or get drunk on alcohol and let our guard down.
walketh about, seeking... Job. 1:6-12; 2:1-7.
he may devour... Greek: katapino, to gulp down. Translated "devour" (1Pet. 5:8); "drown" (Heb. 11:29); "swallow" (Mat. 23:24); and "swallow up" (1Cor. 15:54; 2Cor. 2:7; 5:7; Rev. 12:16). Satan and his forces are always active, looking for opportunities to overwhelm the believer with temptation, persecution, and discouragement (Psm. 22:13; 104:21; Eze. 22:25). Satan sows discord, accuses God to men, men to God, and men to men.
He will do what he can to drag the Christian out of fellowship with Christ and out of Christian service. And he constantly accuses believers before God’s throne, attempting to convince God to abandon them (Job 1:6-12; Rev. 12:10).
It is not everyone that Satan can gulp down. Those who obey the commands of 1Pet. 5:5, cannot be swallowed up by him.
submit yourselves unto the elder. Eight commands to Christians:
1. Let the younger submit to the elder (1PeT. 5:5).
2. All submit to one another (1PeT. 5:5).
3. Be clothed with humility (1PeT. 5:5).
4. Humble yourselves to God (1PeT. 5:6).
5. Cast all your care upon God (1PeT. 5:7).
6. Be sober (1PeT. 5:8).
7. Be vigilant (1Pet. 5:8).
8. Resist Satan in the faith (1Pet. 5:9).
Be vigilant, ever watchful, lest you be caught unprepared to meet Jesus. Notice "as a roaring lion". The old devil is not a lion; he is just trying to pretend that he is. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The devil would like to ruin your life. Do not let him.
Though believers should place their confidence in God, they should not be careless. Christians in conflict are to be on the alert, made strong and steadfast by Christ Himself.
Be self-controlled (nēpsate; cf. 1Pet. 1:13; 4:7) and alert (grēgorēsate; cf. 1Thes. 5:6, 5:10). Christians should be constantly alert because the enemy (antidikos, “adversary”), the devil (diabolos, “slanderer”), is always actively seeking an opportunity for a vicious attack. This verse could also be a veiled allusion to the horrors of the Neronian persecution in the Roman Coliseum, in which lions mauled and devoured Christians. Satan desired to do the same thing spiritually, to defeat believers’ testimonies.
"Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." 1 Peter 5:9
Whom resist stedfast... This method of satanic defeat is open to every child of God (Jas. 4:7).
same afflictions are... These refer to persecutions of Christians in all the world and not to diseases. The word for afflictions means the same as the sufferings of Christ in 1Pet. 5:1, and not to sicknesses and diseases. It is pathema (see, Rom. 7:5). It is not necessary for Christians to be sick in order to enjoy the blessings of 1Pet. 5:10.
Resist means “to stand against”. The way to resist the devil is not with special formulas, or words directed at him and his demons, but by remaining firm in the Christian faith. This means to continue to live in accord with the truth of God’s Word. As the believer knows sound doctrine and obeys God’s truth, Satan is withstood (Eph. 6:17).
Steadfast in the verse above, means rock-like firmness. We see then, that our strength to withstand the devil must be in the name of Jesus, and in the power of His shed blood. We must stand firmly on the Rock who is Jesus Christ. The problems of the world may be swirling around us, but the knowledge that we are built on the Rock will help us have enough faith to stand.
the same afflictions... The whole brotherhood, the entire Christian community, is always going through similar trials brought on by the roaring lion that never stops trying to devour believers (1Cor. 10:13).
The world is built on the sand, and when the storms come, they fall. Our faith in the power of Jesus will keep us from harm. He our savior Jesus fought the devil with the Word of God. We must fight the devil the same way, with the Word of God.
The elders which... Greek: presbuteros, presbyters, bishops, pastors, and overseers of the churches (see, Acts 14:23). Times of suffering and persecution in the church call for the noblest leadership. The “elder” is the same leader as the “shepherd” (verse 2), and “Guardian” (2:25), or “overseer”. The word “elder” emphasizes their spiritual maturity. As in almost all other uses of the word (with the exception of Peter’s reference to himself here and John’s in 2Jhn. 1 and 3Jhn. 1), Peter wrote in the plural, indicating it was usual to have a plurality of godly leaders who oversaw and fed the flock.
also an elder... Greek: sumpresbuteros, a fellow elder; one on the same level with yourselves. If Peter was the first pope, the prince of the apostles, and the head of the church, he certainly missed the opportunity here of making this clear to the church.
Five things that Peter claimed to be:
1. A servant of Jesus Christ (2Pet. 1:1)
2. An apostle of Jesus Christ (1Pet. 1:1)
3. A fellow elder (1Pet. 5:1)
4. A witness of the sufferings of Christ (1Pet. 5:1; Acts 5:32)
5. A partaker of the glory (1Pet. 5:1)
Peter loaded this exhortation to the elders with some rich motivation.
1. First, there was motivation by identification with Peter, who refers to himself as a fellow-elder. As such, he could give relevant exhortation to the spiritual leaders.
2. Second, there was motivation by authority. By noting that he had been an eyewitness of Christ’s suffering, Peter was affirming his apostleship (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:21-22).
3. Third, there was the motivation by anticipation. The fact that Christian leaders will one day receive from the hand of Christ a reward for their service should be a stimulant to faithful duty.
Also a partaker... Peter, apostle, elder (pastor), and eyewitness of Jesus’ sufferings, had also briefly beheld the transfigured person of Jesus Christ, His face shining as the sun and His garment as white as the light (Mat. 17:2).
