Chapter summary:
Peter concludes his letter with a series of exhortations directed to different groups in the church. He urges elders to "shepherd" the flock, watching over them out of love rather than in hope of any gain (5:1-4). The young are to be responsive to the older and remain humble (vv. 5-7). All must exhibit self-control and resist the devil's attempts to discourage or arouse self-pity (vv. 8-9).
With a special word of encouragement Peter assures his readers that "the God of all grace" will restore and strengthen us, to His great glory (vv. 10-11).
Finally Peter says farewell, and sends greetings from his companions in "Babylon" (Rome) (vv. 12-14).
The believer’s personal application: The Christian life is quiet commitment.
TEXTUAL INSIGHT
“Church leadership” (5:1-4):
Leaders, generally called elders or overseers (bishops) and deacons are to follow Christ's example and function as servants in the Christian community (Matthew 20:25-28; cf. 23:11). Their general responsibility is defined in Ephesians 4:12 and in this passage. Leaders are "to prepare God's people for works of service" as ministering members of the body
(1 Corinthians 3:1-9; 2 Corinthians 10:8). And leaders are to "shepherd" (guard, and guide) the local community of faith (cf. Hebrews 13:17). Leaders must be people who are equipped for these tasks, in part by gift, but essentially by character (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Leaders in fact "shepherd" by both teaching (Titus 2) and by modeling, or serving as an example (1 Timothy 4:11-16; Titus 3:10, 14).
The shepherding ministry does not mean leaders exercise control of believer's behavior. It does mean they focus on nurture, encouraging maturity so that believers' acts of service will be an expression of love-motivated desire and Holy Spirit enablement. When leaders do shepherd, and do so because they want to serve rather than for financial gain or status, Christians will mature.
“Shepherd” (5:2):
The context involves protecting, leading, guiding, feeding, and generally watching out for the well-being of the church, and its members.
"Be submissive" (5:5):
Here as earlier in this letter Peter calls for voluntary submission. But this is interpersonal rather than situational submission. What makes interpersonal submission easy, whether in marriage or in the church, is the respect won by husband or leader through love and example. If we are sure a leader loves us, it is far easier for us to be responsible to his guidance. If we are also confident the leader is a godly person, whose example has won our respect, it is easier still.
Let's apply this in our relationships. Rather than demand children or others obey because of our role, let's win their respect by love and example.
“Why be humble?” (5:5):
Not just because it's right. We should be humble rather than arrogant in our relationships with others because, according to Prov. 3:34, God "gives grace to the humble." If we want to grow, and have strength to overcome despite suffering, we must remain dependent on God.
“Casting anxiety on God” (5:7):
"Casting" is a decisive act. It means to take the load we've been carrying and literally throw it on Jesus. What a relief when we do and realize He is willing to be responsible for the things we are anxious about.
“Not flight but fight” (5:8-9):
Firm resistance is the way to deal with Satan's attacks. But we resist in Christ's power, not our own. Revelation 12:11 describes the victory over Satan in these terms: "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."
“What God will surely do for us” (5:10):
Four emphatic results encourage us:
• "Restore" means to make complete.
• "Make you strong" means to enable to stand fast.
• "Make you firm" again emphasizes strengthening.
• "Make you steadfast" means to place on a firm, secure foundation.
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