1 So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you:
2 Give a shepherd's care to God's flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God's direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly.
3 And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock.
4 Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
vs. 1 - Peter identifies himself himself as an elder (not a pope). He emphasizes that he was present with, and an eye witness to, the life of Christ. He also agrees with Paul that there is glory to come for those who believe. (See: Rom. 2:7, 10, 6:4; 8:18, 9:23; 2 Cor. 3:18, 4:17; Eph. 5:27)
| Advice to Elders |
vs. 2 "Give a shepherd's care" - Guide and protect those in your care. Don't do it as a burden, nor consider it so. Don't do it for personal gain - monetary gain. (See: Matt. 19:7-30; Mark 9:33-35; 10:28-31) Peter fully understood what he was saying to the leaders of the churches - Peter and the other disciples had argued over who would be the greatest in the new kingdom. (Mark 9:34; Luke 9:46)
Peter finally understood Jesus' words - after Jesus appeared to them in the upper room, after He ascended into heaven, after Pentecost when they were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to earth to save us, not to rule over us. When He returns again it will be in power and glory - returning to establish His kingdom, ruling with an iron rod. Compare: Matt. 20:28, Luke 19:10 with Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15! Ruling "with an iron rod" does not mean Jesus will be cruel or vindictive. It means He will be strong, effective, sure and decisive.
vs. 3 "do not lord it over" - More advice: Lead the flock. Don't drive them. Jesus called Himself the good shepherd. (John 10:11, 14) Peter understood his role was to guide and protect the church. He was to guide by teaching the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, and Him only. He was to protect by preparing the members to handle the trials which were coming upon them. He was to protect them from false teachings that would lead them astray. That is still the job of the elders and leaders of the churches. He understood that many believers will not throw themselves into study and prayer. He understood that many believes will grow and mature only through the teaching and ministry of their leaders. That is why leaders must be chosen carefully, groomed and prepared to lead and protect the church - so that none are lead astray. See: Matt. 9:36; John 10:11, 14; 21:16; Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:20.
vs. 4 - "Chief Shepherd" - Christ. The King is coming. The worker and elder who has done Jesus' bidding in caring for and protecting the flock will be rewarded. See: Matt. 25:14-29
vs. 5 - More advice: "Others first" seems to be the key to humility. See: Rom. 12:9-10; Rom. 12:3; Phil. 2:4-8
No comments:
Post a Comment