Title: A Message Concerning The Believer's Service
Bible Book: 1 Peter 5 : 1-14
Author: David E. Owen
Subject: Service; Christian Living
Objective:
Introduction
1 Peter 5:1-14
Just to review what we’ve found in this epistle…
1) There Is A Message Concerning The Believer’s Salvation
(Chapter 1)
Peter Discusses The Doctrine Of Salvation (1:1-12)
Peter Discusses The Demonstration Of Salvation (1:13-25)
2) There Is A Message Concerning The Believer’s Submission
(Chapter 2-3:12)
Peter Deals With Submission In A Practical Way (Chapter 2)
Peter Deals With Submission In A Particular Way (Chapter 3:1-12)
3) There Is A Message Concerning The Believer’s Suffering
(Chapter 3:13-4:19)
The Witness Involved In Suffering (Chapter 3:13-22)
The Way Involved In Suffering (Chapter 4:1-19)
And now…
4) There Is A Message Concerning The Believer’s Service
(Chapter 5:1-14)
Peter is writing now about service from the vantage point of one who had served. He is writing as an exhorter, as an elder, and as one who had experienced both the suffering and splendor of Christ. In his opening words in this chapter, he said…
(1 Peter 5:1) 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:
He indicates that he had been a witness and partaker of what Paul desired…
(Philippians 3:10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
His theme in this chapter is serving God, and…
I. Peter Discusses Serving With The Flock In Mind
(vs. 1-4)
Peter is speaking to the “elders” that were in the churches to which he was writing. The word “elder” comes from the Greek word…
4245. presbuteros, pres-boo’-ter-os; compar. of presbus (elderly); meaning older; as noun, a senior; spec. an Isr. Sanhedrist (also fig. member of the celestial council) or Chr. “presbyter”:--elder (-est), old.
There are several ways this word is defined, but the context helps us to determine the concept. Because of what is said to the elders and about the elders, this term must refer to the presbyter of the church or the administrative official. Again, from what is said in the context, this position would be synonymous with what we call the “pastor.”
A. Exhortation Regarding A Pastor’s Responsibilities
(1 Peter 5:1-2) 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: {2} Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
1. Consider The Elders’ Connection To The People
among (vs. 1-2) – Greek NT:1722 ?e)n ?en (en); a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest; “in,” at, (up-) on, by, etc.
2. Consider The Elders’ Commission From Peter
feed – Greek 4165. poimaino, poy-mah'ee-no; from G4166; to tend as a shepherd (or fig. superviser):--feed (cattle), rule.
B. Explanation Regarding A Pastor’s Role
(1 Peter 5:2-3) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; {3} Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
1. He Possesses The Mind Of A Godly Leader
taking the oversight – Greek 1983. episkopeo, ep-ee-skop-eh'-o; to oversee; by impl. to beware:-- look diligently.
In 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:7, the Greek word episkopos is translated “bishop.” So we see that Peter is encouraging the elders to do the work of a bishop. And in his instruction to “feed the flock,” he is encouraging them to do the work of a shepherd. Our great example and pattern in these roles is Christ…
(1 Peter 2:25) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
by constraint – Greek 317. anagkastos, an-ang-kas-toce'; adv. from a der. of G315; compulsorily (by force).
willingly – Greek 1596. hekousios, hek-oo-see'-oce; adv. from the same as G1595; voluntarily:-- willfully.
for filthy lucre – Greek 147. aischrokerdos, ahee-skhrok-er-doce'; adv. from G146; sordidly:--for filthy lucre's sake.
Marvin Vincent in his New Testament Word Studies said…
For filthy lucre aischrokerdoos. From aischros, “disgraceful,” and kerdos, “gain.” Only here in New Testament. The word “filthy” is intended to convey the idea which lies in aischros, “base or dishonorable;” becoming such if it is made the motive of the minister’s service.
ready mind – Greek 4289. prothumos, proth'-oo-mos; from G4253 and G2372; forward in spirit, i.e. predisposed; neut. (as noun) alacrity:--ready, willing.
