1 Peter 5:1
Verse
Context
Instructions to Elders
1As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: 2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
Sermons
Zac Poonen
George VerwerGeorge Verwer
Dwight Pentecost
Stan FordGeorge VerwerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The elders which are among you - In this place the term πρεσβυτεροι, elders or presbyters is the name of an office. They were as pastors or shepherds of the flock of God, the Christian people among whom they lived. They were the same as bishops, presidents, teachers and deacons, Act 14:23; Ti1 5:17. And that these were the same as bishops the next verse proves. Who am also an elder - Συμπρεσβυτερος· A fellow elder; one on a level with yourselves. Had he been what the popes of Rome say he was - the prince of the apostles; and head of the Church, and what they affect to be - mighty secular lords, binding the kings of the earth in chains, and their nobles in fetters of iron; could he have spoken of himself as he here does? It is true that the Roman pontiffs, in all their bulls, each style themselves servus servorum Dei, servant of the servants of God, while each affects to be rex regum, king of kings, and vicar of Jesus Christ. But the popes and the Scriptures never agree. A witness of the sufferings of Christ - He was with Christ in the garden; he was with him when he was apprehended. and he was with him in the high priest's hall. Whether he followed him to the cross we know not; probably he did not, for in the hall of the high priest he had denied him most shamefully; and, having been deeply convinced of the greatness of his crime, it is likely he withdrew to some private place, to humble himself before God, and to implore mercy. He could, however, with the strictest propriety, say, from the above circumstances, that he was a witness of the sufferings of Christ. A partaker of the glory - He had a right to it through the blood of the Lamb; he had a blessed anticipation of it by the power of the Holy Ghost; and he had the promise from his Lord and Master that he should be with him in heaven, to behold his glory; Joh 17:21, Joh 17:24.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The elders which are among you I exhort,.... The apostle returns to particular exhortations, after having finished his general ones, and which chiefly concern patient suffering for Christ; and having particularly exhorted subjects to behave aright to civil magistrates, servants to their masters, and husbands and wives mutually to each other, here proceeds to exhort "elders" to the discharge of their office and duty; by whom are meant, not the elder in age, or the more ancient brethren in the churches, though they are distinguished from the younger, in Pe1 5:5 but men in office, whose business it was to feed the flock, as in Pe1 5:2 and though these might be generally the elder men, and whose office required, at least, senile gravity and prudence, yet they were not always so; sometimes young men, as Timothy, and others, were chosen into this office, which is the same with that of pastors, bishops, or overseers; for these are synonymous names, and belong to persons in the same office: and these are said to be "among" them, being members of the churches, and called out from among them to the pastoral office, and who were set over them in the Lord, and had their residence in the midst of them; for where should elders or pastors be, but with and among their flocks? they were fixed among them; and in this an elder differs from an apostle; an elder was tied down to a particular church, whereas an apostle was at large, and had authority in all the churches; and these the Apostle Peter does not command in an authoritative way, though he might lawfully have used his apostolic power; but he chose rather to exhort, entreat, and beseech, and that under the same character they bore: who also am an elder; or, "who am a fellow elder"; and so the Syriac version renders it; and which expresses his office, and not his age, and is entirely consistent with his being an apostle; for though that is an higher office than a pastor, or elder, yet it involves that, and in some things agrees with it; as in preaching the word, and administering ordinances; and is mentioned to show the propriety and pertinency of his exhortation to the elders; for being an elder himself, it was acting in character to exhort them; nor could it be objected to as impertinent and unbecoming; and since he was still in an higher office, on which account he could have commanded, it shows great humility in him to put himself upon a level with them, and only entreat and beseech them; he does not call himself the prince of the apostles and pastors, and the vicar of Christ, as his pretended successor does, but a fellow elder: and a witness of the sufferings of Christ; as he was even an eyewitness of many of them; of his exceeding great sorrow in his soul, of his agony and bloody sweat in the garden, and of his apprehension, and