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1 Peter 5

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‹ Chapter 4 1 Peter — All Chapters Chapter 6 ›

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER”

Chapter Five IN THIS CHAPTER

  1. To examine the duties of elders, in their role as shepherds (pastors) and overseers (bishops)

  2. To note the importance of submission and humility in our relation to elders, one another, and God

  3. To consider how we might best counter our adversary, the devil

  4. To glean how Peter sought to encourage his brethren in their suffering

SUMMARY The final chapter contains charges to elders and their respective flocks. As a fellow elder, Peter commands elders to shepherd the flock of God among them, serving as overseers. Doing so willingly and eagerly, they were to serve as examples to the flock. The younger members of the flock are then commanded to submit to their elders and to one another, with humility (1 Peter 5:1-5).

They were to also humble themselves under the mighty hand of God and cast their cares upon Him, trusting that He would exalt them in due time because He cares for them. Since their adversary the devil walks about like a lion seeking to devour them, they are to be sober and vigilant, resisting him steadfast in the faith. They can take courage in knowing that other brethren are likewise suffering (1 Peter 5:6-9).

The epistle draws to a close, first with a prayer that God will eventually perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle them. Mention is made of Silvanus, and Peter’s purpose in writing. Greetings are sent by “she who is in Babylon” and “Mark, my son”. Finally, a command to greet one another with a kiss of love is given, along with a prayer for peace to all who are in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 5:10-14).

OUTLINE I. THE DUTIES OF AND THE FLOCK (1 Peter 5:1-5) A. THE ELDERS’ DUTIES AS (1 Peter 5:1-4)1. As exhorted by a fellow elder a. A witness of the sufferings of Christ b. A partaker of the glory that will be revealed 2. To shepherd the flock of God among them a. Serving as overseers

  1. Not be compulsion but willingly
  2. Not for dishonest gain but eagerly
  3. Not as lords but as examples b. So when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will receive the unfading crown of glory

B. THE ’ DUTIES AS THE FLOCK (1 Peter 5:5)1. Submit yourselves a. To your elders b. To one another 3. Clothe yourselves with humility a. For God resists the proud b. For God gives grace to the humble

II. THE DUTIES TO GOD AND SATAN (1 Peter 5:6-9) A. DUTIES GOD (1 Peter 5:6-7)1. Humble yourselves under His mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time 2. Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you

B. DUTIES SATAN (1 Peter 5:8-9)1. Be sober and vigilant of your adversary a. The devil walks about like a roaring lion b. The devil seeks whom he may devour 2. Resist your adversary a. Remaining steadfast in the faith b. Knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by brethren in the world

III. REMARKS (1 Peter 5:10-14) A. CLOSING PRAYER (1 Peter 5:10-11)1. May the God of all grace perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you a. Who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus b. After you have suffered a while 2. To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen

B. CLOSING (1 Peter 5:12-14)1. Peter has written to them briefly a. By Silvanus, a faithful brother b. Exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which they stand 2. Greetings from: a. She who is in Babylon, elect together with you b. Mark, his son 3. Greet one another with a kiss of love 4. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen

REVIEW FOR THE CHAPTER

  1. What are the main points of this chapter?- The duties of shepherds and the flock (1 Peter 5:1-5)
  1. How does Peter identify himself as he exhorts the elders? (1 Peter 5:1)- As a fellow elder
  • As a witness of the sufferings of Christ
  • As a partaker of the glory that will be revealed

  1. What is the duty of the elders? (1 Peter 5:2)- To shepherd the flock of God among them

  2. How were they to serve as elders? (1 Peter 5:3-4)- As overseers

  • Not by compulsion, but willingly
  • Not for dishonest gain, but eagerly
  • Not as lords, but as examples to the flock

  1. What reward can elders look forward to when the Chief Shepherd appears? (1 Peter 5:5)- The crown of glory that does not fade away

  2. What twofold duty is enjoined upon those who are younger? (1 Peter 5:5)- To submit to the elders and to one another

  • To be clothed with humility
  1. What were they commanded to do in relation to God? (1 Peter 5:6-7)- Humble themselves under the mighty hand of God
  • Cast all their care upon Him
  1. Why were they to do this? (1 Peter 5:6-7)- That God might exalt them in due time
  • Because He cares for them

  1. Who is their adversary? What is he doing? (1 Peter 5:8)- The devil; walking about like a lion, seeking whom he may devour

  2. What should they do in regards to their adversary? (1 Peter 5:8-9)- Be sober, be vigilant

  • Resist him, steadfast in the faith
  1. What should encourage them in their suffering? (1 Peter 5:9-10)- Knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by their brethren in the world
  • That after they have suffered a while, God will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle them

  1. By whom has Peter penned this epistle? (1 Peter 5:12)- Silvanus, a faithful brother

  2. What has been Peter’s purpose in writing this epistle? (1 Peter 5:12)- To exhort and testify that this is the true grace of God in which they stand

  3. Who sends them greetings? (1 Peter 5:13)- She who is in Babylon, elect together with them

  • Mark, his son
  1. What final charge does Peter give? What final prayer? (1 Peter 5:14)- Greet one another with a kiss of love
  • Peace to all who are in Christ Jesus

1 Peter 5:1-4

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER”

Peter’s Exhortation To Elders (1 Peter 5:1-4)

  1. At all times, but especially during persecution, the people of God need good leadership

  2. In His Divine wisdom, the Lord saw fit to organize His church in such a way that the condition He witnessed during His earthly ministry (“like sheep having no shepherd” - Matthew 9:36) should not last for long

  3. His plan calls for local congregations to be overseen by qualified men, known as “elders”, and whose responsibilities were to “shepherd the flock of God”

  4. In our text (1 Peter 5:1-4), we read of such men, and Peter’s exhortation to them. In this lesson, we shall… a. Briefly summarize what is said about elders in the Lord’s church throughout the Scriptures b. Consider the exhortation given by Peter to the elders in 1Pe_5:-4 [We begin, therefore, with…]

I. A BRIEF SUMMARY ELDERS A. IN THE NEW CHURCH…1. Local congregations as soon as possible were organized under the leadership of elders - cf. Acts 14:232. In every example we have, there was a “plurality” of elders in each church, never just one elder - e.g., Acts 20:17; Acts 21:17-18 B. THE WORK OF ELDERS…1. Can be seen by the use of terms that are used interchangeably in the Scriptures a. Such terms as “elder, pastor, bishop, shepherd, overseer” b. That they refer to the same position is evident by their use in:

  1. Acts 20:17; Acts 20:28 – where elders are called “overseers” (bishops), and charged to “shepherd” (pastor) the church
  2. Titus 1:5-7 – where “elder” and “bishop” (overseer) are used together
  3. 1 Peter 5:1-2 – where “elders” are told to “shepherd” (pastor) the flock of God, serving as “overseers” (bishops)
  1. As “older men”, therefore, they are to watch over (bishop, overseer) the flock, and to tend (shepherd, pastor) the sheep

C. THE FOR ELDERS…1. With such an awesome responsibility to watch over and tend the flock of God, one can understand that it takes men with who are truly qualified 2. Two lists of qualifications for elders are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 D. OUR TO ELDERS…1. Is to recognize and respect them - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:17-202. To obey and be submissive when they lead scripturally - Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5 [Think of elders, then, as your “spiritual advisors”, as “shepherds”; who are to be mature, experienced Christian men charged by God to “watch out for your souls”!

