1 Peter 4:12-5:14 Lesson 451

1 Peter 4:12-5:14
Lesson 451

Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."

Simon Peter

In this lesson:

Suffering and humility (4:12-19).

Elders (5:1-4).

Submission and humility (5:5-11).

Peter's final benediction (5:12-14).

This is an excellent passage to read when ill, in pain, worried, or in crisis.

Mark

By the Dutch Golden Age painter Frans Hals (1580-1666).

Who was -

Silvanus -

Silvanus (Latin name Silas) was a Jewish convert to Christianity. He was a Roman citizen (Acts 16:21; 16:37) and
"faithful" believer (1 Peter 5:12), a prophet (Acts 15:32), leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:22), and missionary (2 Corinthians 1:19). Silvanus replaced Barnabas on Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 15:37-40), and helped
establish the church in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-4). He also helped Peter write 1 Thessalonians (1:1), 2 Thessalonians (1:1), and he delivered "The First Epistle General of Peter" (1 Peter 5:12). While in Philippi, Silvanus and Paul were stripped, beaten, chained, and imprisoned for their Christian faith (Acts 16:19-24). There are Bible scholars who believe he was also the bishop of Corinth. However, we cannot be sure.

Marcus -

Marcus was also called Mark or John Mark. Marcus was a converted Jew and Barnabas' cousin (Colossians 4:10). His mother, Mary, turned her home into a Christian meeting place (Acts 12:12). Although Marcus was not one of the original twelve disciples, he almost certainly knew Jesus personally. Some Bible scholars believe he was the naked man seen fleeing Gethsemane Garden as Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:51-52). Marcus joined Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 12:25; 13:5). However, he fell out of favor with Paul when he left the mission early to return home to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). Paul's disappointment in Marcus created a rift with Barnabas (Acts 15:36-40). Marcus eventually regained Paul's confidence (2 Timothy 4:11) and stood with Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome (Philemon 1:23-24). Marcus visited numerous countries witnessing and wrote "The Gospel According to Mark," probably while in Rome when the persecution of Christians was on the rise. He also traveled with and was like a son to the apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:13). Mark was with Peter when he wrote "The First Epistle General of Peter" (1 Peter 5:13), and many scholars believe he was Peter's interpreter. It is thought that he was a Roman citizen and that he founded the church in Alexandra, where he died during the eighth year of the Roman Emperor Nero's reign.

Study Tip:

Reading Bible passages a second time reinforces lessons learned and helps you catch vital points you might have missed with the first read.

The First Epistle of Peter

The King James Bible

1 Peter 4:12-5:14
Be thankful for being tested

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1 Peter 5:1-14
Trust God

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 over God's heritage, but being examples 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.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

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.

11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

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.

13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Margin notes:

"Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you." (4:12) - Don't be surprised if your faith is tested by persecution (John 15:18-21).

"Ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." (4:13) - "You are partners in Christ's sufferings." "If you are going to be used by God, He will take you through a multitude of experiences that are not meant for you at all, they are meant to make you useful in His hands, and to enable you to understand what transpires in other souls" (Oswald Chambers). In a way, it is our transfiguration. See also Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 1:5, and Philippians 1:29.

"When his glory shall be revealed." (4:13) - Refers to Jesus' Second Coming.

"If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye." (4:14) - "If you are insulted (criticized or persecuted) for being a Christian, be happy." (Matthew 5:11-12; Acts 5:41).

"If any man suffer as a Christian." (4:16) - "If anyone suffers because they are a Christian." Surprisingly, the word Christian only appears in the Bible here and in Acts 11:26 and 26:28. Before being called Christians, Jesus' followers were called disciples, Galileans, believers, saints, brethren, members of the way, and Nazarenes.

"The elders which are among you I exhort." (5:1) - "I beg the elders among you."

"Feed the flock." (5:2) - Means spiritually feed God's children. Peter is passing on the instructions he received from Jesus (John 21:17).

"Taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a willing mind." (5:2) - "Watch over (the flock), not because you're forced to, but willingly, not for money, but eagerly."

"Neither as being lords over God's heritage." (5:3) - "Also, don't act as dominating lords over God's flock." Like the religious leaders did in Ezekiel 34:4.

"When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory." (5:4) - "When Jesus Christ returns, you will receive a crown of glory" (2 Timothy 4:8).

"Subject one to another." (5:5) - "Serve each other."

"God resisteth the proud." (5:5) - Genesis 11:8); 2 Samuel 22:28; Luke 1:51.

"God... giveth grace to the humble." (5:5) - Paraphrased from Proverbs 3:34.

"Humble yourselves." (5:6) - An important teaching reinforced from James 4:10. Repenting of our sins is part of humbling ourselves. See also 2 Chronicles 7:14
and Job 22:29.

"Casting all your care upon him." (5:7) - Means give your problems to God. David gave similar advice in Psalm 55:22.

"Be sober, be vigilant." (5:8) - "Be alert."

"The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about." (5:8) - See Job 1:7 and 2:2.

"Seeking whom he may devour." (5:8) - Jesus said much the same thing during the Last Supper (Luke 22:31).

"The same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren." (5:9) - All Christians face the same problems (persecution).

"Hath called us unto his eternal glory." (5:10) - "Has called us to share in His eternal glory."

"Make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you ." (5:10) - "Make you complete, established, strengthened, settled."

"Glory and dominion." (5:11) - "Glory and power."

"A faithful brother unto you, as I suppose." (5:12) - "A faithful brother to you, as I see him."

"Elected together with you." (5:13) - "Appointed with you."

"The church that is at Babylon." (5:13) - "The church in Rome." Most Bible scholars agree that Babylon refers to Rome. In biblical times, Christians frequently called Rome, Babylon.

"Saluteth you." (5:13) -"Greets you."

"A kiss of charity." (5:14) - "A kiss of love."

To learn more about humility, read Matthew 20:25-28; Luke 18:10-14; John 13:3-16; Romans 12:3; 12:16; and especially James 4:14-16.

New Living Translation

1 Peter 4:12-5:14
Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.

13 Instead, be very glad-for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs.

16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God's household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God's Good News?

18 And also,

  "If the righteous are barely saved,
      what will happen to godless sinners?"

19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.

1 Peter 5:1-14
Advice for Elders and Young Men

1 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:

2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly-not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.

3 Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.

4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

5 In the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for

  "God opposes the proud
      but favors the humble."

6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.

11 All power to him forever! Amen.

Peter's Final Greetings

12 I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God's grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.

13 Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark.

14 Greet each other with Christian love.

  Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.

This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."

Today's question:

1. Why did Peter alert believers that they would be tested (4:12)?

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Answer: (Do you agree?)

1. When Peter wrote this epistle, Roman Emperor Nero was persecuting Christians. Believers could expect to have their faith challenged, and the Roman government punish them for their beliefs. Nero's anger towards believers was the work of Satan (5:8).

There have been numerous persecutions since Nero. There will be more anti-Christian movements.

Application thought for the day:

What lessons did you learn from 1 Peter?
How can you apply those lessons to your life?
Remember, one purpose of studying the Bible is to apply its lessons to your life and make yourself a better person.

This is the final lesson for "The First Epistle of Peter."

First Peter taught us the importance of humility and how suffering leads to greater glory.
We learned that salvation comes from Christ and that Jesus expects His followers to lead a godly life.

Go back and do a quick re-read to reinforce Peter's teachings.
First Peter is less than six pages long and can be re-read in about twenty minutes.

In a few days...
We will start the five lessons of "The Second Epistle of Peter."

God Bless!

Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible" published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
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