[:en]TO ELDERS AND YOUNG MEN (vs. 1-11)
Elder simply means “older”. Both Greek and Jews gave position of great honor to wise older men and the Christian church continued the pattern of leadership.
WHAT ARE EXPECTED OF AN ELDER?
- He must be shepherd of God’s flock and must take good care of God’s faithful people
- He should serve as overseers with a willing heart and not out of obligation.
- He must not be greedy for money but eager to serve
- He must lead by example and not by force.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, he will receive the crown of glory that will last.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUNG MEN:
- Be submissive and respect those who are older
- Be humble under God’s almighty hand so that He may lift you up. For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
TO EVERYONE:
- Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for yuou.
- Be self-controlled and alert to resist the devil, for the devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
- Stand firm in faith during trials.
God will restore those who have suffered and make them strong, firm and steadfast.
FINAL GREETINGS (vs. 12-14)
Silas was a faithful brother who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey. He was chosen to deliver the letter for Jerusalem council to the church in Antioch. (Acts 15:2)
Mark was a leader in church. His main source of the Gospel of Mark was from Peter.
Peter had denied Jesus three times, but later, he learned how to stand firm while facing persecution. Let us stand for our faith with patience, endurance and courage that Peter had exibited.[:]