With this brief summary fresh in our minds, let’s now consider…]

II. PETER’S TO ELDERS A. THE BASIS FOR THIS …1. As coming from one who is a fellow elder a. Peter could have “commanded” them, using his apostolic authority b. But practicing what he will preach in verse 3, Peter chose to “exhort” them as a “fellow elder” 2. As coming from one who is a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory that will be revealed a. He has certainly been an eyewitness of Christ’s suffering b. But he has also been a personal partaker of the suffering of Christ as described earlier in 1 Peter 4:13; cf. Acts 5:40-41c. And so will be a partaker of the same glory referred to later in verse 4 B. THE ITSELF…1. “Shepherd the flock of God"a. To tend (pastor) to the people of God; for this reason, elders must be…

  1. “able to teach” - 1 Timothy 3:22) “able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” - Titus 1:9b. As Paul told the elders of the church in Ephesus, this involves “taking heed” to themselves as well - cf. Acts 20:28-302. “which is among you"a. Their responsibility is for the sheep in the congregation where they serve b. Even as Paul told the Ephesian elders: “the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” - Acts 20:28c. The concept of one or more elders (bishops, pastors) over a plurality of churches is foreign to the New Testament
  1. “serving as overseers"a. Here the work of elders is summarized: to oversee the flock of God b. But notice that Peter calls such oversight as “serving” c. In keeping with what is said later, the role of elder is one of a servant, not a lord
  2. “not by constraint but willingly"a. A man cannot be appointed to serve against his will b. Indeed, there is nothing wrong with “desiring the position”
  • cf. 1 Timothy 3:1c. But the moment he loses the desire to serve willingly, he should step down, for he will not be able to serve as he ought
  1. “not for dishonest gain but eagerly"a. An elder may be financially supported for his work - cf. 1 Timothy 5:17-18b. But the motive for service is not to be money, but an eagerness to save souls!
  2. “nor as being lords over those entrusted to you"a. As implied before, the oversight is a position of service, not to be abused by assuming a dictatorial role b. A sobering thought is that elders are “entrusted” with the souls under their care, and they will be called to give an account! - Hebrews 13:177. “but being examples to the flock"a. Just as sheep are best led, and not driven, so it is with the people of God b. Qualified elders will have less problem getting people to follow them and submitting to their care c. When elders do not provide examples of spirituality, the flock is more likely to rebel against their leadership

C. TO HEED THIS …1. First, perhaps a subtle reminder that “elders” are also under authority… a. There is one who is “the Chief Shepherd” (Jesus) who will one day appear b. One to whom they will have to give an account - Hebrews 13:172. But more positively, a promise of recognition for faithful service… a. “you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” b. Like the “inheritance” reserved in heaven that “does not fade away” - cf. 1 Peter 1:4

  1. Those who serve well as elders are certainly worthy of “the crown of glory” that awaits them

  2. Hopefully, as we better understand the exhortation given by Peter, we will appreciate the work they do in the kingdom of God… a. We will “esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thessalonians 5:13) b. We will “obey”, and “be submissive”, so they can watch out for our souls “with joy and not with grief” (Hebrews 13:17)

In our next lesson, we shall consider Peter’s exhortations to those who are younger (1 Peter 5:5-9)…

1 Peter 5:2

1 Peter 5:21 Pe 5:2 ποιμανατεG4165 [G5657] τοG3588 THE ενG1722 AMONG υμινG5213 YOU ποιμνιονG4168 τουG3588 FLOCK θεουG2316 OF GOD, επισκοπουντεςG1983 [G5723] μηG3361 NOT αναγκαστωςG317 BY , αλλG235 BUT εκουσιωςG1596 ; μηδεG3366 NOT αισχροκερδωςG147 FOR BASE GAIN, αλλαG235 BUT προθυμωςG4290 READILY; . Feed: Son 1:8, Isaiah 40:11, Ezekiel 34:2, Ezekiel 34:3, Ezekiel 34:23, Micah 5:4, Micah 7:14, John 21:15-17, Acts 20:28 the flock: Isaiah 63:11, Jeremiah 13:17, Jeremiah 13:20, Ezekiel 34:31, Zechariah 11:17, Luke 12:32, 1 Corinthians 9:7 which is among you: or, as much as in you is, Psalms 78:71, Psalms 78:72, Acts 20:26, Acts 20:27 taking: Hebrews 12:15,*Gr. not by: Isaiah 6:8, 1 Corinthians 9:16, 1 Corinthians 9:17 not for: Isaiah 56:11, Jeremiah 6:13, Jeremiah 8:10, Micah 3:11, Malachi 1:10, Acts 20:33, Acts 20:34, 2 Corinthians 12:14, 2 Corinthians 12:15, 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Timothy 3:8, Titus 1:7, Titus 1:11, 2 Peter 2:3, Revelation 18:12, Revelation 18:13 of: Acts 21:13, Romans 1:15, Titus 2:14, Titus 3:1 Genesis 31:40 - General Numbers 3:51 - Moses Numbers 4:16 - the oversight Numbers 24:11 - the Lord Numbers 27:16 - set a man Deuteronomy 18:1 - shall have Deuteronomy 18:6 - and come with Judges 17:10 - I will give 1 Samuel 2:16 - I will take 1 Samuel 12:3 - whose ox 1 Kings 13:7 - I will give 2 Kings 5:20 - and take 2 Kings 12:6 - the priests 1 Chronicles 28:9 - a willing mind Nehemiah 6:12 - hired him Psalms 100:3 - we are his Proverbs 10:21 - feed Proverbs 27:23 - diligent Isaiah 23:17 - and she shall Jeremiah 3:15 - which shall Ezekiel 13:19 - for handfuls Ezekiel 34:4 - but with Ezekiel 44:28 - I am their inheritance Ezekiel 46:24 - General Amos 7:12 - eat Zechariah 9:16 - shall save Mark 6:30 - both John 10:12 - he that Romans 12:8 - ruleth 2 Corinthians 4:5 - we 2 Corinthians 8:3 - beyond Ephesians 5:3 - covetousness Philippians 1:15 - and Philippians 4:17 - because 1 Thessalonians 2:5 - a cloak 1 Thessalonians 5:12 - and are 1 Timothy 3:1 - bishop Philemon 1:14 - thy benefit Hebrews 13:17 - watch 1 Peter 5:4 - the Revelation 7:17 - feed1 Peter 5:2 Feed is from poimaino which Thayer defines, “ To feed, to tend a flock, keep sheep; to rule, gov­ern.” This is all logical, for if a shep­herd is to attend to the proper feeding and keeping of a flock, he should have the right to rule or govern it. Which is among you. The same word among is used that is used in the preceding verse in relation to the elders and the members. In other words, both the elders and the members under their rule must be among or in the midst of each other. These fundamental prin­ciples disprove a popular notion that a person can be a member of a con­gregation even though he is too far away to be among the elders and the other members.

The idea that a per­son can live in one community and “ have his membership” in another has no scriptural authority. If he is so far away or is otherwise so situated that he cannot attend the services of a congregation, then he cannot be con­sidered a member of it, and the elders can have no jurisdiction over him.