He, with James and John, had a fleeting glimpse of Jesus’ effulgent majesty. When His glory is fully revealed at His return, those who have suffered for Him and those who have faithfully served Him will share forever His eternal glory (Rev. 2:10; 3:12, 21).
Peter is speaking to those who have some authority in this verse. He separates them out from the average Christian, because their responsibility is greater. He is aware that they are not only responsible for themselves, but for the Christians in their congregation. Peter related to them because of the great responsibility of the church placed upon him.
Charged with New Responsibility
In the final chapter Peter emphasized new responsibilities within the church in light of the troubled times. He exhorted the elders to shepherd the people, the young men to submit to the elders, and everyone to stand firm in the faith.
Elders are to shepherd
Peter’s charge to elders was given in three pairs of negative and positive exhortations. The exhortations reflect Ezekiel (Eze. 34:1-16), where false shepherds were contrasted with the True Shepherd
Peter, in addressing the elders (presbyterous; cf. Acts 11:30; 20:17), also used a word that identified himself as one who held the same office (sympresbyteros, “fellow-presbyter”). As an elder, Peter was speaking from experience. However, Peter’s authority came from the fact that he was an apostle (1Pet. 1:1), and a witness (martys; cf. Acts 3:15; 10:39) of Christ’s sufferings. Peter also referred to himself as one who… will share (koinōnos; cf. 1Pet. 4:13) in the glory to be revealed. Peter had just made the point that those who share in Christ’s sufferings will also share in His glory (1Pet. 4:13). Peter further identified with his readers by referring to his own suffering for Christ’s sake (Acts 5:40).
"Feed 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;" 1 Peter 5:2
Feed the flock... Six commands to the elders (1Pet. 5:2-3):
1. Feed the flock of God, but don’t fleece them.
2. Take oversight of the flock of God.
3. Serve God and His flock willingly.
4. Serve readily, not for personal gain.
5. Do not be lords over God’s heritage.
6. Be examples to the flock.
After the motivation (verse 1) comes the exhortation (verses 2-4). Since the primary objective of shepherding is feeding, that is, teaching, every elder must be able to teach (John 21:15-17). Involved with the feeding of the flock is also protecting the flock (Acts 20:28-30). In both duties, it must be remembered that the flock belongs to God, not to the pastor. God entrusts some of His flock to the pastor of a church to lead, care for, and feed (verse 3).
He is not speaking of physical food, but the food of the Word of God. They are not to minister because of obligation to do so, but from love of the brethren. The minister must desire to help others. This should be his, or her, motivation for ministering, and not because they are compelled to do it. Ministry is not an occupation, it is a call.
not by constraint,... Specifically, Peter may be warning the elders against a first danger, laziness. The divine calling (1Cor. 9:16), along with the urgency of the task (Rom. 1:15), should prevent laziness and indifference. (2Cor. 9:7).
Not for filthy... Greek: aischrokerdos, eagerness for base gain. Only here (cp. 1Tim. 3:3, 3:8). False teachers are always motivated by a second danger, money, and use their power and position to rob people of their own wealth. Scripture is clear that churches should pay their shepherds well (1Cor. 9:7-14; 1Tim. 5:17-18); but a desire for undeserved money must never be a motive for ministers to serve.
Those who minister because of the salary they receive are not in the ministry for the right reason. The call of God on ministers' lives should be so great that they would minister if there was no payment for it at all. We all know they need a salary to live, but it should not be their reason for ministering.
The command Be shepherds was also given by Jesus to Peter (John 21:16) The word poimanate means “to tend.” Besides feeding, it includes caring, leading, guiding, and protecting — all duties and responsibilities a shepherd has for his flock. Related to the participle serving as overseers (episkopountes) is the noun “overseer” (episkopos, used five other times: Phlp. 1:1; 1Tim. 3:1-2; Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 2:25). “Overseer” seems to be interchangeable with “elder” and connotes both a spiritual and physical guardianship. (“Serving as overseers” is not in some Gr. mss.)
Peter, through contrasting exhortations, presented both the motive and the manner of one’s ministry. An elder’s motive must be from willingness, not from a sense of external compulsion: not because you must, but because you are willing. Social or financial pressures should not be substituted for the pure motivation to do God’s will and to serve Him freely and eagerly: not greedy for money, but eager to serve (cf. 1Tim. 3:8; Tit. 1:7, 1:11). Shepherds who serve with false motives care only for themselves and devour the flock (Eze. 34:2-3).
"Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:3
being lords over... Not exercising lordship over the flock that is under you, but being examples in utter humility and service.
but being ensamples... Greek: tupos, pattern (see, Phlp. 3:17). This is the third major temptation for a pastor:
1. Laziness (verse 2).
2. Dishonest finance (verse 2).
3. Demagoguery.
In this context; “lording it over” means to dominate someone or some situation. It implies leadership by manipulation and intimidation. Rather, true spiritual leadership is by example (see 1Tim. 4:12).
The high priest and the priest's office in the temple had been used many times to rule over the people. This is not the way Jesus taught the leaders of the Christians to be. The greatest among you should be the servant, is what He taught.
The ministers should not glory in their authority, but should live godly lives before the people as an example of how the people were to live. The requirements for those in authority are greater than for the average Christian, because they are operating in knowledge.
Jas. 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin."
