1 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:
2 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;
3 Neither as being lords over [God’s] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5 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.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 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].
11 To him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
12 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.
13 The [church that is] at Babylon, elected together with [you], saluteth you; and [so doth] Marcus my son.
14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Overview of 1 Peter Chapter 5
1 Peter Chapter 5 serves as a concluding exhortation to the Christian community, focusing on leadership, humility, and perseverance in the face of suffering. The chapter emphasizes the responsibilities of church leaders and the attitudes that believers should embody as they navigate their faith journey.
Exhortation to Elders (Verses 1-4)
The chapter opens with a direct appeal to the elders of the church, urging them to take their roles seriously and with integrity.
- Responsibilities of Elders: Elders are called to shepherd the flock of God, taking care of their spiritual well-being.
- Motivation: Elders should serve willingly, not out of obligation or for financial gain, but as a reflection of their love for God and His people.
- Example of Christ: They are encouraged to be examples to the flock, mirroring the leadership style of Jesus, who served humbly and sacrificially.
- Promise of Reward: The chapter concludes this section with a promise that faithful elders will receive a crown of glory when Christ returns.
Exhortation to the Younger Generation (Verse 5)
In verse 5, Peter addresses the younger members of the church, encouraging them to be submissive to their elders.
- Mutual Submission: The call for submission is not one-sided; all members are encouraged to clothe themselves with humility towards one another.
- God’s Opposition to the Proud: The text highlights that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, reinforcing the importance of humility within the community.
Encouragement to Humility and Trust (Verses 6-7)
Peter urges believers to humble themselves under God’s mighty hand, with the assurance that He will lift them up at the appropriate time.
- Humility Before God: This act of humility is essential for spiritual growth and reliance on God’s timing.
- Casting Anxiety: Believers are encouraged to cast their anxieties on God, who cares for them deeply.
Warning Against the Devil (Verses 8-9)
Peter shifts focus to the spiritual battle that believers face, advising them to be vigilant and aware of the devil’s schemes.
- Adversary’s Nature: The devil is described as a roaring lion, seeking to devour those who are unaware.
- Resisting the Devil: Believers are called to resist him, standing firm in their faith, and remembering that they are not alone in their struggles.
Encouragement in Suffering (Verses 10-11)
Peter provides a message of hope, reminding believers that suffering is temporary and that God will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish them.
- God’s Faithfulness: The assurance of God’s ultimate restoration is a source of comfort amidst trials.
- Doctrinal Foundation: The chapter reinforces the belief in God’s sovereignty and care for His people.
Final Greetings and Benediction (Verses 12-14)
The chapter concludes with personal remarks and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual support.
- Silvanus as a Messenger: Peter mentions Silvanus, indicating that he is the one delivering this letter, which adds a personal touch.
- Encouragement to Stand Firm: The final exhortation is for believers to stand firm in the true grace of God.
- Expressions of Love: The chapter ends with greetings from those in Babylon and an emphasis on love among the brethren.
Thematic Insights
- Leadership and Responsibility: The chapter underscores the importance of godly leadership within the church and the responsibility that comes with it.
- Humility and Community: Peter emphasizes humility as a cornerstone of Christian community life, fostering mutual respect and love.
- Spiritual Vigilance: The warning against the devil serves as a reminder for believers to remain alert and steadfast in their faith.
- Hope in Suffering: The promise of restoration provides hope and encouragement to those facing trials, reinforcing the belief in God’s ultimate plan.
Conclusion
1 Peter Chapter 5 encapsulates key teachings on leadership, humility, and resilience in faith. It serves as a powerful reminder of the communal nature of the Christian journey and the importance of relying on God’s grace and strength in both leadership and personal struggles.