Taking the oversight is from a Greek word that means “ To look upon, inspect, oversee, look after, care for”— Thayer. It should be understood that the phrase applies to men who have been placed into the eldership accord­ing to the scriptural procedure that is shown in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Not by constraint. They should not have to be forced into the office but should accept it willingly. Not for filthy lucre- is translated “ not for base gain” by The Englishman’s Greek New Testament. This refers to the temporal support that was given to elders who devoted their time to the care of the congregation.

See the comments at 1 Timothy 5:17-18 where it is evidently shown that it is right to support an elder so he can give his entire atten­tion to the flock in spiritual matters. But our verse warns that a man should not use the office for the sake of his personal support.

He should have a ready mind which means he accepts the work because his mind is concerned for the spiritual welfare of the flock. Tend (poimanate). First aorist active imperative of poimainτ, old verb, from poimηn (shepherd) as in Luke 17:7. Jesus used this very word to Peter in the interview by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:16) and Peter doubtless has this fact in mind here. Paul used the word to the elders at Miletus (Acts 20:28). See 1 Peter 2:25 for the metaphor. ——————————————————————————– Flock (poimnion). Old word, likewise from poimηn, contraction of poimenion (Luke 12:32). ——————————————————————————– Exercising the oversight (episkopountes).

Present active participle of episkopeτ, old word (in Hebrews 12:15 alone in N.T.), omitted here by Aleph B. ——————————————————————————– Not by constraint (mη anagkastτs). Negative mη because of the imperative. Old adverb from verbal adjective anagkastos, here alone in N.T. ——————————————————————————– But willingly (alla hekousiτs). By contrast. Old adverb, in N.T. only here and Hebrews 10:26. ——————————————————————————– Nor yet for filthy lucre (mηde aischrokerdτs). A compound adverb not found elsewhere, but the old adjective aischrokerdηs is in 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:7.

See also Titus 1:11 “for the sake of filthy lucre” (aischrou kerdous charin). Clearly the elders received stipends, else there could be no such temptation. ——————————————————————————– But of a ready mind (alla prothumτs). Old adverb from prothumos (Matthew 26:41), here only in N.T.

1 Peter 5:3

1 Peter 5:31 Pe 5:3 μηδG3366 NOT ωςG5613 AS κατακυριευοντεςG2634 [G5723] τωνG3588 OVER “YOUR” κληρωνG2819 , αλλαG235 BUT τυποιG5179 γινομενοιG1096 [G5740] BEING τουG3588 OF THE ποιμνιουG4168 FLOCK. . as: Ezekiel 34:4, Matthew 20:25, Matthew 20:26, Matthew 23:8-10, Mark 10:42-45, Luke 22:24-27, 1 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 3:9, 2 Corinthians 1:24, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 3 John 1:9, 3 John 1:10 being lords over: or, over-ruling heritage: 1 Peter 2:9, Deuteronomy 32:9, Psalms 33:12, Psalms 74:2, Micah 7:14, Acts 20:28 but: 1 Corinthians 11:11, Philippians 3:17, Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:9, 1 Timothy 4:12, Titus 2:7 Numbers 24:11 - the Lord Judges 7:17 - General Judges 8:23 - I will 1 Samuel 2:16 - I will take Psalms 68:10 - Thy congregation Psalms 86:2 - Preserve Ezekiel 2:8 - Be Ezekiel 34:31 - ye my Matthew 24:49 - to smite Mark 6:30 - both Mark 9:34 - they had Luke 9:48 - he that Luke 22:26 - General John 10:4 - he goeth Romans 12:8 - ruleth Romans 12:16 - Mind 1 Corinthians 4:16 - General 1 Thessalonians 1:7 - ensamples 1 Thessalonians 2:10 - how 1 Thessalonians 5:12 - and are 2 Thessalonians 3:7 - how Philemon 1:14 - without Hebrews 13:17 - watch James 3:1 - be Revelation 3:11 - thy1 Peter 5:3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage. There have been elders dealt with on the charge that they “lorded it over God’s heritage,” using this statement as the basis for the ac­tion. Such an action is a misuse of the passage even though it had been properly translated, which it had not, and further because it entirely leaves out the very point the writer is mak­ing. One meaning of lord is “ ruler,” and 1 Timothy 3:5: 5: 17; Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:17 shows that elders are to rule. Therefore the elders are to be lords over God’ s heritage. Peter is not ob­jecting to the manner of anyone’s rule itself, but to the motive some might have who rule.

The men who wrote the Authorized Version knew there was no original word in this passage for the name of God, hence they put it in italics. And because they mis­understood the main point the apostle was making they erred in the render­ing of the original.

Heritage is possessive and in the 2nd person as the inflection denotes. The passage, therefore, should have been rendered as follows: “Not as being lords over your own heritage.” The Englishman’ s Greek New Testament renders it, “Not as exercising lordship over your pos­sessions.” The manner of the ruling is not the subject, but the motive or attitude of the rulers. If a man con­siders the church as his own, then he is indeed likely to rule in an improper manner. And so if an elder will keep in mind that the heritage or church is not his own, he will not have the incentive to bear the wrong kind of rule, which is the point the apostle is making. The wording of the passage as we have it in the King James Version not only inserts a word (the name of God) not authorized by the original, and also erroneously renders the word for heritage, but gives a thought that is positively contrary to that of the apostle. Being examples to the flock.

If an elder wiil back up his instructions with his own example of right living his word will have more weight with the members of the flock. Such elders will win the respect of the members so that they will be led “to esteem them very highly in love for their work’ s sake” (1 Thessalonians 5:13). Lording it over (katakurieuontes). Present active participle of katakurieuτ, late compound (kata, kurios) as in Matthew 20:25. ——————————————————————————– The charge allotted to you (tτn klηrτn). “The charges,” “the lots” or “the allotments.” See it in Acts 1:17; Acts 1:25 in this sense. The old word meant a die (Matthew 27:25), a portion (Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 1:4), here the charges assigned (cf. Acts 17:4). From the adjective klηrikos come our cleric, clerical, clerk. Wycliff translated it here “neither as having lordship in the clergie.” ——————————————————————————– Making yourselves ensamples (tupoi ginomenoi).

Present active participle of ginomai and predicate nominative tupoi (types, models) for which phrase see 1 Thessalonians 1:7. Continually becoming. See 1 Peter 2:21 for hupogrammos (writing-copy). ——————————————————————————– To the flock (tou poimniou). Objective genitive.