The word translated lording it over (katakyrieuontes) includes the idea of domineering as in the rule of a strong person over one who is weak (cf. Mat. 20:25; Mark 10:42; Acts 19:16). Ezekiel indicted false shepherds: “You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd” (Eze. 34:4-5). Peter exhorted the elders to be examples (typoi, “types or patterns”), to serve as models for the people to follow. They were not to drive God’s people, but to lead them by their examples of mature Christian character.
"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." 1 Peter 5:4
chief Shepherd shall... great shepherd, Ten titles of Christ:
1. The shepherd (Gen. 49:24; Zec. 13:7; Mat. 26:31; Mark 14:27)
2. My shepherd (man’s, Psm. 23:1)
3. O shepherd of Israel (Psm. 80:1; Isa. 40:11; 63:11)
4. One shepherd (Eze. 34:23; 37:24)
5. My shepherd (God’s, Zec. 13:7)
6. The shepherd of the sheep (John 10:2)
7. The good shepherd (John 10:11, 10:14)
8. Great shepherd of the sheep (Heb. 13:20)
9. The Shepherd and Bishop of your souls (1Pet. 2:25)
10. The chief Shepherd (1Pet. 5:4)
Jesus Christ, the “chief Shepherd” (John 10:11; Heb. 13:20), will return to reward His faithful under shepherds with “a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” This special reward for faithful, godly spiritual leaders is one of five crowns mentioned in Scripture for living, faithful service (1Cor. :25; 1Thes. 2:19; 2Tim. 4:8; Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10, 3:11).
ye shall receive... Notice the word "receive" in the verse above. The crown belongs to Jesus, but He puts it on our head. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. Anything He gave you would be for all of eternity. When Jesus our Chief Shepherd appears means at the coming of Christ.
crown of glory... The 6th New Testament prophecy in (2Tim. 4:8, unfulfilled). This is the prize for Paul’s efforts of 2Tim. 4:6-7. The crown is laid up for all who prove true, but possessed of none until time of reward. It is in view, not in possession.
All the crowns describe certain characteristics of eternal life:
1. The imperishable wreath that celebrates salvation’s victory over corruption (1Cor. 9:25).
2. The righteous wreath that celebrates salvation’s victory over unrighteousness (2Tim. 4:8).
3. The unfading wreath.
4. The wreath of life that celebrates salvation’s victory over death (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10).
5. The wreath of exultation which celebrates salvation’s victory over Satan and mankind’s persecution of believers.
Christ, the Chief Shepherd (archipoimenos), is “the True Shepherd” (Eze. 34:11-16), “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 10:14), and “the Great Shepherd” (Heb. 13:20). When Christ returns, His faithful under-shepherds will share in His glory (1Pet. 5:1) and receive unfading crowns (cf. 1Pet. 1:4).
"Likewise, 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. 1 Peter 5:5
submit yourselves unto... Eight commands to Christians:
1. Let the younger submit to the elder (1Pet. 5:5).
2. All submit to one another (1Pet. 5:5).
3. Be clothed with humility (1Pet. 5:5).
4. Humble yourselves to God (1Pet. 5:6).
5. Cast all your care upon God (1Pet. 5:7).
6. Be sober (1Pet. 5:8).
7. Be vigilant (1Pet. 5:8).
8. Resist Satan in the faith (1Pet. 5:9).
The elders are the pastors, the spiritual leaders of the church (verse 1). The church members, especially the young people, are to give honor, deference, and respect to spiritual leadership. Submission is a fundamental attitude of spiritual maturity (1Cor. 16:15; 1Thes. 5:12-14; Titus 3:1-2; Heb. 13:7, 17). Lack of submission to the elders not only makes the ministry difficult, but also forfeits God’s grace, as noted in the quote from Prov. 3:34.
This is saying that the Christian, who has been one for a long time, has probably studied the Word of God more than one who is a new Christian. It would be best for the new Christian to learn from the elder.
clothed with humility... Christian Humility
Greek: tapeinophrosune. Translated "humility" (1Pet. 5:5; Col. 2:18, 2:23); "humility of mind" (Acts 20:19); "humbleness of mind" (Col. 3:12); "lowliness" (Eph. 4:2); and "lowiness of mind" (Phlp. 2:3).
Humility is the secret to the following things:
1. The glory of the creature (Rev. 4:11; Luke 17:10)
2. Redemption (Phlp. 2:5-8)
3. Riches and honor (Pro. 15:33; 22:4; Mat. 5:3)
4. Fellowship (Isa. 57:15; 66:2)
5. Soul rest (Mat. 11:29)
6. Personal salvation (Mat. 18:3; Luke 18:1-43)
7. Greatness (Mat. 20:26-27; Luke 22:26)
8. Exaltation (Mat. 23:12; Luke 14:11)
9. Revelation (Mat. 11:25; Luke 10:21)
10. Unity (Eph. 4:1-3; 5:21; 1Pet. 5:5)
11. Victorious Christian living (Rom. 12:10, 12:16; 1Cor. 13:1-13; Gal. 5:26; Phlp. 2:1-4; Col. 3:5-14; 1Jhn. 4:20; 1Tim. 1:15; Tit. 2:11-14)
12. Faith (Mat. 8:8; 15:28; John 4:50)
Ten Examples of Humility:
1. Abraham (Gen. 18:27, 18:32)
2. Jacob (Gen. 32:10-11)
3. Moses (Exo. 4:10; Num. 12:1-16)
4. David (2Sam. 7:18-19; 1Ch. 17:17)
5. Job (Job 42:4-6)
6. Isaiah (Isa. 6:5)
7. The centurion (Mat. 8:8)
8. John the Baptist (John 3:30)
9. Jesus Son of God
10. Paul (Eph. 3:8; 1Tim. 1:15)
To “clothe yourselves” literally means to tie something on oneself with a knot or a bow. This term was often used of a slave putting on an apron over his clothes in order to keep his clothes clean. “Humility” is literally “lowly mindedness,” an attitude that one is not too good to serve.