binding by the officers and soldiers there; and of the contumelious usage he met with in the high priest's hall, where was mocked, blindfolded, buffeted, and smote upon the face; if not of his sufferings on the cross; since it is certain John was then present; and quickly after we read of Peter and he being together, Joh 19:26 and therefore a very fit person to exhort these elders to feed the churches under their care with the preaching of a crucified Christ; since he, from his certain knowledge, could affirm his sufferings and his death: moreover, he was a witness, that is, a minister, and preacher of the sufferings of Christ, and of the doctrines of peace, pardon, justification, and salvation through them; as appears from all his sermons recorded in the "Acts of the Apostles", and from these his epistles: and besides, he was a partaker of the sufferings of Christ; he bore witness to him, by suffering for him; and as the Apostle Paul did, filled up the afflictions of Christ in his flesh; he, with other apostles, were put into the common prison by the Jewish sanhedrim, for preaching Christ, as he afterwards was by Herod; and had, doubtless, by this time, gone through a variety of sufferings for the sake of Christ and his Gospel, as he afterwards glorified God by dying that death, which his Lord and master signified to him before hand; and therefore a very proper person to exhort these elders to discharge their work and office, and persevere in it, whatever they were called to suffer for it: and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed; which some think has reference to the transfiguration of Christ upon the mount, where Peter was present, and saw the glory of Christ, and of those that were with him, Moses and Elias, and enjoyed their company, and heard their conversation with so much pleasure and delight, that he was for continuing there; and which was an emblem and pledge of the glory of Christ, that was afterwards to be revealed, and still is to be revealed, and so the Syriac version renders it, "a partaker of his glory": of the glory of Christ, see Pe1 4:13 or it regards the eternal glory and happiness of the saints, which is at present hid, and unseen, but shall be revealed at the last time, at the coming of Christ, when he shall appear in his glory, both to the saints, in them, and upon them; a glory which shall be both upon body and soul; and this the apostle calls himself a partaker of, as in Christ, his head and representative, and because of his interest in it, his assurance of right unto it, and meetness for it, and the certainty of enjoying it; nothing being more sure than this, that those that suffer with Christ, and for his sake, shall be glorified with him. Now, the exhortation of a person in such an office, as before expressed, and of one that was an eyewitness of Christ's sufferings, and had endured so much for Christ, and had had so large an experience of his grace, and such full assurance of glory, must carry great weight and influence in it, and is as follows.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we may observe, I. The persons to whom this exhortation is given - to the presbyters, pastors, and spiritual guides of the church, elders by office, rather than by age, ministers of those churches to whom he wrote this epistle. II. The person who gives this exhortation - the apostle Peter: I exhort; and, to give force to this exhortation, he tells them he was their brother-presbyter or fellow-elder, and so puts nothing upon them but what he was ready to perform himself. He was also a witness of the sufferings of Christ, being with him in the garden, attending him to the palace of the high-priest, and very likely being a spectator of his suffering upon the cross, at a distance among the crowd, Act 3:15. He adds that he was also a partaker of the glory that was in some degree revealed at the transfiguration (Mat 17:1-3), and shall be completely enjoyed at the second coming of Jesus Christ. Learn, 1. Those whose office it is to teach others ought carefully to study their own duty, as well as teach the people theirs. 2. How different the spirit and behaviour of Peter were from that of his pretended successors! He does not command and domineer, but exhort. He does not claim sovereignty over all pastors and churches, nor style himself prince of the apostles, vicar of Christ, or head of the church, but values himself upon being an elder. All the apostles were elders, though every elder was not an apostle. 3. It was the peculiar honour of Peter, and a few more, to be the witnesses of Christ's sufferings; but it is the privilege of all true Christians to be partakers of the glory that shall be revealed. III. The pastor's duty described, and the manner in which that duty ought to be performed. The pastoral duty is three-fold: - 1. To feed the flock, by preaching to them the sincere word of God, and ruling them according to such directions and discipline as the word of God prescribes, both which are implied in this expression, Feed the flock. 