1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.
Humble yourselves
The Greek word for "humble" is "ταπεινόω" (tapeinoō), which means to make low or bring oneself to a lower state. In the context of 1 Peter, humility is a voluntary act of submission, reflecting a heart posture that acknowledges one's dependence on God. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing God's sovereignty and our need for His guidance. Historically, humility was not a celebrated virtue in Greco-Roman culture, which valued honor and status. However, in the Christian context, humility is a foundational virtue, exemplified by Christ Himself (Philippians 2:5-8).

therefore
The word "therefore" connects this verse to the preceding passages, where Peter discusses the importance of humility among believers and leaders within the church. It serves as a logical conclusion, urging believers to adopt humility in response to God's care and the promise of His grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). This conjunction emphasizes the continuity of thought and the practical application of the theological truths previously discussed.

under God’s mighty hand
The phrase "under God’s mighty hand" evokes imagery of God's power and protection. In the Old Testament, God's "hand" often symbolizes His deliverance and strength (Exodus 13:3, Deuteronomy 5:15). The Greek word for "mighty" is "κραταιός" (krataios), indicating strength and power. This phrase reassures believers that their humility is not in vain; they are under the care of an omnipotent God who is both capable and willing to protect and guide them through life's challenges.

so that in due time
The phrase "in due time" translates from the Greek "ἐν καιρῷ" (en kairō), meaning at the appropriate or appointed time. This suggests that God's timing is perfect, even if it does not align with human expectations. The concept of "due time" encourages believers to trust in God's divine schedule, understanding that His plans are for their ultimate good (Jeremiah 29:11). It is a call to patience and faith, knowing that God will act at the right moment.

He may exalt you
The Greek word for "exalt" is "ὑψόω" (hypsōō), which means to lift up or elevate. This promise of exaltation is contingent upon the believer's humility and submission to God. In a biblical context, exaltation is not about worldly success or recognition but about being honored by God, often in ways that transcend earthly understanding. This exaltation can manifest in spiritual growth, increased influence for God's kingdom, or eternal rewards. It reflects the biblical principle that those who humble themselves will be lifted up by God (Matthew 23:12).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The author of the epistle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his leadership in the early church and his close relationship with Jesus.

2. Recipients of the Epistle
Early Christians scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, facing persecution and trials.

3. God’s Mighty Hand
A metaphorical expression representing God's power, authority, and protection over His people.

4. Exaltation
The promise of being lifted up or honored by God, often seen as a future hope for believers who endure trials faithfully.

5. Humility
A key theme in this passage, emphasizing the attitude believers should have in their relationship with God and others.
Teaching Points
Understanding Humility
Humility is not self-deprecation but recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves.

God’s Timing
Trust in God's perfect timing for exaltation, understanding that it may not align with our immediate desires or expectations.

Living Under God’s Hand
Embrace the protection and guidance of God's mighty hand, especially during trials and uncertainties.

The Promise of Exaltation
Hold onto the hope that God will honor those who faithfully endure and remain humble.

Practical Humility
Practice humility in daily interactions by serving others, listening actively, and acknowledging our need for God's grace.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to humble yourself under God’s mighty hand in your current life situation?

2. How can you apply the principle of waiting for God’s timing in areas where you seek recognition or advancement?

3. In what ways can you demonstrate humility in your relationships with others this week?

4. How does understanding Jesus’ example of humility and exaltation in Philippians 2:5-11 inspire you to live differently?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s exaltation after a period of humility. How did that shape your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
James 4:10
This verse also speaks about humbling oneself before the Lord, promising that He will lift you up, reinforcing the theme of humility leading to exaltation.

Philippians 2:5-11
Paul describes Jesus' humility and subsequent exaltation, providing the ultimate example for believers to follow.

Matthew 23:12
Jesus teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted, aligning with Peter's message.

