1 Peter 5:

• v.1-4 Guidance & Encouragement for Elders
• v.5-11 Guidance for the Flock in resisting the Enemy
• v.12-14 Final Greetings

[Chapter 5 Synopsis: Remembering to the end that this is a letter to the scattered church, elders are encouraged to persevere in their caring for the flock, the flock is called to resist the enemy, and some final greetings are given]

v.1-4 Guidance & Encouragement for Elders

[Passage Synopsis: Encouragement to elders in their roles as shepherds]

v.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:

v.2,3 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; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

v.4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

[Note: To the elders [out front] hang on in there. Focus on willingly caring for the flock as gracious examples, and Jesus will reward you.]

v.5-11 Guidance for the Flock in resisting the Enemy

[Passage Synopsis: a reminder that the Christian faith is a battle with an enemy to be resisted]

v.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.”

v.6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

v.7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

v.8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

v.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.

v.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.

v.11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

[Note: To all, let humility reign [Prov. 3:34]. Be humble as you trust God, give Him all your worries, and watch for enemy attacks and resist him, for God will keep you through it all, He has the power!]

v.12-14 Final Greetings

[Passage Synopsis: final concluding comments]

v.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.

v.13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.

v.14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.  Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

[Note: Silas has helped me write about the grace that is available to us. The church in Rome sends its greeting. Greet each other affectionately and maintain peace.]

For those who may wish to make a study of this chapter, to perhaps think some more about what you have been reading, use the link below: