ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 1 Peter 5

1 Pet. 5:1 The most common NT term for church leaders is elders (see notes on Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1). Apparently elders served as leaders in all the churches. Peter, who is an apostle (1 Pet. 1:1), also serves as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s ministry, especially his sufferings. Peter often reminds his readers that suffering comes before glory (compare 1:6–7; 11; 2:19–20; 3:13–14; 4:13; 5:6; 10).

1 Pet. 5:2–3 Elders (v. 1) must shepherd the flock (compare John 21:16; Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11). They must feed the people on God’s word and care for their needs. They are also responsible for exercising oversight in building up the church. They must do so willingly, in obedience to God. They must serve eagerly, not for shameful gain (money). They must avoid being domineering. The goal is to be good examples to the flock.

1 Pet. 5:4 The chief Shepherd is Jesus Christ. When he comes again he will reward with glory every pastor who has served faithfully.

1 Pet. 5:5 You who are younger probably means younger members of the congregation. They are more likely to resist leadership. Peter cites Prov. 3:34 (see James 4:6).

1 Pet. 5:6 Mighty hand of God brings to mind the exodus (Ex. 32:11; Deut. 5:15; Dan. 9:15).

1 Pet. 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him. Worry is a form of pride. It takes concerns upon oneself instead of entrusting them to God, who cares for his people.

1 Pet. 5:8 Satan prowls around . . . seeking someone to devour. He hopes that believers will be terrified by hardship and persecutions, or that they will be deceived and fall into sin.

1 Pet. 5:9 Resist him. Christians need not fear the devil. The Lord has given them power to stand against him by being firm in your faith (compare Eph. 6:12–18). Suffering happens to believers everywhere (your brotherhood throughout the world).

1 Pet. 5:10 a little while (compare 1:6). This includes the period of time from Christ’s ascension until his return. From God’s perspective, one’s time in this world is brief (see James 4:14; 2 Pet. 3:8). Four verbs (restore, confirm, strengthen, establish) remind believers that their salvation is sure in Christ.

1 Pet. 5:12–14 Concluding Words. The letter concludes with greetings and a final call to stand firm.

1 Pet. 5:12 By Silvanus . . . I have written. The sentence structure indicates that Silvanus delivered the letter. Silvanus is called “Silas” elsewhere (Acts 15:22; 16:19; 17:4; 2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1). Peter describes the content of his letter as the true grace of God.

1 Pet. 5:13 She who is at Babylon, who is . . . chosen. The Babylon of the OT was in ruins. By NT times “Babylon” symbolized a center of earthly power opposed to God (see Isaiah 13–14; Jeremiah 50–51; see also Revelation 17–18). In Peter’s day that city was Rome. The OT background to “Babylon” reminds believers that they are “elect exiles” (1 Pet. 1:1) who will receive the promised inheritance. Mark is the same John Mark who traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (see Acts 12:25; 13:5; 13; 15:36–39). Though he left Paul and Barnabas, Mark became a fine minister (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24). Peter would have known Mark for decades because the church met in his mother’s home in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). This verse also shows a close relationship between Peter and Mark (my son).

1 Pet. 5:14 kiss of love. See notes on 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12–13. Peace. See 1 Pet. 1:2 and note on John 14:27.