1 Peter 5: Advice For Church Members And Elders

1 Peter 5 is the final chapter in this epistle. Here Peter speaks to the church, encourages them, and tells them to be on guard from Satan’s attacks.

Originally I noticed the heading in my bible for this chapter said “Advice for Elders and Young Men.” However, in the text, I don’t see anything that differentiates this between men and women. I believe the bible text to be correct, not the headings that people have put on them.

He starts by speaking to the elders and says don’t lord your authority over the people. And I think that’s important and needed. In my life, I’ve seen many leaders who don’t understand the concept of servant leadership.

If you’ve studied the life and stories of Jesus at all, you’ll see that he exercised what we call servant leadership exclusively. He served his disciples and told them to do the same for each other.

This means we should do the same for our brothers and sisters today and I love that 1 Peter 5 is a reminder of that.

1 Peter 5: Advice for Elders and People In The Church

5 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 

² Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. ³ Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. ⁴ And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

1 Peter 5:1-4

1 Peter 5: Advice For The Elders Who Lead The Church

They didn’t have pastors or priests when the church first started. Instead, they had elders and these were older more mature Christians that had been around for a while. It began with the apostles teaching others and as they grew elders were appointed. Acts 14:23 explains how they chose.

Elders are judged more harshly than the people they serve because their lives are scrutinized more. However, with the additional judgment comes additional rewards. but the bible specifically says we shouldn’t be focused on being an elder for that reason.

1 Peter 5: Accepting The Authority Of The Elders

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for

“God opposes the proud
    but gives grace to the humble.”

⁶ So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. ⁷ Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5: 5-7

1 Peter 5 Be Humble And Accept The Authority Of Others:

I debated for a few minutes about how to write these next few paragraphs. Because what I’m going to write can sound bad if taken out of context.

I believe we should be obedient to the elders God has placed above us. However there is a limit to their authority, they don’t have and should never have full authority over your life.

There are two extremes to this, I tend to live on one side where I don’t listen and think I shouldn’t ever listen. And it’s something I’m working on. However, there’s another side to this extreme where people are obedient to their leaders regardless of their character.

Let me state this, if a leader ever tells you to do something that’s contrary to biblical truth, you don’t have to follow them. In fact, they just removed themselves from being an elder and you can walk away.

Many people believe that we should be obedient to all authorities that are placed above us. However, if those authorities aren’t following Christ, and doing things that are directly opposed to them, aren’t we helping them?

I will not help them. In fact, I need to stand up more and be outright defiant. And I think you need to as well. This isn’t a call for violence, instead, it’s a call to action. We need to stand up and let our voices be heard when things are contrary to biblical truth.

1 Peter 5: The Devil looks like a lion, but his power has been removed

⁸ Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

¹⁰ In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. ¹¹ All power to him forever! Amen.

1 Peter 5: 8-11

1 Peter 5: The Devil is “Like” A Roaring Lion, But It’s All Smoke And Mirrors

Notice the first sentence, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion. I want you to remember that he only looks like a roaring lion. Jesus’ death and resurrection removed his control over our lives.

A lot of times we get caught in the disbelief that the devil has power over our lives. That he’s this big evil being who we should be scared of. However, we need to remember that the death and resurrection of Jesus give us power over him.

In fact, Satan and his armies are defeated. There is no winning for them, and they are fighting a losing battle. This means they are desperate and are trying to take you with them in defeat.

All they have is smoke and mirrors, while they look strong they are also easily defeated.

1 Peter 5: Peter’s Final Greetings

¹² I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.

¹³ Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. ¹⁴ Greet each other with a kiss of love.

Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.

1 Peter 5: 12-14

1 Peter 5: The Final Greetings:

I don’t have a lot to say about these last few chapters. I love the ending “Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.” I wonder if Peter knew he was sending a message to all of us 2,000 years into the future.

I receive it!!!

Let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe as well. I write these little excerpts or devotionals trying to explain what God speaks into my heart, so let me know what you think.

To Read More In 1 Peter Click The Links Below