1 Peter 5 Study Notes

Hupsoo refers to lifting something to a higher location. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, Christ was lifted up on the cross (Jn 3:14). This concept of lifting up is figuratively extended to mean to exalt or honor (raising something to a position of higher status). In the example above, the lifting up of Jesus referred to his crucifixion (cp. Jn 8:28) but also to his exaltation (cp. Jn 12:32). The one who possesses the higher authority must be the one who exalts others to a higher status (Lk 1:52; Ac 2:33; Jms 4:10; 1Pt 5:6). He made the people of Israel prosper in Egypt (Ac 13:17), and he exalts the humble (Mt 23:12 = Lk 14:11; Lk 18:14). Elsewhere, Paul humbled himself so that those in the Corinthian church might be exalted (2Co 11:7).

5:10-11 God will strengthen and honor in heaven those who endure suffering for their faith while on earth.

5:12-14 Silvanus (or “Silas,” Ac 15:22-32; 16:19-40; 17:1-15; 18:5; 2Co 1:19; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1) may have helped Peter write this letter as his secretary (cp. Rm 16:22), but more likely he was the letter carrier. Peter conveyed greetings to his readers from the church in Rome, i.e., from she who is in Babylon, and also from Mark, my son—Peter’s son in the faith, not his biological son. The kiss of love was a customary form of greeting in the first-century church. Peace is the sense of well-being and blessedness that believers have because of their relationship with Christ. This benediction is an appropriate ending to the letter because when Christians are being persecuted on earth, heaven’s peace cannot be taken from them.