◄ 1 Peter 5 Devotional Commentary ►

1 Peter 5:1

Compassionate Christian conduct, a humble Christ-like attitude, godly and gracious service, and a childlike faith that finds its strength in the Lord when faced with suffering and pain, brings Peter to the point in his epistle where he charged Church elders with new and important responsibilities, "Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder, and witness of the sufferings of Christ, to care for Christ's flock. I appeal to you elders, read more...

1 Peter 5:4

Sheep and shepherds play a vital role in Scripture. Sheep have to be guarded from enemy attacks, and guided by the shepherd, because the little flock in their care, often wander away, become fearful or blindly follow the rest of the sheep. The shepherd must not neglect those in his care. Rather, he must consider the needs of the sheep before his own. He must watch over them tenderly and search out lush pasture for them to eat, and calm pools of water where they read more...

1 Peter 5:5

As he brings his first epistle to a close, the aging Peter gives wise instruction both to church elders as well as to those that are younger in age or spiritual infants. But though he instructs young men to be subject to those that are older in years and spiritual maturity, he calls ALL believers to clothe themselves with humility towards one another, explaining that God resists those that are proud but gives grace to those that are humble in action and read more...

1 Peter 5:6

Having given instructions to the older believers, Peter turns his attention to advising to the younger generation. He instructs them to be subject to those that are older in the faith, and to "clothe yourselves with humility toward one another." These younger believers are to develop a teachable spirit and an attitude that demonstrates respect towards those that have matured in the Lord. Training in righteousness, the development of a spirit of read more...

1 Peter 5:7

There are many places in Scripture that remind us that the cares and concerns of this world can become a burdensome load in our lives. 'Independence' proudly proclaims that it has built up a range of coping strategies and self-help skills to deal with all the stresses and strains of life, while 'Pride' arrogantly announces that it is well-able to go it alone. But the Word of God paints a very different picture.

We have been told read more...

1 Peter 5:8

We journey through our Christian life from grace to glory; from justification to glorification; from the Cross to the Crown. As we travel through life, there are many lessons that we all must learn, and the Holy Spirit is our teacher. The Word of God provides all the instructions that we need for life and godliness, for our faith rests on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself being the chief Cornerstone.

read more...

1 Peter 5:9

The devil is a terrible adversary who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, discredit, discourage, and disengage from their Christian calling. Satan and his fallen accomplices, are striving all day long and throughout the night to shipwreck the faith of believers - and he takes no holiday from his ignoble pursuits.

Although he is neither omniscient nor omnipotent, the devil continues on, unabated, with his read more...

1 Peter 5:10

As believers in Christ, we are loved with an everlasting love and have been drawn by God with loving-kindness and with great goodness. We do not deserve the many privileges we have received by faith, indeed we deserve full punishment for our sins and the wages of all sin is death. But in His grace, Christ paid the price for our sin by dying on the Cross in our place.

Jesus identified with our sin, and the death that He died is read more...

1 Peter 5:10

We discover that the aging apostle Peter, who denied His Lord at the start of his Christian walk, came to an understanding that suffering precedes glory in the life of a believer, sadness comes before joy, and the darkest night of mourning will finally turn into the brightest noon-day sun: "For after you have suffered for a little while," Peter informs his readers, "After you have suffered... the God of all grace, Who called you to His read more...

1 Peter 5:11

Peter begins his first epistle with a most glorious doxology, praising God and exalting His holy name: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," he writes "Who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." And his wonder, excitement, and joy in the Lord is not diminished at the end of his letter, for we find him continuing to rejoice in read more...