1 Peter 5:4

1 Peter 5:41 Pe 5:4 καιG2532 AND φανερωθεντοςG5319 [G5685] HAVING BEEN τουG3588 THE αρχιποιμενοςG750 CHIEF , κομιεισθεG2865 [G5695] YE SHALL RECEIVE τονG3588 THE αμαραντινονG262 τηςG3588 δοξηςG1391 OF GLORY στεφανονG4735 CROWN. . the: 1 Peter 5:2, 1 Peter 2:25, Psalms 23:1, Isaiah 40:11, Ezekiel 34:23, Ezekiel 37:24, Zechariah 13:7, John 10:11, Hebrews 13:20 appear: Matthew 25:31-46, Colossians 3:3, Colossians 3:4, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, 1 John 3:2, Revelation 1:7, Revelation 20:11, Revelation 20:12 a crown: 1 Peter 1:4, Daniel 12:3, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 3:11 Psalms 80:1 - O Shepherd Psalms 91:15 - honour Psalms 103:4 - crowneth Proverbs 4:9 - a crown Proverbs 14:18 - the prudent Ecclesiastes 12:11 - given Isaiah 28:5 - shall the Ezekiel 48:11 - charge Matthew 5:19 - great Matthew 6:20 - General Matthew 24:47 - That Luke 9:48 - he that Luke 19:17 - Well Luke 22:29 - General John 10:2 - the shepherd John 10:16 - one shepherd Romans 2:10 - glory 1 Corinthians 1:7 - coming 1 Corinthians 3:8 - and every 1 Corinthians 3:14 - General 1 Corinthians 4:5 - praise 1 Thessalonians 2:19 - crown 2 Timothy 2:5 - is he 2 Timothy 4:1 - at James 1:11 - so 1 Peter 1:8 - full 1 Peter 5:1 - a partaker 1 John 2:28 - when1 Peter 5:4 The writer continues the subject of a shepherd and his flock. Chief Shepherd is Christ who calls himself the “good shepherd” in John 10:11. When He is included in the parable it represents the elders of congregations as shepherds who are acting on behalf of the Chief who owns all of the groups of sheep wliere- ever they may be in the world. If these under shepherds perform their work faithfully they will be rewarded when the chief Shepherd appeals. Fadeth not away. The phrase is used in contrast with the crowns bestowed by men; being composed of material substances they soon fade and lose their glory or beauty. When the chief Shepherd shall be manifested (phanerτthentos tou archipoimenos). Genitive absolute with first aorist passive participle of phaneroτ, to manifest, and genitive of archipoimηn, a compound (archi, poimηn) after analogy of archiereus, here only in N.T., but in Testam. of Twelve Patrs. (Jude 1:8) and on a piece of wood around an Egyptian mummy and also on a papyrus A.D. 338 (Deissmann, Light, etc., p. 100). See Hebrews 13:20 for ho poimηn ho megas (the Shepherd the great). ——————————————————————————– Ye shall receive (komieisthe). Future of komizτ (1 Peter 1:9, which see). ——————————————————————————– The crown of glory that fadeth not away (ton amarantinon tηs doxηs stephanon). For “crown” (stephanos) see James 1:12; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 4:4. In the Gospels it is used only of the crown of thorns, but Jesus is crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9).

In all these passages it is the crown of victory as it is here. See 1 Peter 1:4 for amarantos, unfading. Amarantinos is made from that word as the name of a flower amaranth (so called because it never withers and revives if moistened with water and so used as a symbol of immortality), “composed of amaranth” or “amarantine,” “the amarantine (unfading) crown of glory.”

1 Peter 5:5-9

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER”

Peter’s Exhortation To The Young (1 Peter 5:5-9)

  1. In this fifth and final chapter, we find Peter concluding with a series of exhortations… a. In our last lesson, we saw that he first directed his remarks toward “elders” - 1 Peter 5:1-4b. Now, in 1 Peter 5:5-9, the exhortation is geared toward “younger people”, though much of it certainly applies to all Christians

  2. The gist of his remarks reflect themes mentioned previously in his epistle, but Peter was one who understood the value of repetition and reminding - cf. 2 Peter 1:12-15 [The first exhortation, therefore, is one we have seen stressed throughout 1st Peter…]

I. SUBMIT (1 Peter 5:5) A. PETER HAD ALREADY UPON…1. Christians in general, to government authorities - 1 Peter 2:13-142. Christian slaves, to their masters - 1 Peter 2:183. Christian wives, to their husbands - 1 Peter 3:1 B. NOW HE ENJOINS UPON…1. Younger Christians, to their elders - 1 Peter 5:5 aa. This may be a reference to those “elders” described in verses 1-4b. Or it may refer to all older Christians 2. Christians in general, to one another - 1 Peter 5:5 b; cf. Ephesians 5:21 C. …1. The word in Greek is hupotasso
2. Various shades of meaning include: a. to arrange under, to subordinate b. to subject, put in subjection c. to subject one’s self, obey d. to submit to one’s control e. to yield to one’s admonition or advice f. to obey, be subject 3. It was also a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader” 4. In non-military use, it is “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”

[The quality of submission goes a long way towards preserving unity and peace in churches, especially when all are submissive to one another.

Yet true submission comes only if we heed Peter’s next exhortation…]

II. BE CLOTHED WITH (1 Peter 5:5-7) A. …1. The word Peter uses is tapeinophrosune
2. It means to have a humble opinion of one’s self; lowliness of mind 3. It is an important quality of that which makes up “the mind of Christ” - cf. Philippians 2:3-5 B. THE NEED FOR …1. Not only to preserve peace and unity in our relationships with one another 2. But also to preserve a proper relationship with God… a. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” b. A quotation based upon Proverbs 3:34, and quoted also by James in James 4:6c. A person with a humble spirit is highly esteemed by God

C. PETER’S CHARGE IS TO…1. “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God” - 1 Peter 5:6a. That is, to submit to His providential workings in our lives b. Even if it means enduring persecution, as was the case in Peter’s day! 2. “cast all your care upon Him” - 1 Peter 5:7a. Don’t fret or worry about things over which you have no control b. Let your Heavenly Father worry about such things c. Even as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:31-34 D. THE REWARDS OF HUMBLE SERVICE…1. God will give grace (show unmerited favor) to the humble - 1 Peter 5:52. He will exalt the humble in due time - 1 Peter 5:6 [When the time is right, then, God will exalt His people who place their faith and trust in Him, by humbly submitting to His Will and to one another.

In the meantime, lest Satan cheat us of our reward, Peter enjoins us to…]

III. WATCH OUT FOR THE DEVIL! (1 Peter 5:8-9) A. WE HAVE AN “”…1. He is called the “devil” a. The Greek word is diabolos
b. Meaning “one prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely” 2. Peter’s describes him as a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” a. What bearing does this verse have on the doctrine of “once saved, always saved”? b. If such a doctrine is true…

  1. Why does Peter bother to warn Christians who cannot be “devoured”?
  2. Why does Satan bother to seek out those whom he cannot “devour”?
  3. Indeed, why ANY warnings (and they are legion) to Christians? - e.g., Hebrews 3:12-15c. Because there IS a very real danger of apostasy, we have such warnings!

B. TO DEFEAT THE “”…1. We need to be serious (“be sober”), and watchful (“be vigilant”) - 1 Peter 5:8 a; cf. Luke 21:34-362. We need to resist the devil - 1 Peter 5:9 a; cf. James 4:73. We need to remain steadfast in the faith - 1 Peter 5:9 b; cf. Colossians 1:21-234. It helps to realize that we are not alone in our struggle - 1 Peter 5:9 c; cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13

  1. Why God allows such struggle will be more apparent when we consider Peter’s “benediction” in verse 10, but we will save that for the next and final lesson in this series

  2. While Peter’s exhortations in verses 5-9 certainly apply to all Christians, they have special value to those who are “younger” a. They are often the most tested by our adversary, the devil b. They have not had the time or experience to learn the value of such virtues as “submission”, “humility”, and “watchfulness”

  3. But for those who are willing to listen, both young and old, heeding the exhortations of Peter can ensure that we will… a. Receive the grace we need to withstand and overcome the devil b. In due time be exalted by God Himself!