2. He Presents The Model Of A Godly Life
lords – Greek 2634. katakurieuo, kat-ak-oo-ree-yoo'-o; from G2596 and G2961; to lord against, i.e. control, subjugate:--exercise dominion over (lordship), be lord over, overcome.
Vincent further says…
Heritage kleeroon. Plural. Kleeros means “a lot.” … From the kindred adjective kleerikos comes the English “cleric,” contracted into “clerk,” which in ecclesiastical writings originally signified a minister; either as being chosen “by lot” like Matthias, or as being the lot or inheritance of God. Hence, Wycliffe translates the passage, “neither as having lordship in the clergie.” As in the Middle Ages the clergy were almost the only persons who could write, the word “clerk” came to have one of its common modern meanings. The word here, though its interpretation is somewhat disputed, seems to refer to the several “congregations” – the “lots or charges” assigned to the elders. …
Examples tupoi. Peter uses three different terms for a “pattern or model” hupogrammos, “a writing- copy” (1 Peter 2:21); hupodeigma, for which Classical writers prefer paradeigma, “an architect’s plan or a sculptor’s or painter’s model” (2 Peter 2:6); tupos (see the note at 1 Peter 3:21), of which our word “type” is nearly a transcript. The word primarily means the impression left by a stroke (tuptoo, “to strike”). Thus, John 20:25, “the print of the nails.” Used of the stamp on coin; the impression of any engraving or hewn work of art; a monument or statue… Generally, an “image or form,” always with a statement of the object; and hence, the kindred meaning of a “pattern or model.”
flock – Greek 4168. poimnion, poym'-nee-on; neut. of a presumed der. of G4167; a flock, i.e. (fig.) group (of believers).
C. Expectation Regarding A Pastor’s Reward
(1 Peter 5:4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
1. Let’s Notice The Timing Of This Reward
chief Shepherd – Greek 750. archipoimen, ar-khee-poy'-mane; from G746 (arche – chief or principle) and G4166 (poimen – a shepherd); a head shepherd.
Albert Barnes said…
[And when the chief Shepherd shall appear] The prince of the pastors – the Lord Jesus Christ. “Peter, in the passage above, ranks himself with the elders; here he ranks Christ himself with the pastors.”
Wiersbe said, “Since this is the epistle of hope, Peter brought in once again the promise of the Lord’s return. His coming is an encouragement in suffering (1 Peter 1:7-8) and a motivation for faithful service.”
2. Let’s Notice The Type Of This Reward
Wiersbe further said…
There were several kinds of “crowns” in those days. The one Peter mentioned was the athlete’s crown, usually a garland of leaves or flowers that would quickly fade away. The faithful pastor’s crown is a crown of glory, a perfect reward for an inheritance that will never fade away (1 Peter 1:4).
II. Peter Discusses Serving With The Fundamentals In Mind
(vs. 5-7)
A. We See The Fundamental Arrangement For Believers
(1 Peter 5:5) 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.
submit (and) be subject – Greek 5293. hupotasso, hoop-ot-as'-so; from G5259 and G5021; to subordinate; reflex. to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
1. He Mentions A Subjection To Elders
submit – Greek 5293. hupotasso, hoop-ot-as'-so; from G5259 and G5021; to subordinate; reflex. to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
younger – Greek 3501. neos, neh'-os; includ. the comp. neoteros, neh-o'-ter-os; a prim. word; “new”,
i.e. (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; fig. regenerate:--new, young.
elder – Greek 4245. presbuteros, pres-boo'-ter-os; compar. of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; spec. an Isr. Sanhedrist (also fig. member of the celestial council) or Chr. "presbyter":--elder (-est), old.
2. He Mentions A Subjection To Everyone
subject – Greek 5293. hupotasso, hoop-ot-as'-so; from G5259 and G5021; to subordinate; reflex. to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
one to another – Greek 240. allelon, al-lay'-lone; Gen. plur. from G243 redupl.; one another:--each other, mutual, one another, (the other), (them-, your-) selves, (selves) together
B. We See The Fundamental Attitude For Believers
(1 Peter 5:5-6) 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.
