1 Peter – Chapter 5

New Testament14 Verses

Chapter Summary

"The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a…" — so begins 1 Peter 5. Mark stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and suffering and trial. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come:

2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake but voluntarily:

3Neither as lording it over the clergy but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart.

4And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.

5In like manner, ye young men, be subject to the ancients. And do you all insinuate humility one to another: for God resisteth the proud, but to the humble he giveth grace.

6Be you humbled therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in the time of visitation:

7Casting all your care upon him, for he hath care of you.

8Be sober and watch: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour.

9Whom resist ye, strong in faith: knowing that the same affliction befalls, your brethren who are in the world.

10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you and confirm you and establish you.

11To him be glory and empire, for ever and ever. Amen.

12By Sylvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I think, I have written briefly: beseeching and testifying that this is the true grace of God, wherein you stand.

13The church that is in Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you. And so doth my son, Mark.

14Salute one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Important Verses in 1 Peter 5

The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come:

1 Peter 5:1

In like manner, ye young men, be subject to the ancients. And do you all insinuate humility one to another: for God resisteth the proud, but to the humble he giveth grace.

1 Peter 5:5

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you and confirm you and establish you.

1 Peter 5:10

Salute one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

1 Peter 5:14

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, 1 Peter was written with persecuted Christians of Asia Minor, strengthened in hope and holiness in view. Chapter 5 of 5 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Mark, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of…" The chapter ends with: "Salute one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen. " The wider setting of 1 Peter is this: Peter writes to Christians scattered across Asia Minor who suffer as social outcasts for their faith. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 62-64, from Rome ('Babylon').

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Peter, through the scribe Silvanus

When It Was Written

About AD 62-64, from Rome ('Babylon')

Catholic Commentary

The letter combines theological exposition with pastoral exhortation for believers. A pivotal line is verse 1: "The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a partaker of that glory…" The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of suffering, hope, and holy living. Peter's teaching on Baptism and the priesthood of believers (CIC 1268). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 756).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 1 Peter 5 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

People in This Chapter

Mark1 mention

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims 1 Peter Chapter 5 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in 1 Peter Chapter 5. At the moral level, the unity of Scripture and the Magisterium challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 1700).

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the unity of Scripture and the Magisterium bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Peter Chapter 5 about?

1 Peter 5 contains 14 verses. It opens with "The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of…" and closes with "Salute one another with a holy kiss. Grace be to all you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in 1 Peter 5?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech who am myself also an ancient and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as also a partaker of that glory which is to be…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Peter Chapter 5?

This chapter mentions Mark.

Who wrote 1 Peter and when?

The Apostle Peter, through the scribe Silvanus. About AD 62-64, from Rome ('Babylon').

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