1 Peter 5:6

1 Peter 5:61 Pe 5:6 ταπεινωθητεG5013 [G5682] BE HUMBLED ουνG3767 υποG5259 UNDER τηνG3588 THE κραταιανG2900 MIGHTY χειραG5495 τουG3588 HAND θεουG2316 OF GOD, ιναG2443 THAT υμαςG5209 YOU υψωσηG5312 [G5661] HE MAY EXALT ενG1722 IN " DUE " καιρωG2540 TIME; . Humble: Exodus 10:3, Leviticus 26:41, 1 Kings 21:29, 2 Kings 22:19, 2 Chronicles 12:6, 2 Chronicles 12:7, 2 Chronicles 12:12, 2 Chronicles 30:11, 2 Chronicles 32:26, 2 Chronicles 33:12, 2 Chronicles 33:19, 2 Chronicles 33:23, 2 Chronicles 36:12, Proverbs 29:23, Isaiah 2:11, Isaiah 57:15, Jeremiah 13:18, Jeremiah 44:10, Daniel 5:22, Micah 6:8, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14, James 4:10, James 5:10 the: Exodus 3:19, Exodus 32:11, Psalms 89:13, 1 Corinthians 10:22 that: Job 36:22, Psalms 75:10, Psalms 89:16, Psalms 89:17, Isaiah 40:4, Ezekiel 17:21, Ezekiel 21:6, Matthew 23:12, Luke 1:52, James 1:9, James 1:10 in: Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 5:6, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 1:3 Genesis 16:9 - submit Deuteronomy 4:34 - by a mighty Deuteronomy 8:2 - to humble Rth 2:7 - I pray 1 Samuel 3:18 - It is the Lord 2 Samuel 6:22 - in mine 2 Samuel 22:28 - but thine 2 Chronicles 32:25 - his heart Job 1:20 - fell Job 30:21 - thy strong hand Job 40:11 - behold Psalms 37:34 - exalt Psalms 101:5 - an high Psalms 138:6 - Though Psalms 147:6 - lifteth up Proverbs 31:25 - Strength Ecclesiastes 7:8 - the patient Isaiah 39:8 - Good Daniel 4:37 - those that walk Matthew 25:37 - when Matthew 26:33 - yet Mark 10:43 - whosoever Luke 9:48 - he that Luke 15:19 - make Luke 17:10 - General Luke 22:24 - General Romans 11:20 - Be Ephesians 3:8 - who Amos 1 Timothy 5:1 - entreat Hebrews 12:9 - shall we not 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves. When it is said that God gives grace to the humble (preceding verse), it means those who become such of their own accord. The proud will finally be made humble by the Lord (Matthew 23:12), but such humility will bring only shame to the victim. The exaltation that is promised to the ones who will­ingly become humble is to come in due time, which means at the judgment day. Be subject (hopotagηte). Second aorist passive imperative of hupotassτ. ——————————————————————————- Unto the elder (presbuterois). Dative case. Here the antithesis between younger and elder shows that the word refers to age, not to office as in 1 Peter 5:1. See a like change in meaning in 1 Timothy 5:1; 1 Timothy 5:17. ——————————————————————————- All (pantes). All ages, sexes, classes. ——————————————————————————- Gird yourselves with humility (tηn tapeinophrosunηn egkombτsasthe).

First aorist middle imperative of egkomboomai, late and rare verb (in Apollodorus, fourth cent. B.C.), here only in N.T., from en and kombos (knot, like the knot of a girdle). Egkombτma was the white scarf or apron of slaves. It is quite probable that Peter here is thinking of what Jesus did (John 13:4 ff.) when he girded himself with a towel and taught the disciples, Peter in particular (John 13:9 ff.), the lesson of humility (John 13:15). Peter had at last learned the lesson (John 21:15-19). ——————————————————————————- The proud (huperηphanois). Dative plural of huperηphanos (James 4:6; Romans 1:30) after antitassetai (present middle indicative of antitassτ as in James 4:6 (quoted there as here from Proverbs 3:34).

1 Peter 5:7

1 Peter 5:71 Pe 5:7 πασανG3956 ALL τηνG3588 μεριμνανG3308 υμωνG5216 YOUR CARE επιρριψαντεςG1977 [G5660] HAVING CAST επG1909 UPON αυτονG846 HIM, οτιG3754 BECAUSE αυτωG846 WITH HIM μελειG3199 [G5904] THERE IS CARE περιG4012 ABOUT υμωνG5216 YOU. . Casting: 1 Samuel 1:10-18, 1 Samuel 30:6, Psalms 27:13, Psalms 27:14, Psalms 37:5, Psalms 55:22, Psalms 56:3, Psalms 56:4, Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:34, Luke 12:11, Luke 12:12, Luke 12:22, Philippians 4:6, Hebrews 13:5, Hebrews 13:6 for: Psalms 34:15, Psalms 142:4, Psalms 142:5, Matthew 6:26, Matthew 6:33, Mark 4:38, Luke 12:30-32, John 10:13 Psalms 10:14 - the poor Psalms 39:6 - surely Psalms 40:17 - the Lord Proverbs 16:3 - thy works Ecclesiastes 2:22 - and of the Isaiah 50:10 - let Amos 6:1 - to them Matthew 6:31 - What shall we eat Luke 12:26 - why John 18:8 - let 1 Corinthians 7:21 - care1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him means upon God, for the preced­ing verse says He is the one who will exalt the humble. Not that we are to be thoughtless about the stern reali­ties of life, for the next verse will contradict that. It means that we should believe that our interests are His interests and that we should not always be fretting about the future. Jesus taught that we should not be overanxious about the morrow (Matthew 6:25-34), and our present verse declares that he careth for you. Then let us go on our pilgrim journey with abiding faith in Him who holds the universe in the hollow of his hand. Casting (epiripsantes). First aorist active participle of epiriptτ, old verb, to throw upon, in N.T. only here and Luke 19:35 (casting their clothes on the colt), here from Psalms 55:22. For merimna see Matthew 6:25; Matthew 6:31; Matthew 6:34. ——————————————————————————– He careth (autτi melei). Impersonal verb melei (present active indicative) with dative autτi, “it is a care to him.” God does care (Luke 21:18).

