1 Peter 5:1-14 ESV

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:2

Verse 2 2Feed the flock of God We hence learn what the word presbyter imports, even that it includes the office of feeding. It is for a far different end that the Pope makes presbyters, even that they may daily slay Christ, there being no mention made of feeding in their ordination. Let us then remember to distinguish between the institution of Christ and the confusion of the Pope, it being as different as light is from darkness. Let us also bear in mind the definition given of the word; for... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:3

Verse 3 3Neither as being lords, or, as exercising dominion. The preposition κατὰ in Greek is taken, for the most part, in a bad sense: then Peter here condemns unreasonable exercise of power, as the case is with those who consider not themselves to be the ministers of Christ and his Church, but seek something higher. And he calls particular churches “lots,” (cleros ;) for as the whole body of the Church is the Lord’s heritage, so the churches, scattered through towns and villages, were as so... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:4

Verse 4 4When the chief Shepherd shall appear Except pastors retain this end in view, it can by no means be that they will in good earnest proceed in the course of their calling, but will, on the contrary, become often faint; for there are innumerable hindrances which are sufficient to discourage the most prudent. They have often to do with ungrateful men, from whom they receive an unworthy reward; long and great labors are often in vain; Satan sometimes prevails in his wicked devices. Lest,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:5

Verse 5 5Likewise, ye younger The word elder is put here in a sense different from what it had before; for it is necessary, when a contrast is made between them and the younger, that the two clauses should correspond. Then he refers to the elders in age, having before spoken of the office; and thus he comes from the particular to the general. And in short, he bids every one that is inferior in age to obey the counsels of the elders, and to be teachable and humble; for the age of youth is... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:6

Verse 6 6Humble yourselves therefore. We must ever bear in mind for what end he bids us to be humble before God, even that we may be more courteous and kind to our brethren, and not refuse to submit to them as far as love demands. Then they who are haughty and refractory towards men, are, he says, acting insolently towards God. He therefore exhorts all the godly to submit to God’s authority; and he calls God’s power his hand, that he might make them to fear the more. For though hand is often... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:7

Verse 7 7Casting all our care He more fully sets forth here the providence of God. For whence are these proverbial sayings, “We shall have to howl among wolves,” and, “They are foolish who are like sheep, exposing themselves to wolves to be devoured,” except that we think that by our humility we set loose the reins to the audacity of the ungodly, so that they insult us more wantonly? But this fear arises from our ignorance of divine providence. Now, on the other hand, as soon as we are... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:8

Verse 8 8Be sober This explanation extends wider, that as we have war with a most fierce and most powerful enemy, we are to be strenuous in resisting him. But he uses a twofold metaphor, that they were to be sober, and that they were to exercise watchfulness. Surfeiting produces sloth and sleep; even so they who indulge in earthly cares and pleasures, think of nothing else, being under the power of spiritual lethargy. We now perceive what the meaning of the Apostle is. We must, he says, carry... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:9

Verse 9 9Whom resist As the power of an enemy ought to stimulate us and make us more careful, so there would be danger lest our hearts failed through immoderate fear, except the hope of victory were given us. This then is what the Apostle speaks of; he shows that the issue of the war will be prosperous, if we indeed fight under the banner of Christ; for whosoever comes to this contest, endued with faith, he declares that he will certainly be a conqueror. Resist, he says; but some one may ask,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:10

Verse 10 10But the God of all grace After having sufficiently dwelt on admonitions, he now turns to prayer; for doctrine is in vain poured forth into the air, unless God works by his Spirit. And this example ought to be followed by all the ministers of God, that is, to pray that he may give success to their labors; for otherwise they effect nothing either by planting or by watering. Some copies have the future tense, as though a promise is made; but the other reading is more commonly received.... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:11

Verse 11 11To him be glory That he might add more confidence to the godly, he breaks out into thanksgiving. Though this be read in the indicative as well as in the optative mood, still the meaning is nearly the same. read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:2

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:3

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:6

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:7

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:9

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:10

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:11

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