Proverbs 3:34
This proverb highlights God's favor towards the humble, contrasting with His opposition to the proud.
Concluding ExhortationsR. Finlayson 1 Peter 5:1-11
Christian HumilityJ.R. Thomson 1 Peter 5:5, 6
A Cure for CareW. Halliday.1 Peter 5:5-7
A Cure for CareC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 5:5-7
A Sermon to Ministers and Other Tried BelieversC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 5:5-7
Be Clothed with HumilityJames Bolton.1 Peter 5:5-7
Bending Without BreakingT. De Witt Talmage.1 Peter 5:5-7
Cared ForM. Guy Pearse.1 Peter 5:5-7
Cast Care on GodR. Walker.1 Peter 5:5-7
Casting All Your Cares Upon HimW. M. Statham, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
Casting CareThe Weekly Pulpit1 Peter 5:5-7
Christ the Care BearerJ. L. Fyfe.1 Peter 5:5-7
Christian HumilityS. Summers.1 Peter 5:5-7
Christian HumilityG. T. Shedd, D. D.1 Peter 5:5-7
Clothed with HumilityJ. Vaughan, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
Clothed with HumilityT. Brooks.1 Peter 5:5-7
Confidence in God Lubricates LifeH. W. Beecher.1 Peter 5:5-7
Counsels to the YoungerThornley Smith.1 Peter 5:5-7
Divine CareD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 5:5-7
Earthly and Heavenly CareBp. Huntington.1 Peter 5:5-7
God not an AbstractionE. White.1 Peter 5:5-7
God's CareHomilist1 Peter 5:5-7
God's Care for UsF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
God's Regard for IndividualsA. Reed, B. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
He Careth for YouH. E. Partridge.1 Peter 5:5-7
He Careth for YouW. Birch.1 Peter 5:5-7
How to Dispose of CareW. Nevins, D. D.1 Peter 5:5-7
Human Cares and the Divine CareG. S. Barrett, B. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
Humble Yourselves Under the Mighty Hand of GodJ. Slade, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
Humbling of the Spirit, in Humbling Circumstances1 Peter 5:5-7
Humiliation of Soul Under God's Mighty HandJames Sherman.1 Peter 5:5-7
HumilityJ. Jortin, D. D.1 Peter 5:5-7
HumilityBp. Phillips Brooks.1 Peter 5:5-7
HumilityC. Moinet, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
Humility a Beautiful Dress1 Peter 5:5-7
Humility a Preparation for HeavenRobert Herrick.1 Peter 5:5-7
Humility and its GreatnessE. Garbett, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
Humility Explained and EnforcedT. Gibson, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
Humility Illustrated and EnforcedR. Hall, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
Humility with the Fruits of ItD. Jennings.1 Peter 5:5-7
Invented WorriesW. M. Statham, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
Mutual RespectF. D. Maurice, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
Nursing CaresH. W. Beecher.1 Peter 5:5-7
Obj. 21 Peter 5:5-7
Obj. 31 Peter 5:5-7
Objection 11 Peter 5:5-7
On Humbling Ourselves Before GodC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 5:5-7
On HumilityRobert Foote.1 Peter 5:5-7
On SolicitudeJohn Main, D. D.1 Peter 5:5-7
Self-Abasement and Divine ExaltationS. Martin.1 Peter 5:5-7
Seniors Should not be Over-ExactingJ. A. Bengel.1 Peter 5:5-7
Submission to Divine DispensationS. J. Davis.1 Peter 5:5-7
The Benefit of AfflictionsW. C. Wilson, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
The Conduct Becoming Church Members Towards the Elders of the ChurchC. New 1 Peter 5:5-7
The Course of Things Against PrideA. K. H. Boyd, D. D.1 Peter 5:5-7
The Divine Oversight1 Peter 5:5-7
The Garment of HumilityHarvey Phillips, B. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
The Loftiness of HumilityC. Kingsley, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
The Lord Careth for YouM. Guy Pearse.1 Peter 5:5-7
The Mighty Hand of GodJ. Vaughan, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
The Pride of CareM. R. Vincent, D. D.1 Peter 5:5-7
The Proud Abased and the Humble ExaltedJ. Summerfield, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
The Shadow ShortensDean Young.1 Peter 5:5-7
The Wisdom of God in His ProvidenceAbp. Tillotson.1 Peter 5:5-7
Trust in GodA. Bonar.1 Peter 5:5-7
Two Kinds of ClothingH. J. Wilmot-Buxton, M. A.1 Peter 5:5-7
VanityD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 5:5-7
What to Do with CareC. M. Birrell.1 Peter 5:5-7
Work Tends to HumilityBp. Phillips Brooks.1 Peter 5:5-7
Counsels for Troubled ChristiansU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 5:6-11
People
Marcus, Mark, Peter, Silas, Silvanus
Places
Asia, Babylon, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus
Topics
Beneath, Cause, Due, Exalt, God's, Humble, Humbled, Lift, Lifted, Low, Mighty, Powerful, Proper, Strong, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 5:6

