The writer, himself a presbyter, gives wise and loving counsel to his fellow-presbyters and to their flocks. Sincerity, humility, and love are to mark all their intercourse, and continual subjection to the will of God. If the author is the apostle Peter we cannot fail to trace the extreme appropriateness of his language in light of the interview recorded in John 21. He does not lay stress on his apostleship, but this may be an evidence of the very humility to which he exhorts them. The phrase a witness of the sufferings of Christ certainly denotes a disciple who knew Him in the days of His flesh; and a partaker of the glory may have reference to promises made to the Twelve (cf. Matthew 19:28). The full force of the exhortation gird with humility seems again reminiscent of the scene in John 13, and may indicate the sense in which the exhortation of Jesus there given was understood. The passage culminates in the statement because He careth for you. In these few words, says Masterman, is the central truth that Christ was manifested to reveal.
Related Commentaries of 1 Peter 5:1
1 Peter 5:1-7
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:
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;
3 Neither as being lords overa God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
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.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.