Submit to God, watch and stand firm

“Younger” and “elder” are plural in 1 Peter 5:5. This verse seems to continue the thoughts of the first four verses, thus meaning Peter is telling younger Christians to submit to their shepherds as they would Christ the Chief Shepherd.

Of course, he could simply be telling younger brethren to submit to the older brethren. The next injunction is a general one directed to all Christians. “The meaning is, ‘Tie on humility like a slave’s apron’" (Woods). Perhaps Peter was remembering a great lesson the Lord had taught him (John 13:1-17). God is opposed to all who are proud and extends his favor to those who are of a lowly spirit and ready to serve (Proverbs 3:34; 6:16-17; Luke 14:7-11; 18:9-14).

Believers should thus submit to God’s will knowing that such submission will ultimately lead to their glorification. Similarly, all worries and those things over which Christians are anxious should be placed in the Lord’s hands (Psalm 55:22; 37:5; Matthew 6:25-34). There is great consolation in knowing God has care for the individual (1 Peter 5:6-7; Matthew 10:28-31).

Christ’s followers cannot go to sleep and fail to be watchful, even though we cast our worries on the Father. Christians must maintain a calm, thoughtful and watchful attitude, since the devil is our adversary. Satan is on the opposite side of a trial for life or death (Woods). “Devil” describes a slanderer and false accuser of the saints. He growls and runs after his prey like a hungry lion. “Walks about” refers to restless walking up and down as he constantly looks for a victim (Woods). He will swallow up, or destroy, any whom he catches outside of the fold (1 Peter 5:8).

Christians must be like soldiers holding the line in battle and stand firm. The to stand firm originates in the faith produced by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Knowledge of the devil’s pursuit underscores the need to constantly study the Bible to strengthen our stand. Suffering endured by standing firm is not unique. Other brethren have suffered and died for their faith (1 Peter 5:9).

God is the great giver of unmerited favor. He calls his people through the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13) in the eternal glory found in Christ. Present suffering does not compare with eternal reward. Peter prayed his readers would be perfected, ready to serve. Peter also prayed God would shore them up, or "establish," like one might a teetering wall. He wanted God to give them strength in the face of severe trials, since God’s glory will not fail or his dominion diminish (1 Peter 5:10-11).

Silvanus, or Silas (2 Corinthians 1:19; Acts 18:1-8), is described by Peter as faithful. The letter is “by” him, possibly indicating he wrote as Peter dictated, or he carried the letter, or both. The letter is short, especially when the great theme of God’s grace is considered. Its purpose was to instruct them in God’s grace and encourage them to stand fast in that grace (1 Peter 5:12).

The “she who is in Babylon” may be Peter’s wife (Woods). John Mark was Peter’s son in the faith like Timothy was Paul’s (Philippians 2:22; 1 Timothy 1:1-2). Both of these sent greetings.

Peter directed his readers to use the kiss of greeting with a proper attitude (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26). His final prayer for them was that they enjoy the true peace that can only belong to those in Christ (1 Peter 5:13-14).