1 Peter 5:1

1 Peter 5:1 says, The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:  Peter address the elders, or church leaders I believe, and declared himself to be an elder, and one who had witnessed the sufferings of Christ.  Peter also said that he would partake in the glory to be revealed.  We need to exhort, to uplift each other as followers of Christ, because even though we may not have seen the sufferings of Christ personally, we know of them, and because of them, we will participate in the glory when He calls us home.  Verse two adds, Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;  The elders were called on to feed the flock of God spiritually, with love and never for the riches of this world.  God places people over His people today to guide them spiritually, and He never does it to make them rich materially.  Peter also said that the elders were not to attempt to force anyone to follow them, but that they were to do so willingly.  Verse three continues, Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.  Peter said that the elders, or church leaders, were not to act as lords over other Christians, but were to be an example to the flock, or the other Christians.  If a pastor or preacher starts acting morally superior to his congregation, then something is wrong.  Verse four states, And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.  Peter tells us that our reward for following Christ will never be in this world, but will come with the return of Christ, the chief Shepherd.  Verse five adds, Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  Peter calls on the younger to submit themselves to the elder, and I don't believe this Is always a physical age but may refer to spiritual age.  Whichever Peter meant; he also tells them to be subject to one another in all humility.  Peter tells us that God resists the proud.  We are never to feel that we are morally superior to another Christian. Verse six continues, Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  We, as Christians, are to humble ourselves before God, even if we are a leader in the church.  Verse seven concludes, Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  Peter calls on us to cast all our cares upon God, because He cares for us.  We often drag around our cares and concerns instead of casting them on God.

1 Peter 4:11

1 Peter 4:11 says, If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  Peter tells us that everything we say and do should be said and done under the leadership of God.  We are to use the abilities that God gives us for His honor and glory though our obedience to Jesus Christ.  Verse twelve adds, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  Peter does not say that fiery trials may try us, but that they will.  If we have not encountered any fiery trials in the world, it may be that we are too much like the world for anyone to recognize us as followers of Christ.  Verse thirteen continues, But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  Peter tells us that we are to rejoice in our suffering for Christ.  Still, not all suffering is for Christ, and we should never seek to suffer simply as a sign of our faithfulness.  We are also told that if do suffer because of our faith in Christ that we will also rejoice with exceeding joy when He returns victorious.  Verse fourteen declares, If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part, he is glorified.  Peter says if we are reproached for our faith that we should be happy, because the Spirit of the glory of God rests on us.  We too often moan and complain that the world is not fair to us as Christians, but God says when this happens, we are to rejoice.  Verse fifteen adds, But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  Peter calls on us as followers of Christ to not be guilty of breaking the law or of causing trouble for someone else, and therefore suffer punishment.  Verse sixteen continues, Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  Peter then returns to suffering for our Christian faith.  When this happens, we are to not be ashamed.  There is never a time when we should feel down if we suffer for Christ.  Verse seventeen declares, For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  Peter said the time had come for judgment to begin and it was to begin in the house of God.  The house of God was corrupted by those who were supposed to be His people, and Jesus Christ came to bring the people of God to Him once more in spirit and truth and not in name only.  Verse eighteen adds, And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  Peter said if the righteous, or those who were called God's people, could barely be saved, what was to happen to the ungodly and the sinners, or those who were not called God's people.  The answer to salvation for both groups is faith in Jesus Christ.  Verse nineteen concludes, Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.  Peter calls on those who suffer for their faith to continue in their faith.   If we suffer for our obedience to God, then God keeps our souls safe in His hand.

1 Peter 4:1

1 Peter 4:1 says, Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;  Peter tells us that we are to use Jesus as our example when suffering.  Jesus suffered in flesh because He refused to compromise in the spirit.  Suffering in the flesh in itself does not cause someone to stop sinning, but being obedient to God even if that causes us to suffer in this life does.  Verse two adds, That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.  Peter tells us that as Christians that we should no longer live in the lusts of the flesh.  A desire for the things of this world should no longer rule us as followers of Christ.  Verse three continues, For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:  Peter told them that before they accepted Christ that they lived by the same desires that the Gentiles, the lost people of the world did, and so do we today.  We lived for the pleasure of earthly desires before we became Christians.  Verse four states, Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:  Peter tells us that the people of the world are going to find us strange when we do not chase after the same things they do, especially if we chased these same things with them before we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  As Christians, our behavior must be different than that of the rest of the world.  Verse five adds, Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.  Peter tells us that even as Christians we are held accountable for our actions.  We are not given a free pass to sin because our sins have all been forgiven.  Verse six continues, For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.  The gospel being preached to those who were dead does not mean those who have died physically, but to those who were spiritually dead.  Verse seven says, But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.  We hear a lot today that the return of Christ is imminent, but Peter felt the same way in His day.  He did not view it as a time for the lost to get their deserved punishment, but as a time for Christians to be even more dedicated to doing the will of God.  Verse eight adds, And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.  Peter calls on Christians to have a multitude of charity, or love, for the people around us.  This Christ like love is to be extended to all people, just as the love of Christ is, especially as the time of the second coming draws closer.  Verse nine continues, Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  Peter tells us that we are to offer hospitality, or help, to others without grudging.  Verse ten concludes, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  Peter tells us since we have received the gift of salvation that we are to share the gospel with others so that they might receive it as well.  The gospel was never and never will be something that is reserved for a few people, but is to be shared with all, even those we do not like.

