NOTES for Pe1 5:5

Very rarely one succeeds to meet the apostolic appeal to submission with an adequate reaction. We usually observe one of two extremes: either a sharp protest in the name of "individual freedom", or an immediate research of some kind of spiritual authority for an unconditional submission in any of his decision. But the apostle Peter gives two hints for a good understanding of his words. Firstly, it is about a mutual submission, which means each puts the interests of another higher than his’, in other words - mutual love. Secondly, he quotes the remarkable word "humility". It means that our wisdom must be humble, that is no proud, no arrogance on others. But it is also important for humility to be wise, and not this self-humiliation, which is " high proud". Our submission to others does not remove our personal responsibility for our life before God.