1 Peter 5:1-4 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ… I. A WELL-EQUIPPED SOLDIER. 1. An elder. (1) In age. (2) In knowledge. (3) In experience. (4) In position. 2. A witness. Of Christ's — (1) Suffering; (2) Atonement; (3) Love; (4) Sympathy; (5) Humanity. 3. A partaker — of the glory which shall be revealed. "Come ye blessed of My Father," etc. II. A HUMBLE-MINDED SAINT. This was not one of St. Peter's early characteristics. But he had learnt by experience to form a true opinion of his real position in the sight of God, and of the many infirmities which pertain to fallen humanity. This chastened spirit is particularly manifested — 1. By the position assumed. "Fellow elder." There is no assumption of extra wisdom or superior knowledge. 2. By the method of his teaching. Not "I command, decree," "enforce"; simply "I exhort." He would suggest, remind, urge on. What a heavenly spirit! (J. J. S. Bird, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: |
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