1 Peter 3:12

1 Peter 3:12 says, For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.  God listens to the prayers of the righteous, those who are followers of Christ.  Until a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, the only prayer that God will hear is the prayer of repentance and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as one's personal Savior and Lord.   Verse thirteen adds, And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?   Peter asked a very simple question, but it is one with an everlasting perspective.   There may be those who would harm us if we follow after the good, the things of God, but we have no reason to fear them, no matter what happens in this life.   Verse fourteen continues, But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;  Peter states it very clearly.  We may suffer for righteousness's sake, but if we do we are to rejoice and not be afraid.  Verse fifteen states, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:  Peter tells us that even in times when we suffer for our righteousness that we are to sanctify God in our heart and be ready to give an answer for our reason for hope with meekness and fear.  I believe this means with a fear of or respect for God and not of those who a persecuting us.  Verse sixteen adds, Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.  Peter tells us that even if people speak evil of us as followers of Christ that they will one day be made ashamed for their false accusations.  As long as we speak the truth of God what we say will always be proven to be true.  Verse seventeen continues, For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.  Peter tells us that if it is the will of God that we suffer for well doing that is better than if we suffer for evil doing.  If we do not compromise our faith in order to avoid some punishment in the world, that is better than suffering the punishment of God because we did compromise our faith.  Verse eighteen says, For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:  Peter points to the example set by Jesus Christ, the just dying for the unjust, as the example for us to follow.   Once more, we are not promised material riches as followers of Christ, but we are told to take up our cross daily, to die to self-will and desire in other words, and to follow Christ.  Verse nineteen adds, By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;  Jesus did not just go to the rich and successful to proclaim His word, but He went to those in prison as well.  We may not be physically imprisoned, but until we accept the gospel of Christ personally, we are imprisoned by sin.  We will never be better than anyone else by our own personal righteousness but are made better by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Verse twenty continues, Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.  Peter says that God is long-suffering in waiting for people to come to Him and cites Noah as an example.   With all those around Noah, only eight believed him and were saved.  All we can do is share the gospel, then it is up to the individual that we share it with whether they will believe and be saved or not.  Verse twenty-one declares, The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:  I believe that what Peter is telling us is that baptism into the will of God by faith in Jesus Christ saves us, and not the physical act of baptism itself.  It is the resurrection of Jesus Christ that is the way and the only way to salvation.   Verse twenty-two adds, Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.  Jesus Christ is now sitting at the right hand of the heavenly Father, and everything is in His power.  For that reason, as followers of Christ, we have no reason to fear anything that this old world may do to us.   As followers of Christ, the victory is already ours through His power, and nothing will ever be more powerful than He is.

1 Peter 3:1

1 Peter 3:1 says, Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;  Peter tells Christian wives to be subject to their husbands, even those who aren't Christians.  He then says that by doing so, if their husbands aren't Christians they might be won to believing in Christ.  Of course, the main objective is not who is in charge in this world, other than the fact that ultimately both the husband and the wife would be subject to Christ.   Verse two adds, While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.  Peter tells the wives that their chaste conversation coupled I believe with their fear of God would be noted by their husbands and other people.  Our conversation, whether husband, wife, or single should always reflect the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our life if we are a Christian.  Verse three continues, Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;  I believe that Peter was telling us that our focus should not be on our outward appearance.  I don't believe that he was saying that we should never wear things that make us look better to those around us, but that this should not be our emphasis.  Verse four states, But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.  Peter tells us that instead of focusing on the outward appearance that we should focus on our spiritual nature, which is not corruptible.  The things that we do because of our obedience to Christ are pleasing to God and will last forever.  Verse five adds, For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:  Peter cited the example of the holy women of old, those who were set aside from the world by their relationship with God, as being in subjection to their husbands.  Verse six continues, Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.  Peter referred specifically to Sarah and her relationship to Abraham.  Peter said all these women were daughters, or ancestors, of Sarah through faith.  Of course, spiritually they would be sisters of Sarah, since we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.   Verse seven proclaims, Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.  Peter then calls on the husbands to be the spiritual leader of the family, as long as husband and wife are united by a love for and an obedience to Christ.  The husband is to honor his wife, and if he does he will always want what is best for her under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Peter said that the husband and wife were joint heirs of Christ by the grace of God.  Peter also warns husbands and wives that if their relationship to one another is wrong that it will hinder their prayers.  Verse eight adds, Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:  Peter calls on Christians to be united with a mind on the things of God.  If our focus is on our self and our standing in the family or the world, then we need to change our focus to what God wants from us as followers of Christ.  Verse nine continues, Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.  Peter said that we are not to return evil for evil nor railing, or speaking badly about someone or something, for railing.  Our conversation should reflect the glory of God to those around us.   Verse ten says, For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:  Peter says that if we would love life and see good days that we should control our tongue, or what we say, and not speak evil things.  Verse eleven adds, Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.  Peter tells us to turn away from evil and do good, seeking peace in the world through our relationship with Christ.  In the marriage relationship and all relationships, we are to put the will of God first.

