1 Peter 5:1-4
What is written? (ESV)
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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
What does it say?
I [Peter] encourage the elders in your midst, as a fellow elder and witness of Christ’s sufferings, as well as a fellow saint: shepherd that flock of God that you are charged with, not as if forced, but in Godly willingness, eagerly instead of for shameful gain, leading the flock by example instead of domineering. Do this, and when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
What is its immediate context?
Peter’s closing to his first letter written to Christians abroad (“the dispersion”, 1:1) that are suffering persecution in the name of Christ. He is giving some final instructions to church leaders (e.g. elders) and followers (vs 5).
How 1 Peter 5:1-4 is applied across Bible answers
Top 5: Images of the church?
The church is like a flock of sheep. Elders preside over local churches as shepherds, as Jesus presides over the entire church/flock. The flock is subject to the shepherd, and ultimately subject to the "chief Shepherd."
What are the qualifications for church elder?
An elder must be willing to serve in a Godly way, not under compulsion or for worldly gain, and not domineering but by way of an example.
What is the organization of the church?
Peter, an elder himself, encourages fellow elders throughout the various local churches to whom he is writing (and wherever his letter is passed). They are Christ-like examples for their flocks, and accountable to the "chief Shepherd."
Peter is writing "To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" (1:1)
