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1 Peter 5:5
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
Elders in the church, including those who are given the title of pastor or minister, are called to exercise oversight of the church willingly and not for shameful gain. They are not to exercise their authority in a heavy-handed way but are to serve as examples to believers (1 Peter 5:1–4). If elders have these responsibilities, church members have corresponding duties, and Peter outlines some of these in today’s verse.
The Apostle tells those “who are younger” to “be subject to the elders” (v. 5). Commentators debate whether “younger” refers to the entire congregation except the elders or to young people who are not yet adults or who have just recently reached young adulthood. There are good arguments for the former position, especially since most of the congregation would be younger than those who hold the office of elder even if we wouldn’t typically include them in the category of youth. Moreover, all church members are to be subject to the lawful exercise of church authority on the part of the elders. Nevertheless, commentators seem to favor the position that Peter is addressing younger people in the sense of those of a young age. Why call them out in particular? Probably because younger people sometimes put up more resistance to authority than those who are older. Scripture also stresses the need for youth to acquire wisdom (Prov. 1:4). They have physical strength but lack the gray hair that comes as one ages and grows in wisdom (20:29). Youth, therefore, have a special need to subject themselves to church elders so that they can gain wisdom.
Peter then addresses the entire congregation, exhorting all of us to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5). John Calvin comments that Peter “calls those humble, who being emptied of every confidence in their own power, wisdom, and righteousness, seek every good from God alone.” Humble people recognize their weaknesses and do not exalt themselves in ways that divide congregations. They know that every good they have comes from the Lord, and they recognize the goods that God gives others. Humility is the way to spiritual growth, for as James 4:6 states, God gives more and more grace to humble people. Matthew Henry writes that “where God giveth grace to be humble, he will give more grace, more wisdom, faith, holiness, and humility.”
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Pride is at the root of many other sins. When we think that we are better than we are, we are more apt to mistreat people, to exalt ourselves at the expense of others, and to expect to be served rather than to serve. Let us pursue humility, seeking a right view of ourselves so that we might love others in the church well and grow in holiness.
For further study
- Zephaniah 2:3
- Colossians 3:12–17
The bible in a year
- Nehemiah 12–13
- Acts 5:1–16
- Esther 1–6
- Acts 5:17–6:7