1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
The word “elder” simply means “older”. Both in Greek culture and in the Jewish world, they gave positions of honor to the wise older men, and the Christian church continued this pattern. Elders of the church carried a lot of responsibility and were expected to be good examples to the young. They provided supervision, protection, discipline, instruction, and direction for the other believers.
Peter was one of three to witness Christ’s glory at the transfiguration. During his encounter with Jesus after the resurrection, Christ asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Each time Peter said he did, and Jesus told him to feed His sheep. Now Peter uses this analogy to teach others, asking the men of the church to be shepherds, or overseers, of God’s flock. But he warns them to consider their motivation; not to lead grudgingly, as a chore, but to be willing and eager to serve; not puffed up and proud as one with authority, but as a servant and good example for others to follow. Their goal should not be an earthly reward, but they would receive their heavenly reward when Jesus (the Chief Shepherd) returns.
Peter sets a good example here. Although he had often been the spokesman for the apostles, witnessed Jesus’ death and resurrection, preached at Pentecost, and became a pillar of the Jerusalem church, in this letter to the elders he simply identifies himself as a fellow elder, not a superior. His message is clear: authority is based on service, not power.
Good leaders in the church will:
- realize they are caring for God’s flock, not their own,
- be eager to serve, not feel obligated to do so,
- be concerned about what they can give, not for what they can get,
- lead by example, not by force.
Pride often keeps older people from trying to understand the younger ones, and keeps the young people from listening to the older ones. Peter reminds them to be humble and serve each other and learn from each other.
We must remember that God’s recognition counts more than human praise. Obey Him regardless of the circumstances, and in His good time, either in this life or the next, he will lift you up.
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."
Yes, we pray for help with our problems, but do we have the faith that God will take care of them? Once you’ve asked Him to, you must have faith that He already has control, and continue in the knowledge that He is handling it. That is what faith is all about. Not only believing, but knowing it is done. If you continue to worry after praying for His help, you have not truly trusted Him fully with your life. Allowing God to handle your anxieties requires action, not passivity. Don’t submit to circumstances, but submit to the Lord who controls those circumstances.
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Christians must remain alert to the evil surrounding them so they can resist the temptations of the world and remain faithful. Lions attack sick and struggling prey and choose victims who are alone and unaware. Feeling alone, weak, helpless, and cut off from other believers, focused on our troubles, we become vulnerable prey for Satan’s attacks. We must remember we are not in the fight alone, for all Christians throughout the world face the same problems. We should seek out support from fellow Christians and keep our eyes on Christ to resist the devil, and “he will flee from you” (James 4:7)
10And 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. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Peter reminds them that their suffering will only last a short time before God comes to their aid, helping them to remain strong. Our strength comes from His everlasting power. Peter is comparing our short time here on earth to the time we will spend in eternity, giving a wider perspective. All of God’s faithful followers are assured of an eternal life with Christ where there will be no suffering. (Revelation 21:4)
Written to Christians in Asia Minor, Peter refers to the suffering they will endure five different times in this very short letter. Some of the harshest persecution of early Christians broke out in Asia Minor during the first century.
Peter ends by telling them more about why he has written to them.
12With 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. 13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Silas accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey as told in Acts 15-18, is mentioned in Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians, and ministered with Timothy in Corinth (2 Corinthians 1:19).
Peter says that Silas has helped him write this letter to encourage them to be strong in their faith and to give testimony of the grace of God. “She who is in Babylon” is referring to the church in Rome from which he is writing. “Babylon” was the code name for Rome Christians used during this time of persecution .
Mark is also with Peter as he is writing this letter, and Peter cares for him like a son since he has probably helped him in his growth as a Christian. Some believe that Mark may have written the Gospel of Mark about this same time under the direction or influence of Peter. Peter mentions him in this letter because Mark is well known to many of the intended readers since he has traveled extensively and was recognized as a leader in the church.
Peter ends his letter with wishes of love and peace.
A simple and short letter, but full of advice for Christians on how they should act, both within and outside of the church. Peter had grown in faith a great deal since his three-time denial of Christ. He’s learned how to stand firm in an evil world and encouraged other Christians who were facing persecution for their faith. Those who stand for Christ will be persecuted, but we must be willing to stand for our faith with the patience, endurance, and courage that Peter exhibited in his elder years.
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