1 Peter - Chapter 5
As we finish our study of 1st Peter, we see the disciple is providing exhortations concerning Christian service, conflict and victory, and concluding thoughts.
It seems important to point out that Peter begins by encouraging the elders among believers. Elder does not necessarily mean older in age. It can describe those of some years in life but it seems likely that it might also be a useful term for those who may be elder in wisdom brought from knowledge.
Further, we should point out that Peter only claims the title of elder for himself. He professes no other formal position and claims no unique authority or superiority over others. He is a teacher through this letter and his particular wisdom has come to him because he was a witness to both the majesty of the Lord’s work on earth as well as to the suffering of the Lord in His passion.
1 – 7:
In his appeal to the elders Peter is appealing to the leaders of the local churches who are much experienced, mature in the faith, and wise in the Word. We have been given specific requirements of the position of elder in Titus 1:5-9 and similar requirements are seen in 1st Timothy 3:1-7 when describing the position of bishop.
Peter was a fellow elder. He had experience in all the things he writes about in his letter. What better teacher can there be than one who has already known the matters of the lessons given? We recall that Peter had personally seen the glory of the Lord at His transfiguration and he makes the profound but simple statement that when the glory is shown again, he will take part in it.
A common theme throughout scripture is that of God as a shepherd. It is likely that one of the lines we all learned as young children is taken from Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd…”.
This word picture works so well because a shepherd leads and cares for the sheep. The sheep follow him because they have come to trust him. They recognize his voice. The shepherd makes sure they are safe and have good pasture. If one sheep is missing the shepherd will not rest until it is accounted for. He will not forsake one of his flock. The elders are encouraged to act as shepherds. They should lead and protect the flock of believers and feed them on the Word. If one of the flock appears lost, the elder should work to return it to the fold. Elders are also helpful protection against the attacks of Satan. A good elder serves his people and does not consider himself above others. He should wish to serve God and the flock that belongs only to God. We are told in 1st Timothy 5:17-18 that the elders deserve pay for the work done but that they should not do the work only for pay.
Peter warns that elders should not consider themselves bosses or rule over the people. The example of Jesus is best for them to follow as He taught that He came to serve, not be served. Elders are under His authority and after their work here is done, a crown is ready for them in glory. This crown, unlike crowns on earth, will never lose its beauty.
Younger believers should respect and obey the elder. Peter teaches that grace comes to those who are humble, not proud. The strong hand of God will lift them up and give them honor.
Verse 7 is so very simple and straightforward but is so very hard for even the most devout among us to practice. We are to give ALL our worries to God, because He cares for us. How many times do we come to this conclusion far later than we should? Matthew 6:25-34 teaches this lesson from the lips of Christ himself.
8 – 11:
“Be sober, be vigilant…”
Why? Because there is an adversary and a conflict in the life of each Christian. Just because we have given our worries to the Lord does not mean we can ignore the truth of the evil aspect of Satan toward us. In the days of persecution when Peter lived, Satan was seen as a roaring lion seeking those who he may devour. Remember the lion first seeks the weak but in his hunger will attack the strongest if necessary. In our day he remains this dangerous creature but he also disguises himself as an angel of light.
How easy and simple have our days of technology made the work of Satan. We provide him the very best tools with which to attack our minds and spirits with his pollution. Each believer must keep in mind that Satan cannot take our body, mind, will, or soul. He operates only under the permissive will of the Lord, and we must give him the key to our hearts as he places his evil temptations in our path. He who is in each of is stronger than he who is prince of this world.
These attacks are not everlasting. As we resist and are vigilant, grace will carry us to glory that will forever end all suffering that we may endure here. His power is our strength.
12 – 14:
In the final greetings, Peter tells that this letter was sent by Silvanus. It was the same Silvanus (Silas) who took the stripes and the prison at Phillipi and sang the songs of praise with Paul in the night of suffering. He knew what suffering for Jesus meant. He was a leader in the church at Jerusalem (Acts 15:22).
Greetings are also sent from others in the city of Babylon. This term was a coded term meaning Rome.
Peter also sends greetings from John Mark, whom he describes as his son, meaning his son in the spirit, not his biological son.
He also concludes by reminding all believers to greet each other with the kiss of Christian love. This greeting was observed for many centuries among the faithful. We see its reference many times in scripture (Romans 16:16 1 Cor 16:20 2 Cor 13:12 1 Thess 5:26).
Peter closes with words that still comfort us today:
“Peace be with you all in Christ Jesus, Amen”