Elders charged
1 Peter 5:1–4FocusWilling and exemplary oversight
Connection to the wholePeter instructs elders to feed the flock through willing service and example rather than compulsion, gain, or domination.
interpretation 1 Peter 5:12
KJVBy Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
Read it in context
Final Exhortations and Greetings
Start reading at 1 Peter 5:1 (1 Peter 5:1 to 1 Peter 5:14).
This unit encompasses Peter's final instructions to elders and younger believers, a call to humility and vigilance, a doxology, and the concluding remarks and greetings of the epistle.
- 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
- 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
- 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
- 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
- 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
- 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
- 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
- 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
- 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
- 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
- 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
- 5:12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
- 5:13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
- 5:14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Peter the apostle is the named author. Silvanus is associated with the letter's delivery or composition in the closing statement; his precise role is not fully explained. Biblical references: 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Peter 5:1–5:14): Peter first addresses elders as a fellow elder, then younger members and the whole community, ending with greetings. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The elect strangers scattered through Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia: Christian communities facing suffering in Asia Minor. Biblical references: 1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 4:12. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme of this verse is Peter's summary of his letter's purpose: to exhort and testify that the message conveyed is the 'true grace of God wherein ye stand' (1 Peter 5:12).
- What is God revealing? God is revealing through Peter that the message of the epistle is indeed the genuine and authentic grace of God, and that believers are firmly established in this grace (1 Peter 5:12).
- What is the literary style? This verse is part of the concluding remarks of an epistle, serving as a summary statement of the letter's purpose and identifying the messenger.
When
- When was it written? The letter was written approximately A.D. 62 to 64.
- When does the event take place? The event takes place during the time of the letter's composition and delivery, before the Neronian persecution.
Where
- Where did it happen? The writing of the letter happened in Rome, which Peter refers to as 'Babylon' (1 Peter 5:13).
- Where was the author located? The author, Peter, was located in Rome, which he symbolically refers to as 'Babylon' (1 Peter 5:13).
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Final Exhortations and Greetings (1 Peter 5:1 to 1 Peter 5:14). Start reading at 1 Peter 5:1. This unit encompasses Peter's final instructions to elders and younger believers, a call to humility and vigilance, a doxology, and the concluding remarks and greetings of the epistle.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse serves as a concluding statement to the epistle, summarizing Peter's intention in writing: to provide exhortation and testimony concerning the 'true grace of God' (1 Peter 5:12). It follows a series of final instructions and a doxology (1 Peter 5:1-11) and precedes final greetings (1 Peter 5:13-14). stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The 'true grace of God' that Peter testifies about and in which believers stand is fundamentally rooted in Christ Jesus. As Peter states earlier, 'the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus' (1 Peter 5:10). The entire message of the letter, delivered by Silvanus, is a testimony to the saving and sustaining grace found through Christ. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are likewise called to stand firm in the 'true grace of God' as revealed in the Scriptures. This verse reminds us that the apostolic message is a reliable testimony to God's grace, providing both exhortation and assurance for our faith. We should continually seek to understand and live by this grace, resisting the devil and humbling ourselves under God's mighty hand, knowing that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:6-9). interpretation
Cited: 1 Peter 5:1, 1 Peter 5:10, 1 Peter 5:12, 1 Peter 5:13, 2 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:1, Romans 5:2, 2 Corinthians 1:24, 2 Peter 1:12
Who wrote it, and how we know
Peter the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe letter names Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, and mentions Silvanus as the one who wrote it.
1 Peter 1:11 Peter 5:12
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Peter.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question the polished Greek, though the letter itself credits Silvanus.
Related passages
- Silvanus 2 Cor 1:19 1 Thess 1:1 2 Thess 1:1
- a faithful Eph 6:21 Col 1:7 Col 4:7,9
- I have Eph 3:3 Heb 13:22
- exhorting Heb 13:22 Jude 1:3
- testifying John 21:21 Acts 20:24 1 John 5:9-10 3 John 1:12
- true Acts 20:24 1 Cor 15:1 Gal 1:8-9 2 Pet 2:15
- wherein Rom 5:2 2 Cor 1:24 2 Pet 1:12
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Peter 5
Peter addresses scattered believers in the regions named in the opening. Their hope in Jesus' resurrection is joined to holiness, honourable conduct, and endurance in suffering; the letter does not treat suffering as proof that God has abandoned them.
1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 1:15
Humility and vigilance
1 Peter 5:5–11FocusCasting care and resisting the adversary
Connection to the wholeThe community is called to humility, trust, and steadfast resistance, with suffering placed alongside God's promise to establish His people.
interpretation FocusStand in this grace
Connection to the wholePersonal greetings and Peter's stated purpose call the readers to stand in the grace about which he has written.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Peter
Peter addresses scattered believers in the regions named in the opening. Their hope in Jesus' resurrection is joined to holiness, honourable conduct, and endurance in suffering; the letter does not treat suffering as proof that God has abandoned them.
1 Peter 1:1 1 Peter 1:3 1 Peter 1:15
A living hope
1 Peter 1:1–12FocusResurrection and salvation
Connection to the wholeThanksgiving places the readers' present trials within their hope and the salvation announced to them.
interpretation A holy and built-together people
1 Peter 1:13–2:10FocusNew birth, obedience, and identity
Connection to the wholeThe hope leads into holiness, love, and the image of believers coming to Christ as living stones.
interpretation Honourable conduct
1 Peter 2:11–3:12FocusLife among others and within households
Connection to the wholePeter applies the calling to public conduct, service, marriage, and the community's manner toward one another.
interpretation Suffering with faithfulness
1 Peter 3:13–4:19FocusChrist's example and God's judgment
Connection to the wholeThe letter addresses opposition by directing believers toward Christ and toward continued doing of good under trial.
interpretation FocusHumility, vigilance, and grace
Connection to the wholeFinal instructions to elders and the church join mutual humility with watchfulness and steadfast resistance to the adversary.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.