Peter had mentioned that a “fiery trial” would come upon his readers (1 Peter 4:12), as Jesus had foretold in John 15:18–20. As a defence mechanism in the face of such trials, Peter instructed the elders to “shepherd the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2). As a further defence mechanism in the face of trials, he now addresses all the saints together with the instruction to submit themselves to the difficulties God in wisdom put on their path.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,