     1210   God, human descriptions
     1265   hand of God
     4971   seasons, of life
     5290   defeat
     5763   attitudes, positive to God

1 Peter 5:1-6

     5959   submission

1 Peter 5:5-6

     5450   poverty, spiritual
     5849   exaltation
     8276   humility

1 Peter 5:6-7

     5876   helpfulness

Library
Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Sylvanus
'By Sylvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly.'--1 Peter v. 12 (R.V). I adopt the Revised Version because, in one or two small points, it brings out more clearly the Apostle's meaning. This Sylvanus is, beyond all reasonable doubt, the same man who is known to us in the Acts of the Apostles by the name of Silas. A double name was very common amongst Jews, whose avocations brought them into close connection with Gentiles. You will find other instances of it
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

An Apostolic Testimony and Exhortation
'... I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.'--1 Peter v. 12. 'I have written briefly,' says Peter. But his letter, in comparison with the other epistles of the New Testament, is not remarkably short; in fact, is longer than many of them. He regards it as short when measured by the greatness of its theme. For all words which are devoted to witnessing to the glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ, must be narrow and insufficient as compared
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Church in Babylon
'The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you ...'--1 Peter v. 13. We have drawn lessons in previous addresses from the former parts of the closing salutations of this letter. And now I turn to this one to see what it may yield us. The Revised Version omits 'the church,' and substitutes 'she'; explaining in a marginal note that there is a difference of opinion as to whether the sender of the letter is a community or an individual. All the old MSS., with one weighty exception,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Marcus, My Son
'... So doth Marcus, my son.'--1 Peter v. 13. The outlines of Mark's life, so far as recorded in Scripture, are familiar. He was the son of Mary, a woman of some wealth and position, as is implied by the fact that her house was large enough to accommodate the 'many' who were gathered together to pray for Peter's release. He was a relative, probably a cousin (Col. iv. 10, Revised Version), of Barnabas, and possibly, like him, a native of Cyprus. The designation of him by Peter as 'my son' naturally
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Slave's Girdle
'... Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.'--1 Peter v. 5. The Apostle uses here an expression of a remarkable kind, and which never occurs again in Scripture. The word rendered in the Authorised Version 'be clothed,' or better in the Revised Version, 'gird yourselves with,' really implies a little more than either of those renderings suggests. It describes a kind of garment as well as the act of putting it on, and the sort of garment which it describes
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

A New Year's Benediction
I have this morning taken this text as a new year's blessing. You are aware that a minister of the Church of England always supplies me with the motto for the new year. He prays much before he selects the text, and I know that it is his prayer for you all to-day. He constantly favors me with this motto, and I always think it my duty to preach from it, and then desire my people to remember it through the year as a staff of support in their time of trouble, as some sweet morsel, a wafer made with honey,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

30TH DAY. A Crown of Life.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "When the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."--1 PETER v. 4. A Crown of Life. What! is the beggar to be "raised from the dunghill, set among princes, and made to inherit a throne of glory?" is dust and ashes, a puny rebel, a guilty traitor, to be pitied, pardoned, loved, exalted from the depths of despair, raised to the heights of Heaven--gifted with kingly honour--royally fed--royally clothed--royally attended--and,
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

The Millennium in Relation to Satan.
In our last chapter we saw that Christ descends from Heaven to find an organized effort to prevent him coming back to the earth. Under the leadership of Anti-christ, the kings of the earth with their armies assemble together at Armageddon with the express purpose of making war upon the Lamb (Rev. 17:14). It is in connection with this impious revolt that we read, "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh" (Ps. 2:4), laugh at their folly and madness, "The Lord shall have them in derision." As well
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

