The Grand Finale (1 Peter 5:1-13).
As Peter comes to the close of his letter the thought of suffering followed by glory continues:
· In 1 Peter 3:18-22 He had spoken of the sufferings of Christ which had led on to His exaltation at the right hand of God, and the submission of all things to Him.
· In 1 Peter 4:1-6 those sufferings were to be reflected in His people, resulting in their walking in accordance with God in their spiritual lives (1 Peter 4:6), a walk which will result in their being raised to life beyond the grave in the spirit, becoming the spirits of just men made perfect (1 Peter 4:6; Hebrews 12:23).
· This walk is described in 1 Peter 4:7-11, with the glorifying of God very much in view (1 Peter 5:11).
· In 1 Peter 4:12-19 it is then emphasised that they are to rejoice in sufferings knowing that, if they suffer for His sake then it indicates that His glory and His Spirit rest on them, and all this in the light of the judgment that is coming on all in one way or another, in which they are to commit themselves to their faithful and mighty Creator.
Now Peter finalises his letter by preparing them for suffering in the light of the glory that is coming. As one who had witnessed the sufferings of Christ, which had totally transformed his own view on life, and as one who was bearing witness to them, so that as a result he was anticipating participation in the glory yet to be revealed, he gives his final admonitions to the churches (1 Peter 5:1). Speaking to the under-shepherds of their responsibilities, he reminds them that they are under the eye of the Chief Shepherd, from Whom eventually they will receive a crown of glory, and he outlines their responsibilities (1 Peter 5:2-3). They are to serve faithfully, humbly and well. And this in the light of the glory that is coming (1 Peter 5:4).
He follows this up with a warning that there is a rampaging lion about, threatening the sheep with his roars (1 Peter 5:7). Thus both the under-shepherds and the sheep (Who are both guarded by the Chief Shepherd - John 10:27-28) are to be in readiness so as to resist him, so that, even though he may tear at some of the flock, they will be able to stand firm, and this because it is the God of all grace Who will establish and strengthen them, and because they have been called into His eternal glory in Christ.
And how are they to resist this roaring lion? By walking humbly under the mighty hand of God and casting all their care on Him, recognising that their faithful Creator (1 Peter 4:19), Who is the mighty God (1 Peter 5:6), is the guarantee of their security, and by being steadfast in the faith that they have received. The picture of the Shepherd King delivering his sheep from the mouth of the lion would appear to be a clear reference to David's experiences (1 Samuel 17:34-37), seen in the light of the coming David (Ezekiel 34:23-24; Ezekiel 37:24; Jeremiah 23:4-6).
Note the continued emphasis on the glory that is coming:
· ‘I -- who am also a partaker of the glory which will be revealed' (1 Peter 5:1).
· ‘You will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away' (1 Peter 5:4).
· ‘The God of all grace Who has called you into His eternal glory in Christ' (1 Peter 5:10).
Peter wants all eyes fixed on the glory that is coming as they face what now lies ahead.