1 Peter 5: The Role Of The Elders

Resources:

• 1 Peter Overview (video)
• 1 Peter 5 Reading Guide
• 1 Peter 5 Teaching Notes
• 1 Peter 5 Video

Notes:

• Peter wrote this letter to comfort believers and encourage them to stay strong.
• Peter concludes his letter with instructions to the elders, teaching on humility, and a final warning to be sober-minded and alert.

Notes on the video:

• 1 Peter 5 is the last chapter. Peter has been talking to disbursed believers in distant locations. Peter wants to ensure everyone is OK despite all the persecution going on in the world. We need to ensure we keep our eyes on Christ as our living hope to get through such times.
• In verses 1-4 Peter talks about elders/leaders in the church.
  • In verse 1 Peter avoids referring to himself as an Apostle.
  •  Elders are to pastor, care for, and shepherd God’s flock.
  • In verse 3 Peter tells leaders to avoid lording over his people – don’t promote yourself or act as if you are greater than your congregation. Elders do not simply teach – they have other responsibilities.
    • Acts 20:17 – another role of church leaders is to represent the church itself.
    • James 5:14 – elders should also pray for the sick.
  • Verse 4 explains that Christ will provide a reward to church elders for leading their congregation.
• Verse 5 and verse 6 warns elders to be humble since God opposes the proud.
• In verse 8-9 Peter warns us to be aware of the devil who is constantly looking to take advantage of weakness so we must remain strong in our faith.
• In verse 10 Peter reminds us that Christ will restore and strengthen us when we have gone through some hard times. It is important to keep this in mind when we face challenges in our lives.
• In verse 12 Peter explains why he has written this letter and encourages us to stand firm in God’s grace despite all of the persecution going on in the world.
• Verse 13 and 14 wraps up the letter, wishing peace to those who are in Christ.

Group chat:

• The scribe mentioned in verse 13 is the same Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark. Mark became an understudy of Peter and left when Peter was killed. Mark then became a new elder, replacing Peter.