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Peter closes his letter by speaking first to the leaders of the church—especially important when believers are suffering. He urges the elders/pastors to shepherd God’s flock with the right heart: not forced into the work, not chasing money, and not using authority to dominate, but serving willingly, eagerly, and visibly as examples (vv. 1–3). The church doesn’t belong to the pastors—it’s “the flock of God” (v. 2). And Peter lifts their eyes to the finish line: when the Chief Shepherd—Jesus—appears, faithful shepherds/pastors will receive an unfading crown of glory (v. 4; cf. John 21:15–17). Then Peter speaks to the whole church: younger believers are to respect and submit to godly leadership, and everyone is to “clothe” themselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes proud hearts but gives grace to the humble (v. 5; cf. Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6).
That humility shows up in two very practical ways. First, we humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God,” trusting that His timing is wise—even when the season is painful—and that He will lift up His people at the proper time (v. 6). Second, we cast our anxieties on Him, because He truly cares for us (v. 7; cf. Psalm 55:22). Peter doesn’t call suffering Christians to denial or bravado; he calls them to trust. But he also calls them to vigilance. Be sober-minded and watchful because the devil is real and relentless—like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (v. 8). The way we resist him isn’t with special formulas, but by standing firm in the faith—anchored in God’s truth—remembering we’re not alone; believers around the world face the same kinds of suffering (v. 9; cf. Ephesians 6:10–18).
Peter ends with a promise that feels like a deep breath: after we’ve suffered “a little while,” the God of all grace—who called us to eternal glory in Christ—will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us (v. 10). Suffering is real, but it is not forever, and it is not the final word (vv. 10–11). In his closing lines, Peter says he’s written to testify to “the true grace of God”—and his final command is simple and steady: stand firm in it (v. 12). He sends greetings from “Babylon” (a veiled way of speaking about Rome) and from Mark—closely connected to Peter—and closes with a call to warm affection in the church and a blessing of peace for all who are in Christ (vv. 13–14).
🌀 Reflection:
What anxiety are you still gripping like it’s yours to carry? Humility doesn’t just bow low—it lets go, handing the weight to the Father who cares (vv. 6–7).
💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage a fellow believer who is suffering: send a message, make a call, or show up in person—and remind them (and yourself) that they’re not alone, and that God will restore and strengthen His people (vv. 9–10).
Continue reading in our NT260 plan in the rest of Phase 3 — Persevering in the Last Day.
Just Keith Harris 