
Text -- 1 Peter 5:1 (NET)




Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics



collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Robertson: 1Pe 5:1 - -- Who am a fellow-elder ( ho sunpresbuteros ).
Earliest use of this compound in an inscription of b.c. 120 for fellow-elders (alderman) in a town, here...
Who am a fellow-elder (
Earliest use of this compound in an inscription of b.c. 120 for fellow-elders (alderman) in a town, here only in N.T., in eccles. writers. For the word

Robertson: 1Pe 5:1 - -- A witness ( martus ).
This is what Jesus had said they must be (Act 1:8) and what Peter claimed to be (Act 3:15; Act 10:39). So Paul was to be a mart...

Robertson: 1Pe 5:1 - -- Who am also a partaker ( ho kai koinōnos ).
"The partner also,""the partaker also."See Luk 5:10; 2Co 1:7; 2Pe 1:4. See same idea in Rom 8:17. In Ga...
Vincent: 1Pe 5:1 - -- Also an elder ( συμπρεσβύτερος )
Only here in New Testament. Better, as Rev., fellow-elder. The expression is decisive against ...
Also an elder (
Only here in New Testament. Better, as Rev., fellow-elder. The expression is decisive against the primacy of Peter.

Vincent: 1Pe 5:1 - -- Witness ( μάρτυς )
The word is used in the New Testament to denote (a) a spectator or eye-witness (Act 10:39; Act 6:13). (b) One who t...
Witness (
The word is used in the New Testament to denote (a) a spectator or eye-witness (Act 10:39; Act 6:13). (b) One who testifies to what he has seen (Act 1:8; Act 5:32). (c) In the forensic sense, a witness in court (Mat 26:65; Mar 14:63). (d) One who vindicates his testimony by suffering: a martyr (Act 22:20; Heb 12:1; Rev 2:13; Rev 17:6). The first three meanings run into each other. The eye-witness, as a spectator, is always such with a view to giving testimony. Hence this expression of Peter cannot be limited to the mere fact of his having seen what he preached; especially since, when he wishes to emphasize this fact, he employs another word,

Vincent: 1Pe 5:1 - -- Partaker ( κοινωνός )
This use of the word, expressing a present realization of something not yet attained, occurs in no other writer i...
Partaker (
This use of the word, expressing a present realization of something not yet attained, occurs in no other writer in the New Testament. See on 2Pe 1:4.
Wesley: 1Pe 5:1 - -- elder - So the first though not the head of the apostles appositely and modestly styles himself.
elder - So the first though not the head of the apostles appositely and modestly styles himself.

Having seen him suffer, and now suffering for him.

JFB: 1Pe 5:1 - -- To put one's self on a level with those whom we exhort, gives weight to one's exhortations (compare 2Jo 1:1-2). Peter, in true humility for the Gospel...
To put one's self on a level with those whom we exhort, gives weight to one's exhortations (compare 2Jo 1:1-2). Peter, in true humility for the Gospel's sake, does not put forward his apostleship here, wherein he presided over the elders. In the apostleship the apostles have no successors, for "the signs of an apostle" have not been transmitted. The presidents over the presbyters and deacons, by whatever name designated, angel, bishop, or moderator, &c., though of the same ORDER as the presbyters, yet have virtually succeeded to a superintendency of the Church analogous to that exercised by the apostles (this superintendency and priority existed from the earliest times after the apostles [TERTULLIAN]); just as the Jewish synagogue (the model which the Church followed) was governed by a council of presbyters, presided over by one of themselves, "the chief ruler of the synagogue." (Compare VITRINGA [Synagogue and Temple, Part II, chs. 3 and 7]).

JFB: 1Pe 5:1 - -- An eye-witness of Christ's sufferings, and so qualified to exhort you to believing patience in suffering for well-doing after His example (1Pe 4:19; 1...
An eye-witness of Christ's sufferings, and so qualified to exhort you to believing patience in suffering for well-doing after His example (1Pe 4:19; 1Pe 2:20). This explains the "therefore" inserted in the oldest manuscripts, "I therefore exhort," resuming exhortation from 1Pe 4:19. His higher dignity as an apostle is herein delicately implied, as eye-witnessing was a necessary qualification for apostleship: compare Peter's own speeches, Act 1:21-22; Act 2:32; Act 10:39.

