Now, let’s also refresh our memories a little bit about the character of Peter. Who is this person who is giving us this advice? Well, he’s one of Jesus’ twelve Apostles, who will sit on a throne in Jesus’ kingdom judging the twelve tribes of Israel. He is the one that Jesus said would be called Cephas, which means, Rock, and Jesus said he would be the rock upon which Jesus would build His church. Jesus told Peter that He would give him the keys to the kingdom of Heaven, and said, that whoever Peter found innocent on earth would be found innocent in Heaven and whoever he held as bound (guilty) on earth, would be held bound in Heaven. That’s why people imagine Peter at the gates of Heaven, with the authority of deciding who enters and who doesn’t.

          Peter is the Apostle who walked on water to Jesus. He is also the Apostle who denied Jesus three times the night of Jesus’ arrest. Peter jumped from a fishing boat and swam to shore when Jesus appeared to the Apostles on the shore one morning after His resurrection. Peter’s shadow healed people. An Angel of God freed Peter when He was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. Peter was the one who had the vision of the sheet, with the message of God, saying that the Gentiles were now accepted by God. Peter indeed started the foundation of the church. He has some impressive credentials, and he has human qualities as well. He spent 3 ½ years with Jesus, at His side, ministering to Him, learning from Him, loving Him. Let’s go ahead and read what else he has to share with us now.

          Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to the elder. Yes, all of you, be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility, because God resists the proud, and gives Grace to the humble. This is truly something that young people have forgotten how to do. The world has made it cool to be disrespectful, and peers encourage this kind of behavior everywhere. It’s absolutely astounding how children talk to their teachers, their relatives, their coaches, their parents . . . And the list goes on. Peter would be horrified. He says, Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may raise you up in due time, laying all your cares on Him, because He cares for you.

          Many of us can use this advice about being humble, ourselves, and then our examples to our children may make some difference. A little weed, if it’s not pulled when it’s little, can become a tree that’s next to impossible to get rid of.

          Peter says, Resist these imps with strong Faith, knowing that other Christians in the world are being pursued by these rascals as well. But the God of all Grace, who has called us to share His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect (complete), establish (confirm), strengthen and settle (comfort) you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen

          It then says ... (Penned) by Silvanus, (Peter dictated the letter and Silvanus wrote it) a faithful brother to you, as I believe, I have written briefly, encouraging, and testifying that this is the true Grace of God wherein you stand. The Church that is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you, and so does Marcus, my son. Greet one another with a kiss of charity (love). Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.