I Peter 5
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The elders which are among you - In this place the term πρεσβυτεροι, elders or presbyters is the name of an office. They were as pastors or shepherds of the flock of God, the Christian people among whom they lived. They were the same as bishops, presidents, teachers and deacons, Act 14:23; Ti1 5:17. And that these were the same as bishops the next verse proves. Who am also an elder - Συμπρεσβυτερος· A fellow elder; one on a level with yourselves. Had he been what the popes of Rome say he was - the prince of the apostles; and head of the Church, and what they affect to be - mighty secular lords, binding the kings of the earth in chains, and their nobles in fetters of iron; could he have spoken of himself as he here does? It is true that the Roman pontiffs, in all their bulls, each style themselves servus servorum Dei, servant of the servants of God, while each affects to be rex regum, king of kings, and vicar of Jesus Christ. But the popes and the Scriptures never agree. A witness of the sufferings of Christ - He was with Christ in the garden; he was with him when he was apprehended. and he was with him in the high priest's hall. Whether he followed him to the cross we know not; probably he did not, for in the hall of the high priest he had denied him most shamefully; and, having been deeply convinced of the greatness of his crime, it is likely he withdrew to some private place, to humble himself before God, and to implore mercy. He could, however, with the strictest propriety, say, from the above circumstances, that he was a witness of the sufferings of Christ. A partaker of the glory - He had a right to it through the blood of the Lamb; he had a blessed anticipation of it by the power of the Holy Ghost; and he had the promise from his Lord and Master that he should be…
Open source ↗EXHORTATIONS TO ELDERS, JUNIORS, AND ALL IN GENERAL. PARTING PRAYER. CONCLUSION. (Pe1 5:1-14) elders--alike in office and age (Pe1 5:5). I . . . also an elder--To put one's self on a level with those whom we exhort, gives weight to one's exhortations (compare Jo2 1:1-2). Peter, in true humility for the Gospel's sake, does not put forward his apostleship here, wherein he presided over the elders. In the apostleship the apostles have no successors, for "the signs of an apostle" have not been transmitted. The presidents over the presbyters and deacons, by whatever name designated, angel, bishop, or moderator, &c., though of the same ORDER as the presbyters, yet have virtually succeeded to a superintendency of the Church analogous to that exercised by the apostles (this superintendency and priority existed from the earliest times after the apostles [TERTULLIAN]); just as the Jewish synagogue (the model which the Church followed) was governed by a council of presbyters, presided over by one of themselves, "the chief ruler of the synagogue." (Compare VITRINGA [Synagogue and Temple, Part II, chs. 3 and 7]). witness--an eye-witness of Christ's sufferings, and so qualified to exhort you to believing patience in suffering for well-doing after His example (Pe1 4:19; Pe1 2:20). This explains the "therefore" inserted in the oldest manuscripts, "I therefore exhort," resuming exhortation from Pe1 4:19. His higher dignity as an apostle is herein delicately implied, as eye-witnessing was a necessary qualification for apostleship: compare Peter's own speeches, Act 1:21-22; Act 2:32; Act 10:39. also--implying the righteous recompense corresponding to the sufferings. partaker of the glory--according to Christ's promise; an earnest of which was given in the transfiguration.
