1 Peter 5

A word to church elders

I urge the elders who are among you, I who also am an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a sharer in the glory that will be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion, but willingly; not for sordid gain, but with a ready mind; 3 not like lords over God’s inheritance, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of glory that will not fade away.

5:2-4 Here we see that elders (Greek “presbuteros”) are to do the work of overseers (1 Tim 3:1, in Greek “episkopos”) – evidently Peter is equating the two terms. See the qualifications needed for elders or overseers in 1 Tim 3:1-7; and Titus 1:5-9. Christ is the Chief Shepherd and He has delegated to elders the work of looking after local churches – Acts 20:28. Christ has entrusted His people into their care and they will have to give an answer to Him as to what they have done. They should all feel very keenly their responsibility to be the kind of shepherds He wants them to be. Compare 1 Pet 2:21; Isa 56:10-11; Jer 3:15; 10:21; 12:10; 23:1-4; Ezek 34:2-10.⚜

A word to youth

5 Likewise you young people, be submissive to older ones. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

God resists the proud, and gives grace

to the humble.

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time,

What to do with life’s cares

7 casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you.

How to resist the devil

8 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that these same sufferings are being imposed on your brethren that are in the world.

Closing remarks

10 But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect, make you stable, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12 With the help of Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother to you, I have written briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

13 The church that is at Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you, and so does my son Mark.

14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be with all of you that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.