1 Peter 5

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.

Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

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1 Peter 5

Elders are exhorted to shepherd the flock of God among them not from compulsion or for shameful gain but willingly and eagerly, serving as examples to the flock rather than lording authority over them, knowing they will give account to the Chief Shepherd. When the Chief Shepherd appears, the elders will receive the unfading crown of glory reserved for those who have faithfully tended the flock, mirroring the nature of Christ's own shepherding care. All believers, younger and older alike, are commanded to clothe themselves with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble—an inversion of worldly power dynamics that transforms community relationships. The devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, so believers must remain vigilant and steadfast in faith, knowing they face cosmic adversity yet standing firm in the knowledge of their ultimate victory. Suffering is not anomalous to the Christian experience but part of a global pattern affecting believers everywhere in the world. After you have suffered a little while—placing present suffering in eschatological perspective—the God of all grace will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you through Christ, the one to whom belong dominion forever and ever.

1 Peter 5:14

Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ — the final exhortation to 'greet one another with a kiss of love' (philēmati agapēs) establishes physical affection as expression of Christian community. The benediction of 'peace' (eirēnē) 'to all in Christ' provides the letter's closing blessing, reiterating believers' identity as those incorporated into Christ.

1 Peter 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you — the final doxological assurance describes God as 'God of all grace' (charis) who has 'called to his eternal glory' (doxē aiōniō), who will 'himself restore' (katartizo, restore/perfect), 'establish' (sterizo), 'strengthen' (sthenoo), and 'found/establish' (themelioō) believers after temporary suffering. The divine action guarantees ultimate transformation.

1 Peter 5:11

To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen — the final doxology attributes eternal power (kratos) to God, affirming his sovereignty over all creation and believers' ultimate security in his hands.

1 Peter 5:12

With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you this short letter, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it — the notation that Silas (Silvanus) carried the letter establishes his role as amanuensis (scribe) and witness. Peter's epistolary voice shifts from formal instruction to personal exhortation to 'stand firm' (stēkō) in 'the true grace of God' (alēthē charis theou).

1 Peter 5

1 Peter 5:13

1 Peter 5:5

1 Peter 5:6

1 Peter 5:7

1 Peter 5:8

1 Peter 5:9

1 Peter 5:2

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1 Peter 5:4

1 Peter 5:1