5:1 elder The Greek word here, presbyteros, designates a church leader or administrator (see 1 Tim 3:1–7 and note; 3:2 and note).

Episkopos and Presbyteros Word Study

witness of the sufferings of Christ While Peter observed Jesus’ ministry and could have drawn from these experiences, he likely is referring to his present role as a witness to the sufferings of Christ as seen in believers’ responses to physical and social persecution. As with the rest of the letter, here Peter interprets the sufferings of believers as participation in the sufferings of Christ (see 1 Pet 4:13).

5:2 shepherd the flock of God among you Peter encourages the elders to exercise pastoral care and concern for the people in their communities.

Metaphors for the Church

5:4 chief Shepherd appears Peter uses the metaphor of a shepherd to refer to Jesus at His return (see 1 Pet 1:7 and note; compare John 10:11–18; note on 1 Sam 9:3).

unfading crown of glory Describes the honor that awaits elders for faithful service. In their faithful service as leaders, elders exude the glory of Jesus (the king who rightfully rules the universe); this will be recognized upon Christ’s return.

5:5 younger men Most likely refers to youthful members of the church, although—if familial language is used metaphorically here—the expression may refer to offices of the church that are lower in rank than elder (e.g., deacon), or to all members of the church who do not hold official offices.

gives grace to the humble Speaking now to all believers, Peter draws on the Septuagint (ancient Greek ot) version of Prov 3:34 to stress the importance of humility in the Christian community. The nt frequently exhorts believers to cultivate an attitude of humility (e.g., Eph 4:2; Phil 2:3; Col 3:12; 1 Pet 3:8).

5:6 Humble yourselves Peter urges his audience to be humble while they wait for God to honor their faithfulness in His timing.

5:7 casting all your cares on him Likely drawing on Psa 55:22, this line provides comfort to believers in the face of persecution and suffering. God not only will deliver believers from their troubles in the future, but He demonstrates His loving care in the present by hearing their prayers.

5:8 Your adversary the devil The nt uses both “Satan” and “devil” as terms for the chief figure of evil in the Bible. The Hebrew term satan used in the ot means “adversary” (e.g., Job 1:6, 12; 2:1; Zech 3:1–2).

Satan in the Old Testament and the Serpent of Genesis 3

a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour Peter alerts his audience to the devil’s constant threat to the people of God (compare 2 Cor 2:11).

5:9 your community of believers in the world Believers throughout the Roman empire were suffering both localized persecution as well as opposition from the devil (see 1 Pet 5:8 and note).

5:10 restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you Peter offers his audience a final word of comfort. He reminds them that God will empower and ultimately glorify those who remain steadfast in their faith under the weight of their present suffering.

5:12 Silvanus Peter’s secretary (or amanuensis) and an associate of Paul.

5:13 Babylon Refers metaphorically to Rome (see Rev 14:8 and note).

Mark An associate of Paul who was also an associate of Peter (see Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37, 39; Phlm 24). Peter views himself as Mark’s spiritual father.