Open source ↗The elders which are among you I exhort,.... The apostle returns to particular exhortations, after having finished his general ones, and which chiefly concern patient suffering for Christ; and having particularly exhorted subjects to behave aright to civil magistrates, servants to their masters, and husbands and wives mutually to each other, here proceeds to exhort "elders" to the discharge of their office and duty; by whom are meant, not the elder in age, or the more ancient brethren in the churches, though they are distinguished from the younger, in Pe1 5:5 but men in office, whose business it was to feed the flock, as in Pe1 5:2 and though these might be generally the elder men, and whose office required, at least, senile gravity and prudence, yet they were not always so; sometimes young men, as Timothy, and others, were chosen into this office, which is the same with that of pastors, bishops, or overseers; for these are synonymous names, and belong to persons in the same office: and these are said to be "among" them, being members of the churches, and called out from among them to the pastoral office, and who were set over them in the Lord, and had their residence in the midst of them; for where should elders or pastors be, but with and among their flocks? they were fixed among them; and in this an elder differs from an apostle; an elder was tied down to a particular church, whereas an apostle was at large, and had authority in all the churches; and these the Apostle Peter does not command in an authoritative way, though he might lawfully have used his apostolic power; but he chose rather to exhort, entreat, and beseech, and that under the same character they bore: who also am an elder; or, "who am a fellow elder"; and so the Syriac version renders it; and which exp…
Open source ↗Here we may observe, I. The persons to whom this exhortation is given - to the presbyters, pastors, and spiritual guides of the church, elders by office, rather than by age, ministers of those churches to whom he wrote this epistle. II. The person who gives this exhortation - the apostle Peter: I exhort; and, to give force to this exhortation, he tells them he was their brother-presbyter or fellow-elder, and so puts nothing upon them but what he was ready to perform himself. He was also a witness of the sufferings of Christ, being with him in the garden, attending him to the palace of the high-priest, and very likely being a spectator of his suffering upon the cross, at a distance among the crowd, Act 3:15. He adds that he was also a partaker of the glory that was in some degree revealed at the transfiguration (Mat 17:1-3), and shall be completely enjoyed at the second coming of Jesus Christ. Learn, 1. Those whose office it is to teach others ought carefully to study their own duty, as well as teach the people theirs. 2. How different the spirit and behaviour of Peter were from that of his pretended successors! He does not command and domineer, but exhort. He does not claim sovereignty over all pastors and churches, nor style himself prince of the apostles, vicar of Christ, or head of the church, but values himself upon being an elder. All the apostles were elders, though every elder was not an apostle. 3. It was the peculiar honour of Peter, and a few more, to be the witnesses of Christ's sufferings; but it is the privilege of all true Christians to be partakers of the glory that shall be revealed. III. The pastor's duty described, and the manner in which that duty ought to be performed. The pastoral duty is three-fold: - 1. To feed the flock, by preaching to them the…
Open source ↗5:1-14 Peter ends the letter with final exhortations to elders (5:1-4), to younger people (5:5), and to the church as a whole (5:5-11). These exhortations are followed by final greetings and a closing (5:12-14). 5:1-4 Elders were the spiritual leaders of the early churches (see also Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Tim 5:17-19; Titus 1:5; Jas 5:14). By calling himself a fellow elder, Peter identifies with them in their responsibilities and with the charge that he gives them.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) συμπρεσβύτερος (sympresbýteros, G4850) — a co-presbyter καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μάρτυς (mártys, G3144) — a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr" πάθημα (páthēma, G3804) — something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus κοινωνός (koinōnós, G2844) — a sharer, i.e. associate δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… μέλλω (méllō, G3195) — to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially… ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalýptō, G601) — to take off the cover, i.e. disclose
Open source ↗ποιμαίνω (poimaínō, G4165) — to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser) ποίμνιον (poímnion, G4168) — a flock, i.e. (figuratively) group (of believers) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἐπισκοπέω (episkopéō, G1983) — to oversee; by implication, to beware μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἀναγκαστῶς (anankastōs, G317) — compulsorily ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἑκουσίως (hekousíōs, G1596) — voluntarily μηδέ (mēdé, G3366) — but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor αἰσχροκερδῶς (aischrokerdōs, G147) — sordidly προθύμως (prothýmōs, G4290) — with alacrity
Open source ↗μηδέ (mēdé, G3366) — but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) κατακυριεύω (katakyrieúō, G2634) — to lord against, i.e. control, subjugate κλῆρος (klēros, G2819) — a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension,… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… τύπος (týpos, G5179) — a die (as struck), i.e. (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a… ποίμνιον (poímnion, G4168) — a flock, i.e. (figuratively) group (of believers)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀρχιποίμην (archipoímēn, G750) — a head shepherd φανερόω (phaneróō, G5319) — to render apparent (literally or figuratively) κομίζω (komízō, G2865) — properly, to provide for, i.e. (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive… στέφανος (stéphanos, G4735) — a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor… δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… ἀμαράντινος (amarántinos, G262) — "amaranthine", i.e. (by implication) fadeless
