1 Peter 5
1 Peter 5 offers final instructions and encouragement to the elders and the church. Peter calls on leaders to shepherd the flock with humility and service. He also exhorts the younger members to be submissive and humble, relying on God during trials. The chapter ends with a reminder of God’s eternal power and the call to resist the devil, standing firm in faith.
1 Peter 5:1-2 (NKJV)
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
Peter encourages the elders, as one of them and as a witness of Christ’s sufferings, to lead the church with a servant's heart. He reminds them to oversee the flock not because they are forced to, but willingly, out of genuine care for God’s people. Their motivation should not be personal gain but a sincere eagerness to serve. This sets the tone for leadership in the church—service that reflects Christ’s humility and love.
1 Peter 5:3 (NKJV)
nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;
Leaders are not to dominate or control those they lead but should set a Christlike example through their lives. Their role is to inspire and guide by demonstrating the kind of life and character that reflects God’s love and humility. This shifts the focus from authority to service, ensuring the church follows not out of fear but out of a shared journey of faith.
1 Peter 5:4 (NKJV)
and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
Peter reminds the elders that their reward comes not from earthly recognition but from Christ, the Chief Shepherd, when He returns. The "crown of glory" symbolizes eternal honor and reward, far surpassing any temporary accolades. This reward is unfading, pointing to the eternal significance of faithful service in God's kingdom.
1 Peter 5:5 (NKJV)
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
Peter calls the younger believers to submit to their elders, reflecting the importance of humility and respect within the church community. He extends this call to all believers, emphasizing mutual submission and humility as central virtues. Quoting Scripture, he highlights that God opposes pride but blesses those who are humble, reinforcing the need for humility as a foundation for receiving God’s grace.
1 Peter 5:6 (NKJV)
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
Peter encourages believers to humble themselves under God’s power and sovereignty, trusting that in His perfect timing, He will lift them up. This humility is not passive but active reliance on God’s timing and plan, knowing that true exaltation comes from Him alone, not from human efforts.
1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV)
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
This verse reassures believers that they can trust God with their worries and anxieties because He deeply cares for them. It encourages a release of burdens through faith in God’s loving concern. Trusting Him with personal struggles is an act of humility, acknowledging that His care is greater than our own ability to handle difficulties.
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Peter warns believers to stay alert and self-controlled because the devil is actively seeking to destroy their faith. The imagery of a roaring lion emphasizes the devil’s aggression and the danger of spiritual complacency. Vigilance and awareness of the enemy’s tactics are necessary to resist his attacks.
1 Peter 5:9 (NKJV)
Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Believers are called to resist the devil by standing firm in their faith, assured that they are not alone in their struggles. Others across the world face similar trials, creating a sense of solidarity and encouragement. This shared experience of suffering and faith strengthens the global Christian community.
1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV)
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Peter prays that after a period of suffering, God, who is full of grace, will restore and strengthen believers, preparing them for eternal glory through Christ. Suffering is seen as temporary and purposeful, leading to a deeper establishment in faith. God's grace will ultimately bring believers to a place of completeness and stability.
1 Peter 5:11 (NKJV)
To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
This doxology ascribes eternal glory and authority to God. Peter emphasizes that despite earthly suffering and challenges, God’s reign is unshakable and everlasting. His dominion will never end, and all praise belongs to Him alone.
1 Peter 5:12 (NKJV)
By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
Peter acknowledges Silvanus as a trusted brother and likely the one who helped deliver this letter. He affirms that his letter is a testimony to God’s grace and encourages the believers to continue standing firm in this grace. The focus is on holding fast to the gospel message and living in the power of God’s grace.
1 Peter 5:13 (NKJV)
She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.
Peter sends greetings from the church in Babylon (likely a symbolic reference to Rome) and from Mark, who was like a spiritual son to him. This closing reflects the fellowship and unity among believers across different regions, reinforcing the global nature of the Christian faith.
1 Peter 5:14 (NKJV)
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Peter encourages believers to greet one another warmly, symbolizing love and unity within the church. He concludes with a blessing of peace, specifically directed to those who are in Christ, emphasizing the bond of peace that comes through faith in Him. This peace is the culmination of the mutual love and humility urged throughout the chapter.