SHEPHERDS OVER THE FLOCK OF GOD In the New Testament church the name "elders," which literally means older, came to stand for the leaders of local congregations (Acts 11:29-30; Acts 14:23; Acts 15:2-3; Acts 15:6; Acts 15:22; Acts 16:4; Acts 21:18; 1 Timothy 5:17-20). Since the word "elder" is used i... [ Continue Reading ]
SUBMITTING TO GOD"Younger" and "elder" in 1 Peter 5:5 are plural. The two words occurring so close together may well indicate Peter is simply referring to age in both cases and is telling young men to yield to the wisdom of older men. However, this verse does seem to continue the thoughts of verses... [ Continue Reading ]
BEING WATCHFUL AND STANDING FIRM Even though Christ's followers can cast their worries upon God, they cannot go to sleep on the job and fail to be watchful for themselves. They must maintain a calm, thoughtful and watchful attitude. The reason for such an attitude is the devil. Woods says, "An 'adv... [ Continue Reading ]
CLOSING COMMENTS Silvanus is also called Silas in the book of Acts (2 Corinthians 1:19; Acts 18:1-18). He was with Paul when he wrote both letters to the brethren at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1). Peter describes him as faithful and says the letter is "by" him, which may in... [ Continue Reading ]