1 Peter 5

1 Peter 5 is the final chapter of the book. Following 1 Peter 4, which speaks of the fiery trial that believers endure and of the judgment that "must begin at the house of God," this chapter offers exhortations about order and conduct within the community and then closes the letter with final greetings.

Outline

• Verses 1–4: The author introduces himself as one "who am also an elder" and urges the elders to tend God's flock: not by constraint but willingly, not for filthy lucre but of a ready mind, not as lords over those entrusted to them but as examples. He promises that when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
• Verses 5–7: The younger are urged to submit to the elders, and all are told to be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Readers are to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God and cast all their care upon Him.
• Verses 8–11: Readers are charged to resist steadfastly in the faith the devil, who walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. The author reminds them that their brethren in the world are undergoing the same afflictions, declares that God will make perfect those who have suffered a while, and offers a doxology (a brief declaration of praise to God).
• Verses 12–14: The author explains that he has written briefly by Silvanus and urges readers to stand firm, for this is the true grace of God. The church at Babylon and "Marcus my son" send greetings, and the letter ends with an instruction to greet one another with a kiss of charity and a blessing of peace.

Key Verses

• 1 Peter 5:2–3 "Feed the flock of God which is among you … being ensamples to the flock" — a classic passage on the proper disposition of church leaders.
• 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" — one of the most widely quoted verses on anxiety and trust.
• 1 Peter 5:8 "Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about" — frequently cited in discussions of spiritual vigilance and watchfulness.

People and Places

• Peter — The sender of the letter, who in verse 1 calls himself one who is "also an elder."
• The Chief Shepherd — Meaning "the head of the shepherds," this title refers to Jesus Christ.
• Silvanus — Mentioned in verse 12, he is understood either as the one who wrote the letter on the author's behalf (an amanuensis) or as the one who delivered it. Many identify him with Silas, Paul's coworker.
• Mark — The person Peter calls "my son." This is read as a spiritual rather than a biological relationship, and tradition identifies him with the author of the Gospel of Mark.
• Babylon — The place from which the letter is sent, according to verse 13. Many interpreters regard it as a symbolic name for Rome, as in Revelation, though some take it to refer to the actual region in Mesopotamia.

Interpretive Considerations

• The meaning of "elder": Interpreters differ over whether "elder" (Greek presbyteros) in verses 1 and 5 denotes a church office or simply older people, in contrast to "the younger" in verse 5. Churches that maintain the office of elder, such as Presbyterian churches, read this passage as one of the biblical foundations for that office. Some churches with congregational polity understand pastor and elder to be the same office.
• Babylon and the Roman tradition: Reading Babylon as Rome connects the passage to the early church tradition that Peter resided in Rome. The Catholic Church places considerable weight on this tradition. The text itself, however, does not directly mention Peter's stay in Rome or his martyrdom.
• Authorship: Some scholars read "by Silvanus" in verse 12 as indicating an amanuensis, which would account for the letter's polished Greek style. Other scholars regard the letter as a later composition.
• Connections within the New Testament: Verse 2 is read alongside John 21:15–17, where the risen Jesus tells Peter, "Feed my sheep." Verse 5 quotes the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) text of Proverbs 3:34, which is also quoted in James 4:6. Verses 8–9 echo the exhortation to resist the devil in James 4:7.

In the Korean Church

Verse 7 is widely used as a memory verse and as a word of comfort. Verses 2–4 frequently serve as the sermon text at services such as pastoral installations and the ordination services of elders.