{6} Humble (abase – bring down) yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt (elevate – lift up) you in due time:
1. Notice God’s Requirement For Humble People
be clothed with – Greek 1463. egkomboomai, eng-kom-bo'-om-ahee; mid. from G1722 and komboo (to gird); to engirdle oneself (for labor), i.e. fig. (the apron being a badge of servitude) to wear (in token of mutual deference):--be clothed with.
humility – Greek 5012. tapeinophrosune, tap-i-nof-ros-oo'-nay; from a comp. of G5011 and the base of G5424; humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty:--humbleness of mind, humility (of mind), lowliness (of mind).
Cf. (Philippians 2:3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
2. Notice God’s Response To Human Pride
God resisteth the proud
resisteth – Greek 498. antitassomai, an-tee-tas'-som-ahee; from G473 and the mid. of G5021; to range oneself against, i.e. oppose:--oppose themselves, resist.
Cf. (Proverbs 6:16-19) These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
{17} A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, {18} An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, {19} A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
C. We See The Fundamental Assistance For Believers
(1 Peter 5:7) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1. Notice The Breadth Of His Assistance
casting – Greek 1977. epirrhipto, ep-ir-hrip'-to; from G1909 and G4496; to throw upon (lit. or fig.):-- cast upon.
care – Greek NT:3308. merimna; to be drawn in different directions; it has the idea of distraction; (according to some it is derived from a root meaning to be thoughtful), care, anxiety: 1 Peter 5:7. (From Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
2. Notice The Basis Of His Assistance
careth – Greek 3199. melo, mel'-o; a prim. verb; to be of interest to, i.e. to concern (only third pers. sing. pres. indic. used impers. it matters):--(take) care.
God is interested in you, and He is concerned about you!
III. Peter Discusses Serving With The Foe In Mind
(vs. 8-9)
A. He Mentions The Reality Of The Devil
(1 Peter 5:8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1. Notice How Peter Recommends Our Caution Of The Devil
be sober – Greek 3525. nepho; to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (fig.) be discreet:--be sober, watch.
be vigilant – Greek 1127. gregoreuo, gray-gor-yoo'-o; to keep awake, i.e. watch (lit. or fig.):-- wake, (be) watch (-ful).
2. Notice How Peter Refers To The Character Of The Devil
adversary – Greek 476. antidikos, an-tid'-ee-kos; from G473 and G1349; an opponent (in a lawsuit); spec. Satan (as the arch-enemy):--adversary.
B. He Mentions The Roaring Of The Devil
(1 Peter 5:8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1. Notice His Walking About
walketh about – Greek 4043. peripateo, per-ee-pat-eh'-o; from G4012 and G3961; to tread all around,
i.e. walk at large (espec. as proof of ability); fig. to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary):--go, be occupied with, walk (about).
2. Notice His Wanting Appetite
seeking – Greek 2212. zeteo, dzay-teh'-o; of uncert. affin.; to seek (lit. or fig.); spec. (by Heb.) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life):--be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means).
devour – Greek 2666. katapino, kat-ap-ee'-no; from G2596 and G4095; to drink down, i.e. gulp entire (lit. or fig.):--devour, drown, swallow (up).
Adam Clarke said…
There is a beauty in this verse, and a striking apposition between the first and last words, which I think have not been noticed … If you swallow strong drink down, the Devil will swallow you down.
C. He Mentions The Resisting Of The Devil
(1 Peter 5:9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
1. We Need To Understand That This Is A Combative Experience
resist – Greek 436. anthistemi, anth-is'-tay-mee; from G473 and G2476; to stand against, i.e. oppose:--resist, withstand.
It was A. T. Robertson who said, “Cowardice never wins against the devil (2 Timothy 1:7), but only courage.”
