The normalization and expectation of suffering (even as a potential purifier of the church) leads to a call for those who lead and influence God’s people to stay on their game. Peter’s in this business, has been for a long time, so he knows the right ways to get things done. Basic instructions are to 1.) exercise oversight, basically, do the work, take the responsibility, 2.) do it willingly, 3.) lead humbly for the benefit of those you serve, just like family headship, elder-action is a call to service and sacrifice, 4.) be a an example (we saw this over and over again in Paul’s letters as well. Follow me as I follow Christ, that’s the deal.)
If you’re younger, let faithful folks who the Lord has called lead you. And for both leaders and otherwise, wear humility like a cloak, let it surround you and be with you always. God opposes the proud (it’s really the root of all sin), but God will react with grace when you act in humility. Not to let this slip by too quickly, every thing you’ve ever hidden from someone has pride at its root. Unconfessed sin, fear of sharing good news, lacking of service to others; pride undergirds all of these. Be careful on this. You’re likely not falling for abrasive, obvious pride issues but you are likely susceptible to much more insidious versions of pride (illusions of your own importance, protecting your image in lieu of repentance, half-truths about how things currently are. All risky.)
Humility, Peter tells us, leads to exaltation (by the mighty hand of God, who offers much better exaltation than whoever you’ve been trying to impress up to this point.) And to be clear, humility isn’t asking you to think less of yourself, it’s to act lower than what you are owed in the service of others because that’s how the Kingdom measures greatness. We’re a kingdom of priests, after all, we are certainly lifted up by the good graces of the King. But in response, we follow the example of the King and live in service to Him and the world He is calling to repentance and redemption. He knows what he’s calling you to, and cares for you greatly, so go to Him with your anxieties.
All the same, keep your eyes open and know that there is an enemy who is after you. Although some think there is true application to this broadly, the context here most likely points to buckling under the weight of suffering and anxiety, especially in attempts to retain humility (pride is a very strong temptation, as the Tempter himself could attest.) But be watchful, know that you are surrounded by a community who suffers along with you and a God who will bear you up. (Notice that many of the persecution and martyrdom accounts both inside and outside of Scripture have moments of calm and joy in the midst of them.)
In the end, you’re in God’s hands. You have been called to eternal glory and will be restored, confirmed, strengthened and established by Almighty God. It comes down to faith, trust. If God is who He says He is and keeps his promises, earthly suffering and anxiousness and whatever else are a small price to pay (and price that comes with the honor of serving He who loves better than anyone ever.) If not, well, the suffering is foolish and wasted.
The letter ends with references to a few known characters. Silvanus (or Silas) seems to be the man who delivered the letter for Peter, who thinks highly of him. As with any writer, Peter hopes they read it and, you know, pay attention to what’s in there. Also, he passes on greetings from “she who is at Babylon”. THIS COULD BE SOMEONE SUPER MYSTERIOUS!!! Or, as NT authors tend to do, they refer to Rome as Babylon, a stock OT character for a government or system who opposes God or His authority. The church in Rome says “Hi”. That makes more sense than some conspiratorial anger.
Finally, he mentions Mark, the John Mark who’s Mom likely owned the house the Upper Room from Acts was in and the same Mark who is believed to have written his gospel based upon the sermons/teachings of Peter himself. Peter’s obvious fondness for him (calling him “son”, much like how Paul refers to Timothy) affirms the likelihood the story of his authorship of the gospel as true.
Peter says peace to all those in Jesus, he out.