1 Peter 5:8

1 Peter 5:81 Pe 5:8 νηψατεG3525 [G5657] BE SOBER, γρηγορησατεG1127 [G5657] WATCH, οτιG3754 οG3588 BECAUSE αντιδικοςG476 υμωνG5216 YOUR “THE” διαβολοςG1228 DEVIL, ωςG5613 AS λεωνG3023 A LION ωρυομενοςG5612 [G5740] ROARING, περιπατειG4043 [G5719] GOES ABOUT, ζητωνG2212 [G5723] SEEKING τιναG5101 WHOM καταπιηG2666 [G5632] HE MAY SWALLOW UP. . sober: 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:7, Matthew 24:48-50, Luke 12:45, Luke 12:46, Luke 21:34, Luke 21:36, Romans 13:11-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, 1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Timothy 2:15, 1 Timothy 3:2, 1 Timothy 3:11, Titus 1:8, Titus 2:2, Titus 2:4, Titus 2:6, Titus 2:12 your: Esther 7:6, Job 1:6, Job 2:2, Psalms 109:6, *marg. Isaiah 50:8, Zechariah 3:1, Luke 22:31 the devil: Matthew 4:1, Matthew 4:11, Matthew 13:39, Matthew 25:41, John 8:44, Ephesians 4:27, Ephesians 6:11, James 4:7, 1 John 3:8-10, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20:2, Revelation 20:10 as: Judges 14:5, Psalms 104:21, Proverbs 19:12, Proverbs 20:2, Isaiah 5:29, Isaiah 5:30, Isaiah 14:12, Isaiah 14:13, Jeremiah 2:15, Jeremiah 51:38, Ezekiel 19:7, Hosea 11:10, Joe 3:16, Amos 1:2, Amos 3:4, Amos 3:8, Zechariah 11:3, 2 Timothy 4:17, Revelation 12:12 walketh: Job 1:7, Job 2:2 devour: Ezekiel 22:25, Daniel 6:24, Hosea 13:8 Nehemiah 4:9 - set a watch Psalms 7:2 - like Psalms 17:4 - destroyer Psalms 17:12 - Like Psalms 22:13 - as a Psalms 22:21 - me from Proverbs 28:15 - a roaring Isaiah 21:8 - General Matthew 6:13 - lead Matthew 12:43 - he Matthew 13:25 - enemy Matthew 24:42 - Watch Matthew 25:5 - they Matthew 25:13 - General Matthew 26:41 - Watch Mark 4:15 - Satan Mark 5:12 - General Mark 9:20 - the spirit Mark 13:33 - General Mark 14:34 - and watch Mark 14:38 - Watch Luke 8:33 - the herd Luke 9:39 - lo Luke 11:24 - he walketh Luke 12:41 - Lord Luke 22:32 - strengthen Luke 22:40 - Pray Acts 5:3 - why Acts 10:38 - who Romans 8:38 - nor Romans 12:3 - soberly 1 Corinthians 10:13 - hath 1 Corinthians 16:13 - Watch 2 Corinthians 1:24 - for 2 Corinthians 2:11 - General Ephesians 6:16 - the shield Hebrews 11:33 - stopped 1 Peter 4:18 - if 1 John 2:13 - because Revelation 2:10 - the devil Revelation 3:2 - watchful Revelation 12:4 - the dragon Revelation 12:17 - the dragon Revelation 13:2 - and his mouth 1 Peter 5:8 To be sober means to be serious minded and vigilant denotes that the one is watchful— is on his guard, and the reason for this exhor­tation is next stated. The English word devil in the King James Ver­sion comes from the Greek words which are wabot.os and daimoxiox. The first refers to Satan the chief of devils, the second is a name for the evil spirits in Hades or the unseen world. The reader should see the extended de­scription of these evil spirits or de­mons, at Matthew 8:28-29 in the first volume of the New Testament Commentary. The word in our verse is from the first Greek word and means Satan or the devil.

We know that Satan does not literally walk about among men. for he does not have a material or visible body and hence could not be seen by human eyes. Yet Peter exhorts the disciples to be vigi­lant which means watchful.

But it would be useless to be on the lookout for a being whom no one can See. Matthew 25:41 speaks of the devil and his angels. The last word means mes­sengers of any kind, so that any being who carries messages or has communi­cation on behalf of Satan may be said to be one of his angels. We know the Bible teaches that he has various agencies among mankind who are working for him. Roaring lion is said because a lion roars when he is hungry and prowling around looking for food. Be watchful (grηgorηsate). First aorist active imperative of grηgoreτ, late present imperative from perfect egrηgora (to be awake) from egeirτ (to arouse), as in Matthew 24:42. For nηpsate see 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 4:7. ——————————————————————————– Your adversary (ho antidikos humτn). Old word for opponent in a lawsuit (Matthew 5:25). ——————————————————————————– The devil (diabolos). Slanderer. See note on Matthew 4:1. ——————————————————————————– As a roaring lion (hτs τruomenos leτn).

But Jesus is also pictured as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). But Satan roars at the saints. Present middle participle τruomai, old verb, here only in N.T., to howl like a wolf, dog, or lion, of men to sing loud (Pindar). See Psalms 22:13. ——————————————————————————– Whom he may devour (katapiein). Second aorist active infinitive of katapinτ, to drink down. B does not have tina, Aleph has tina (somebody), “to devour some one,” while A has interrogative tina, “whom he may devour” (very rare idiom).

But the devil’s purpose is the ruin of men. He is a “peripatetic” (peripatei) like the peripatetic philosophers who walked as they talked. Satan wants all of us and sifts us all (Luke 22:31).

1 Peter 5:9

1 Peter 5:91 Pe 5:9 ωG3739 WHOM αντιστητεG436 [G5628] RESIST, στερεοιG4731 τηG3588 FIRM πιστειG4102 IN FAITH, ειδοτεςG1492 [G5761] KNOWING ταG3588 THE αυταG846 τωνG3588 SAME παθηματωνG3804 τηG3588 WHICH “IS” ενG1722 IN “THE” κοσμωG2889 WORLD υμωνG5216 αδελφοτητιG81 IN YOUR επιτελεισθαιG2005 [G5745] ARE BEING . . resist: Luke 4:3-12, Ephesians 4:27, Ephesians 6:11-13, James 4:7 stedfast: Luke 22:32, Ephesians 6:16, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 11:33 the same: 1 Peter 1:6, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 4:13, John 16:33, Acts 14:22, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Thessalonians 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:16, 1 Thessalonians 3:3, 2 Timothy 3:12, Revelation 1:9, Revelation 6:11, Revelation 7:14 Matthew 4:10 - Get Luke 4:8 - Get Luke 22:38 - It Luke 22:40 - Pray Romans 11:20 - and 2 Corinthians 1:24 - for 2 Corinthians 5:7 - General 2 Corinthians 13:5 - in the faith Colossians 2:5 - and the Hebrews 12:8 - General 1 Peter 4:12 - as 2 Peter 3:17 - from 1 John 2:13 - because1 Peter 5:9 This verse will throw more light on the preceding one. The pro­noun whom refers to the devil, and Christians are exhorted to resist hirti. Then in direct connection with the subject they are told that their breth­ren have been experiencing the same afflictions. This makes it plain that when Christians are tempted and per­secuted by evil men, as these disciples had been, the apostle would say it is the work of the devil, and in that way he goes about like a roaring (ravenous) lion. The reference to your brethren is for the purpose of encour­aging them in their conflicts with the enemy. When they know that these afflictions are accomplished (endured to the end) by their brethren in Christ elsewhere, they may conclude they can do the same since what one can do (under Christ) another can accom­plish by endurance. Whom withstand (hτi antistηte). Imperative second aorist active (intransitive) of anthistηmi; same form in James 4:7, which see. Dative case of relative (hτi). For the imperative in a subordinate clause see 1 Peter 5:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; 2 Timothy 4:15; Hebrews 13:7. Cowardice never wins against the devil (2 Timothy 1:7), but only courage. ——————————————————————————– Steadfast in your faith (stereoi tηi pistei). Locative case pistei.