Humility was not considered a virtue by the ancient world, any more than it is today. Those who believe they already know everything cannot be helped. They are too proud to receive help. To humble yourself before God is the first step to receiving from God.
Jas. 4:10 "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
for God resisteth... God mocks arrogant mockers (cf. See Pro. 1:22), causing their actions to boomerang on them, whereas the humble receive His grace (cf. Jas. 4:6; 1Pet. 5:5)
Young men are to submit
Peter then turned his attention from the shepherds to the sheep. Good leaders deserve good followers. Those who are led are responsible to be in subjection to men and to God.
Young men… be submissive (hypotagēte; cf. 1Pet. 3:1) to those who are older. Church leaders were usually older members. The younger members were to place themselves willingly under the authority of those who had been given the responsibility of leadership. Peter exhorted both young and old alike to clothe (enkombōsasthe, “clothe or tie on oneself”; an enkombōma was the apron of a slave) yourselves with humility. True humility is attractive dress (cf. 1Pet. 3:8). Peter may have alluded to Christ’s girding Himself with a towel and teaching the disciples that humility is the prerequisite for service and service is the practice of humility (John 13:4-15).
Peter quoted Pro. 3:34 to emphasize God’s different attitudes toward the proud and the humble. God opposes (lit., “sets Himself against”) the arrogant but grants favor and acceptance to the humble.
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:" 1 Peter 5:6
under the mighty... This is an Old Testament symbol of the power of God working in the experience of men, always accomplishing His sovereign purpose (Exo. 3:19-20; Job 30:20-21; Eze. 20:33, 37; Mic. 6:8). The readers of Peter’s letter were not to fight the sovereign hand of God, even when it brought them through testing.
Moses was one of the most humble men who ever lived, and we know that God exalted Moses greatly. Moses was the only one God revealed Himself to by bringing Moses to the mountain top for 40 days at a time to fellowship with.
Peter remembered the Lord Jesus' statement in Luke 14:11.
"For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
Mat. 18:4 "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
exalt you in... God will lift up the suffering, submissive believers in His wisely appointed time. One of the evidences of lack of submission and humility is impatience with God in His work of humbling believers.
Knowing God’s attitude should cause Christians not only to be subject to others but also to subject themselves deliberately to God’s sovereign rule. The command humble yourselves (tapeinōthēte) could be translated “allow yourselves to be humbled.” Those who were suffering persecution for Christ’s sake could be encouraged by the fact that the same mighty hand that let them suffer would one day lift (hypsēsē, “exalt”) them up (cf. Jas. 4:10).
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your... This verse partly quotes and partly interprets Psm. 55:22. casting means “to throw something on something,” as to throw a blanket on a donkey (Luke 19:35). Christians are to cast all of their discontent, discouragement, despair, and suffering on the Lord, and trust Him for knowing what He’s doing with their lives (1Sam. 1:10-18).
Along with submission (verse 5) and humility (verses 5-6), trust in God is the third attitude necessary for victorious Christian living.
If the problem is too big for God to handle, it is far too big for me to handle. We see how foolish it is on our part to try to take the cares of the world upon our own shoulders. God is able to take care of you and me. This is a beautiful promise from the Old Testament.
Psm. 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
The righteous are His, because they have put on the righteousness of Christ.
Mat. 6:25-26 "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
Mat. 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Peter then referred to Christ’s classic words of encouragement in the Sermon on the Mount (Mat. 6:25-32), while quoting Psm. 55:22 : “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.” All a believer’s anxieties can be cast… on Him. Christ sustains because He cares. A Christian’s confidence rests in the fact that Christ is genuinely concerned for his welfare.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be... Greek: nepho, sober, to live soberly.
vigilant; because your... Greek: gregoreo, to be awake. Translated "vigilant" (1Pet. 5:8); "wake" (1Thes. 5:10); "watchful" (Rev. 3:2); and "watch" 20 times (Mat. 24:42-43; 25:13; Acts 20:31; 1Cor. 16:13, see; Col. 4:2; 1Thes. 5:6; Rev. 3:3; Rev. 16:15; etc.). Never be off your guard. Be ready every moment to resist the devil (1Pet. 5:9; Jas. 4:7; Eph. 4:27). Strong confidence in God’s sovereign care does not mean that the believer may live carelessly. The outside evil forces which come against the Christian demand that the Christian stay alert.
adversary the devil... Greek: antidikos, an opponent in a suit; properly the defendant, but also the plaintiff or the one who brings suit. Here; Mat. 5:25; Luke 12:58; 18:3.