Implying the righteous recompense corresponding to the sufferings.

JFB: 1Pe 5:1 - -- According to Christ's promise; an earnest of which was given in the transfiguration.
According to Christ's promise; an earnest of which was given in the transfiguration.
Clarke: 1Pe 5:1 - -- The elders which are among you - In this place the term πρεσβυτεροι, elders or presbyters is the name of an office. They were as pastors...
The elders which are among you - In this place the term

Clarke: 1Pe 5:1 - -- Who am also an elder - Συμπρεσβυτερος· A fellow elder; one on a level with yourselves. Had he been what the popes of Rome say he wa...
Who am also an elder -

Clarke: 1Pe 5:1 - -- A witness of the sufferings of Christ - He was with Christ in the garden; he was with him when he was apprehended. and he was with him in the high p...
A witness of the sufferings of Christ - He was with Christ in the garden; he was with him when he was apprehended. and he was with him in the high priest’ s hall. Whether he followed him to the cross we know not; probably he did not, for in the hall of the high priest he had denied him most shamefully; and, having been deeply convinced of the greatness of his crime, it is likely he withdrew to some private place, to humble himself before God, and to implore mercy. He could, however, with the strictest propriety, say, from the above circumstances, that he was a witness of the sufferings of Christ

Clarke: 1Pe 5:1 - -- A partaker of the glory - He had a right to it through the blood of the Lamb; he had a blessed anticipation of it by the power of the Holy Ghost; an...
Calvin -> 1Pe 5:1
Calvin: 1Pe 5:1 - -- In exhorting pastors to their duty, he points out especially three vices which are found to prevail much, even sloth, desire of gain, and lust for po...
In exhorting pastors to their duty, he points out especially three vices which are found to prevail much, even sloth, desire of gain, and lust for power. In opposition to the first vice he sets alacrity or a willing attention; to the second, liberality; to the third, moderation and meekness, by which they are to keep themselves in their own rank or station.
He then says that pastors ought not to exercise care over the flock of the Lord, as far only as they are constrained; for they who seek to do no more than what constraint compels them, do their work formally and negligently. Hence he would have them to do willingly what they do, as those who are really devoted to their work. To correct avarice, he bids them to perform their office with a ready mind; for whosoever has not this end in view, to spend himself and his labor disinterestedly and gladly in behalf of the Church, is not a minister of Christ, but a slave to his own stomach and his purse. The third vice which he condemns is a lust for exercising power or dominion. But it may be asked, what kind of power does he mean? This, as it seems to me, may be gathered from the opposite clause, in which he bids them to be examples to the flock. It is the same as though he had said that they are to preside for this end, to be eminent in holiness, which cannot be, except they humbly subject themselves and their life to the same common rule. What stands opposed to this virtue is tyrannical pride, when the pastor exempts himself from all subjection, and tyrannizes over the Church. It was for this that Ezekiel condemned the false prophets, that is, that they ruled cruelly and tyrannically. (Eze 34:4.) Christ also condemned the Pharisees, because they laid intolerable burdens on the shoulders of the people which they would not touch, no, not with a finger. (Mat 23:4.) This imperious rigour, then, which ungodly pastors exercise over the Church, cannot be corrected, except their authority be restrained, so that they may rule in such a way as to afford an example of a godly life.
