As we study 1 Peter, it’s helpful to remember that it’s just that: a letter designed to be circulated among a group of churches in what was then called “Asia” and is now part of western Turkey. 

 

Letters found in the New Testament follow a basic form in which greetings are followed by matters of interest between the parties. Letter-writers than brought the letter to an end with a conclusion designed to convey final words and to say goodbye. 

 

Biblical epistles typically end with words of encouragement and advice, and 1 Peter is no exception. The author closed with a sincere wish that his readers would practice cordial humility toward each other and live in love. 

 

 

 

Having spoken to the issue of family and community relationships (3:1-7, 4:7-11), the writer closed with a few words of advice about how members of the church should treat each other (5:1-5). He described himself as an “elder,” and spoke to the “elders among you” (v. 1) along with “those who are younger” (v. 5). [DD] 

 

Whether we are to think of “elder” as a designation of age or of office, the writer appealed to the experience and wisdom of church leaders, urging them to “tend the flock of God that is in your charge” with willing eagerness. [DD]

 

Likewise, “younger” members were to respect the leadership of more experienced believers. As with family relationships, all were to live in humble submission to one another, remembering that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (v. 5; a quotation from the Greek translation of Prov. 3:34). 

 

Can you remember a time when a more mature Christian – whether holding a church office or not – was helpful to you in your pilgrimage of faith? Have you ever sought to encourage newer believers?

 

The writer’s reference to humility in v. 5 led him back to the theme of faithful living in a difficult world. He brought his missive to a forceful conclusion with a string of imperative verbs: humble yourselves, cast your cares on God, discipline yourselves, and resist evil (vv. 6-9). The closing words include a comforting promise of future hope for those who would follow his advice (vv. 10-11).

 

Let’s look more closely. Faithful living requires a healthy measure of humility. Believers adopt modest attitudes not because they feel worthless, but because they understand their place in the larger scheme of things: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (v. 6). 

 

“God’s mighty hand” is a common Old Testament metaphor for God’s power to deliver (Exod. 13:3; Deut. 26:8; 1 Kgs. 8:42; Neh. 1:10; Ps. 136:12, among many others). First Peter addressed people who may have been forcibly humbled by the mighty fist of Rome. Involuntary submission is degrading, but humble believers can be confident that God’s “mighty hand” will hold them firm and ultimately lift them up. “In due time” translates the word kairos, which describes “the appropriate time,” in God’s time. 

 

Humility before God does not imply going about on our knees or wearing sackcloth. Mainly, it’s about putting our trust in God rather than relying on our efforts alone. “Cast all your anxiety on him,” Peter said, “because he cares for you” (v. 7). [DD]

 

The notions of being humble and entrusting one’s cares to God are closely connected. Holding on to our problems and worries points to a prideful belief that we can go it alone – or to a lack of belief that God can be of help. In contrast, entrusting our cares to God is a sign of humility as well as faith. 

 

The author’s advice does not suggest that we blithely ignore the pressures, debts, or illnesses that may confront us and just assume that God will take care of everything. It is our worries we are to turn over to God – not our responsibilities. We cannot expect God to make our apologies or pay our bills or improve our physical fitness, but we can look positively to God for help and hope as we do those things, and we need not waste energy worrying about them in the meantime. 

 

As the disciples “cast their cloaks” on the colt for Jesus to ride on his triumphal entry to Jerusalem (Luke 19:35), so Christ’s followers are to cares our cares on God as we walk through difficult times but toward ultimate triumph. 

 

The importance of trusting God in times of trial exists through the ages. Some will remember Charles A. Tindley’s touching hymn, “Leave it There,” written in1916. The song’s verses sing of troubles associated with poverty, illness, enemies, and aging, each one leading to the chorus “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.” [DD]

 

 

 

First Peter calls for readers to trust God in times of need, but not to imagine that life can be lived without effort. Wise believers should discipline themselves and stay alert, for “Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around looking for someone to devour” (v. 8). 

 

The words for “be sober” (“discipline yourselves” in the NRSV) and “keep alert” (literally, “stay awake!”) were often used together, especially by writers who thought of themselves as living in the last days, urging others to be faithful until the end.

 

Like other early Christians, the author believed that an evil foe lurked behind the many temptations and cruelties of this world, opposing the righteous and advocating evil. The word for “adversary” is a technical term for a legal opponent in court, but could be used in the general sense of “enemy.”

 

“Devil” translates “diabolos” (the root of our word “diabolical”). Its root meaning is something like “slanderer.” Diabolos is the word typically used in the Septuagint (a Greek version of the Old Testament) to translate the Hebrew term ha-sâtân (“the accuser”). In the Hebrew Bible, with only one late exception (1 Chr. 21:1), the word sâtân always appears with the definite article (ha), as a title rather than a personal name. The accuser was not believed to be an evil power who opposed God, but served with other “sons of God” on the heavenly council. His particular responsibility was to observe human activity and report wrongdoing (see Job 1:6-7), like a heavenly district attorney. [DD]

 

By the first century, however, many Jews had come to think of ha-sâtân as a demonic power that sought to pervert God’s purposes by tempting people to do evil. Over time, the diabolos came to be thought of as a rebellious angel who had been given temporary dominion in the world, but who remained subject to Christ (John 14:30; 1 John 5:19).

 

Christians make two common mistakes in their thinking about the devil. One error is in taking demonic power too seriously; fearing demonic possession or blaming the world’s ills on satanic influence. The other mistake is in not taking evil seriously enough. First Peter counsels no overt fear of evil – but recognizes the reality of temptations to live at odds with God. Whether we think of the devil as a personal being or a powerful metaphor, few can deny the reality of evil in the world. [DD]

 

The temptations we face are not only those of a moral or corrupt nature, but also the endemic sins of a greed-based society that values self-gratification more than a healthy community. The first step in overcoming temptation is to recognize it for what it is, and the first step in enduring tribulation is to recognize its temporary nature. Those who stand firm in their faith and in company with other Christians will find the strength to endure. [DD] 

 

 

 

First Peter concludes with a reassuring promise of God’s intention to deliver and strengthen God’s people. Verses 10-11 are a powerful benediction, a promise that God will bless those who are enduring trials and will “restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.”

 

The piling up of four active verbs that are near synonyms makes for an emphatic statement. The word for “restore” means “to supply what is needed” or “to mend what is broken.” The term translated as “support” can also mean “to make firm,” or “confirm.” Like the next verb in the series, it could also mean “to strengthen.” The end result, found in the final verb, is that believers may become established, firmly grounded in their faith. Does that sound like you?

 

The author’s promise of divine deliverance does not preclude suffering or hard times, but counsels confidence nonetheless. Difficult days are an integral part of human life, but in the midst of trouble, those who follow Jesus can rest assured that we serve a mighty God who can lift us up. We will be tried, we will suffer pain, we will be wounded in this life, but the restoring power of God is strong, and provides what we need to endure. [DD]