Stereos is old adjective for solid like a foundation (2 Timothy 2:19). ——————————————————————————– The same sufferings (ta auta tτn pathηmatτn). An unusual construction with the genitive rather than the usual ta auta pathηmata, perhaps as Hofmann suggests, “the same tax of sufferings” (“the same things in sufferings”). Probably this is correct and is like Xenophon’s phrase in the Memorabilia (IV. 8. 8), ta tou gηrτs epiteleisthai (to pay the tax of old age). ——————————————————————————– Are accomplished (epiteleisthai). Present (and so process) middle (you are paying) or passive (is paid) infinitive of epiteleτ, old verb, to accomplish (2 Corinthians 7:1). ——————————————————————————– In your brethren who are in the world (tηi en tτi kosmτi humτn adelphotηti). Associate-instrumental case adelphotηti (in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 2:17, which see) after ta auta (like 1 Corinthians 11:5) or dative after epiteleisthai. Even so eidotes (second perfect active participle of oida) with an infinitive usually means “knowing how to” (object infinitive) as in Luke 12:56; Philippians 3:18 rather than “knowing that” (indirect assertion) as taken above.

1 Peter 5:10-14

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER”

Be Hopeful! (1 Peter 5:10-14)

  1. In an epistle written to Christians undergoing severe persecution, Peter chooses to close on a positive note - 1 Peter 5:10-14

  2. For no matter how terrible the “fiery trials” may become, Christians can always have “hope”!

  3. In these last few verses of this epistle, Peter offers… a. A benediction (1 Peter 5:10) b. A doxology (1 Peter 5:11) c. A summary (1 Peter 5:12) d. A few words of greeting (1 Peter 5:13) e. A final command to love one another (1 Peter 5:14 a) f. A final prayer for peace (1 Peter 5:14 b)

[Throughout this “collage” of concluding remarks, we find several reasons why Christians can always “Be Hopeful”, even in the midst of terrible trials.

For example, we are reminded of the fact that…]

I. WE HAVE GOD’S GRACE A. GOD IS “THE GOD OF ALL GRACE” (1 Peter 5:10)1. Indeed, His grace is “manifold” - 1 Peter 4:102. Just as His gifts are varied, so He provides whatever we need in any circumstance - cf. Hebrews 4:16 B. WE STAND IN “THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD” (1 Peter 5:12)1. Our salvation is because of His grace - cf. 1 Peter 1:102. Those who are saved have “tasted that the Lord is gracious”

  • 1 Peter 2:3 [With the knowledge that by remaining faithful to Christ we “stand in the true grace of God”, we can take comfort knowing that the “God of all grace” will be with us all the way.

Which leads to another comforting thought…]

II. WE ARE GOING TO GLORY A. GOD HAS “CALLED US TO HIS ETERNAL GLORY” (1 Peter 5:10)1. This is the purpose of our calling, to receive the glory that awaits us 2. That glory involves the “inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” - 1 Peter 1:4 B. THE ROAD TO GLORY MAY INVOLVE , BUT…1. It is no different than what Jesus experienced - cf. Luke 24:262. And we can look forward to participating in His glory, if we are willing to suffer with Him - cf. 1 Peter 4:13-14 [Knowing what lies ahead for those persevere can help us remain steadfast in the faith. So can knowing that…]

III. OUR IS A. IT IS ONLY FOR “A WHILE” (1 Peter 5:10)1. Earlier, Peter had said “a little while” - 1 Peter 1:62. By their very nature, physical sufferings cannot last forever

B. NOTE THE BETWEEN AND GLORY…1. Suffering is for “a while”, glory is “eternal” 2. Is not the “glory” worth the “suffering”? 3. The apostle Paul thought so - cf. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 [But not only can we remain hopeful knowing that suffering is temporary to be replaced by glory that is eternal, in the meantime we can take consolation in knowing that…]

IV. WITH COMES (1 Peter 5:10) A. GOD WILL “PERFECT”…1. The word used by Peter means “to equip, to adjust, to fit together” 2. God “perfects” His people using several tools… a. One is the Word of God - cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17b. Gifts were given to the church toward the same end - cf. Ephesians 4:11-163. And suffering is certainly another tool

  1. Christians need to be steadfast in the faith - cf. 1 Peter 5:9; 2 Peter 3:173. Through persecution often comes steadfastness, for the one who has endured suffering for the cause of Christ is not likely to led away from the truth

C. GOD WILL “”…1. Make one stronger 2. Which is a normal consequence of enduring trial

D. GOD WILL “SETTLE”…1. That is, “to lay a foundation” 2. The Lord would have us to be solid, like that house built on a rock - cf. Matthew 7:24-27

  1. Peter is confident that for those who remain faithful in suffering, God will bless them in the four ways listed in verse 10

  2. We too can have confidence, knowing that… a. We have God’s grace b. We are going to glory c. Our suffering is only temporary d. With suffering comes blessing

  3. It is with such confidence that Peter closes with: a. A collection of greetings, from…

  1. “Silvanus” - Silas, a traveling companion of Paul
  2. “She who is in Babylon, elect together with you” - likely a congregation… a) Either in literal Babylon, located in modern day Iraq b) Or in figurative Babylon, which could be a reference to either Rome or Jerusalem
  3. “Mark my son” - John Mark, nephew of Barnabas, and author of the gospel of Mark b. An exhortation to love: “Greet one another with a kiss of love” c. And a prayer for peace: “Peace to all who are in Christ Jesus”

May the example of Peter’s confidence and hope, as well as his actual teaching found throughout this epistle, serve to help us remain full of hope during our sojourn as pilgrims of God!

“To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 5:11

1 Peter 5:11

1 Peter 5:111 Pe 5:11 αυτωG846 TO HIM “BE” ηG3588 THE δοξαG1391 GLORY καιG2532 AND τοG3588 THE κρατοςG2904 MIGHT, ειςG1519 TO τουςG3588 THE αιωναςG165 AGES τωνG3588 OF THE αιωνωνG165 AGES. αμηνG281 AMEN. . 1 Peter 4:11, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:13 Psalms 96:7 - glory Psalms 104:31 - The glory Romans 11:36 - to whom Romans 16:27 - God Galatians 1:5 - whom Ephesians 3:21 - be 1 Timothy 1:17 - be 2 Timothy 4:18 - to whom Hebrews 13:21 - to whom 2 Peter 3:18 - To him 1 Peter 5:11 The antecedent of him is the “God of all grace” in the preced­ing verse. Glory means honor and re­spect, and dominion has the idea of authority and rulership. Peter ascribes these qualities to God and declares they are to belong to Him for ever. For the meaning of amen see the com­ments at Romans 16:24 in the first volume of the New Testament Com­mentary. To him (autτi). To God (dative case). Note kratos in the doxology as in 1 Timothy 6:16 and briefer than the doxology in 1 Peter 4:11, to Christ.