Cf. (2 Timothy 1:7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
steadfast – Greek 4731. stereos, ster-eh-os'; from G2476; stiff, i.e. solid, stable (lit. or fig.):--stedfast, strong, sure.
2. We Need To Understand That This Is A Common Experience
knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished (they are undergoing these same afflictions) in your brethren that are in the world - Cf. (1 Peter 4:12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
John MacArthur said…
Peter concludes this section with a word of assurance to his readers as they perservered humbly and submissively, vigilantly and courageously in the midst of many persecutions, sufferings, and trials – they were not alone. He reminded them that the same experiences of suffering were being accomplished by their brethren who are in the world. Believers in other places could empathize with them because every segment of the Christian community has experienced or will experience attack from the Enemy. God allows this form of painful testing to accomplish His perfect work in the lives of His elect.
IV. Peter Discusses Serving With The Father In Mind
(vs. 10-11)
A. We Should Consider The Grace Of God In Our Lives
(1 Peter 5:10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1. Notice How God Embodies Grace
the God of all grace
grace – Greek 5485. charis, khar'-ece; from G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstr. or concr.; lit., fig. or spiritual; espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, (unmerited) favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).
Cf. (1 Peter 4:10) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as
good stewards of the manifold grace of God. When we sing “Amazing Grace,” we should be saying “Amazing God!”
Albert Barnes said that He is “The God who imparts all needful grace.”
2. Notice How God Expresses Grace
who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus
Wiersbe said…
He has “called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus.” This is the wonderful inheritance into which we were born (1 Peter 1:4). Whatever begins with God’s grace will always lead to God’s glory. If we depend on God’s grace when we suffer, that suffering will result in glory (1 Peter 4:13-16). The road may be difficult, but it leads to glory.
John Calvin said…
God is led not only by his goodness, but also by his gracious benevolence, to aid us more and more. He does not simply mention calling, but he shews wherefore they were called, even that they might obtain eternal glory.
eternal – Greek 166. aionios, ahee-o'-nee-os; from G165; perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well):--eternal, for ever, everlasting, world (began).
glory – Greek 1391. doxa, dox'-ah; from the base of G1380; glory (wonder, splendor, beauty, magnificence, grandeur) (as very apparent), in a wide application (lit. or fig., obj. or subj.):--dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship.
How do we arrive at this exalted realm of eternal glory? By Christ Jesus
B. We Should Consider The Goal Of God In Our Lives
(1 Peter 5:10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1. He Wants Us To Be Spiritually Complete
after that ye have suffered a while
suffered – Greek 3958. pascho, pas'-kho; includ. the forms (patho, path'-o) and (pentho, pen'-tho), used only in certain tenses for it; appar. a prim. verb; to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful):--feel, passion, suffer, vex.
perfect – Greek 2675. katartizo, kat-ar-tid'-zo; from G2596 and a der. of G739; to complete thoroughly,
i.e. repair (lit. or fig.) or adjust:--fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect (-ly join together), prepare, restore.
Barnes said that He will “make us perfect” … “By means of your trials. The tendency of affliction is to make us perfect.”
Cf. (2 Corinthians 4:17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh (fashions) for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2. He Wants Us To Be Strongly Confirmed
stablish – Greek 4741. sterizo, stay-rid'-zo; from a presumed der. of G2476 (like G4731); to set fast,
i.e. (lit.) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (fig.) to confirm:--fix, (e-) stablish, stedfastly set, strengthen.
strengthen – Greek 4599. sthenoo, sthen-o'-o; from sthenos, (bodily vigor; prob. akin to the base of G2476); to strengthen, i.e. (fig.) confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power).
settle – Greek 2311. themelioo; to lay a basis for, i.e. (lit.) erect, or (fig.) consolidate:--(lay the) found (- ation), ground.
C. We Should Consider The Glory Of God In Our Lives
(1 Peter 5:11) To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1. He Is A God Of Expressed Majesty
To him be glory
glory – Greek 1391. doxa, dox'-ah; from the base of G1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (lit. or fig., obj. or subj.):--dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship.