devil, as a... Twenty-one Names and Titles of Satan:
1. Devil (1Pet. 5:8; Mat. 4:1-11; Eph. 6:11)
2. Adversary (1Pet. 5:8; 1Tim. 5:14)
3. Satan (Rev. 12:9; Luke 10:18; 11:18)
4. Belial (2Cor. 6:15; Deut. 13:13)
5. Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14)
6. Dragon (Rev. 12:3-17; 13:2-11; 20:2)
7. Serpent (Rev. 12:9; 2Cor. 11:3)
8. Enemy (Mat. 13:39; Luke 10:19)
9. Tempter (Mat. 4:3; 1Thes. 3:5)
10. Wicked one (Mat. 13:19; 1Jhn. 5:18)
11. Beelzebub (Mat. 10:25; 12:24)
12. The god of this world (2Cor. 4:4)
13. Prince of this world (John 12:31)
14. Accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10)
15. Prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:1-3; 5:12)
16. The anointed cherub (Eze. 28:11-17)
17. Angel of light (2Cor. 11:14)
18. Prince of devils (Mat. 12:24)
19. The thief (John 10:10)
20. King over all the children of pride (Job 41:34)
21. Leviathan (Job 41:1; Isa. 27:1)
roaring lion, walketh... Seven Things Satan Is Compared To:
1. A roaring lion (1Pet. 5:8)
2. A fowler (Psm. 91:3)
3. Fowls (Mat. 13:4, 13:19)
4. A wolf (John 10:12)
5. A thief (John 10:10)
6. A serpent (Rev. 12:9; 20:3)
7. A great red dragon (Rev. 12:3-12)
The roaring lion, here, is speaking of the devil. The devil would love to catch us unaware {not vigilant}. We must be like the 5 wise virgins who stayed ready to meet their master. This does not mean that you must stop living. It means that we must keep our sound mind operating at full capacity. We should not take drugs, or get drunk on alcohol and let our guard down.
walketh about, seeking... Job. 1:6-12; 2:1-7.
he may devour... Greek: katapino, to gulp down. Translated "devour" (1Pet. 5:8); "drown" (Heb. 11:29); "swallow" (Mat. 23:24); and "swallow up" (1Cor. 15:54; 2Cor. 2:7; 5:7; Rev. 12:16). Satan and his forces are always active, looking for opportunities to overwhelm the believer with temptation, persecution, and discouragement (Psm. 22:13; 104:21; Eze. 22:25). Satan sows discord, accuses God to men, men to God, and men to men.
He will do what he can to drag the Christian out of fellowship with Christ and out of Christian service. And he constantly accuses believers before God’s throne, attempting to convince God to abandon them (Job 1:6-12; Rev. 12:10).
It is not everyone that Satan can gulp down. Those who obey the commands of 1Pet. 5:5, cannot be swallowed up by him.
submit yourselves unto the elder. Eight commands to Christians:
1. Let the younger submit to the elder (1PeT. 5:5).
2. All submit to one another (1PeT. 5:5).
3. Be clothed with humility (1PeT. 5:5).
4. Humble yourselves to God (1PeT. 5:6).
5. Cast all your care upon God (1PeT. 5:7).
6. Be sober (1PeT. 5:8).
7. Be vigilant (1Pet. 5:8).
8. Resist Satan in the faith (1Pet. 5:9).
Be vigilant, ever watchful, lest you be caught unprepared to meet Jesus. Notice "as a roaring lion". The old devil is not a lion; he is just trying to pretend that he is. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The devil would like to ruin your life. Do not let him.
All are to stand firm
Though believers should place their confidence in God, they should not be careless. Christians in conflict are to be on the alert, made strong and steadfast by Christ Himself.
Be self-controlled (nēpsate; cf. 1Pet. 1:13; 4:7) and alert (grēgorēsate; cf. 1Thes. 5:6, 5:10). Christians should be constantly alert because the enemy (antidikos, “adversary”), the devil (diabolos, “slanderer”), is always actively seeking an opportunity for a vicious attack. This verse could also be a veiled allusion to the horrors of the Neronian persecution in the Roman Coliseum, in which lions mauled and devoured Christians. Satan desired to do the same thing spiritually, to defeat believers’ testimonies.
"Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." 1 Peter 5:9
Whom resist stedfast... This method of satanic defeat is open to every child of God (Jas. 4:7).
same afflictions are... These refer to persecutions of Christians in all the world and not to diseases. The word for afflictions means the same as the sufferings of Christ in 1Pet. 5:1, and not to sicknesses and diseases. It is pathema (see, Rom. 7:5). It is not necessary for Christians to be sick in order to enjoy the blessings of 1Pet. 5:10.
Resist means “to stand against”. The way to resist the devil is not with special formulas, or words directed at him and his demons, but by remaining firm in the Christian faith. This means to continue to live in accord with the truth of God’s Word. As the believer knows sound doctrine and obeys God’s truth, Satan is withstood (Eph. 6:17).
Steadfast in the verse above, means rock-like firmness. We see then, that our strength to withstand the devil must be in the name of Jesus, and in the power of His shed blood. We must stand firmly on the Rock who is Jesus Christ. The problems of the world may be swirling around us, but the knowledge that we are built on the Rock will help us have enough faith to stand.
the same afflictions... The whole brotherhood, the entire Christian community, is always going through similar trials brought on by the roaring lion that never stops trying to devour believers (1Cor. 10:13).
The world is built on the sand, and when the storms come, they fall. Our faith in the power of Jesus will keep us from harm. He our savior Jesus fought the devil with the Word of God. We must fight the devil the same way, with the Word of God.
The devil can be and should be resisted. Resist (antistēte) means “withstand,” used also in Jas. 4:7 (cf. antidikos, “enemy” in 1Pet. 5:8). It is a term of defense rather than attack. Christians may stand firm against Satan only if they depend wholly on Christ, standing firm in the faith (cf. 1Pet. 5:12; Col. 2:5). Peter also encouraged his readers by reminding them that they were not alone in their suffering. The knowledge that other Christians, your brothers throughout the world, were suffering, would strengthen their resolve to continue to stand firm.