A Preliminary Discourse to Catechising
'If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' - Col 1:23. Intending next Lord's day to enter upon the work of catechising, it will not be amiss to give you a preliminary discourse, to show you how needful it is for Christians to be well instructed in the grounds of religion. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' I. It is the duty of Christians to be settled in the doctrine of faith. II. The best way for Christians to be settled is to be well grounded. I. It is the duty of Christians
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Royal Marriage Feast.
PART I.--THE WEDDING GUESTS. "And Jesus answered, and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Consolations against Impatience in Sickness.
If in thy sickness by extremity of pain thou be driven to impatience, meditate-- 1. That thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. 2. That these are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Exhortations to Christians as they are Children of God
1 There is a bill of indictment against those who declare to the world they are not the children of God: all profane persons. These have damnation written upon their forehead. Scoffers at religion. It were blasphemy to call these the children of God. Will a true child jeer at his Father's picture? Drunkards, who drown reason and stupefy conscience. These declare their sin as Sodom. They are children indeed, but cursed children' (2 Peter 2:14). 2 Exhortation, which consists of two branches. (i) Let
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Some Other Writers of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap L) Ancient engraving of man reading scroll] Let us now look at the rest of the books which make up the New Testament. In the days when Paul preached at Athens, the old capital of Greece, much of the ancient splendour and power of the Greek people had passed away, for the Romans had conquered their country, and they were no longer a free nation. Yet, although the Greeks had been forced to yield to Rome, their conquerors knew that the Grecian scholars and artists were far
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Its Source
Let us here review, briefly, the ground which we have already covered. We have seen, first, that "to justify" means to pronounce righteous. It is not a Divine work, but a Divine verdict, the sentence of the Supreme Court, declaring that the one justified stands perfectly conformed to all the requirements of the law. Justification assures the believer that the Judge of all the earth is for him, and not against him: that justice itself is on his side. Second, we dwelt upon the great and seemingly insoluable
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

The Scriptures
apo blefouV ta iera grammata oidaV Many Allusions to Scripture In the year 1729,' wrote John Wesley, I began not only to read but to study the Bible.' The results of that devoted study of the Word of God are to be seen in every page that he wrote. Both the brothers must have had a most profound, exact, and extensive acquaintance with the Scriptures. Indeed, it is only a close study of the Bible on our own part that can reveal to us the extent of their intimacy with it. There can hardly be a single
Charles H. Kelly—The Hymns of Methodism in their Literary Relations

How the Gospels came to be Written
[Illustration: (drop cap B) Early Christian Lamp] But how did the story of the Saviour's life on earth come to be written? We have seen that many years passed before any one thought of writing it down at all. The men and women who had really seen Him, who had listened to His voice, looked into His face, and who knew that He had conquered death and sin for evermore, could not sit down to write, for their hearts were all on fire to speak. But as the years passed, the number of those who had seen Christ
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the Divine and Human Nature of Christ Jesus;
HIS COMING INTO THE WORLD; HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, DEATH, RESURRECTION, ASCENSION, INTERCESSION, AND SECOND COMING TO JUDGMENT, PLAINLY DEMONSTRATED AND PROVED. AND ALSO, Answers to several Questions, with profitable Directions to stand fast in the Doctrine of Jesus the Son of MARY, against those blustering Storms of the Devil's Temptations, which do at this Day, like so many Scorpions, break loose from the bottomless Pit, to bite and torment those that have not tasted the Vertue of Jesus, by the Revelation
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

In the Dungeon of Giant Discourager
IN THE DUNGEON OF GIANT DISCOURAGER I feel very discouraged at times, and sometimes the spells of discouragement hang on for a long while. I wonder if I am sanctified. From unaccountable sources, bad feelings of every description depress my soul, and along with these bad feelings come doubts that cast gloom over me. I have prayed and prayed that these feelings of discouragement might leave me; but they have not done so. I despair of prayer bringing me the help I need. Really, I know not what to do.
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Providence of God
Q-11: WHAT ARE GOD'S WORKS OF PROVIDENCE? A: God's works of providence are the acts of his most holy, wise, and powerful government of his creatures, and of their actions. Of the work of God's providence Christ says, My Father worketh hitherto and I work.' John 5:17. God has rested from the works of creation, he does not create any new species of things. He rested from all his works;' Gen 2:2; and therefore it must needs be meant of his works of providence: My Father worketh and I work.' His kingdom
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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