1 Peter 5
About 1 PeterWritten by AI
First Peter is a letter of hope for believers who are suffering. It names the apostle Peter as its author, writing from Babylon, which most read as a code name for Rome, with help from Silvanus. Traditionally it dates to the early 60s AD, shortly before Peter's death under Nero. Some scholars think it was written later by Peter's followers.
It is addressed to scattered believers in what is now Turkey, many of them likely Gentiles, who felt like strangers and exiles in their own towns. They were not yet facing empire wide persecution, but they faced insult, suspicion, and pressure for not fitting in.
Peter tells them who they are: born again into a living hope, God's chosen people, a royal priesthood. Then he shows how to live as exiles, doing good, following Christ's example in suffering, and trusting God. Watch for the word hope, and for how often Christ's own suffering is the pattern: “By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope.”
Before you read 1 Peter 5Written by AI
Peter speaks as a fellow elder and witness of Christ's sufferings, urging elders to shepherd God's flock willingly and humbly. Everyone should clothe themselves with humility and cast their anxieties on God, because He cares for them. Resist the devil, who prowls like a lion, knowing other believers suffer too. The God of all grace will restore and strengthen you.
Instructions to Elders
As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Cast Your Cares on Him
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.”
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
Benediction and Farewell
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 you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Through Silvanus, 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 firm in it.
The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.
Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.