Chapter 5 of First Peter contains charges to the elders of the church and their respective flocks who were being commanded by Peter to shepherd the God’s flock among them and serve as overseers.

Duties of the Shepherd and Flock

In the first five verses of 1 Peter chapter 5, Peter assigned the elders duties as shepherds and the young ones as the flock. Peter charged the elders to shepherd God’s flock and serve as overseers. They were not to do this under compulsion or for dishonest gain, but with willingness and eagerness.

Peter asked the younger ones, who are the flock, to submit themselves to their elders and to one another. They are also asked to clothe themselves with humility and without pride, for God will grant them grace.

Be Watchful of the Devil

Next, Peter reminded the people of their duties to God and Satan. On duties regarding God, he told the people to humble themselves under His mighty hand so that they would be exalted. He also said to cast their cares to Him for He cares for them.

On duties regarding Satan, Peter reminds the reader that they have to be sober and vigilant of their adversary because the devil walks about like a lion, seeking to devour those who are not expecting it. Peter urges people to resist the adversary by remaining steadfast in their faith.

Peter’s Closing Prayer and Remarks

In the last few verses of 1 Peter Chapter 5, Peter prayed for the people and that God may establish, strengthen, and settle them with His grace. In his closing remarks, he writes to them briefly, sending them greetings from Babylon and tells them to greet one another with kisses of love.

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1 Peter 5 (King James Version)

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:

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;

3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

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.

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

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.

11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

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.

13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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