As we come to the close of this epistle, we find Peter giving exhortations for the leaders of the church, as well as those who are subject to them. His main focus throughout this final portion of the epistle is that of submission among God's people.

EXHORTATION TO THE ELDERS (5:1-4)
The English word "elder" is translated from the Greek, presbuteros, which means to be older or advanced in years. Peter's use of the word is not merely of those who are aged among God's people, but those who serve in the office of elder (otherwise referred to in Scripture as bishops, shepherds or overseers).

Peter addresses these elders, as an elder himself, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ. During Jesus' 3 year ministry, Peter saw the frequent rejection of the Lord by His countrymen. In the garden of Gethsemane, the apostle saw Jesus taken by force by the officers of the chief priests. Later, throughout that night, Simon Peter witnessed the cruel treatment our Lord received at the hand of the Sanhedrin. Indeed, he was well acquainted with the things suffered by the Son of Man on our account.

But Peter not only focuses on the sufferings the Lord endured, but also upon the wonderful glory which he, and indeed, all who are faithful in Christ Jesus will partake in. Recall, Peter had already seen a glimpse of that glory, in both the transfiguration and the ascension.

Now then, see what Peter exhorts the elders among the Lord's people to do, "...shepherd the flock of God which is among you..." Notice two implications from Peter's words: first, there is to be a plurality of elders (bishops, pastors) serving in a local assembly, not just one; and second, the authority of those who serve as elders is limited to the local congregation. These characteristics of the leadership in the church stands in great contrast with that of many denominational groups today.

The apostle Paul listed the qualifications of an elder in both his first letter to Timothy and the epistle to Titus. Peter, addressing elders here, has no need to do the same. Instead, what he does is speak about the need for them to have the correct attitude. Their service ought not be "...by compulsion but willingly..." He must want to serve as an elder. One who must be compelled to serve in such a capacity will surely not do a good job. He must not be in it "...for dishonest gain but eagerly..." We find that those who serve as elders among God's people are entitled to be financially compensated for their labour (1 Timothy 5:17). However, this cannot be his reason for accepting the office. Finally, Peter defines for these men how to lead, not "...as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock..." Leadership is not lordship. The best way for the elders of a local church to lead the people under their charge is for them to do what they would have the flock do.

SUBMIT BEFORE GOD (5:5-11)
Having finished his discourse to the elders, now Peter turns his attention to those under their charge. The command is given, "...Submit yourselves to the elders..." And then further, "...be submissive to one another..." All Christians ought to approach one another with a willingness to serve, and to place others first. This spirit of servitude naturally flows from those who are willing to submit to the Lord, for true submission and humility is discovered when we give ourselves entirely to the Lord. Peter tells us, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that you may be exalted in due time."

Peter continues with a word of comfort and then a word of caution. First, he encourages us to "...cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." What a comforting thought. When we go through times of trial and distress, when we are suffering, we need not go it alone. We have a loving God who is there to help us through.

Then, he admonishes us, "...Be sober, be vigilant, for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." We have an enemy who is always alert, seeking opportunities to destroy the people of God. If Satan sought to tempt the Lord (Matthew 4:1-11), then know that he will be after us also. Peter knew all too well what it is like to be Satan's prey. The night of Jesus' betrayal, the Lord spoke to Peter, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." (Luke 22:31-32). Recall, Satan likewise asked the LORD for Job (Job 1:6), that he might tempt him. Know that he will ask for us also.

The apostle gives the defense: "Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." Do not fall for his trickery and lies (John 8:44), and be sure not to give him a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). James says much the same as Peter, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7). How do we keep away from sin? Submit to God, turn away from the devil.

FAREWELL AND PEACE (5:12-14)
We come now to the final remarks in Peter's first epistle. In these final words, we find that the letter was sent by Silvanus, believed by some to be the full name of Silas, who worked with the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 1:19).

Peter's comment about Babylon has given way to a few possible explanations. The reference to "she who is in Babylon" is likely about the church, the bride of Christ. But what does he mean by Babylon? It would seem by the wording, that Peter himself is in "Babylon", as he conveys greetings to the recipients of the letter from the elect of "Babylon". Two possibilities exist:

1) Peter is in the region of Babylon, off the Euphrates River, at one time a major center, but at this point in history, just another Roman province. The region would likely have a large Jewish population, the descendants of those who did not return to the land of Judah following the years of captivity.

2) Peter is referring to the city of Rome, as a spiritual Babylon. There is no evidence in Scripture that Peter went to Rome, unless this is a reference to that city. The Mark mentioned (v 13), is possibly John Mark, who was with Paul in Rome (2 Timothy 4:11). Rome, much like Babylon of old, was a major power, ad a city of idolatry.

Peter closes with these simple words, "Greet one another with a kiss of love." This would be akin to the "holy kiss" spoken of by Paul (Romans 16:16). Those who are in Christ ought to delight in meeting one another and greeting one another. Is it a commandment for us to kiss? No, it is a commandment for us to greet one another. It was customary for the Jews to kiss as a greeting, as is customary in many cultures today. In western society, greetings are often hand shakes or hugs. Among those who are in Christ, such a greeting is made "holy", for the participants are sanctified in Christ.