March 14, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Peter Chapter 5

1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

The fifth and final section of the First Epistle of Peter is addressed particularly to the elders and the entire congregation. Peter, as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, exhorts the church leaders to carry out their responsibilities with dedication, humility, and as role models. At the same time, he calls the younger members and the whole community to humility and trust in God. A central exhortation is to remain vigilant against the enemy, who prowls around like a roaring lion. The passage concludes with an encouraging blessing, emphasizing God’s eternal glory and reminding believers of the grace in which they stand.

Commentary

1.Exhortation to the Elders (Verses 1-4)

• Peter speaks as a fellow elder rather than a ruler, showing his close connection with church leaders.

• The elders are called to shepherd Christ’s flock, not out of compulsion or selfish gain, but with a sincere heart.

• They should not dominate the people but rather be examples for the congregation.

• The reward for faithful leadership will be the imperishable crown of glory when Christ returns.

2.Call to Humility and Trust in God (Verses 5-7)

• The younger members should submit to the elders and interact with one another in humility.

• Humility is emphasized as a key Christian virtue: “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (v. 5).

• Believers should cast their anxieties on God because He cares for them (v. 7).

3.Warning Against the Devil and Steadfastness in Faith (Verses 8-9)

• Peter urges sobriety and vigilance because the devil prowls like a roaring lion.

• Believers should resist him, standing firm in faith, knowing that fellow Christians worldwide face similar sufferings.

4.Blessing and Final Greetings (Verses 10-14)

• God, who has called believers to eternal glory, will strengthen, establish, and restore them after a short period of suffering (v. 10).

• The letter was delivered by Silvanus, described as a faithful brother.

• Peter sends greetings from “Babylon” (likely Rome) and mentions Mark.

• He concludes with a wish for peace to all who are in Christ.

Summary

1 Peter 5 emphasizes the role of elders as humble shepherds who must lead their flock with love and dedication. The congregation is called to humility and trust in God, who resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Peter also warns against the devil, urging steadfastness in faith. Finally, he assures Christians that their suffering is temporary and that God will strengthen and establish them. The letter concludes with a blessing and personal greetings.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction

Spiritual growth in Christ is a central theme of the Christian life. Chapter 8 describes this growth using natural imagery such as birth, plants, and light, to illustrate how a believer matures in relationship with Christ. It makes clear that no one can generate spiritual life or bring themselves to salvation by their own efforts—only through Christ is true growth possible. By remaining in Him, we receive strength, joy, and steadfastness in faith. The invitation to complete surrender to Christ and to trust in His guidance lies at the heart of this chapter.

Commentary

1.Spiritual Growth as God’s Work (Introduction)

• The Bible compares spiritual growth to a birth (1 Peter 2:2) and to the growth of a seed (Ephesians 4:15).

• No one can produce life by their own power—just as spiritual life cannot arise without God’s work (John 3:3).

• Growth in Christ is not the result of human effort but of divine influence.

2.The Necessity of Connection with Christ

• Plants grow through light, water, and nourishment—likewise, the believer needs Christ as the “Sun of Righteousness” (Isaiah 60:19).

• Jesus emphasizes: “Remain in me”—without Him, a person cannot bear fruit (John 15:4–5).

• Many attempt to live righteously by their own strength, yet Christ is the only path to holiness.

3.Daily Surrender to God as the Key to Growth

• Daily prayer and complete surrender to God are essential for growth in faith.

• The relationship with Christ must be consistent and alive—He should not only be present at the beginning and end of our lives, but at every moment (Psalm 16:8).

• Our hope does not lie in ourselves but in Christ, who connects our weakness with His strength.

4.The Danger of Self-Centeredness and Distraction by Satan

• Satan constantly tries to divert the believer’s gaze from Christ—whether through worries, fears, or worldly temptations.

• The only security lies in complete dependence on Christ—not in self-reflection or self-doubt (Galatians 2:20).

• True spiritual growth occurs through trust, obedience, and continual connection with Christ.

5.The Examples of the First Disciples and Their Deep Fellowship with Christ

• The disciples grew through daily fellowship with Christ and were changed by the Holy Spirit.

• John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was transformed by closeness to Christ from an ambitious and fiery man into a symbol of love.

• This deep spiritual fellowship with Christ is still available to every believer today.

6.The Ongoing Presence of Christ in Our Lives

• After His ascension, Jesus remained united with His disciples through the Holy Spirit—He remains in the hearts of believers today in the same way.

• Life in Christ means not only following Him, but fully uniting oneself with Him.

• Christ is the author and finisher of our faith (Ephesians 4:15)—in Him lies our entire hope for growth and perfection.

Summary

Chapter 8 underscores the importance of spiritual growth in Christ. It shows that this growth is not achieved through human effort but solely through connection with Christ. Just as plants need light, water, and nourishment to thrive, the believer needs Christ as the source of life. Walking daily with Christ, engaging in consistent prayer, and surrendering fully to Him lead to spiritual maturity. The disciples of Jesus are an example of how close fellowship with Christ can completely transform a person’s nature. The invitation is: “Remain in me”—whoever remains in Christ grows in faith, bears fruit, and is transformed into His image.

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