All of us who hold high positions of leadership in the church should pay close attention to the first few verses of 1 Peter chapter 5 where the Apostle address elders specifically. The word used here for elder is πρεσβύτερος which simply means to be older, or more mature than others. So while the list that follows is certainly meaningful for those in leadership positions it is also meant to serve as an outline for all who are older and more seasoned in the church. Peter, in addressing the elders (presbyterous; cf. Acts 11:30; 20:17), also used a word that identified himself as one who held the same office (sympresbyteros, “fellow-presbyter”). As an elder, Peter was speaking from experience. [1] We should listen to his wise advise as he urges all elders to do five things.
- Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock–– The command Be shepherds was also given by Jesus to Peter (John 21:16). The word poimanate means “to tend.” Besides feeding, it includes caring, leading, guiding, and protecting—all duties and responsibilities a shepherd has for his flock. Related to the participle serving as overseers (episkopountes) is the noun “overseer” (episkopos, used five other times: Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-2; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 2:25). “Overseer” seems to be interchangeable with “elder” and connotes both a spiritual and physical guardianship. [2] Again, this is not the sole responsibility of the Senior Pastor or vocational church staff; this falls upon all mature believers in the congregation and supersedes any official leadership role in the church.
- exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction,[3]––– This great privilege of oversight should not be looked upon as a job, or burdensome duty that must be preformed for the pleasure of another. Instead, it is something that we must undertake with a willing and right attitude. Shepherding and caring for the flock is something that can only be accomplished when we follow God’s direction and are willingly prepared to wholeheartedly serve him.
- not for shameful profit but eagerly–– Financial reward must not be the motive for being an elder. This does not mean that an elder may not be supported by the local church; the existence of such “full-time elders” is indicated in 1 Timothy 5:17, 18.[4] Certainly the Bible permits priests and other full time ministers to receive wages for their work, however this must never be the motive of any elder or vocational minister. Peter is addressing all elders in this passage not just the local leadership in the church. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that he is not trying to make a point about financial compensation for ministers but rather the danger or greed when the elders in a congregation become greedy and focused on money.
- do not lord it over those entrusted to you–– The word translated lording it over (katakyrieuontes) includes the idea of domineering as in the rule of a strong person over one who is weak (cf. Matt. 20:25; Mark 10:42; Acts 19:16). Ezekiel indicted false shepherds: “You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd” (Ezek. 34:4-5). [5] Those who lead should be viewed by all as the greatest servants in the congregation. The elders that Peter was addressing here were among the most spiritually mature and thus should have also been the most aware of the call to serve as Christ served each of us. Today this principle is no different; we must serve those God has entrusted us with so that one day they will continue to serve those God entrusts to them. Which leads us to the final point in this passage.
- be examples to the flock— All elders are called to be good examples for the entire flock. Once again this supersedes any official leadership role. It does not matter if you are the Pastor, church Elder, Deacon, Lay Pastor, or member of the leadership team. If you are an elder, or mature Christian within the body you should be a good example to others in the flock. This demands that you make every effort to walk as Jesus walked and be more and more like him daily.
[1] John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-), 1 Pe 5:1.
[2] John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-), 1 Pe 5:2.
[3] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Biblical Studies Press, 2006; 2006), 1 Pe 5:2.
[4] William MacDonald and Arthur Farstad, Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 1 Pe 5:2.
[5] John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983-), 1 Pe 5:3.
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