Respect Your Elders
- Peter speaks here as an elder in the community. That is, an important and respected guy in the flock.
- He wants other elders to know that they've got a big responsibly. They're the shepherds guiding God's little sheep. They shouldn't be looking to get something for themselves or lording their authority over everyone. They should just be in it for the love of God. And the free bread and wine, natch.
- On the other hand, new believers need to recognize that the elders are the guys in charge. Elder knows best!
- But both the elders and the new believers should be nice and respectful to each other. God loves it when you're humble, so try that out for a change.
It's the End of the World as We Know It
- The end is nigh, so submit to God totally and completely.
- He cares about you, so tell him your troubles and he'll help. But don't forget to be disciplined and stay on guard.
- A (metaphorical) lion is prowling around the community looking for strays to gobble up. But if everyone sticks together, he can't touch them. There go his dinner plans.
- Sure, you may be suffering right now—Christians all over the world are—but this is only a temporary situation. Give it some time, says Peter. Jesus will be back soon and everything will be awesomesauce.
- Peter closes the letter by saying that he's sending it on with his friend, Silvanus.
- The church in Rome sends greetings. Peter calls it by the code name "Babylon" because he considers the Romans as wicked as the Babylonians—those baddies who destroyed Jerusalem back in the Hebrew Bible (source). So much for not stirring up trouble.
- Hugs and kisses and peace to everyone. Peter will see you later, fellow Christians.