2. He Is A God Of Everlasting Might
dominion – Greek 2904. kratos, krat’-os; perh. a prim. word; vigor [”great”] (lit. or fig.):--dominion, might [-ily], power, strength.
for ever and ever – Greek 165. aion, ahee-ohn'; from the same as G104; prop. an age; by extens. perpetuity (also past); by impl. the world; spec. (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future):--age, course, eternal, (for) ever (-more), [n-]ever, (beginning of the, while the) world (began, without end).
This verse (verse 11) is Peter’s doxology. And when I read it, I thought about the doxology that is sometimes sung in church
The author of the doxology that is sometimes sung was a bold, outspoken seventeenth century Anglican Bishop named Thomas Ken. He wrote a number of hymns, and it was always his desire that Christians be allowed to express their praise to God without being limited only to Psalmody and the Bible canticles. He was one of the first English writers to produce hymns that were not merely versifications of the Psalms.
In 1673 Thomas Ken wrote a book entitled “A Manual of Prayers for the Use of the Scholars of Winchester College.” In one of the editions of this manual, Ken included three of his hymns that he wanted the students to sing each day as part of their devotions. These hymns were called “Morning Hymn,” “Evening Hymn,” and “Midnight Hymn.” Each of these hymns closed with the familiar four lines we now know as the Doxology. The text of his “Morning Hymn” became especially popular. Two of the verses from this hymn are as follows:
Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily course of duty run
Shake off dull sloth, and early rise,
To pay thy morning sacrifice
Direct, control, suggest, this day,
All I design, or do, or say
That all my powers, with all their might,
In Thy sole glory may unite.
It is said that after Bishop Ken had written this hymn, he sang it to his own accompaniment on the lute every morning as part of his private devotions.
(http://www.joyfulministry.com/doxolf.htm)
The familiar chorus says…
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
V. Peter Discusses Serving With The Fellowship In Mind
(vs. 12-14)
A. Notice How He Refers To The Companions In Fellowship
(1 Peter 5:12) By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
1. He Mentions The Faithful Silvanus
Let’s Think About Who Silvanus Was
Rev. Roswell Hitchcock in his Bible Names Dictionary said that “Silvanus” means one “who loves the forest.”
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says…
There is little doubt that Silas of Acts and Silvanus of the Epistles are the same person. Luke consistently uses the shorter name “Silas,” which was likely used in Jewish circles (Acts 15:22-40; 16:19-29; 17:10-15; 18:5). Paul and Peter invariably refer to “Silvanus,” the name that would have been recognized in Hellenistic and Roman communities (2 Corinthians 1:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12). … Like Paul, he seems to have been a Jew with the advantage of Roman citizenship (Acts 16:37).
Let’s Think About What Silvanus Did
Silas, or Silvanus, is thought to have been the “amanuensis” of Peter as he wrote this epistle. An amanuensis is one that was employed to take dictation or to copy manuscript. Notice how Peter says, “By Silvanus … I have written.” He was probably also the one who carried the letter to the recipients.
Notice too that he calls him a “faithful brother.”
faithful – Greek 4103. pistos, pis-tos'; from G3982; obj. trustworthy; subj. trustful;--believe (-ing, -r), faithful (-ly), sure, true.
2. He Mentions The Favored Saints
Look At The Testimony That He Shared Exhorting and testifying
The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says that this thing of “exhorting” means “to comfort.” And “from friendly encouragement, it is only a step to comfort, especially in times of grief.”
If these believers were suffering, as is suggested by many of Peter’s statements in this epistle, then they certainly needed this type of encouragement in order to cheer them on.
The “testifying” has the idea of attesting in a further way, bearing witness to something, establishing by testimony, or even corroborating and confirming other manifestations of truth.
Look At The Truth That He Shared
that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand
true – Greek 227. alethes, al-ay-thace'; from G1 (as a neg. particle) and G2990; true (as not concealing):--true, truly, truth.