1.The elders By this name he designates pastors and all those who are appointed for the government of the Church. But they called them presbyters or elders for honor’s sake, not because they were all old in age, but because they were principally chosen from the aged, for old age for the most part has more prudence, gravity, and experience. But as sometimes hoariness is not wisdom, according to a Greek proverb, and as young men are found more fit, such as Timothy, these were also usually called presbyters, after having been chosen into that order. Since Peter calls himself in like manner a presbyter, it appears that it was a common name, which is still more evident from many other passages. Moreover, by this title he secured for himself more authority, as though he had said that he had a right to admonish pastors, because he was one of themselves, for there ought to be mutual liberty between colleagues. But if he had the right of primacy he would have claimed it; and this would have been most suitable on the present occasion. But though he was an Apostle, he yet knew that authority was by no means delegated to him over his colleagues, but that on the contrary he was joined with the rest in the participation of the same office.
A witness of the sufferings of Christ This may be explained of doctrine, yet I prefer to regard it as referring to his own life. At the same time both may be admitted; but I am more disposed to embrace the latter view, because these two clauses will be more in harmony, — that Peter speaks of the sufferings of Christ in his own flesh, and that he would be also a partaker of his glory. For the passage agrees with that of Paul, “If we suffer together, we shall also reign together.” Besides, it avails much to make us believe his words, that he gave a proof of his faith by enduring the cross. For it hence appears evident that he spoke in earnest; and the Lord, by thus proving his people, seals as it were their ministry, that it might have more honor and reverence among men. Peter, then, had probably this in view, so that he might be heard as the faithful minister of Christ, a proof of which he gave in the persecutions he had suffered, and in the hope which he had of future life. 53
But we must observe that Peter confidently declares that he would be a partaker of that glory which was not yet revealed; for it is the character of faith to acquiesce in hidden blessings.
Defender -> 1Pe 5:1
Defender: 1Pe 5:1 - -- The elders of the churches addressed by Peter are urged to "feed the flock" (that is, to pastor) while also taking the oversight (that is, to bishop) ...
The elders of the churches addressed by Peter are urged to "feed the flock" (that is, to pastor) while also taking the oversight (that is, to bishop) the churches they were serving. This admonition indirectly confirms the implication that the offices of elder, pastor and bishop really are synonymous in effect, all being centered in the same man or men. "Elder" implies maturity in the faith, pastor implies teaching the Word, and bishop implies oversight administratively."
TSK -> 1Pe 5:1
TSK: 1Pe 5:1 - -- elders : Act 11:30, Act 14:23, Act 15:4, Act 15:6, Act 15:22, Act 15:23, Act 20:17, Act 20:28 *Gr: Act 21:18; 1Ti 5:1, 1Ti 5:19; Tit 1:5
who : Phm 1:9...
elders : Act 11:30, Act 14:23, Act 15:4, Act 15:6, Act 15:22, Act 15:23, Act 20:17, Act 20:28 *Gr: Act 21:18; 1Ti 5:1, 1Ti 5:19; Tit 1:5
who : Phm 1:9; 2Jo 1:1; 3Jo 1:1
also :
and a : 1Pe 1:12; Luk 24:48; Joh 15:26, Joh 15:27; Act 1:8, Act 1:22, Act 2:32, Act 3:15, Act 5:30-32; Act 10:39-41
a partaker : 1Pe 5:4, 1Pe 1:3-5; Psa 73:24, Psa 73:25; Rom 8:17, Rom 8:18; 2Co 5:1, 2Co 5:8; Phi 1:19, Phi 1:21-23; Col 3:3, Col 3:4; 2Ti 4:8; 1Jo 3:2; Rev 1:9

