What does 1 Peter 5:1 mean?

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: 1 Peter 5:1

Explanation

1 Peter 5:1 addresses church elders, encouraging them to faithfully shepherd the people in their spiritual care. In this verse, the apostle Peter establishes his own credibility by identifying himself as an elder, a witness to the sufferings of Christ, and one who shares in the future glory that will be revealed. He aligns himself with the elders, showing that he speaks from a position of shared responsibility and experience. The “sufferings of Christ” refer to the events leading to and including the crucifixion of Jesus, while the “glory that shall be revealed” likely points forward to the return of Christ and the future glory that believers will share.

Historical Context

This epistle was written by the Apostle Peter around A.D. 64-65, a time of emerging persecution for the early Christian communities. The letter is believed to be addressed to the dispersed Christians throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Peter writes to encourage and instruct them amid the trials and to offer guidance on how to live out their faith in a hostile environment.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse captures several key concepts:

• Apostolic Authority: Peter asserts his authority as an apostle and elder, modeling humility and shared leadership for other church leaders.
• Eyewitness Testimony: He also emphasizes his eyewitness status to the sufferings of Christ, grounding his teaching in personal experience.
• Eschatological Promise: Peter refers to the “glory that shall be revealed,” pointing to the Christian hope of future resurrection and eternal life with Christ.

Different denominations may emphasize various aspects of this verse. For instance, Catholics may view Peter’s authority as foundational for the papacy, while Protestants may highlight the shared elder leadership model.

Practical Applications

1 Peter 5:1 can offer several applications for daily life:

• Leadership: Those in leadership roles, whether in church or in other spheres, are encouraged to lead with humility and a sense of shared responsibility.
• Witnessing: Believers are reminded of the importance of being a witness to others through how they live their faith.
• Hope and Resilience: In times of suffering or trial, Christians can find hope and strength in the promise of future glory.

Cross-References

• Acts 20:28 – “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
• 2 Peter 1:16 – “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”
• John 21:16-17 – “He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?… Feed my sheep.”
• 2 Timothy 2:12 – “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.”

Language Study

The Greek term for “elder” used here is “πρεσβύτερος” (presbyteros), which means an older person or a leader in the Christian church. “Μάρτυς” (martys) is translated as “witness” and holds the meaning of one who testifies to a fact or event, often at the cost of their life in a legal or religious sense. “Πασχω” (pascho) is the root for “sufferings” suggesting to experience or endure, especially in a negative sense.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Jewish tradition, elders were respected leaders and wisdom figures. The Christian use of “elder” likely borrows from this tradition. Comparatively, in Greco-Roman culture, elders might be associated with the Senate (from “senex,” Latin for old man), a body of leaders in governance.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific discourse relevant to this verse. However, studies in psychology and sociology might explore how leadership roles and shared responsibilities can affect group dynamics and individual well-being within a community, such as a church.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes Peter’s humility in ranking himself among the elders rather than claiming apostolic pre-eminence. The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary focuses on the aspect of witness, emphasizing Peter’s firsthand knowledge of Christ’s life and sufferings. The MacArthur Study Bible echoes the rightful duty of elders to shepherd the flock and to look forward to sharing Christ’s glory.