1 Peter 5:1–2 (ESV) — 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder
and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory
that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that
is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God
would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
NOTE: At first
glance these verses do not seem to fit in the context of the whole letter.
Peter has brought his argument to a close in chapter 4. He has focused on
suffering, our witness, our opposing worldview, and that our reward is in
heaven, not here. We appear to move to some general instructions that are not
specific to the theme but applicable in any discussion. The elders are the
leaders of the church, and Peter was also an elder. They witnessed Jesus's
suffering and they carry the hope for the future that allows them to live in
this life as an foreigner and stranger. But they have an additional job,
besides being a witness for Christ that lives under a different worldview, they
have the responsibility to care (shepherd) the body of Christ. Even though it
is a responsibility, they are to do it willingly and out of love. It is both a
responsibility and a privilege. It is not done for material gain or prideful
gain. And, that also is different from the way world leads or expects others to
lead. In the world people have authority in order to exercise authority and to
place themselves above others in importance. But that is not the way the church
works. So, in one sense, the application of 1 Peter to the leaders is similar
as to the body of believers. Life differently. Serve as an example of humility
and love to the body.
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