1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (1 Peter 5:1-4 KJV)
INTRODUCTION TO 1 PETER CHAPTER 5
The apostle gives specific instructions: first to the elders on how to conduct themselves toward their flock (1 Peter 5:1-4); then to the younger, to be obedient and humble, and to cast their cares on God (1 Peter 5:5-7). He then exhorts all to be sober-minded, watchful against temptation, and steadfast in faith, praying earnestly for them, and concludes his epistle with a solemn doxology, mutual greetings, and his apostolic blessing.
Shepherd the Flock
Here we may observe:
The exhortation is given to the elders—pastors and spiritual leaders of the church—elders by office rather than age, ministers of the churches to whom he wrote.
The apostle Peter gives this exhortation: “I exhort.” To give weight to it, he identifies himself as their fellow elder, showing that he requires nothing of them he would not do himself. He was also a witness of Christ’s sufferings—being with Him in the garden, following Him to the high priest’s palace, and likely watching His crucifixion from a distance (Acts 3:15). He also shared in the glory revealed at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3), which will be fully enjoyed at Christ’s return.
Those who teach others should carefully study and follow their own duty. Peter’s attitude contrasts with that of his supposed successors—he does not dominate or command, but exhorts. He does not claim authority over all pastors and churches, nor take titles like “prince of the apostles” or “head of the church,” but simply calls himself an elder. All apostles were elders, though not all elders were apostles.
It was a special honor for Peter and a few others to witness Christ’s sufferings, but it is the privilege of all true Christians to share in the glory that will be revealed.
The pastor’s duty is threefold:
First, to feed the flock by preaching the pure word of God and guiding them according to its instruction and discipline—both included in the expression “Feed the flock.”
Second, pastors must oversee the church. Elders are called to the role of overseers (bishops), providing personal care and vigilance over the entire flock entrusted to them.
Third, they must be examples to the flock, practicing holiness, self-denial, and all the Christian duties they teach. These responsibilities should be done willingly—not out of obligation, fear, or pressure, but from a willing heart that enjoys the work. Not for dishonest gain or financial reward, but with eagerness, sincerely and cheerfully serving the church. Not as lords over God’s people, using force or imposing human rules as if they were divine commands (Matthew 20:25–26; 2 Corinthians 1:24).
The church of God and all true members of it are of great worth. These scattered, suffering Christians are God’s flock—redeemed by the great Shepherd and united in love and obedience to God. They are also called God’s heritage or “clergy”—His chosen portion, set apart from the world for His favor and service. In the New Testament, this term is never limited to ministers alone.
Pastors must treat their people as God’s flock and heritage. They are not their own to control, but God’s people, and should be treated with love, gentleness, and respect for His sake.
Ministers who serve only out of necessity or for financial reasons will never truly fulfill their duties, because they lack a willing and ready spirit. The best way for a minister to earn the respect of the people is by faithfully performing his duties and being a consistent example of goodness.
In contrast to those who seek money from ministry, the apostle offers a much greater reward: the crown of glory prepared by Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd, for all faithful ministers.
Jesus Christ is the chief Shepherd over God’s whole flock. He purchased them, leads them, protects them, and gives them eternal life. He is also the Shepherd over all other pastors—they receive their authority from Him, serve in His name, and are accountable to Him.
This chief Shepherd will appear to judge all pastors and leaders, to evaluate whether they have fulfilled their duties publicly and privately according to these instructions. Those found faithful will receive from Him a reward far greater than any earthly benefit: a crown of glory that never fades.