1 Peter Chapter 5
1 Peter Chapter 5 — For Shepherds and Sheep
A. Elders Should Be Faithful Shepherds (1 Peter 5:1–3)
Peter now turns to the leaders of the local churches — the elders — and exhorts them with deep pastoral insight born from experience. He opens with humility, not as a hierarchical overlord, but as a “fellow elder” and “a witness of the sufferings of Christ,” and as one who will also partake in the coming glory.
“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed” (1 Peter 5:1, NKJV).
This verse highlights Peter’s deep identification with the office of the elder — the presbuteros — a term inherited from Jewish synagogue life that emphasized spiritual maturity, not merely biological age. Peter does not appeal to apostolic authority here, but to the shared burden of shepherding, which he himself carries.
He exhorts them to:
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3, NKJV).
The imagery Peter uses is that of shepherding — the primary metaphor for spiritual leadership in both the Old and New Testaments. This echoes the commission Jesus gave Peter in John 21:15–17: “Feed My lambs… Tend My sheep… Feed My sheep.” Elders are not CEOs or hirelings; they are shepherds of God’s people — called to feed (doctrinal instruction), guard (spiritual oversight), and guide (pastoral leadership).
The flock belongs to God, not to the elder. It is “the flock of God which is among you”. The task is one of stewardship, not ownership. The elder serves as an overseer — from the Greek episkopos — one who watches over and ensures spiritual health, much like a caretaker of souls.
Leadership must be:
Willing, not coerced. A true shepherd must desire the work, as taught in 1 Timothy 3:1: “If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.”
Eager, not greedy. This underscores integrity. Shepherds must not serve for monetary gain, and certainly not dishonest gain (Titus 1:7), but because they love the flock.
Humble, not domineering. They are not to lord over those entrusted to them, but be examples to the flock — visible models of Christlikeness.
This rebukes the tendency toward clerical authoritarianism, a problem that has plagued church leadership across all generations. A faithful elder leads not by the rod of power, but by the testimony of a godly life.
B. Faithful Service Will Be Rewarded (1 Peter 5:4)
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4, NKJV).
Peter turns the eyes of these under-shepherds upward — reminding them that there is a Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who will appear and reward them. This reward is called the crown of glory, a heavenly commendation promised to faithful pastors and elders who serve in humility and love.
This crown (Greek stephanos, the victor’s wreath) is unfading — unlike the perishable laurel wreaths of ancient games — and is given by the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 13:20). Just as shepherds are to lead the flock with integrity, they will one day be evaluated by the Chief Shepherd at His appearing (cf. 2 Timothy 4:8).
In Baptist theology, this verse also aligns with the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) where rewards, not salvation, are distributed based on faithfulness.
C. The Humble Are Lifted Up (1 Peter 5:5–7)
“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:5–7, NKJV).
The charge now extends to the younger believers, who are called to submit to the spiritual leadership of the elders. Yet the imperative of humility applies to everyone — leader and follower alike. The phrase “clothed with humility” literally means to tie it on like a servant’s apron — possibly alluding to Christ Himself when He girded Himself and washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:4–5).
Peter quotes Proverbs 3:34 — “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble”. God Himself stands in opposition to the proud, but pours out favor upon the humble.
We are commanded to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand — an expression recalling God’s mighty deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Deuteronomy 3:24). In trials and suffering, we wait for God’s timing, knowing that He will exalt His people in due season (Galatians 6:9).
Peter’s encouragement in verse 7 is deeply pastoral: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” The Greek word for “casting” (epirrhipto) conveys the image of throwing a heavy burden off your shoulders. Our anxieties — plural — can be laid upon God because He is personally invested in our wellbeing.
The Reward for Faithful Shepherds (1 Peter 5:4)
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4, NKJV)
Peter now lifts the eyes of the elders to the future appearing of Christ, the Chief Shepherd — ho archipoimēn — a unique term used only here in the New Testament. It emphasizes that all under-shepherds serve under His direct authority and will ultimately give an account for how they tended His flock.
The title “Chief Shepherd” reminds us of 1 Peter 2:25, which says, “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” Christ alone is the true Pastor of the church, and earthly leaders are merely stewards of what ultimately belongs to Him (cf. Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28).
Peter declares that when the Lord returns — His visible, bodily, premillennial return as expected in dispensational eschatology — the faithful shepherds will receive a crown of glory. This is not a perishable laurel wreath like the fading crowns awarded in the Greek games (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:25), but a heavenly and eternal reward — an amaranthine crown that will never wither.
This is a specific promise to those who faithfully feed, tend, protect, and love God’s people, but other crowns are also promised throughout Scripture for all believers who endure in faith and service:
The imperishable crown for disciplined, self-controlled service (1 Corinthians 9:25).
The crown of righteousness for those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).
The crown of life for those who endure trials (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).
The crown of rejoicing, or “soul-winner’s crown,” for those who bring others to Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:19).
Each crown represents a reward not of salvation, which is by grace alone, but of faithful stewardship and kingdom service (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). For pastors and elders, this crown of glory is a powerful motivator: it is a reminder that the approval of men fades, but the commendation of Christ is eternal.
This promise reinforces the call to shepherd with joy, to lead with integrity, and to serve with eternity in view, knowing that every unseen labor and burden borne in love for the sheep is fully known to the Chief Shepherd.
B. The Call to Humility and Watchfulness (1 Peter 5:5–9)
Peter now turns from his exhortation to church elders and leaders to the entire congregation, especially younger believers, urging all to walk in humility and vigilance. The spiritual battle requires a posture of submission before God and resistance against Satan, and both are anchored in the believer’s faith in God's sovereign care.
