Peter says: “I exhort the elders among you—as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 2:2 and Hebrews 12:2), as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed (see John 17:20-24)—shepherd the flock of God that is among you. Exercise oversight (see Hebrews 13:17), not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain but eagerly (see 2 Corinthians 1:24–2:5 and Hebrews 13:17); not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” (Robustly reflect here on the examples of Zaphenath-Paneah, Belteshazzar, and King David in 1 Samuel 24:9–15). “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Then Peter says, “…Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”

Clothed with humility. What does that look like? It looks like the behavior of Zaphenath-Paneah, Belteshazzar, and King David in 1 Samuel 24:9–15. Peter clearly values this theme of humility, as he continues: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

Casting all your anxieties on God because He cares for you. Corrie Ten Boom (along with Betsie and Casper, a.k.a. “the Beje”) are excellent examples of what this looks like! They cast their anxieties on God because they “super-duper” believed that God cared about them.

Then Peter says, “Be sober-minded; be watchful.”

What does this look like? Well, it certainly doesn’t mean what the Pharisees thought it meant. It doesn’t mean, “Avoid Levi’s house parties, avoid ‘sinful Samaritans,’ and be super serious, uptight, and formal.” It means being childlike. It means Nehemiah 8:9–12 and Luke 15:32. It means acting like Phil Connors toward the end of the film Groundhog Day. It means behaving like Zaphenath-Paneah, Belteshazzar, or King David. It means something along the lines of Mary Poppins, Willy Wonka, Dr. Elwin Ransom, and the Count of Monte Cristo.

Then Peter says, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him!”

Resistance! Redemptive resistance! This means recognizing that sin is “crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, and you must rule over it” [תִּמְשָׁל].

For example, consider 1 Samuel 14, when Jonathan grew tired of Saul’s inaction against the Philistines. While Saul sat complacently and passively under a pomegranate tree, smothering himself in self-protection, Jonathan and his armor-bearer secretly left the camp. Jonathan launched a daring two-man assault on a Philistine outpost, trusting that “nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”

This act of “rebellion” and independent initiative forced Saul’s hand into a battle he had not planned. During that battle, Saul imposed a “rash oath,” forbidding any soldier from eating until evening. This was Saul’s delusional way of feeling in control. Saul did not value connection with God; he simply sought control. Therefore, Saul’s interactions with God were transactional, whereas King David’s relationship with God was full of robust transparency and a commitment to building stout trust. Jonathan openly criticized Saul’s leadership, stating: “My father has made trouble for the country. See how my eyes brightened when I tasted a little of this honey” (1 Samuel 14:29). When Saul later discovered Jonathan’s “sin,” he vowed to execute him—but the army rebelled against the King to save the prince.

Finally, Peter says: “Be firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Peter concludes: “By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”