“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble'” (1 Peter 5:5).
A quick examination of this passage reveals a noticeable similarity between this portion of Scripture and another Biblical epistle. For instance, compare our text from 1 Peter 5:5 with the following passage from James 4:6-7…
“…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.’ …Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith…” (1 Peter 5:5, 8-9).
“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:6-7).
When two divinely inspired authors use similar imagery in their letters (as we see in the passages quoted above), we would do well to pay attention to their guidance.
So, having already addressed pastoral leaders in the opening verses of this chapter, the Apostle Peter turned his attention to other members of the Christian community here in verse five. Just as congregational leaders are accountable for their actions, individual church members are also entrusted with a responsibility: “be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility.”
It’s also interesting to note that Peter targeted the youth demographic in this exhortation. While the gift of youth offers many opportunities, those opportunities often present many hidden risks. Matthew Henry, a prominent commentator from the 18th century, acknowledged this reality in his era when he wrote, “…many young people, when setting out in the world, think of nothing but prosperity and pleasure, and never dream of trouble.” (1)
We should also remember that there are many individuals who might try to exploit young people in various ways. However, a youth who accepts this counsel from 1 Peter 5:5 and submits to a more-experienced elder may avoid such dangers.
Finally, this passage highlights an attitude of mutual submission that should exist among the members of God’s household. If the elders of the church are called to maintain an attitude of submission, then the same is equally true of others within a congregation. Thus, an attitude of humility and respectful submission should characterize our interactions with one another.
(1) Henry, Matthew. “Concise Commentary on Genesis 37”. “Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/ commentaries/ eng/ mhn/ genesis-37.html.1706.