1 Peter 5

     5:1-4.  Peter exhorts the elders in what manner they are to shepherd the flock of God until the Chief Shepherd appears (cf. John 21:16; Acts 20:28).  Peter here calls himself a fellow elder rather than commanding them as an apostle, only reminding them that he is a witness of the sufferings of Christ (cf. Luke 24:46, 48; Acts 1:8), and a partaker also of his glory that is to be revealed.

     The unfading wreath (4, margin) of glory is in contrast to the perishing glories of the flesh, and is a metaphoric reference to the victory wreath of the Greek games.

     5:5.  Though the young (in the Lord) are to be subject to the elders over them, all are called to clothe themselves with humility toward one another (cf. Job 12:12; 1 Tim. 4:12, 5:1).

     5:6-11.  It is remarkable how unified and consistent the various apostles are in their message.  Peter and Paul could almost be using the same outline of the same material at times.  (Also, cf. 5:5-9 with Jas. 4:6-10.)

     These verses are repeating the call for patience and watchful endurance under suffering and persecution.  V.7 is no doubt alluding to Ps. 55:22, and is a great reminder when under pressure that God knows, understands, and cares.  We can never stand before the cross and think that God doesn’t understand or care, even when we have been betrayed by men.

     5:8.  Cf. Job 1:7; Luke 22:31; Ps. 91:11-13.

     5:9-11.  Cf. 4:12.  The example of the host of faithful men who have suffered, both now and in the past, enduring the same (and oh so much worse) than has come to us, is a great encouragement to remain firm in the faith for our little while.  God’s eternal purpose for us in Christ shall stand, by his grace and power (cf. Ro. 8:31 ff.).

     5:12-14.  His exhortation completed, Peter ends with greetings and a benediction.  Silvanus (Silas) has transcribed the letter.  Babylon is thought by most to be a euphemism for Rome, the current world empire under which the church was suffering in exile from the promised heavenly Kingdom.  She who is in Babylon therefore would be the church in the city of Rome.  Mark is there with Peter also.  This is significant, because Peter is thought to be the primary eyewitness source for Mark’s gospel.