“"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."”
1 Peter 5:7
Summary
1 Peter 5 serves as a concluding exhortation from the apostle Peter, primarily addressing church elders and the broader congregation. Peter starts by encouraging the elders to shepherd the flock of God willingly and eagerly, not for shameful gain but as examples to the flock. He assures them that when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will receive the unfading crown of glory. This epistle then shifts to younger believers urging them to submit to the elders and encourages everyone to clothe themselves with humility towards one another, remembering that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Additionally, Peter advises all believers to be sober-minded and watchful, warning them of the devil's prowling through the world like a lion. They are encouraged to resist him steadfastly in faith, trusting that their suffering is being experienced by the global community of believers. Peter concludes this letter by reminding the readers that, after they have suffered a little while, the God of all grace will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish them.