1 Peter 5:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

NIV: In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

NASB: You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.

CSB: In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

NLT: In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'

KJV: Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

NKJV: Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

In the previous few verses, Peter gave specific instructions to those occupying the office of elder in the church, regarding how they should lead. Now he addresses those who are younger, spiritually speaking. These are those who don't serve in the role of elder in the church. Peter writes that they should be subject to the elders.

Peter has been clear throughout his letter: Christians are people under several layers of authority. Our ultimate authority is God, of course, and His instructions to us take priority over those given by any other authority. In fact, as Peter demonstrated in his own life, a believer must willfully disobey human authorities when they tell us to disobey God (Acts 5:29). In all other matters, though, Christians express our freedom by willingly submitting to the authority of kings, governors, husbands, and even slave masters. Within the church itself, this attitude of submission extends to those holding the office of elder.

Why would we resist that? Why would we need to be warned about refusing to be subject to elders in the church? Peter identifies the most common reason: pride. He instructs us—"all of you," young and old alike—to "clothe" ourselves with humility toward one another. For humans, the choice to be humble is not something that comes naturally from within us. We must put it on like clothing, covering our pride to promote each other above ourselves.

Peter references Proverbs 3:34 to show that this choice to be humble toward each other is not just about human relationships. God's natural response to proud humans is to oppose them, just as His natural response to humble humans is to give them grace. In the next verse, Peter will continue to explain what it means to be humble before God.

1 Peter 5:1–11 gives specific instructions to elders about how to lead the flock of God willingly, eagerly, and by their own example. All of us must live in humility toward each other and toward God, who opposes the proud. In humility, we cast our anxieties on the Father who cares for us. In alertness, we are to remain clear-minded, looking out for our enemy the devil who seeks to destroy us. We resist him by focusing on staying firm in our faith and trusting God to keep His promises.

Peter concludes his letter to the scattered Christians in Asia Minor with specific instructions. Primarily, these are targeted at those in the role of elder, about how to lead. He also provides counsel for all believers on living in humility toward each other and toward God. In humility, we wait and trust God to exalt us in His time. In humility, we cast our cares on Him. But we’re also called to remain alert, watching out for the devil and resisting him by focusing on staying firm in our faith. After this brief life of suffering, our God will bring our suffering to an end and make us strong forever.

Thus far, Peter has affirmed that Christians have been chosen by God and set aside for His purposes. We should not be surprised by suffering, and we should not respond to persecution by rebelling against our human authorities. Our suffering in both cases points the world to our hope in Christ and allows us to follow in Jesus’ steps. Peter here concludes his letter with instructions to the elders, teaching on humility, and a final warning to be sober-minded and alert.

Some 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are facing greater persecution for their faith. How should they respond? How should we respond to suffering today? The apostle Peter writes this letter both to comfort believers and to encourage them to stay strong. He urges them to put all their hope in their perfect future with Christ, and to obey and trust Him in the present, even in their suffering. Christ suffered greatly; now the Christ-followers have the opportunity to follow Him even in this, showing His grace and power in their hopefulness, obedience, and faith.