Open source ↗ὁμοίως (homoíōs, G3668) — similarly νέος (néos, G3501) — "new", i.e. (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate ὑποτάσσω (hypotássō, G5293) — to subordinate; reflexively, to obey πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἀλλήλων (allḗlōn, G240) — one another ἐγκομβόομαι (enkombóomai, G1463) — to engirdle oneself (for labor), i.e. figuratively (the apron as being a badge of… ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosýnē, G5012) — humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἀντιτάσσομαι (antitássomai, G498) — to range oneself against, i.e. oppose ὑπερήφανος (hyperḗphanos, G5244) — appearing above others (conspicuous), i.e. (figuratively) haughty δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or…
Open source ↗ταπεινόω (tapeinóō, G5013) — to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart) οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… κραταιός (krataiós, G2900) — powerful χείρ (cheír, G5495) — the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ὑψόω (hypsóō, G5312) — to elevate (literally or figuratively) ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. καιρός (kairós, G2540) — an occasion, i.e. set or proper time
Open source ↗ἐπιῤῥίπτω (epirrhíptō, G1977) — to throw upon (literally or figuratively) πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you μέριμνα (mérimna, G3308) — solicitude ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because μέλω (mélō, G3199) — to be of interest to, i.e. to concern (only third person singular present indicative used… περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various…
Open source ↗νήφω (nḗphō, G3525) — to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (figuratively) be discreet γρηγορεύω (grēgoreúō, G1127) — to keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἀντίδικος (antídikos, G476) — an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, Satan (as the arch-enemy) διάβολος (diábolos, G1228) — a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854) ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ὠρύομαι (ōrýomai, G5612) — to "roar" λέων (léōn, G3023) — a "lion" περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… ζητέω (zētéō, G2212) — to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a… τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) καταπίνω (katapínō, G2666) — to drink down, i.e. gulp entire (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἀνθίστημι (anthístēmi, G436) — to stand against, i.e. oppose στερεός (stereós, G4731) — stiff, i.e. solid, stable (literally or figuratively) πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πάθημα (páthēma, G3804) — something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence ἐπιτελέω (epiteléō, G2005) — to fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἀδελφότης (adelphótēs, G81) — brotherhood (properly, the feeling of brotherliness), i.e. the (Christian) fraternity ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κόσμος (kósmos, G2889) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… αἰώνιος (aiṓnios, G166) — perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well) δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Open source ↗αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κράτος (krátos, G2904) — vigor ("great") (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… αἰών (aiṓn, G165) — properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world;… ἀμήν (amḗn, G281) — properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as…
Open source ↗διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) Σιλουανός (Silouanós, G4610) — "silvan"; Silvanus, a Christian πιστός (pistós, G4103) — objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) λογίζομαι (logízomai, G3049) — to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively) γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ὀλίγος (olígos, G3641) — puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially)… παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐπιμαρτυρέω (epimartyréō, G1957) — to attest further, i.e. corroborate ταύτῃ (taútēi, G5026) — (towards or of) this εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist
Open source ↗ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Βαβυλών (Babylṓn, G897) — Babylon, the capitol of Chaldæa (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny)) συνεκλεκτός (syneklektós, G4899) — chosen in company with, i.e. co-elect (fellow Christian) ἀσπάζομαι (aspázomai, G782) — to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Μάρκος (Márkos, G3138) — Marcus, a Christian μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,…
Open source ↗ἀσπάζομαι (aspázomai, G782) — to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome ἀλλήλων (allḗlōn, G240) — one another ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. φίλημα (phílēma, G5370) — a kiss ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast εἰρήνη (eirḗnē, G1515) — peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἀμήν (amḗn, G281) — properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as…
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
You are witnesses of these things.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus.
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul.
Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.
Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers,
On their arrival in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and apostles and elders, to whom they reported all that God had done through them.
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.