Likewise you younger ones, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you being submissive to one another, and clothe yourselves with humility, because "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Truth to Learn
Submission is the key to life within the Body of Christ.
Behind the Words
The word translated “younger ones” is neōteros, which is a form of neos, meaning “new in relation to time.” This could be referring either to more youthful members of the church or those who are younger in Christian maturity.
The word translated “submit yourselves” is hupotassō, a word we have looked at before. This word means “to under-rank oneself.” It is the same word used of wives and employees who are to submit themselves to their husbands and bosses.
The expression “clothe” (some translations have “put on”) is a translation of the Greek word egkomboomai, which means to put on clothing. It is particularly used of an apron which is a symbol of servitude. This particular Greek word is written in the imperative mood, indicating a command, and in the middle voice, which means that it is an action which we are to do to ourselves. We are not to do it to others or have others do it to us.
Meaning Explained
Any verse that starts off with a connective word or phrase (therefore, wherefore, in the same manner, likewise, similarly, etc.) requires the reader to pay special attention to the preceding verses to glean the full meaning. This verse starts off with “Likewise” (some translations have this as “In a similar way”), so we need to see what this verse is tied to. Peter has just been talking to the pastors (elders), instructing them how to treat the flock under their care. They are to take on the task willing, eagerly, not as dictators, but as examples. This is a picture of humble leadership.
Now Peter turns his attention to younger ones in the congregation. Peter tells them that, in the same manner as the pastor is to exercise his office (with humility and submission to the Chief Shepherd), they are to submit themselves to the elders of the church.
Peter is telling the congregation that it is their responsibility to voluntarily submit to the authority of the pastor, having just told the pastors how to treat those under their care. This is further corroborated by the following expression, “being submissive to one another.” This is a beautiful picture of the Church of Christ willingly submitting to one another as situations dictate, recognizing that we are all subjects of the God of all creation.
Why are we to submit to each other in the church and to clothe ourselves with humility? Peter tells us, ‘”because God resists the proud (ones) but gives grace to the humble (ones).” Do you want to receive the fullness of the grace of God? Peter tells us that submission is the key!
Application
Whether you are a church leader or a church member, it is your responsibility under God to be submitted to others in the Body of Christ. Members are to be submissive to the elders and the elders are to be examples by submitting to the Chief Shepherd.
In God's service, for His glory,
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