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes -> 1Pe 5:1
Barnes: 1Pe 5:1 - -- The elders which are among you I exhort - The word "elder"means, properly, "one who is old;"but it is frequently used in the New Testament as a...
The elders which are among you I exhort - The word "elder"means, properly, "one who is old;"but it is frequently used in the New Testament as applicable to the officers of the church; probably because aged persons were at first commonly appointed to these offices. See Act 11:30, note; Act 14:23, note; Act 15:2, note. There is evidently an allusion here to the fact that such persons were selected on account of their age, because in the following verses (1Pe 5:4) the apostle addresses particularly the younger. It is worthy of remark, that he here refers only to one class of ministers. He does not speak of three "orders,"of "bishops, priests, and deacons;"and the evidence from the passage here is quite strong that there were no such orders in the churches of Asia Minor, to which this Epistle was directed. It is also worthy of remark, that the word "exhort"is here used. The language which Peter uses is not that of stern and arbitrary command; it is that of kind and mild Christian exhortation. Compare the notes at Phm 1:8-9.
Who am also an elder - Greek: "a fellow-presbyter,"(
And a witness of the sufferings of Christ - Peter was indeed a witness of the sufferings of Christ when on his trial, and doubtless also when he was scourged and mocked, and when he was crucified. After his denial of his Lord, he wept bitterly, and evidently then followed him to the place where he was crucified, and, in company with others, observed with painful solicitude the last agonies of his Saviour. It is not, so far as I know, expressly said in the Gospels that Peter was pre sent at the crucifixion of the Saviour; but it is said Luk 23:49 that "all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things,"and nothing is more probable than that Peter was among them. His warm attachment to his Master, and his recent bitter repentance for having denied him, would lead him to follow him to the place of his death; for after the painful act of denying him he would not be likely to expose himself to the charge of neglect, or of any want of love again. His own solemn declaration here makes it certain that he was present. He alludes to it now, evidently because it qualified him to exhort those whom he addressed. It would be natural to regard with special respect one who had actually seen the Saviour in his last agony, and nothing would be more impressive than an exhortation falling from the lips of such a man. A son would be likely to listen with great respect to any suggestions which should be made by one who had seen his father or mother die. The impression which Peter had of that scene he would desire to have transferred to those whom he addressed, that by a lively view of the sufferings of their Saviour they might be excited to fidelity in his cause.
And a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed - Another reason to make his exhortation impressive and solemn. He felt that he was an heir of life. He was about to partake of the glories of heaven. Looking forward, as they did also, to the blessed world before him and them, he had a right to exhort them to the faithful performance of duty. Anyone, who is himself an heir of salvation, may appropriately exhort his fellow-Christians to fidelity in the service of their common Lord.
Poole -> 1Pe 5:1
Poole: 1Pe 5:1 - -- 1Pe 5:1-4 The elders are exhorted to feed the flock of Christ
conscientiously, looking to the chief Shepherd for
a reward.
1Pe 5:5 The younger...
1Pe 5:1-4 The elders are exhorted to feed the flock of Christ
conscientiously, looking to the chief Shepherd for
a reward.
1Pe 5:5 The younger are required to submit to the elder, and
all to practise humility toward each other,
1Pe 5:6,7 with resignation to God,
1Pe 5:8,9 to be sober, watchful, and stedfast in the faith,
resisting the devil.
1Pe 5:10-14 The Epistle is concluded with a prayer and benediction.
The elders which are among you I exhort viz. those that were such, not so much by age as by office, as appears by his exhorting them to feed the flock, 1Pe 5:2 ; he means the ordinary ministers of the churches among the believing Jews.
Who am also an elder: elder is a general name, comprehending under it even apostles themselves, who were elders, though every elder were not an apostle.
And a witness either:
1. In his doctrine, in which he held forth Christ’ s sufferings, whereof he had been an eye-witness, in which respect the apostles are often called witnesses, Luk 24:48 Act 1:8,22 2:32 . Or:
2. In his example, in that he in suffering so much for Christ, did give an ample testimony to the reality of Christ’ s sufferings, and that Christ had indeed suffered: or, both may well be comprehended.
The glory that shall be revealed viz. at Christ’ s last coming, 1Pe 1:5 4:13 Rom 8:17,18 .
