v1: The responsibility of leaders, addressed here as Elders, Phil 1.1; 1 Tim 3.1; Titus 1.5.

We will share in Christ's glory, as Peter had foretasted at the transfiguration. By this we are encouraged to press on in His service.

Here is identification, as Peter identified with his fellow elders, and authority, as he brought God's word to them.

v2-4: Proper qualities and attitudes; to encourage, to be eager, to be an example; there is a reward n our faithfulness. Since the devil is like a roaring lion (v8) we must shepherd those entrusted to us.

We are not to exercise domination, see Matt 20.25; Mark 10.42; Acts 19.16.

David Devenish points out a number of ways in which leaders can exercise improper control; 'In some churches traditionalism can be a controlling force, as can extended families who have dominated a local church, often for generations. Similarly the insidious enemy of legalism can be functioning through this stronghold often under the guise of 'maintaining godly standards.'' (Demolishing Strongholds)

v5: Submission, a military term, showing our responsibility to serve others, and in an organised way. Peter encourages younger believers to learn from those who are older. There is a tendency with the young to become proud, and think they have nothing to learn from those who are older, hence the command to be humble.

Humility, an attitude of the mind, personal lowliness, putting others first; I am not to insist on my own way, nor to push myself forward, "I am a worm and no man."

v6: Our responsibility is first to humble ourselves under God's hand, a conscious surrender to Him of our desires and plans, and then to totally accept His way. He has promised to "exalt" us, which is in His time and in His way.

v7: Casting, as in the loading of a donkey; we are not to carry our own cares, for that would hinder our spiritual progress.

v8: Vigilance is necessary because the enemy is real and powerful; he seeks to devour, John 10.10. Although the devil is a defeated enemy, he remains a restless and destructive enemy. We would not suggest that the Christian would somehow lose his or her salvation. Rather, Satan's intention is to make us ineffective in our service for Christ. In fact there are a number of references in scripture to the devil attacking Christians. We can be deceived (2 Cor 11.3); we can be bewitched (Gal 3.1); we can speak the devil's words (Matt 16.17,23); we can be taken captive (2 Tim 2.25-26); we can give Satan a foothold in our lives (Eph 4.26-27); we can bring unspiritual 'wisdom' (James 3.15).

Humility and faith are not passive, but active. We must stand firm, which takes a decision.

v9: Although the devil is powerful, we are commanded to resist him;

• we recognise that we are all subject to his attacks;
• we recognise the need for humility, to enable us to resist;
• our confidence is in Jesus Christ;

we can therefore stand firm in the faith.

We note that the world, in looking for one who will resist another, looks for pride ad self-belief, not humility.

v10: We are secure in Christ, having been called "to His eternal glory." Our suffering today has to be seen in the light of that glory that is to come, see 4.14. Our suffering is for a little while, 1.6; 2 Cor 4.7. The clear assurance is that our suffering will end.

In the meantime, God's plan is that we be "strong, firm and steadfast." This implies understanding of the faith, as well as persevering against trials. Eph 4.14 refers to doctrinal stability, which is to be commended. Contrast Reuben, unstable as water, Gen 49.4.

Thomas Watson says, 'unsettled Christians do not consult what is best, but what is safest.'

v11: Our praise is due to God, for He will bring our suffering to a close.

v12: The true grace of God, implicitly answering false doctrine. The real work of God is seen in our lives, as we reflect the very character of Christ. Silas, who had accompanied Paul, was also a colleague of Peter; he too describes him as a faithful brother.

v13-14: "Babylon" is a reference to Jerusalem; the majority of the Jews remained opposed to the message of Christ. In Rev 2.9, they are described as a synagogue of Satan.