"But 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]." 1 Peter 5:10
who hath called... As always in the New Testament epistles, an effectual, saving call. It is by God's grace we are saved, not of our own doing. The grace offered to every person by the crucifixion of Jesus on Calvary, requires nothing to receive, except to believe in Jesus Christ.
after that ye... Christians are to live with the understanding that Gods purposes realized in the future require some pain in the present. While the believer is being personally attacked by the enemy, he is being personally perfected by the Lord, as the next phrase attests (1:6; 2Cor. 1:3-7).
make you perfect,... Four blessings from suffering persecutions:
1. Perfection: To be perfect (2Cor. 13:11). Greek: katartizo, to adjust; put in order again; restore; repair; settly by mediation. Translated "mend" (Mat. 4:21; Mark 1:19); "restore" (Gal. 6:1); fit (Rom. 9:22); "prepare" (Heb. 10:1-39:44); "frame" (Heb. 9:3); "perfectly joined together" (1Cor. 1:10); "be and make perfect" (Mat. 21:16; Luke 6:40; 1Thes. 3:10; 2Cor. 13:11; Heb. 13:21; 1Pet. 5:10).
2. Establishment in the faith: That I (Paul) may impart unto you some spiritual gift. Paul had the fullness of God (Rom. 15:29) and could impart spiritual gifts by the laying on of hands (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6; Heb. 6:2).
to the end ye may be established the purpose of all spiritual gifts (1Cor. 1:7; 12:4-11, 12:28-30; 14:1-40; Rom. 12:3-8; see, 1Tim. 4:14; 1Pet. 4:11).
established Greek: sterizo, strengthen (Luke 22:32; Rev. 3:2); establish (Rom. 1:11; 16:25; 1Thes. 3:2, 3:13; 2Thes. 2:17; 3:3; Jas. 5:8; 1Pet. 5:10; 2Pet. 1:12); fix (Luke 16:26); and set (Luke 9:51).
3. Spiritual strength. Greek: sthenos, to bind together and strengthen so there will be no danger of warping, splitting, or falling apart. Only here.
4. Settling or grounding one in the faith. Greek: themelioo, good foundation
In this life, we will have tribulation=suffering. These troubles come to make us strong in the Lord. The trials that we overcome establish us in the faith. We grow in the grace of the Lord every time we face a problem and overcome it by the Word of God.
stablish, strengthen, settle... These four words all speak of strength and resoluteness. God is working through the Christian’s struggles to produce strength of character. In verses 5-14, Peter elucidated briefly, but in wonderful richness, those attitudes which are necessary for the believer to grown in Christ to effective maturity. These include:
1. Submission, verse 5.
2. Humility, verses 5-6.
3. Trust, verse 7.
4. Sober mindedness, verse 8.
5. Vigilant defense, verses 8-9.
6. Hope, verse 10.
7. Worship, verse 11.
8. Faithfulness, verse 12.
9. Affection, verses 13-14.
Peter had encouraged his readers to endure suffering in such a way that the grace of God would be made manifest in their lives. Now in a closing word of benediction he committed them to the God of all grace (cf. 1Pet. 4:10). The benediction briefly summarizes Peter’s message of encouragement. Christians’ suffering will last only a little while, while their glory in Christ, to which they were called, will be eternal (cf. Rom. 8:17-18; 2Cor. 4:16-18). (This is Peter’s last of eight uses of “glory” in this epistle: 1Pet. 1:7, 1:11, 1:21, 1:24; 2:20; 4:14; 5:1, 5:10.) God Himself would restore them and make them strong (stērixei; cf. 2Thes. 2:17), firm (sthenōsei, used only here in the NT), and steadfast (themeliosei, “established”; cf. Eph. 3:17; Col. 1:23).
"To him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:11
To him be... The "Him" here, is the Lord Jesus Christ.
glory and dominion... The glory is not ours, since we did nothing to receive the grace, but believe. The glory is God's. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords.
Phil. 2:10 "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;"
"But 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]." 1 Peter 5:10
who hath called... As always in the New Testament epistles, an effectual, saving call. It is by God's grace we are saved, not of our own doing. The grace offered to every person by the crucifixion of Jesus on Calvary, requires nothing to receive, except to believe in Jesus Christ.
after that ye... Christians are to live with the understanding that Gods purposes realized in the future require some pain in the present. While the believer is being personally attacked by the enemy, he is being personally perfected by the Lord, as the next phrase attests (1:6; 2Cor. 1:3-7).
make you perfect,... Four blessings from suffering persecutions:
1. Perfection: To be perfect (2Cor. 13:11). Greek: katartizo, to adjust; put in order again; restore; repair; settly by mediation. Translated "mend" (Mat. 4:21; Mark 1:19); "restore" (Gal. 6:1); fit (Rom. 9:22); "prepare" (Heb. 10:1-39:44); "frame" (Heb. 9:3); "perfectly joined together" (1Cor. 1:10); "be and make perfect" (Mat. 21:16; Luke 6:40; 1Thes. 3:10; 2Cor. 13:11; Heb. 13:21; 1Pet. 5:10).