In grace, they had the genuine article. As one preacher said, “It’s true. It’s true. It’s really, really true!”
The Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary says…
Compare Steiger (who said), ‘He began with grace (1 Peter 1:2), he finishes with grace, he has besprinkled the middle with grace, that in every part he might teach that the Church is saved only by grace.’
Albert Barnes paraphrased Peter’s phrase this way…
‘That the religion in which you stand, or which you now hold, is that which is identified with the grace or favor of God.’ Christianity, not Judaism, or Paganism, was the true religion. To show this, and bear continual witness to it, was the leading design of the apostolic office.
B. Notice How He Refers To The Church In Fellowship
(1 Peter 5:13) The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
1. He Shared The Salutation Of A Sister Congregation
The Gospel Had Gone In Surprising Directions The church that is at Babylon
Adam Clarke explained his view on the specific location of this “Babylon” by saying…
After considering all that has been said by learned men and critics on this place, I am quite of opinion that the apostle does not mean Babylon in Egypt, nor Jerusalem, nor Rome as figurative Babylon, but the ancient celebrated Babylon in Assyria, which was, as Dr. Benson observes, the metropolis of the eastern dispersion of the Jews.
The Gospel Had Gone In Several Directions Clarke continues in his comments by explaining…
[Elected together with you] Suneklektee. Fellow elect, or elected jointly with you. Probably meaning that they, and the believers at Babylon, received the Gospel about the same time.
elected together with – Greek 4899. suneklektos, soon-ek-lek-tos'; from a comp. of G4862 and G1586; chosen in company with, i.e co-elect (fellow Christian).
2. He Shared The Salutation Of A Special Companion
There Is A Tone Of Compassion In This Message
saluteth – Greek 782. aspazomai, as-pad'-zom-ahee; from G1 (as a particle of union) and a presumed form of G4685; to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by impl.) to salute, (fig.) to welcome:--embrace, greet, salute, take leave.
There Is A Tender Connection With This Man
Again, Roswell Hitchcock says that the name “Marcus” means “polite” or “shining.” Again, Adam Clarke said of Marcus that…
This is supposed to be the same person who is mentioned Acts 12:12, and who is known by the name of John Mark; he was sister’s son to Barnabas, Colossians 4:10, his mother’s name was Mary, and he is the same who wrote the gospel that goes under his name. He is called here Peter’s son, i.e. according to the faith, Peter having been probably the means of his conversion. This is very likely, as Peter seems to have been intimate at his mother’s house. See the account, Acts 12:6-17.
C. Notice How He Refers To The Charity In Fellowship
(1 Peter 5:14) Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1. There Is The Demonstrated Affection Of Fellowship
greet (same as the word “saluteth” in verse 13) – Greek 782. aspazomai, as-pad'-zom-ahee; from G1 (as a particle of union) and a presumed form of G4685; to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by impl.) to salute, (fig.) to welcome:--embrace, greet, salute, take leave.
charity – Greek 26. agape, ag-ah'-pay; from G25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; spec. (plur.) a love-feast:--(feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love.
Barnes said that “a kiss of love (was) a common method of affectionate salutation in the times of the apostles.”
2. There Is The Desirable Atmosphere Of Fellowship
The Concept Of This Peace Is Calmness and Connection
peace – Greek 1515. eirene, i-ray'-nay; prob. from a prim. verb eiro (to join); peace (lit. or fig.); by impl. prosperity:--one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
The Channel Of This Peace Is Christ
That are in Christ Jesus Christians in fellowship can experience peace.
Cf. (Philippians 4:7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Conclusion
Peter reminds us that when we love God and love God’s people, we will serve Him.
It reminds me of the account of Jacob who ultimately served 14 years to gain the hand of Rachel in marriage…
(Genesis 29:20) And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
(Genesis 29:25-28) And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? {26} And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. {27} Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. {28} And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.
As we serve, are we motivated by a genuine love for Christ and His bride?
