The historical indications are that these two books of the Bible were written when the Apostle Peter was in Rome. Peter was writing to the Church, both Jew and Gentile converts that had been scattered through Asia through persecution. Paul was writing to those that were exiled in what today is known as Northwest Turkey.
Both letters are written in a very warm, loving and caring way – a Pastor taking care of his congregation.
Believing the Bible and putting it into practice – allowing it to change us.
1 Peter chapter 5 - ESV (the verses from 2 Peter 1 are in light italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in light, straight text with additional scriptures from other Bible books in bold italics)
Elders, Shepherd the Flock of God!
How to shepherd the flock!
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; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
In verses 1-4 above Peter is teaching the Elders of the local congregation how to shepherd the flock and what their motives should be in doing this. He reminds us that he himself was an eyewitness to the sufferings of Christ who is the Chief Shepherd. In other words he obtained his example from the Lord Himself!
Peter's teachings and indeed the teachings of the entire Bible are still very relevant for us today and should be modelled in every New Testament Church.
Jesus is the Word and is the same yesterday, today and for ever!
John 1:14 (NIV)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
The inference here is to remind Elders (both yesterday's and today's) that they should be prepared to suffer in a like manner to Christ. In this way Elders, just like Peter himself, will be partakers of Christ’s glory that will be revealed at the end of the age. Christ in you the hope of glory!
Colossians 1:27 (AMP)
God [in His eternal plan] chose to make known to them how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory.
Peter, in verses 2 – 3, goes on to tell us just how Elders are to shepherd the flock. To get a better idea of how elders are to function, let’s break down these two verses from their original Greek translation examining each descriptor thoroughly.
“exercising oversight”
Comes from the Greek word ‘episkopeó’ (Strong’s 1983, pronounced ep-ee-skop-eh-o) and its full meaning is to properly, focus on, look at with genuine caring interest. The prefix (epi) implies "looking with fitting, apt concern," a looking after that requires action and genuine caring concern for the congregation which is born out of the agapé love of God just as our Lord’s is!
“not under compulsion”
Comes from the Greek word ‘anagkastós’ (Strong’s 317, pronounced an-ang-kas-toce) and its full meaning is by way of compulsion (a compulsory obligation to), to do unwillingly, to do by force, to do out of a feeling of necessity and obligation.
“but willingly” as God would have you to
Comes from the Greek word ‘hekousiós’ (Strong’s 1596, pronounced hek-oo-see-ose) and its full meaning is, to fully commit to something willingly, to do voluntarily, to do of one's own accord, spontaneously – out of love for others as God would have you do.
“not for shameful gain”
Comes from the Greek word ‘aischrokerdós’ (Strong’s 147, pronounced ahee-skhrok-er-doce) and its full meaning is, to do something from selfish, eagerness for base gain from others, for filthy lucre (unfair monetary self-gain), out of greed for self-importance or position.
Here, let’s just pause a moment to see what we have in today’s modern Church: millionaire prosperity preachers living in lavish and luxurious homes, so called dream interpreters who charge you and sell you cards to interpret your dreams, Churches that turn themselves in to money making business machines through their music etc, preachers who pray for you if you send them money and many more such shameful blasphemies!
“but eagerly”
Comes from the Greek word ‘prothumós’ (Strong’s 4290, pronounced proth-oo-moce) and its expanded meaning is, readily, eagerly, with a ready mind, cheerfully, with passionate willingness.
“not domineering over”
From the Greek word ‘katakurieuó’ (Strong’s 2634b, pronounced kat-ah-ko-ree-yoo'-o) and its full meaning is, to look down on as superior to, to be lord of, rule over, have authority over, have dominion over.
“but being (good) examples”
Here the Greek word for ‘being examples’ is ‘tupos’ (Strong’s 5179b) and means the mark left by a stamp or a die after a heavy blow. In other words, it refers to the example of an Elder as being a permanent and exact replica of the original shape. And the example that an elder should be to the flock as an original shape is that of Jesus.
An elder must set an example of true Godly living before the congregation! No pressure there!