“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:5–7, NKJV)
Peter begins by instructing younger people to submit to their elders, likely referring both to spiritual leaders and those of older age and maturity. This sets the tone for a broader command: “Yes, all of you be submissive to one another.” In the Body of Christ, mutual submission is not a sign of weakness but of strength in the Spirit (cf. Ephesians 5:21). Submission is a practical fruit of humility.
The word “be clothed” with humility uses a rare Greek term (egkomboomai), meaning to tie on a servant’s apron, evoking the image of Jesus girding Himself to wash the disciples’ feet (John 13:4–5). In this light, Peter commands believers to wrap themselves in a disposition of service and lowliness, always ready to serve others for Christ’s sake.
Peter supports this with Proverbs 3:34, declaring that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” This is no passive resistance; the term resists suggests God actively opposes the proud, like a military commander setting Himself in battle formation against them. The proud stand outside the stream of grace, while the humble receive it abundantly.
Pride, cloaked in religious language, is still pride. It hides in “independence,” “self-reliance,” or even false modesty. But true humility does not center on self at all — it is self-forgetfulness. It lives in submission to God’s timing (“that He may exalt you in due time”) and casts all anxiety upon Him, knowing He cares. Casting (epiripsantes) implies forcefully throwing — like unloading a heavy pack from one’s shoulders. It is not a casual handoff but a decisive act of surrender.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8–9, NKJV)
Peter then warns of the spiritual danger that accompanies pride and anxiety: the roaring of the enemy. The Christian must be sober (clear-minded) and vigilant (watchful), recognizing that Satan is not idle. Until the future millennial binding of Satan as foretold in Revelation 20:1–3, he still prowls the earth. He is not omnipresent, but his network and influence reach far. He walks about — he is observant, strategic, and tireless in his pursuit.
Satan roars to intimidate — often through persecution, temptation, lies, and accusation. Though defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:15), his threats still instill fear if we forget our standing in Christ. Like the fowler in Psalm 91:3, he sometimes traps with stealth. Other times, like the lion in Peter’s metaphor, he attempts to terrify with noise and threat.
But the answer is not to flee in terror; it is to resist him — antistēte, to stand against — by being steadfast in the faith. This is not blind defiance but unwavering trust in God’s Word and God’s character. Resistance is not accomplished by human strength, but by leaning into the victory of Christ (James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10–11).
Believers should also take heart: you are not alone. “Knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” encourages global solidarity. All who walk faithfully with Christ will face affliction. But the trial is shared, and the grace to endure is also shared.
1 Peter 5:10–14 – Benediction and Final Greetings
3. A Prayer for Spiritual Strength and Endurance (1 Peter 5:10–11)
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10–11, NKJV)
In light of the fiery trials faced by believers, Peter concludes with a pastoral and powerful prayer, entrusting his audience to “the God of all grace.” This title speaks volumes: our strength to endure, our calling, and even our final glorification rest not in ourselves, but in God’s abundant, undeserved favor.
Peter petitions that God would “perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle” His people. Each verb paints a facet of divine restoration:
Perfect: God mends and restores what suffering has tested.
Establish: He gives believers a firm foundation in their faith.
Strengthen: He imparts spiritual stamina for the journey.
Settle: He grounds the heart in peace and assurance.
Peter knew firsthand the futility of self-reliance. His own denial of Christ taught him the necessity of divine empowerment. Now, having been restored himself, he prays that God would complete that same work in the lives of those who suffer.
Peter also acknowledges that suffering is part of the believer's path — “after you have suffered a while.” Though we might long for a “no suffering” plan into glory, the Lord uses trials to refine our faith, deepen our character, and prepare us for eternity.
To be called to “His eternal glory by Christ Jesus” is no small calling. That glory includes:
The purification of our character through sanctification.
The perfection of our humanity, free from sin and decay.
The victory over every enemy — sin, Satan, and death.
The honor bestowed upon us by the King of kings.
The reflection of God’s glory in us, like a mirror.
The presence of God enjoyed forever, face to face.
The delight in God Himself as our ultimate joy.
Peter finishes this doxology by rightly affirming that “to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” All the power, the sovereignty, and the praise belong to the Lord alone — the One who called us, keeps us, and will glorify us.
4. Final Blessings and Closing (1 Peter 5:12–14)
“By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:12–14, NKJV)
Peter closes with customary greetings and final encouragement. He commends Silvanus (likely the same man as Silas in the Book of Acts and Paul’s epistles) as the one who helped write or deliver this letter. In the early church, it was common for an apostle to dictate a letter and then sign the end personally.
Peter summarizes the entire letter as a testimony to “the true grace of God.” That grace encompasses salvation, sanctification through suffering, and the sustaining power of God in persecution. His readers are to stand firm in this grace, not moved by trials or opposition.
The phrase “She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you” is likely a reference to the church in another city. The term “Babylon” may have a symbolic meaning, referring to Rome as a center of worldliness and persecution — similar to the way Revelation uses the term — or it could refer to an actual location named Babylon. Either way, this is one body of believers greeting another.
Peter also sends greetings from Mark, whom he affectionately calls “my son.” This is likely John Mark, the writer of the Gospel of Mark. Early church tradition holds that Mark’s Gospel is largely based on Peter’s firsthand recollections of Jesus’ life and ministry.
The letter ends with the tender command: “Greet one another with a kiss of love.” This greeting was a cultural expression of Christian affection and unity. Finally, Peter pronounces a blessing upon all believers: “Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.” For those enduring hardship, peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ in the storm.