2. Establishment in the faith: That I (Paul) may impart unto you some spiritual gift. Paul had the fullness of God (Rom. 15:29) and could impart spiritual gifts by the laying on of hands (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6; Heb. 6:2).
to the end ye may be established the purpose of all spiritual gifts (1Cor. 1:7; 12:4-11, 12:28-30; 14:1-40; Rom. 12:3-8; see, 1Tim. 4:14; 1Pet. 4:11).
established Greek: sterizo, strengthen (Luke 22:32; Rev. 3:2); establish (Rom. 1:11; 16:25; 1Thes. 3:2, 3:13; 2Thes. 2:17; 3:3; Jas. 5:8; 1Pet. 5:10; 2Pet. 1:12); fix (Luke 16:26); and set (Luke 9:51).
3. Spiritual strength. Greek: sthenos, to bind together and strengthen so there will be no danger of warping, splitting, or falling apart. Only here.
4. Settling or grounding one in the faith. Greek: themelioo, good foundation
In this life, we will have tribulation=suffering. These troubles come to make us strong in the Lord. The trials that we overcome establish us in the faith. We grow in the grace of the Lord every time we face a problem and overcome it by the Word of God.
stablish, strengthen, settle... These four words all speak of strength and resoluteness. God is working through the Christian’s struggles to produce strength of character. In verses 5-14, Peter elucidated briefly, but in wonderful richness, those attitudes which are necessary for the believer to grown in Christ to effective maturity. These include:
1. Submission, verse 5.
2. Humility, verses 5-6.
3. Trust, verse 7.
4. Sober mindedness, verse 8.
5. Vigilant defense, verses 8-9.
6. Hope, verse 10.
7. Worship, verse 11.
8. Faithfulness, verse 12.
9. Affection, verses 13-14.
Peter had encouraged his readers to endure suffering in such a way that the grace of God would be made manifest in their lives. Now in a closing word of benediction he committed them to the God of all grace (cf. 1Pet. 4:10). The benediction briefly summarizes Peter’s message of encouragement. Christians’ suffering will last only a little while, while their glory in Christ, to which they were called, will be eternal (cf. Rom. 8:17-18; 2Cor. 4:16-18). (This is Peter’s last of eight uses of “glory” in this epistle: 1Pet. 1:7, 1:11, 1:21, 1:24; 2:20; 4:14; 5:1, 5:10.) God Himself would restore them and make them strong (stērixei; cf. 2Thes. 2:17), firm (sthenōsei, used only here in the NT), and steadfast (themeliosei, “established”; cf. Eph. 3:17; Col. 1:23).
"To him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:11
To him be... The "Him" here, is the Lord Jesus Christ.
glory and dominion... The glory is not ours, since we did nothing to receive the grace, but believe. The glory is God's. Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords.
Phil. 2:10 "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;"
To Him be the power (kratos, “might”) forever and ever. Amen. In this benediction, similar to the one in 1Pet. 4:11, Peter praised Christ who has all power for all time (cf. Rom. 11:36; 1Tim. 6:16). Certainly He has the power to strengthen His own as they undergo persecution.
"By 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." 1 Peter 5:12
By Silvanus, a... Silvanus is the same person as Silas in Acts. Paul and Silas were imprisoned together for the gospel. It is believed that he probably was the one who brought this letter.
faithful brother unto... Faithful brother means that he was a fellow Christian.
Have written briefly... The last words of Peter, here, explain that the letter was brief, but was to "exhort" {call near} them in the grace of God. Peter knew first-hand that this was the true grace of God that saves us all.
Silvanus “Silas” was the one who traveled with Paul and is often mentioned in his epistles. He was a prophet (Acts 15:31) and a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37); he was apparently the one who wrote down Peter’s words and later took this letter to its intended recipients.
As Paul often did at the close of his epistles, Peter may have penned these last verses himself. Silas served as Peter’s amanuensis (with the help of Silas… I have written to you), and probably personally delivered the letter to the churches of Asia Minor along the predetermined route specified in 1Pet. 1:1. This was probably the same Silas who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). In the words encouraging (parakalōn, “exhorting, appealing”; cf. 1Pet. 5:1)… and testifying (epimartyrōn, “bearing witness”), Peter summarized the purpose of his letter. He wrote to encourage Christians to endure persecution, to stand fast, so that the true grace of God (cf. 1Pet. 1:13; 4:10) would be evidenced to the unbelieving world. They were to “stand fast” in His grace (cf. 1Pet. 5:9).
"The [church that is] at Babylon, elected together with [you], saluteth you; and [so doth] Marcus my son." 1 Peter 5:13
The Church that... Church is the assembly of the believers, (Rev. 17 – 18).
is at Babylon... This refers to the city of Babylon on the River Euphrates, the only literal Babylon mentioned in Scripture. It is a historical fact that Babylon was still in existence at that time and that there were many Jews there. Josephus writes of Babylon about the same time.
Marcus my son... This is John Mark, a convert of Peter and the author of the Gospel of Mark. See, Acts 12:12. He was not the actual son of Peter, but a son in the faith in the same way that Timothy and Titus were sons of Paul (1Tim. 1:2; Tit. 1:4). Again, Mark, called John Mark, was the spiritual son of Peter. Tradition indicates that Peter helped him write the Gospel of Mark (Acts 12:12). This is the same Mark who once failed Paul (Acts 13:13; 15:38-39; Col. 4:10), but later became useful again for ministry (2Tim. 4:11).
