Get Ready
Think of the various groups you are currently part of: how do they designate the group’s leaders? Are they the older members? Are they elected? Do they have more experience or special training? What titles do leaders have in the various groups?
The Word
5Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you 2 to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. 3 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for
“God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings and Benediction
12 Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13 Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you 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. NRSV
Get into the Word
1. How does Peter describe himself? What experience does he mention? How does this support his direction to the church? How are elders supposed to do their “work”? What model should they follow? What is the consequence of doing this work.
2. What guidance does he give the younger followers? What characteristic does he emphasize? How should they respond to their situation in society? How should they deal with adversity? Who else does Peter reference? What is their ultimate future?
3. Why has Peter written this letter? Who else is working with Peter? [See Notes]
Get Personal
How does God help you deal with adversity? Do you tend to give him your anxieties or do you tell God, “I got this!” Are you confident that God will “establish you”?
Notes . . .
5:1. Elder – a leader in a local congregation. The early church followed the Jewish tradition of older members providing leadership and support to younger members.
Witness . . . shares – Peter was also one of Jesus’ first followers and directly involved in his entire earthly ministry.
5:2. Tend the flock – Jesus directed Peter to “tend my sheep,” [John 21:16]. Jesus referred to himself as the “shepherd” as well [John 10:1-16]. A shepherd, often the youngest male in the household, was responsible for feeding, caring for, guiding and protecting the sheep. Also check Psalm 23.
5:3. Lord it over – Literally “act like the lord” or lead by force and power. Christian leaders should be the best possible example for others to follow, just as Jesus was the best example for the disciples.
5:5. God opposes the proud – Peter paraphrases Proverbs 3:34.
5:6-9. Humble yourselves – Peter’s final instruction begins with establishing the right relationship with God, which will lead to the other characteristics: not anxious, disciplined, alert, resisting sin, and steadfastness (or consistency).
5:12. Silvanus – the Greek name of Silas, a leader of the early church who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey through Asia Minor, and evidently also assisted Peter with writing and/or delivering this letter to the local churches.
5:13. Sister church in Babylon – Babylon was the capitol of an ancient empire that persecuted the Israelites, but early church writers used it as code so they would not be accused of criticizing the Roman emperor (John used it extensively in his Revelation).
Mark – also John Mark – was another early church leader, who worked with both Peter and Paul, [check Acts 12:12, 25, 15:36-39].
Memory Verse
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you, [1 Peter 5:10]
Next Lesson
The Christian’s call and election – 2 Peter
