Encouragement to the Elders

"Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed" -1 Peter 5.1

This passage begins with the word "Therefore", and when you are reading anything that word means what comes next comes out of what preceded it. Therefore, we need to begin by looking quickly at 1 Peter 4.12-19 (I read the New American Standard Bible because it is the most literal translation of the original languages, making it a great study tool. One of the features I love about this translation is that it indicates where the paragraph breaks occurred in the original text, this is where I am drawing the verse selection from.)

1 Peter 4.12-19 talks about sharing in the suffering of Christ, and trusting God through the suffering. It says not to be surprised by suffering, and that it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God. The call of this section is to trust God through the suffering, and to not be ashamed, but to to glorify God through Christ. With this in mind, Peter addresses the elders specifically.

Those who lead have the potential to suffer the most. Centuries ago when a nation was overrun, the leaders were executed. Even today with the persecution of Christians around the world, pastors are targeted, because of the leadership role they have undertaken. Peter writes to offer encouragement to these leaders because of the suffering they are facing, or will be facing.

I know what it is like to be beaten up as a leader. I know what it is like to pour yourself into something, to be passionate and to pour your heart into this passion, only to have no one respond. I know how disheartening and defeating it is, and I'm in America without the risk of torture or death. This introductory phrase sets the tone for what follows. This is meant to be an encouragement to the elders, the leaders.

Let all who lead on behalf of Christ find strength and encouragement in what follows.


Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11

TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!