v. 7-9 "The end of all things is near." The readers must be both "clear-minded" and "self-controlled" (unlike the partying pagans) so they can pray. They must love each other deeply.

The love between the believers is greater than the sins they may commit against each other. There will always be enough love to "cover" over their sins. Sin will not overwhelm their love for each other. One demonstration of this love is hospitality "without grumbling."

v. 10-11 Each believer has been given gifts by God and must use their gifts to help the others. They are in effect "administering God's grace" when they use their gifts. One who has a gift of speaking should use it as though he's speaking God's own words. One with a gift of service should realize he's serving with the strength God provides. Why? So that God will receive glory for the gifts He's given them.

v. 12-16 Peter never minimizes the suffering of his readers. He acknowledges that they are going through a painful trial but they must not be surprised by this. It's not something strange. They are participating in the sufferings of Christ and for this they should rejoice. They can look forward to being overjoyed when He returns. If they are insulted because of Christ they are blessed, even though it might not feel like a blessing at the time. The "Spirit of glory and of God rests" on them. They should not suffer for doing something wrong like stealing, murdering or meddling. And they should never be ashamed if they suffer for being a Christian.

v. 17-19 God's judgment will surely come and it will come first to those who are believers. Peter quotes Proverbs 11:31 to remind them of the final judgment. Their response should be to "commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." It is God's will that they should suffer for the name of Christ but this suffering will come to an end.

5:1-4 Peter closes this letter by making a personal appeal to the elders of the churches. His authority to do so comes from the fact that he is an elder himself, an eye-witness of Jesus' suffering, and one who will share in His glory. Peter wants the elders to do their duty as shepherds and overseers in this way:

• not grudgingly but willingly
• not greedy for money but eager to serve
• not abusing their authority but being good examples to the others

The elders will be richly rewarded by the Chief Shepherd when He returns. They will receive "the crown of glory that will never fade." In other words they aren't working for nothing.

v. 5 Peter tells the young men to submit to those who are older. And all the readers should clothe themselves with humility. Notice that they are each responsible for humbling themselves. The reason for doing this is that God gives grace to the humble but He opposes the proud (Proverbs 3:34).

v. 6 Again Peter tells them to humble themselves "under God's mighty hand." God is not forcibly humbling them. They are willingly submitting to Him. He will "lift" them up, or exalt them, in due time.

v. 7-11 Peter acknowledges that his readers are anxious about some things but he tells them to throw their anxiety on God because He cares so much for them. They must be "self-controlled and alert" so they can pray. This sounds like a soldier who must remain vigilant while on duty in a dangerous place. The readers have an enemy, the devil, who is prowling around looking for someone to devour. Of course this is figurative, the devil is not actually a lion who's going to eat people. The readers are not supposed to run away from their enemy but resist him. They must stand firm in their faith in Christ. It helps for them to know that they are not the only ones facing this enemy. All their brothers in Christ are dealing with the same difficulties. But "the God of all grace, who called" them "into His eternal glory in Christ" will restore them and make them strong after they have suffered for a little while. "To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."

v. 12 Peter concludes this encouraging letter by mentioning only Silas and Mark by name. As we saw in John's letters the closing greeting is vague, perhaps to protect people who are being persecuted. Peter wants them to collectively "stand fast" in their faith in Christ.

v. 13-14 "She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you" is probably a reference to a congregation the readers would have known about but Peter was protecting by not mentioning the name. It was important for the believers to know they were not alone during this time of hardship and suffering. Peter asks them to "greet one another with a kiss of love" and leaves them with a blessing of peace.

Next time we'll begin Peter's second letter.