PBC -> 1Pe 5:1
PBC: 1Pe 5:1 - -- At first glance we wonder about the contextual flow of this lesson compared with the theme of suffering and especially judgment at the house of God in...
At first glance we wonder about the contextual flow of this lesson compared with the theme of suffering and especially judgment at the house of God in chapter 4. However, if the focus of judgment at the house of God deals with discernment regarding suffering, this lesson follows quite naturally. Notice how Peter describes himself.
" I exhort."
The Greek word translated " exhort" means to call alongside. Rather than writing from a high position of authority, Peter writes from the perspective of equality with his audience. He will not direct them as the chief executive officer of the faith; rather he gently calls them to stand beside him. In our study of 1Pe 2:4-8 we noted that Peter had no sense of himself as the " rock" upon which the church is built. For Peter, the Lord Jesus Christ alone was the chief cornerstone and foundation of the church.
"an elder"
He is " also an elder" . He joins himself with the elders whom he exhorts. Peter will have none of the exalted supremacy that has been so arbitrarily forced upon him. He does not consider himself as anything beyond his calling.
"a witness of the sufferings of Christ"
He is " a witness of the sufferings of Christ." This phrase forms a tight bond with the previous chapter. Peter could easily have identified himself as a witness of the resurrection of Jesus, a distinct mark of the supernatural otherworldly truth of Jesus’ deity. He could have identified himself as a witness of the transfiguration of Jesus, a characteristic of Jesus’ unique and exclusive authority to teach " as one having authority." {Mt 7:29} In raising his witness of Jesus’ suffering Peter sets himself forth as an example of suffering, for one of his weakest moments of faith occurred in the immediate context of Jesus’ sufferings. During the night of Jesus’ trial and suffering, Peter denied that he even knew Jesus. Peter left the courtyard and " wept bitterly." {Mt 26:75} He offers himself as a personal example of suffering for his failure in the faith. He faced his own bitter moment of judgment. Later in the book of Acts we read of this same Peter suffering boldly and fearlessly for his faith. Now he becomes an example of suffering as a Christian. He wrote with authority regarding both causes of suffering. How refreshing when leaders in the church are faithful and honest enough to set forth both their successes and failures to instruct the people.
"also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed."
He is " also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed." For the faithful in Christ, failure is not a constant way of life; it is rather the exception than the rule. Those who walk by faith in Christ will confront their failures, learn from them, grow because of them, and become stronger and more mature in their faith from their own experiences. Rather than responding with pride and shame to their failures, the mature believer will work to overcome past failures. Even the Lord will not allow one of His own to wallow forever in the memory of past failures. Can we forget the pointed words of the angel who announced the resurrection of Jesus to the women, " But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee." {Mr 16:7} Peter could easily have wallowed in his failure and denial of Christ. He could have bowed out of the number, becoming something of a second Judas. However, Jesus would not allow him to take that course. The special mention of Peter reminds the women that they must convey a special encouragement to Peter that he has not been eliminated. He must go to Galilee with the other disciples to see the resurrected Jesus and to prepare for his future faithfulness. How we need to learn this lesson with Peter. God’s design for His children includes growing beyond failures, mistakes-sins-and becoming an example of faithfulness. John Newton frequently reminded his congregation of his slave-trader past, but his faithful life more strongly reminded them that he was no longer a slave-trader. Our carnal pride has stifled the refreshing, cleansing, healing balm of confession and repentance. A return to this glorious honesty of Biblical Christianity would transform our lives and our churches. We shall regain this authenticity, not by prying into the sins and failures of others, but by godly honesty in confessing our own sins.
41
Haydock -> 1Pe 5:1
Haydock: 1Pe 5:1 - -- The ancients, therefore, that are among you, I beseech, who am myself also an ancient, [1] &c. According to the letter, the senior, I, a fellow seni...
