A Commentary on the Epistles of Peter

Chapter Twenty-Six

1 Peter 5:1-4

5:1 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:

Peter calls the elders among the exiles (and us) into action. The term translated here as ‘exhort’ in the Greek conveys the desire to compel someone to go in a certain direction. But before we can understand what Peter is talking about, we need to understand who he is talking to. Who are the elders? Interestingly, many organized religion groups have hijacked this term. Peter is not addressing a man-made committee or group of individuals. He is referring to what we might describe as a ‘role’ someone fulfills.

The Greek word ‘presbúteros’ (elder) in the Bible has been used to describe a senior person (older than others), a title of dignity, Sanhedrin members, leaders of towns, etc. Some scholars believe that the term when in the proper context is equivalent to ‘epískopos’ (can be translated as ‘bishop’, but most often translated as ‘overseer’). This term is definitely not a deacon (‘diákonos’) or shepherd/pastor (‘poimēn’). Some have attempted to translate ‘presbúteros’ as being a priest but there is nothing to support that interpretation. Peter is not addressing someone with the title or position of elder but a role, a leader of a group, a parent, or someone that others follow or look up to. 

If you are a parent, a teacher, leader (of any kind, even a small interest group), or perhaps a member of a governing body, you are an elder. The Bible has many references to elders and their responsibilities (see Leviticus 4:15; Matthew 15:2; Luke 9:22; Acts 4:5). Peter is encouraging the elders among his readers to step up and become more involved, as he is a fellow elder and witness, he wants them to listen up.

Peter was also a witness (Greek word ‘martys’, a legal term for an eye witness, base word is where we get the term ‘martyr’)^[1] of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker (‘koinōnos’, meaning partner or companion)^[2] in the glory that is going to be revealed (‘apokalyptesthai’).  The word ‘martyr’ in the English language refers to one willing to die for a cause. Interestingly Peter was indeed both a witness of Jesus’ sufferings and he was also one who died as a martyr for Jesus covering both the Greek and English definitions. 

The first word in chapter five is the Greek word ‘oun’ (pronounced like ‘moon’ without the ‘m’) which is translated either ‘so’ or ‘therefore’, of course you know the drill, we must look back in the text to see what its there for. The last ‘oun’ is in chapter four verse seven, but to help put everything in perspective we will review all the way back to the previous ‘oun’ found in verse one. 

When we study God’s Word there are at least three questions we need to ask in order to fully understand the text and before we can apply God’s Word to our lives. The first question is “what does it mean?” This may involve exploring other questions such as “what was the intention of the author?” (Remember, it’s not what the verse means to you, me, or someone else, we need to know what is God saying, what He means is the only meaning that applies) Who is the audience? What was the context? The second question should be “so what?” In other words, why is it important? How does it apply? Then the third question is simply “now what?” What changes do I need to make in my life? How do I apply this truth? Here in chapter five Peter provides us the answer to the “now what” question. 

5:2 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; 

We are to shepherd the flock of God that is among us. The Greek word for ‘shepherd’ (‘poimanate’) is often translated ‘pastor’ from the Latin word for ‘shepherd’ meaning to be lead into the pasture. But translating the word to ‘pastor’ may lead to misunderstanding as to whom Peter is talking about (remember the classic model of clergy is not a Biblical concept, see chapter 11). We (all elders) need to focus on shepherding. Does it bother you that we are often referred to as sheep in the Bible? Phillip W. Keller in his book “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23”^[3] describes sheep this way: “Sheep do not “just take care of themselves” as some might suppose. They require, more than any other class of livestock, endless attention and meticulous care.” He continues to say that, “It is no accident that God has chosen to call us sheep. The behavior of sheep and human beings is similar in many ways…” Sheep need a shepherd!

Peter is saying that we are to shepherd the flock (disciples or followers of Christ) that are among us. For parents that includes your children, and for grandparents, that includes both your children and grandchildren. Always remember, God is the one that brings people to you or to the church to look after (see Acts 2:42-47). We are to exercise oversight, not under compulsion (force), but willingly (voluntarily) as God would have you (‘kata theon’ can also be translated ”according to God”)^[4]. We do this not for shameful gain (dishonorable or personal gain) but eagerly (being ready to go), not lording over (domineering) those in your charge (Greek ‘klēron’ essentially means a portion of ministry that you inherited)^[5] being examples to the flock.

5:3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

 We are to be examples of how to live as disciples of Jesus. The word ‘examples’ in the Greek means literally “a pattern in conformity.”^[6] Going to church, attending Bible study, praying in public, reading your Bible, are only a few examples we need to show our children, friends, neighbors, and any others God may have given you to influence or guide (see Acts 20:17-38; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12).

5:4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 

Not that we need an incentive but Peter gives us one. When the Chief Shepherd, Jesus, appears, you will receive (Greek ‘komieisthe’ to be taken care of or removed from a location to receive care)^[7] the unfading crown (Greek ‘stephanon’ not a royal crown but a crown demonstrating an exalting rank or of a person victorious in a race)^[8] of glory (read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

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[1] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 619). Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Greek word μάρτυς

[2] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 2844

[3] Phillip W. Keller (1970). A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (p. 20 and 21). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

[4] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek Nos. 2596 and 2316

[5] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 2819

[6] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 5179

[7] Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Strong’s Greek No. 2865

[8] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers. Strong’s Greek No. 4735