1 Peter 5:12

1 Peter 5:121 Pe 5:12 διαG1223 BY σιλουανουG4610 , υμινG5213 TO YOU τουG3588 THE πιστουG4103 αδελφουG80 BROTHER, ωςG5613 AS λογιζομαιG3049 [G5736] I RECKON, διG1223 ολιγωνG3641 BRIEFLY εγραψαG1125 [G5656] I WROTE, παρακαλωνG3870 [G5723] καιG2532 AND επιμαρτυρωνG1957 [G5723] ταυτηνG3778 THIS ειναιG1511 [G5750] TO BE “THE” αληθηG227 TRUE χαρινG5485 τουG3588 GRACE θεουG2316 OF GOD, ειςG1519 IN ηνG3739 WHICH εστηκατεG2476 [G5758] YE STAND. . Silvanus: 2 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:1 a faithful: Ephesians 6:21, Colossians 1:7, Colossians 4:7, Colossians 4:9 I have: Ephesians 3:3, Hebrews 13:22 exhorting: Hebrews 13:22, Jude 1:3 testifying: John 21:21, Acts 20:24, 1 John 5:9, 1 John 5:10, 3 John 1:12 true: Acts 20:24, 1 Corinthians 15:1, Galatians 1:8, Galatians 1:9, 2 Peter 2:15 wherein: Romans 5:2, 2 Corinthians 1:24, 2 Peter 1:12 John 15:27 - ye also Acts 2:40 - did Acts 8:25 - when they had Acts 13:43 - the grace Acts 15:22 - Silas Acts 15:32 - exhorted Acts 16:15 - If Acts 18:5 - and testified Romans 1:11 - to the Romans 11:20 - and Romans 15:15 - I have 1 Corinthians 14:3 - exhortation Galatians 5:22 - faith Colossians 1:6 - knew Hebrews 12:1 - witnesses 1 John 4:14 - we have 1 John 5:13 - have I 1 Peter 5:12 Both Thayer and Robin­son say that Silvanus is another form for Silas. It was by him that Peter sent this epistle to the brethren desig­nated in 1 Peter 1:1. As I suppose is not an expression of doubt, but as Peter had only lately become ac­quainted with Silvanus, he concluded (one meaning of suppose) that he was a faithful brother, basing his conclu­sion on commendations of the brethren from whom he had recently come. Written briefly is another comparative phrase, considering the vast amount of subject matter covered in the epistle. Exhorting pertains to the urging that the writer does for the brethren to discharge their duties, and testifying refers to the evidences he had as proof of his declarations. The conclu­sion that is reached from the truths set forth in the epistle, is that the brethren were standing in the true grace of God. By Silvanus (dia Silouanou). Probably this postscript (1 Peter 5:12-14) is in Peter’s own handwriting, as Paul did (2 Thessalonians 3:17-17; Galatians 6:11-18). If so, Silvanus (Silas) was the amanuensis and the bearer of the Epistle. ——————————————————————————– As I account him (hτs logizomai). Peter uses Paul’s phrase (1 Corinthians 4:1; Romans 8:18) in giving approval to Paul’s former companion (Acts 15:40). ——————————————————————————– I have written (egrapsa). Epistolary aorist applying to this Epistle as in 1 Corinthians 5:11 (not 1 Corinthians 5:9); 1 Corinthians 9:15; Galatians 6:11; Romans 15:15; Philemon 1:19; Philemon 1:21. ——————————————————————————– Briefly (di’ oligτn). “By few words,” as Peter looked at it, certainly not a long letter in fact. Cf.

Hebrews 13:22. ——————————————————————————– Testifying (epimarturτn). Present active participle of epimartureτ, to bear witness to, old compound, here alone in N.T., though the double compound sunepimartureτ in Hebrews 2:4. ——————————————————————————– That this is the true grace of God (tautηn einai alηthη charin tou theou). Infinitive einai in indirect assertion and accusative of general reference (tautηn) and predicate accusative charin. Peter includes the whole of the Epistle by God’s grace (1 Peter 1:10) and obedience to the truth (John 1:17; Galatians 2:5; Colossians 1:6). ——————————————————————————– Stand ye fast therein (eis hηn stηte). “In which (grace) take your stand” (ingressive aorist active imperative of histηmi).

1 Peter 5:13

1 Peter 5:131 Pe 5:13 ασπαζεταιG782 [G5736] SALUTES υμαςG5209 YOU ηG3588 SHE ενG1722 IN βαβυλωνιG897 BABYLON συνεκλεκτηG4899 ELECTED WITH “YOU”, καιG2532 AND μαρκοςG3138 MARK οG3588 υιοςG5207 μουG3450 MY SON. . at: Psalms 87:4, Revelation 17:5, Revelation 18:2 elected: 2 John 1:13 Marcus: Acts 12:12, Acts 12:25 2 Corinthians 13:13 - General Philippians 4:22 - the Colossians 4:10 - and Marcus 2 Timothy 4:11 - Mark1 Peter 5:13 Church that is at Babylon. There is so much uncertainty in the discussions to be found in the histo­ries, lexicons and commentaries on this phrase, that I shall be careful to avoid speculation. The word church is not the original at all but has been supplied by the translators. The Greek words at this place are as follows in the composition; he en babuloni, and the literal rendering of them by the Englishman’s Greek New Testament is, “she in Babylon.” A number of other translations render it in the same way, which seems reasonable since the other salutations are from individuals also. As to what person is meant the matter is equally indefi­nite, except that it is some Christian woman who had been elected or chosen by the Lord the same as the ones to whom the epistle is written. (See the word explained at chapter 1:1.) We know that ancient Babylon was completely destroyed never to be rebuilt, according to both prophecy and history, hence the term is used figuratively and that also is subject to some uncertainty. Marcus my son re­fers to John Mark, and Peter calls him his son because he had converted him. hence he was his “ son in the faith” as Paul called the evangelist (1 Timothy 1:2). She that is in Babylon, elect together with you (hη en Babulτni suneklektη). Either actual Babylon or, as most likely, mystical Babylon (Rome) as in the Apocalypse. If Peter is in Rome about A.D. 65, there is every reason why he should not make that fact plain to the world at large and least of all to Nero. It is also uncertain whether hη suneklektη (found here alone), “the co-elect woman,” means Peter’s wife (1 Corinthians 9:5) or the church in “Babylon.” The natural way to take it is for Peter’s wife. Cf. eklektηi kuriβi in 2 John 1:1 (also 2 John 1:13). ——————————————————————————– Mark my son (Markos ho huios mou). So this fact agrees with the numerous statements by the early Christian writers that Mark, after leaving Barnabas, became Peter’s “interpreter” and under his influence wrote his Gospel. We know that Mark was with Paul in Rome some years before this time (Colossians 4:10).

1 Peter 5:14

1 Peter 5:141 Pe 5:14 ασπασασθεG782 [G5663] SALUTE αλληλουςG240 ONE ANOTHER ενG1722 WITH φιληματιG5370 A KISS αγαπηςG26 OF LOVE. ειρηνηG1515 PEACE υμινG5213 “BE” WITH YOU πασινG3956 ALL τοιςG3588 WHO “ARE” ενG1722 IN χριστωG5547 CHRIST ιησουG2424 JESUS αμηνG281 AMEN. . with a: Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26 Peace: 1 Peter 1:2, John 14:27, John 16:33, John 20:19, John 20:26, Romans 1:7, Ephesians 6:23 in: Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:17 Son 1:2 - him 2 Timothy 4:22 - Grace 3 John 1:14 - Peace1 Peter 5:14 Kiss of charity or love re­fers to the salutation of the kiss as was customary in old times. The cus­tom as it is related to Christians is explained at 1 Corinthians 16:20. The peace that Peter wishes for the breth­ren is on condition that they are in Christ Jesus. That is equivalent to the peace that is “ first pure” set forth in James 3:17. With a kiss of love (en philηmati agapηs). As in 1 Corinthians 16:20. The abuse of this custom led to its confinement to men with men and women with women and to its final abandonment (Apost. Const. ii. 57, 12). ——————————————————————————– That are in Christ (tois en Christτi). This is the greatest of all secret orders and ties, one that is open to all who take Christ as Lord and Saviour.

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