The ancients, therefore, that are among you, I beseech, who am myself also an ancient, [1] &c. According to the letter, the senior, I, a fellow senior; or, the elder, I, a fellow elder. Mr. Nary, and also the French translators, commonly put, the priest, I your fellow priest. Or even it might be, the bishops, I, your fellow bishop. The Latin word, senior, and the Greek word presbyteros, which here are in the text, if we should follow their derivation only, signify elderly men, or men advanced in years; but since by a received use, they signify and represent to us offices and dignities, either ecclesiastical or civil, either belonging to the Church or state, which in other languages are now generally known by other words, we may however be permitted to use, even in translating the holy Scriptures, those words and names by which now are represented to us those offices and dignities. It cannot be doubted but the Greek and Latin words, which we find in this verse, were applied, after the establishment of the new law of Christ, to signify such ministers of God and the Church which are now called priests and bishops: and it is for this reason that I judged it better to put the word priest, and fellow priest, (meaning priests of the higher order, commonly known by the name of bishops) than to use the words seniors, elders, or presbyters. I should not blame the Protestant translators for translating always the Greek word, presbyter, by the English word elder, nor the Rhemes translators for putting it here senior, if these words were sufficiently authorised by an ecclesiastical use and custom to signify priests or bishops; which I think can scarce be said, to say nothing that the word elders hath been used by fanatical men, who admit no ordination of bishops or priests by divine institution, and who have affixed it to their lay elders, who are appointed and degraded as it seemeth good to their congregations. Though the Protestants of the Church of England always translate elders for presbyters in the New Testament, yet I do not find this word once used in their liturgy or common prayer book, when any directions are given to those that perform the church office, who are called priests, bishops, curates, or ministers. ---
And a witness of the sufferings of Christ. St. Peter being called and made the first or chief of the apostles soon after Christ began to preach, he was witness of what Christ suffered, both during the time of his preaching and of his passion. ---
Glory. Some think that St. Peter only means, that he was present at his transfiguration, where was shewn some resemblance of the glory which is to come in heaven. Others think, that he expresseth the firm hopes he had of enjoying the glory of heaven. (Witham)
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[BIBLIOGRAPHY]
Seniores, Greek: presbuterous; consenior, Greek: sumpresbuteros. It is certain that in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and in other languages, such as have a superiority and command over others, in the Church or in the commonwealth, have been called by words that by their derivation express men advanced in age and years; because men chosen to such offices were commonly, though not always, advanced in age. Yet whether old or young, we give them the names which use and custom hath affixed to their dignities; for example, in English, the chief magistrate of a town we call the mayor or major, not the greater of such a town; those who rule with him, we call the aldermen, not the elderly men according to the derivation. The like might be said of senate, senators, and many other names of offices and dignities; and, as the authors of the annotations on the Rhem. Testament observed, it would be ridiculous to translate such words according to their etymologies. We must not translate pontifex, a bridge-maker; lapis, a hurt foot, &c. Greek: Apostolos, by its derivation, signifieth only one sent, or a messenger; Greek: episkopos, an overseer, or inspector; Greek: diakonos, a servant, or waiter; yet Protestants as well as Catholics translate, apostles, bishops, deacons; and where Greek: presbuteroi, or seniors, signify men now known by these words, priests or bishops, why may we not in translating give them these names? It is true a particular difficulty occurs, because (as St. Jerome, St. John Chrysostom, and others have taken notice) the Greek word, Greek: o presbuteros, is used in the New Testament sometimes for those who by their dignity were priests only, sometimes for bishops, and many times in the gospels for those who were governors among the Jews, or members of their great council or sanhedrim and sometimes only for those who by their age were elder or more advanced in years. This makes it impossible, in translating, to represent the signification of this Greek word always in Latin or in English by the same Latin or English word, which a translator should endeavour to do as much as possible. The Protestant translators have indeed always rendered the Greek presbuteros by the English word elder; they adhere to the derivation of the word without regard to the different offices signified by that one word, and