View 1st Peter 5 in the note window.
1: I who am a fellow - elder - So the first though not the
head of the apostles appositely and modestly styles himself.
And a witness of the sufferings of Christ - Having seen him
suffer, and now suffering for him.
2: Feed the flock - Both by doctrine and discipline.
Not by constraint - Unwillingly, as a burden. Not for filthy
gain - Which, if it be the motive of acting, is filthy beyond
expression. O consider this, ye that leave one flock and go
to another, merely because there is more gain, a large salary!
Is it not astonishing that men can see no harm in this? that
it is not only practised, but avowed, all over the nation?
3: Neither as lording over the heritage - Behaving in a
haughty, domineering manner, as though you had dominion over
their conscience. The word translated heritage, is, literally,
the portions. There is one flock under the one chief Shepherd;
but many portions of this, under many pastors. But being
examples to the flock - This procures the most ready and free
obedience.
5: Ye younger, be subject to the elder - In years. And be
all - Elder or younger. Subject to each other - Let every one be
ready, upon all occasions, to give up his own will. Be clothed
with humility - Bind it on, (so the word signifies,) so that no
force may be able to tear it from you.(Jam 4:6,Pr 3:34
)
6: The hand of God - Is in all troubles.
7: Casting all your care upon him - In every want or pressure.
8: But in the mean time watch. There is a close
connexion between this, and the duly casting our care upon
him. How deeply had St. Peter himself suffered for want of
watching! Be vigilant - As if he had said, Awake, and keep
awake. Sleep no more: be this your care. As a roaring lion
- Full of rage. Seeking - With all subtilty likewise. Whom he
may devour or swallow up - Both soul and body.
9: Be the more steadfast, as ye know the same kind of
afflictions are accomplished in - That is, suffered by, your
brethren, till the measure allotted them is filled up.
10: Now the God of all grace - By which alone the whole work is
begun, continued, and finished in your soul. After ye have
suffered a while - A very little while compared with eternity.
Himself - Ye have only to watch and resist the devil: the rest
God will perform. Perfect - That no defect may remain.
Stablish - That nothing may overthrow you.
Strengthen - That ye may conquer all adverse power.
And settle you - As an house upon a rock. So the apostle,
being converted, does now "strengthen his brethren."
12: As I suppose - As I judge, upon good grounds, though not
by immediate inspiration. I have written - That is, sent my letter
by him. Adding my testimony - To that which ye before heard
from Paul, that this is the true gospel of the grace of God.
13: The church that is at Babylon - Near which St. Peter
probably was, when he wrote this epistle. Elected together
with you - Partaking of the same faith with you. Mark - It seems
the evangelist. My son - Probably converted by St. Peter.
And he had occasionally served him, "as a son in the gospel."
