Bible Commentaries
1 Peter 5

Verse 1

The elders ; men commissioned to have the care of churches and to preach the gospel, but with a distinct allusion to the fact that they were also literally elders in respect to age. 1 Peter 5:5 Who am also an elder ; his higher office of apostle included the lower office of elder, which latter he here applies to himself, because he wishes to exhort as an equal, not to command as an apostle: compare Philemon 1:8-9

Those who have long, faithfully, and successfully preached the gospel, are best fitted to exhort others rightly to do it.

Verse 2

Feed the flock ; as Christ told Peter, John 21:16

Filthy lucre ; dishonorable gain.

Of a ready mind ; cheerfully, from love.

Verse 3

Neither as being lords ; exercising undue authority.

God’s heritage ; his people. Deuteronomy 32:9

Being ensamples ; examples of piety, meekness, humility, and beneficence.

The pope, in claiming and exercising civil authority, and lording it over the faith and practice of those who are weak, wicked, or ignorant enough to submit to him, does precisely what Peter, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, directed ministers of Christ not to do; thus showing that he is anti-Peter, as well as anti-Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 1 Timothy 4:1-4

Verse 4

Chief Shepherd ; Jesus Christ.

Verse 5

Be subject one to another ; pay all due regard to each other’s feelings, and treat each other with kindness, courtesy, and respect.

Resisteth the proud ; Proverbs 3:34 James 4:6

Verse 6

Under the mighty hand ; submit cheerfully to the dealings of his providence.

Humility in all conditions is not only essential for the faithful discharge of duty, but the best preparation for receiving all needed favors.

Verse 7

All your care ; Psalms 55:22

A sure and effectual relief from oppressive cares is cheerful submission to the will of God; choosing to have him do as seemeth him good, because he does all things well.

Verse 9

Resist ; by refusing to comply with temptations to evil, and persevering in that which is good.

Your brethren ; other Christians are suffering in the same way with yourselves.

Though the devil is subtle and powerful, has great experience, and is untiring in his efforts to destroy men, yet the weakest believer may effectually resist him, by watchfulness and prayer. Psalms 27:1 ; Psalms 28:8 ; Psalms 29:11 ; Psalms 46:1 ; Psalms 71:16 ; Romans 16:20

Verse 10

Perfect ; complete in character.

Establish ; you in the hope and peace of the gospel.

Strengthen ; you to resist temptations and bear all trials with patience.

Settle ; render you steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

God will not continue the trials of his people longer than their good requires: when this end is secured, he will bring them forth as gold from the furnace, purer and better fitted for pure and eternal joys.

Verse 13

At Babylon ; there is no compelling reason this could not be the literal Babylon.

Marcus ; whether the same as John Mark the evangelist, or some other Mark, is unknown.