for which we have different words in English. I take notice that the Latin interpreter of the old Vulgate, though generally very exact, has not followed this rule of translating Greek: presbuteros by the same Latin word: for example, Acts xv. 2. he puts presbyteros, and yet in the same chapter (ver. 4, 6, 22, and 23) he puts seniores. Acts xx. 17. for Greek: presbuterous he puts majores natu; and these same persons, by the 28th verse, are called episcopi, Greek: episkopoi. In the epistle to Timothy and Titus, as also in those of Sts. James, Peter, and John, for the same Greek word we sometimes find presbyteri, and sometimes seniores. A late English translation from the Latin, (in the year 1719. by C. N.) for seniores and presbyteri sometimes puts elders, sometimes priests, whether it be seniores or presbyteri in the Latin; and when mention is made of the ministers of the gospel, (as Acts xv. 4.) for seniores he translates elders, and yet in the same chapter (ver. 6, 22, and 23) for the same word he puts priests, &c. The translators of the Rhem. Testament were more exact, for generally speaking of seniores they put the ancients, when mention was made of those who were Greek: presbuteroi among the Jews; when seniores were applied to the ministers of the gospel, they put seniors; and for presbyteri, they translate priests. Yet they have gone from this in one or two places; for Acts xi. 30.where we read mittentes ad seniores, they put to the ancients; and also, Acts xvi. 4. for senioribus we again find ancients. For my part I judge it best, for distinction sake, to put elders in the gospels for seniores, or Greek: presbuteroi of the Jews. I had put in the Acts of the Apostles seniors where I found seniores, speaking of ministers of the new law; and where I have found the Latin, presbyteri, I have translated priests; and Acts xx. 17. I have translated the seniors. I have also been in a doubt here in this place of St. Peter, and also in the 2nd and 3rd of St. John, whether to put seniors or priests: I have put ancient priests, not doubting but that St. Peter and St. John speak of themselves as priests of the first order, or as they were bishops.
Gill -> 1Pe 5:1
Gill: 1Pe 5:1 - -- The elders which are among you I exhort,.... The apostle returns to particular exhortations, after having finished his general ones, and which chiefly...
The elders which are among you I exhort,.... The apostle returns to particular exhortations, after having finished his general ones, and which chiefly concern patient suffering for Christ; and having particularly exhorted subjects to behave aright to civil magistrates, servants to their masters, and husbands and wives mutually to each other, here proceeds to exhort "elders" to the discharge of their office and duty; by whom are meant, not the elder in age, or the more ancient brethren in the churches, though they are distinguished from the younger, in 1Pe 5:5 but men in office, whose business it was to feed the flock, as in 1Pe 5:2 and though these might be generally the elder men, and whose office required, at least, senile gravity and prudence, yet they were not always so; sometimes young men, as Timothy, and others, were chosen into this office, which is the same with that of pastors, bishops, or overseers; for these are synonymous names, and belong to persons in the same office: and these are said to be "among" them, being members of the churches, and called out from among them to the pastoral office, and who were set over them in the Lord, and had their residence in the midst of them; for where should elders or pastors be, but with and among their flocks? they were fixed among them; and in this an elder differs from an apostle; an elder was tied down to a particular church, whereas an apostle was at large, and had authority in all the churches; and these the Apostle Peter does not command in an authoritative way, though he might lawfully have used his apostolic power; but he chose rather to exhort, entreat, and beseech, and that under the same character they bore:
who also am an elder; or, "who am a fellow elder"; and so the Syriac version renders it; and which expresses his office, and not his age, and is entirely consistent with his being an apostle; for though that is an higher office than a pastor, or elder, yet it involves that, and in some things agrees with it; as in preaching the word, and administering ordinances; and is mentioned to show the propriety and pertinency of his exhortation to the elders; for being an elder himself, it was acting in character to exhort them; nor could it be objected to as impertinent and unbecoming; and since he was still in an higher office, on which account he could have commanded, it shows great humility in him to put himself upon a level with them, and only entreat and beseech them; he does not call himself the prince of the apostles and pastors, and the vicar of Christ, as his pretended successor does, but a fellow elder:
