1 Peter 5 1

1 Peter 5:1 kjv

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 nkjv

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

1 Peter 5:1 niv

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

1 Peter 5:1 esv

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:

1 Peter 5:1 nlt

And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:

1 Peter 5 verses

1 Peter 5 1 Meaning

In 1 Peter 5:1, the Apostle Peter, identifying himself as a fellow elder and an eyewitness of Christ's sufferings, as well as a sharer in the coming glory, addresses and exhorts the elders within the churches to whom he writes. This verse establishes the foundation of Peter's authority and empathy for his subsequent pastoral instructions regarding their responsibility to shepherd God's flock, especially in the context of suffering and anticipation of future glory.

1 Peter 5 1 Context

First Peter chapter 5 marks a transition in the letter, shifting focus from general exhortations for all believers to specific instructions for church leaders and members concerning their roles within the community. The broader context of 1 Peter is one of believers experiencing suffering and persecution, living as "exiles of the Dispersion" (1 Pet 1:1). Throughout the letter, Peter encourages his readers to endure suffering with hope, humility, and steadfast faith, grounded in the example of Christ and the promise of future glory. Chapter 5 specifically addresses the organization and conduct of the church's leadership (elders) and, by extension, the congregation. Historically, this letter was written to Christians in various provinces of Asia Minor who faced social hostility and escalating persecution under Roman rule, making Peter's pastoral advice about leadership in adversity particularly relevant.

1 Peter 5 1 Word analysis

• Therefore (Οὖν - Oun): A connective particle indicating a logical inference or summation from previous points. It signifies that what follows is a conclusion drawn from the themes developed throughout the preceding chapters, particularly regarding suffering, endurance, and hope.
• I exhort (παρακαλῶ - parakalō): Means "I call alongside," "I appeal," "I urge," "I comfort," or "I entreat." It's more than a mere command; it implies a deep, earnest personal plea and encouragement, not dictation. Peter speaks with both authority and pastoral tenderness.
• the elders (πρεσβυτέρους - presbyterous): Refers to church leaders. The term "presbyteros" literally means "older one," denoting maturity, wisdom, and experience, but in this context, it designates an official spiritual office within the early Christian community, entrusted with oversight and spiritual care.
• among you (ἐν ὑμῖν - en hymin): Locates the elders within specific congregations, emphasizing Peter's personal connection and knowledge of the community structures.
• as a fellow elder (συμπρεσβύτερος - sympresbyteros): "Syn-" (with, together) + "presbyteros" (elder). Peter deliberately identifies with those he addresses, signifying solidarity and humility. Despite being a foundational Apostle with unique authority (an eyewitness of Christ), he chooses to relate to them on a shared level of pastoral responsibility, lending weight to his exhortation. This self-designation reinforces servant leadership rather than hierarchical dominance.
• and a witness (μάρτυς - martys): "One who testifies, an eyewitness." This establishes a key aspect of apostolic authority—direct personal experience of the historical Christ, particularly His life, death, and resurrection. This is not merely an opinion, but a testimony based on first-hand observation, validating his message.
• of the sufferings (παθημάτων - pathēmata): Plural. Refers specifically to Christ's multiple experiences of suffering, including His crucifixion and pre-crucifixion agony. Peter's firsthand observation gives unique credibility to his message on Christian suffering, as he saw Christ's own path to glory through affliction.
• of Christ (τοῦ Χριστοῦ - tou Christou): The Messiah, the Anointed One. Christ's identity underpins the nature and redemptive power of His sufferings.
• and also a partaker (κοινωνός δὲ καὶ - koinōnos de kai): "Koinōnos" means "partner," "sharer," "participant," indicating a deep communion or common sharing. This is a personal experience of joint-inheritance with Christ, not just a bystander's observation. Peter himself will share in what is promised.
• of the glory (δόξης - doxēs): Refers to the majestic radiance and honor associated with God and His Son, specifically the future glory to be revealed at Christ's return and shared by believers.
• that will be revealed (τῆς μελλούσης ἀποκαλυφθῆναι - tēs mellousēs apokalyphthēnai): "That is about to be unveiled/manifested." This phrase emphasizes the eschatological hope and future certainty of Christ's second coming and the complete manifestation of God's redemptive plan. This future revelation provides the ultimate motivation for enduring suffering and faithful service.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "I exhort the elders among you": Sets the tone as a direct pastoral address from an Apostle to local church leaders, underscoring the importance of their role in the churches of Asia Minor.
• "as a fellow elder": Peter's humble approach to leadership, demonstrating collegiality and solidarity rather than strict hierarchical command. It encourages a spirit of shared ministry.
• "and a witness of the sufferings of Christ": Establishes Peter's apostolic authority through personal, direct observation of Jesus' redemptive suffering. This empowers his exhortations about Christian endurance through suffering by grounding it in the very experience of the Lord.
• "and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed": Links the present suffering of believers directly to their future glorification with Christ. Peter himself has this secure hope, serving as both an example and a profound motivator for faithful service. This phrase points to the eschatological hope that undergirds all Christian ministry.

1 Peter 5 1 Bonus section

The structure of 1 Peter 5:1, where Peter bases his exhortation on his own dual experiences (past eyewitness of suffering, future participant in glory), mirrors a foundational theological pattern: suffering precedes glory. This is a recurring theme in the New Testament (e.g., Christ's journey, the life of believers). Peter's choice of "fellow elder" suggests a mature understanding of shared responsibility and collegial leadership, where apostolic authority does not negate the shared humanity or office within the Church. It sets a pattern for leadership that is both authoritative in truth and humble in disposition. This self-description also strengthens the link to the themes of suffering for righteousness (which Christ perfectly exemplified) and ultimate vindication/glory that permeates the entire letter.

1 Peter 5 1 Commentary

First Peter 5:1 initiates a crucial section of Peter's letter, moving to the specific responsibilities of Christian leadership amidst persecution. Peter does not issue a command from a position of absolute distance but rather offers a deeply pastoral appeal ("I exhort"). His authority is dual-faceted: apostolic, derived from his direct "witness" of Christ's "sufferings," and collegial, as a "fellow elder." This demonstrates humility alongside unparalleled spiritual insight. His experience of Christ's redemptive suffering validates his message concerning the suffering his readers are enduring. Furthermore, his status as a "partaker of the glory that will be revealed" connects suffering directly to the triumphant eschatological hope. This provides profound motivation for elders to lead faithfully, knowing their present toil is directly linked to an ultimate, certain glory. Peter’s opening here provides a foundational basis for selfless, hopeful leadership within the church.

• Examples for practical usage:
  • Leaders identify with those they serve (fellow elder).
  • Motivation for service comes from personal conviction and future hope, not just duty (witness/partaker).
  • Suffering is seen through the lens of Christ's example and promised glory.