1 Peter 5 (NIV)
To the Elders and the Flock
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
The apostle Peter who calls himself a “fellow elder”, does not command the elders he’s writing to, but strongly encourages them, to be good shepherds to God’s flock. He does not claim power to rule over all pastors and churches, but states that he is willing and able to care for and watch over them. Peter knows that it is God who calls those into leadership, not for personal gain but for God’s glory.
It was the unexpected honor of Peter and a few more, to be witnesses of Christ’s sufferings; but it is the privilege of all true Christians to partake of the glory that will be revealed.
The flock of God were the poor, dispersed, suffering Christians, redeemed to God by the great Shepherd, living in holy love and communion, according to the will of God.
Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd of the whole flock of God. Peter mentions that all faithful ministers will receive a crown of unfading glory, infinitely better and more honorable than all the authority, wealth, and pleasure of the world.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34) 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Peter instructs the younger Christians to submit to the elders, in humility towards one-another. Humility preserves peace and order in all Christian churches and societies; pride disturbs them. Where God gives us favor to be humble, he will also give wisdom, faith, and holiness to those who ask for it.
Peter urges them, to cast all their anxiety on God: all personal cares, family cares, cares for the present, and cares for the future, for yourselves, for others, for the church, all on to God.
These anxieties are and can be burdensome, and often very sinful, especially when they arise from unbelief and distrust, when they torture and distract the mind, or when they un-qualify us for duties, and hinder our ministry to God.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Peter relates satan to a roaring lion, always looking to devour whomever he can. The whole design of Satan is to devour and destroy souls. He is always , deliberately looking for someone whom he may ensnare into eternal ruin. Our duty plainly is, to be sober; to govern both the outward and the inward man. To be vigilant; suspicious of constant danger from this spiritual enemy, watchful and diligent to prevent his schemes. Peter says … resist him stand firm on your faith, and even though you may suffer for a little while, God will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
The consideration of what others suffer, is proper to encourage us to bear our share in any affliction; and in whatever form Satan assaults us, or by whatever means, we may know that our brethren experience the same.
Final Greetings
12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
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