and a witness of the sufferings of Christ; as he was even an eyewitness of many of them; of his exceeding great sorrow in his soul, of his agony and bloody sweat in the garden, and of his apprehension, and binding by the officers and soldiers there; and of the contumelious usage he met with in the high priest's hall, where was mocked, blindfolded, buffeted, and smote upon the face; if not of his sufferings on the cross; since it is certain John was then present; and quickly after we read of Peter and he being together, Joh 19:26 and therefore a very fit person to exhort these elders to feed the churches under their care with the preaching of a crucified Christ; since he, from his certain knowledge, could affirm his sufferings and his death: moreover, he was a witness, that is, a minister, and preacher of the sufferings of Christ, and of the doctrines of peace, pardon, justification, and salvation through them; as appears from all his sermons recorded in the "Acts of the Apostles", and from these his epistles: and besides, he was a partaker of the sufferings of Christ; he bore witness to him, by suffering for him; and as the Apostle Paul did, filled up the afflictions of Christ in his flesh; he, with other apostles, were put into the common prison by the Jewish sanhedrim, for preaching Christ, as he afterwards was by Herod; and had, doubtless, by this time, gone through a variety of sufferings for the sake of Christ and his Gospel, as he afterwards glorified God by dying that death, which his Lord and master signified to him before hand; and therefore a very proper person to exhort these elders to discharge their work and office, and persevere in it, whatever they were called to suffer for it:
and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed; which some think has reference to the transfiguration of Christ upon the mount, where Peter was present, and saw the glory of Christ, and of those that were with him, Moses and Elias, and enjoyed their company, and heard their conversation with so much pleasure and delight, that he was for continuing there; and which was an emblem and pledge of the glory of Christ, that was afterwards to be revealed, and still is to be revealed, and so the Syriac version renders it, "a partaker of his glory": of the glory of Christ, see 1Pe 4:13 or it regards the eternal glory and happiness of the saints, which is at present hid, and unseen, but shall be revealed at the last time, at the coming of Christ, when he shall appear in his glory, both to the saints, in them, and upon them; a glory which shall be both upon body and soul; and this the apostle calls himself a partaker of, as in Christ, his head and representative, and because of his interest in it, his assurance of right unto it, and meetness for it, and the certainty of enjoying it; nothing being more sure than this, that those that suffer with Christ, and for his sake, shall be glorified with him. Now, the exhortation of a person in such an office, as before expressed, and of one that was an eyewitness of Christ's sufferings, and had endured so much for Christ, and had had so large an experience of his grace, and such full assurance of glory, must carry great weight and influence in it, and is as follows.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> 1Pe 5:1-14
TSK Synopsis: 1Pe 5:1-14 - --1 He exhorts the elders to feed their flocks;5 the younger to obey;8 and all to be sober, watchful, and constant in the faith;9 and to resist the crue...
MHCC -> 1Pe 5:1-4
MHCC: 1Pe 5:1-4 - --The apostle Peter does not command, but exhorts. He does not claim power to rule over all pastors and churches. It was the peculiar honour of Peter an...
Matthew Henry -> 1Pe 5:1-4
Matthew Henry: 1Pe 5:1-4 - -- Here we may observe, I. The persons to whom this exhortation is given - to the presbyters, pastors, and spiritual guides of the church, elders by of...
Barclay: 1Pe 5:1-4 - --Few passages show more clearly the importance of the eldership in the early church. It is to the elders that Peter specially writes and he, who was ...

Barclay: 1Pe 5:1-4 - --When we turn to the Christian Church we find that the eldership is its basic office.
It was Paul's custom to ordain elders in every community to which...

Barclay: 1Pe 5:1-4 - --Peter sets down in a series of contrasts the perils and the privileges of the eldership; and everything he says is applicable, not only to the elder...

Barclay: 1Pe 5:1-4 - --One thing in this passage which defies translation and is yet one of the most precious and significant things in it is what we have translated "petty...

Barclay: 1Pe 5:1-4 - --One of the lovely things about this passage is Peter's attitude throughout it. He begins by, as it were, taking his place beside those to whom he s...
Constable -> 1Pe 5:1-11; 1Pe 5:1-4
Constable: 1Pe 5:1-11 - --B. The Church under Trial 5:1-11
Peter concluded the body of his epistle and this section on encourageme...