Some scholars suggest that she who is in Babylon refers to Peter’s wife (cf. 1Cor. 9:5). However, since Peter was writing to churches and said she is chosen together with you, probably “she” refers to the church (which is a feminine noun ekklēsia). If so, Peter was sending greetings to the church in “Babylon” from the churches in Asia Minor. According to historical evidence, Peter was in Rome during the final years of his life. “Babylon” here might be a disguised reference to Rome, used in order to protect both the Roman church and Peter from the Neronian persecution. (Others suggest, however, that he wrote to the literal city of Babylon on the Euphrates River.) Greetings were also sent from Peter’s son in the faith, Mark. Paul (Col. 4:10) placed John Mark in Rome on an earlier occasion. Consequently most would agree that John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, was in Rome at the time 1 Peter was written. This strengthens the view that “Babylon” referred to city written.
"Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen."1 Peter 5:14
Greet ye one... This was the eastern greeting, not necessarily a Christian one. The kiss, spoken of here, is not a passionate kiss. This was a kiss of fellowship between brothers, or sisters and brothers in Christ. This was a kiss {probably on the cheek} of brotherly love.
Peace be with... Notice, who the peace is with. It is with those who are in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the King of Peace. If we have Jesus in us, we are full of peace.
The number of New Testament references to a kiss indicate that it was a common sign of fellowship and Christian love (cf. Rom. 16:16; 1Cor. 16:20; 2Cor. 13:12; 1Thes. 5:26).
Peter closed as he began (1Pet. 1:2), encouraging Christians in the midst of persecution by praying for peace (eirēnē), which is abundantly available to all who are in Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Final Greetings
"By 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." 1 Peter 5:12
By Silvanus, a... Silvanus is the same person as Silas in Acts. Paul and Silas were imprisoned together for the gospel. It is believed that he probably was the one who brought this letter.
faithful brother unto... Faithful brother means that he was a fellow Christian.
Have written briefly... The last words of Peter, here, explain that the letter was brief, but was to "exhort" {call near} them in the grace of God. Peter knew first-hand that this was the true grace of God that saves us all.
Silvanus “Silas” was the one who traveled with Paul and is often mentioned in his epistles. He was a prophet (Acts 15:31) and a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37); he was apparently the one who wrote down Peter’s words and later took this letter to its intended recipients.
Conclusion
As Paul often did at the close of his epistles, Peter may have penned these last verses himself. Silas served as Peter’s amanuensis (with the help of Silas… I have written to you), and probably personally delivered the letter to the churches of Asia Minor along the predetermined route specified in 1Pet. 1:1. This was probably the same Silas who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). In the words encouraging (parakalōn, “exhorting, appealing”; cf. 1Pet. 5:1)… and testifying (epimartyrōn, “bearing witness”), Peter summarized the purpose of his letter. He wrote to encourage Christians to endure persecution, to stand fast, so that the true grace of God (cf. 1Pet. 1:13; 4:10) would be evidenced to the unbelieving world. They were to “stand fast” in His grace (cf. 1Pet. 5:9).
"The [church that is] at Babylon, elected together with [you], saluteth you; and [so doth] Marcus my son." 1 Peter 5:13
The Church that... Church is the assembly of the believers, (Rev. 17 – 18).
is at Babylon... This refers to the city of Babylon on the River Euphrates, the only literal Babylon mentioned in Scripture. It is a historical fact that Babylon was still in existence at that time and that there were many Jews there. Josephus writes of Babylon about the same time.
Marcus my son... This is John Mark, a convert of Peter and the author of the Gospel of Mark. See, Acts 12:12. He was not the actual son of Peter, but a son in the faith in the same way that Timothy and Titus were sons of Paul (1Tim. 1:2; Tit. 1:4). Again, Mark, called John Mark, was the spiritual son of Peter. Tradition indicates that Peter helped him write the Gospel of Mark (Acts 12:12). This is the same Mark who once failed Paul (Acts 13:13; 15:38-39; Col. 4:10), but later became useful again for ministry (2Tim. 4:11).
Some scholars suggest that she who is in Babylon refers to Peter’s wife (cf. 1Cor. 9:5). However, since Peter was writing to churches and said she is chosen together with you, probably “she” refers to the church (which is a feminine noun ekklēsia). If so, Peter was sending greetings to the church in “Babylon” from the churches in Asia Minor. According to historical evidence, Peter was in Rome during the final years of his life. “Babylon” here might be a disguised reference to Rome, used in order to protect both the Roman church and Peter from the Neronian persecution. (Others suggest, however, that he wrote to the literal city of Babylon on the Euphrates River.) Greetings were also sent from Peter’s son in the faith, Mark. Paul (Col. 4:10) placed John Mark in Rome on an earlier occasion. Consequently most would agree that John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, was in Rome at the time 1 Peter was written. This strengthens the view that “Babylon” referred to city written.
"Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen."1 Peter 5:14
Greet ye one... This was the eastern greeting, not necessarily a Christian one. The kiss, spoken of here, is not a passionate kiss. This was a kiss of fellowship between brothers, or sisters and brothers in Christ. This was a kiss {probably on the cheek} of brotherly love.
Peace be with... Notice, who the peace is with. It is with those who are in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the King of Peace. If we have Jesus in us, we are full of peace.
The number of New Testament references to a kiss indicate that it was a common sign of fellowship and Christian love (cf. Rom. 16:16; 1Cor. 16:20; 2Cor. 13:12; 1Thes. 5:26).
Peter closed as he began (1Pet. 1:2), encouraging Christians in the midst of persecution by praying for peace (eirēnē), which is abundantly available to all who are in Christ, the Prince of Peace.
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