1 Peter 2:19

1 Peter 2:19 says, For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.  Peter tells us that it is noteworthy if a person suffers for his or her faith in God.  This doesn't say if we suffer for any reason, but if we suffer because of our faith.  If as Christians we break the law because we don't like it, that doesn't mean that we are being persecuted and should be viewed as thankworthy.  Our actions should always bring glory to God and not to our self.  Verse twenty adds, For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.  Peter tells very plainly that if we are punished for our faults that this does not make our patience in suffering acceptable to God.   Then he tells us that there is a difference in suffering because of our sin and suffering because of our faith.   If we patiently suffer because of our faith in God, then this is noteworthy and acceptable to God.  It is not that we patiently suffer, but the reason that we do so that makes us acceptable to God.  Verse twenty-one continues, For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:   Peter tells us that because Jesus Christ suffered for His faith that we are called to patiently suffer for ours.  Verse twenty-two states, Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:  Peter tells us that there was no sin or guile found in Jesus, but still He patiently endured death on the cross for our sins.  This is what God calls every Christian to do, and that is to be obedient to the heavenly Father no matter the cost in this life.   Verse twenty-three adds, Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:  Peter said that Jesus was reviled and threatened, but that He did not have the same attitude toward those who were doing this to Him.  He still reached out to them in love, and so must we.  Verse twenty-four continues, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.  Peter here professes the heart of the Gospel, and that is that Jesus suffered and died for our sins.  Jesus' death in total obedience to the heavenly Father defeated sin and its penalty for all who will put their faith in Him.  Verse twenty-five concludes, For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.  I know a lot of people call other people sheep as a form of insult, but Peter tells us that as Christians we are sheep who have gone astray, but that we have been returned to the fold of God by faith in Jesus Christ.  We are called to humbly follow Jesus Christ, no matter what. 

1 Peter 2:11

1 Peter 2:11 says, Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;  Peter's appeal to Christians as pilgrims and strangers was made because that is what they and all Christians are in this world.  This is not our home, so we will always be pilgrims and strangers here.  For that reason, we are to abstain from fleshly lusts, which are of this world but are at war with our soul, or the spiritual part of us.  Verse twelve adds, Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.  The Gentiles that Peter was speaking about would be those who had not accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.  Peter called on the followers of Christ to be living examples of the word of God even when the Gentiles were speaking evil of them, so that God might be glorified.  Peter said they would see our good works made manifest in the day of visitation, or when Christ returns.  The people of the word may always be against Christians, but we are to live our lives guided by God's word and for His glory.  Verse thirteen continues, Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;   Peter tells us that we are to be subject to the law.  We are not told that we can pick and choose which laws to obey.  I believe the only exception to this would be if the law of man defies the law of God.  Verse fourteen states, Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.  Peter said that we are to be subject to the law of the highest ruler here on earth, but also unto those under them.  We are to do this for the glory of God.  So, if there is a law that in no way goes against God's law and we don't like, and we choose to disobey it, does this bring glory to God?  Verse fifteen adds, For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:  Peter tells us that the will of God is for Christians to obey the law, and by so doing that we will put foolish people, those who do not know God, to silence.  Veres sixteen continues, As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.  Peter tells us that even though we are free from the powers of the world in our everlasting salvation that we are not to use this freedom in a malicious way.  If we refuse to obey the law of the world, even though through our salvation in Christ, we may be freed from it, we are still to obey it for the glory of God.  Verse seventeen says, Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.  Peter calls on us to give honor to all men and to fellow Christians.  There are not two sets of rules for how we treat others, but we are to treat the lost and our fellow believers with respect.  Peter also tells us that we are to fear God, which does not mean to live in fear of Him but with an awesome respect for Him, and to honor the king, or earthly rulers.  Verse eighteen adds, Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.  Peter tells us that we are to be subject to those in power over us, not only those that are kind to us but even to those who may not be.  We are to live in a way that always brings glory to God.