Peter gives the reason he can be so bold giving these instructions by writing “I appeal as a fellow elder." By expressing it this way, Peter is putting himself on the same level as the elders who are from the congregations receiving this letter. Exactly when was Peter an elder of a local congregation, we do not know for certain? He was one of the apostles when the Church was established on the Day of Pentecost and the Spirit come upon them. As the first leaders of the Church, the apostles were fulfilling the responsibilities of an elder. The key is Peter fully understood the responsibilities and knew what these elders were enduring. You also, can see the close relationship Peter had with these elders when he wrote “a fellow elder."
The second reason for Peter boldness is the fact he was “a witness of Christ’s sufferings." Since Peter was one of the chosen twelve and a part of the inner circle, he knew what Jesus suffered throughout the three and half years of His ministry leading up to His last week. While Jesus was on trial, Peter denied Him before the rooster crowed and saw the sadness in Jesus’ eyes, and went out and wept. The gospels do not record Peter being at the cross, but he may have been there after weeping. When the women told the disciples the tomb was empty, Peter and John ran to the tomb and found it was empty. Also, Peter would experience the suffering every Christian goes through in simply making Jesus their Lord and Savior. The book of Acts records some of persecution Christians experienced. There is no doubt; Peter is “a witness” and any suffering a Christian may go through does not compare to what Jesus did for each of them.
‘One who also will share in the glory to be revealed” is the third reason. Jesus Christ will one day return and when it takes place, Jesus will be seen in all of His glory. Jesus promised Peter he would also share with Christ in His glory. Every Christian will share in this glory. It will be a glorious day for all who are ready for Christ’s return. Prepare now before it is too late. Believe in Jesus, Repent, Confess, Be Immersed and Live a Faithful Life and you will be a part of this glory. CONSIDER CAREFULLY YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST, ACT ACCORDINGLY!!!