“not under compulsion”
Comes from the Greek word ‘anagkastós’ (Strong’s 317, pronounced an-ang-kas-toce) and its full meaning is by way of compulsion (a compulsory obligation to), to do unwillingly, to do by force, to do out of a feeling of necessity and obligation.
“but willingly” as God would have you to
Comes from the Greek word ‘hekousiós’ (Strong’s 1596, pronounced hek-oo-see-ose) and its full meaning is, to fully commit to something willingly, to do voluntarily, to do of one's own accord, spontaneously – out of love for others as God would have you do.
“not for shameful gain”
Comes from the Greek word ‘aischrokerdós’ (Strong’s 147, pronounced ahee-skhrok-er-doce) and its full meaning is, to do something from selfish, eagerness for base gain from others, for filthy lucre (unfair monetary self-gain), out of greed for self-importance or position.
Here, let’s just pause a moment to see what we have in today’s modern Church: millionaire prosperity preachers living in lavish and luxurious homes, so called dream interpreters who charge you and sell you cards to interpret your dreams, Churches that turn themselves in to money making business machines through their music etc, preachers who pray for you if you send them money and many more such shameful blasphemies!
“but eagerly”
Comes from the Greek word ‘prothumós’ (Strong’s 4290, pronounced proth-oo-moce) and its expanded meaning is, readily, eagerly, with a ready mind, cheerfully, with passionate willingness.
“not domineering over”
From the Greek word ‘katakurieuó’ (Strong’s 2634b, pronounced kat-ah-ko-ree-yoo'-o) and its full meaning is, to look down on as superior to, to be lord of, rule over, have authority over, have dominion over.
“but being (good) examples”
Here the Greek word for ‘being examples’ is ‘tupos’ (Strong’s 5179b) and means the mark left by a stamp or a die after a heavy blow. In other words, it refers to the example of an Elder as being a permanent and exact replica of the original shape. And the example that an elder should be to the flock as an original shape is that of Jesus.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
An elder must set an example of true Godly living before the congregation! No pressure there!
James 3:1 (NIV)
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
In verse 5 Peter tells the eldership that when they serve the congregation faithfully in this way, they will receive the crown of everlasting glory when the Lord Jesus returns!
How the congregation should submit to the Eldership.
5 (a)Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. (b)Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
In verse 5a the congregation is told to ‘be subject to the elders’ and here the word ‘subject’ comes from the Greek word ‘hupotassó’ and means to arrange yourself under their covering for spiritual guidance and protection, for your own spiritual safety. That is of course if the Eldership are setting the good example to the congregation as mentioned above!
And in verse 5b Peter makes a statement to the entire congregation, including the eldership, to clothe ourselves with humility towards one another because God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble!
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
When we look at verses 6 – 11 above we can see that what Peter tells us is not beyond our understanding, they way the Church should conduct itself is written quite plainly and clearly!
• Be humble before God and He will lift you up!
• Give all your worries to Him because He cares for you!
• Be sober-minded – be cool, calm and collected and not under the intoxicating influence of sin! This way you will easily recognise the works of evil!
• Resist the devil and he will flee – rebuke him with scripture as Jesus did, “it is written….!”
• Remember that you re not alone in your suffering – the entire Church suffers in the same way!
• God will restore us by His amazing grace!
• Always give glory, honour and praise to God in all circumstances!
Final Greetings – Peter assures us that what he has written is the true grace of God!
12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon (Note from Ray: I suspect that Babylon here is a spiritual reference to Rome where Peter wrote his letters and where the Christians were under horrific persecution from the Roman emperor Nero, much like the Old Testament persecution of the Jews by Babylon), who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that by your Holy Spirit, you would strengthen me to endure life’s sufferings. Help me keep my eyes on Jesus as I go through the trials and tribulations of life and help me to do the good things that you have predestined me to do, that I may bring glory to your name. Heavenly Father, I entrust my life to you – please teach me true humility and help me to submit to the Eldership you have placed over me! Lord, let your will be done, not mine! Amen.
To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!
Jesus the Name above all names!
Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!
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