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Shepherd the flock of The God1 – not just out of necessity, but willingly.2 Also, [shepherd the flock] not for disgraceful gain, but rather by your own choice.3
| 1 | Shepherd the flock of The God: Or, feed the flock, tend the flock. Peter has not forgotten the words of the Master at John 21:16. [Acts 20:28] |
| 2 | Not just out of necessity, but willingly: Or, KJV: not by constraint, but willingly; GDS: not as though it were forced upon you but of your own free will. The elder must be an example of the spirit of John 10:11 and the role model of Jesus. [1 John 3:16] Compare notes on Hebrews 13:7, 17. |
| 3 | Not for disgraceful gain, but rather by your own choice: Or, KJV: not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; WMS: not from the motive of personal profit but freely. Jesus taught that “the worker deserves his wages [food].” [Matthew 10:10; Luke 9:3; 10:7] On the matter of financial support see Paul’s arguments in 1 Corinthians chapter 9 where he quotes the Nazarene’s words above. Though “double honor” might be given to hard-working elders, the role models of Jesus and Paul indicated this was merely food, drink, and cover. [Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17] However, it is clear that the first apostates began to take advantage of this. [1 Timothy 6:3-5] |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose 1 Peter 5:2 as the theme verse of chapter five – Shepherds in Training. Peter encourages elders to shepherd the flock. [1-5] They should not do this against their will as though it were a burden. Nor should they do it for selfish reasons in “disgraceful gain.” They should not “lord it over” the flock but serve willingly as examples and role models. Those who do will capture a crown of glory when the Chief Shepherd is made visible at his Return. Apropos to this counsel Peter quotes Proverbs 3:24, “God gives grace to the humble person.”
As a result of the above Christians should take up humility and a solid stance against the Devil. [6-11] Peter paraphrases Psalm 55:22, “Cast your anxieties on God,” for He cares for all of you. Because the Devil like a lion seeks to devour Christians Peter offers godly counsel: remain calm and alert, resist the Devil, take a solid stance in the Faith, be prepared to suffer. God will train each Christian, fixing them firmly, making them strong.
Peter concludes his letter explaining that he wrote it to encourage them. [12-14] He sends greetings and then says, “Greet one another with the kiss of love.”
Abba our Father bless elders who serve willingly.
[3 September 2002]
