LESSON 17 • An Orderly Community
1 Peter 5: 1-14

Author: the apostle Peter

Addressed: to the strangers scattered throughout Asia Minor (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bythynia) Chap. 1:1
Written: probably from Rome about 60 A.D. (or perhaps the real Babylon on the Euphrates River)

Purpose:

1. To exhort the elders of the churches to be faithful to the charge of caring for the flock to which they are entrusted I Peter 5: 1-4

2. To exhort the younger members of the church to be in submission to the elders I Peter 5:5-7

3. To be vigilant, to bear the trials with patience I Peter 5: 8-11

Introduction:
It is apparently a time of great stress for the early church I Peter 1:6; 3:17; 4:15-16

In such a time, Christians will be looking to their leaders for strength

Here Peter is trying to encourage these leaders on how to perform

Basis of his advice: (Chapter 5:1)
I am an elder and witness of the suffering of Christ. 
Also a partaker of the glory to be revealed.

Addressed specifically to the elders in the church (vv. 1- 2)
Greek word is fellow-presbyters. 

What is the advice?
1. Feed the flock (v.2)
2. Take the oversight (v. 2)
3. Be an example (v. 2)
4. Be clothed with humility (v. 5)
5. Humble yourself (v.6)
6. Cast your burden on the Lord (v. 7)
7. Be sober and vigilant (v. 8)
8. Be steadfast (v. 9)

Greeting from Others

Silvaanus v. 12 æ Probably Silas
Marcus v. 13 æ Probably John Mark
The church at Babylon verse I Peter 5:13 æ Probably Rome Rev. 17:5


Discussion

1. Is the advice given by Peter still good today? If not, why not?

2. Would you welcome unsolicited advice from an older person?

3. How well do you handle persecution?

4. When all else fails, have you learned to "cast your burden on the Lord?









Jack Justus has attended Pulaski/PV since 1960. He has served as a Bible teacher for over 40 years and as an elder for over 30