2. The pastors of the church must take the oversight thereof. The elders are exhorted to do the office of bishops (as the word signifies), by personal care and vigilance over all the flock committed to their charge. 3. They must be examples to the flock, and practise the holiness, self-denial, mortification, and all other Christian duties, which they preach and recommend to their people. These duties must be performed, not by constraint, not because you must do them, not from compulsion of the civil power, or the constraint of fear or shame, but from a willing mind that takes pleasure in the work: not for filthy lucre, or any emoluments and profits attending the place where you reside, or any perquisite belonging to the office, but of a ready mind, regarding the flock more than the fleece, sincerely and cheerfully endeavouring to serve the church of God; neither as being lords over God's heritage, tyrannizing over them by compulsion and coercive force, or imposing unscriptural and human inventions upon them instead of necessary duty, Mat 20:25, Mat 20:26; Co2 1:24. Learn, (1.) The eminent dignity of the church of God, and all the true members of it. These poor, dispersed, suffering Christians were the flock of God. The rest of the world is a brutal herd. These are an orderly flock, redeemed to God by the great Shepherd, living in holy love and communion one with another, according to the will of God. They are also dignified with the title of God's heritage or clergy, his peculiar lot, chosen out of the common multitude for his own people, to enjoy his special favour and to do him special service. The word is never restricted in the New Testament to the ministers of religion. (2.) The pastors of the church ought to consider their people as the flock of God, as God's heritage, and treat them accordingly. They are not theirs, to be lorded over at pleasure; but they are God's people, and should be treated with love, meekness, and tenderness, for the sake of him to whom they belong. (3.) Those ministers who are either driven to the work by necessity or drawn to it by filthy lucre can never perform their duty as they ought, because they do not do it willingly, and with a ready mind. (4.) The best way a minister can take to engage the respect of a people is to discharge his own duty among them in the best manner that he can, and to be a constant example to them of all that is good. IV. In opposition to that filthy lucre which many propose to themselves as their principal motive in undertaking and discharging the pastoral office, the apostle sets before them the crown of glory designed by the great shepherd, Jesus Christ, for all his faithful ministers. Learn, 1. Jesus Christ is the chief shepherd of the whole flock and heritage of God. He bought them, and rules them; he defends and saves them for ever. He is also the chief shepherd over all inferior shepherds; they derive their authority from him, act in his name, and are accountable to him at last. 2. This chief shepherd will appear, to judge all ministers and under-shepherds, to call them to account, whether they have faithfully discharged their duty both publicly and privately according to the foregoing directions. 3. Those that are found to have done their duty shall have what is infinitely better than temporal gain; they shall receive from the grand shepherd a high degree of everlasting glory, a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:1-14 Peter ends the letter with final exhortations to elders (5:1-4), to younger people (5:5), and to the church as a whole (5:5-11). These exhortations are followed by final greetings and a closing (5:12-14). 5:1-4 Elders were the spiritual leaders of the early churches (see also Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Tim 5:17-19; Titus 1:5; Jas 5:14). By calling himself a fellow elder, Peter identifies with them in their responsibilities and with the charge that he gives them.
1 Peter 5:1
Instructions to Elders
1As a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed, I appeal to the elders among you: 2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Matthew) ch.16:13-17:8
By Zac Poonen2.2K50:39EXO 34:29MAT 6:33MAT 17:1MAT 17:6MAT 17:82TI 1:71PE 5:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of valuing our souls over worldly possessions and achievements. They explain that Jesus taught that gaining the whole world would mean forfeiting our souls. The speaker highlights the immense value of a human soul, stating that it outweighs everything the world can offer. They urge listeners to prioritize eternal matters and live for the things of God rather than temporal pursuits. The sermon also discusses Jesus' return and the concept of being rewarded according to our deeds and motives in the day of judgment.
How Disunity Comes to the Body of Christ
By George Verwer1.0K1:13:36Disunity1PE 5:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of unity within a diverse group of people. He acknowledges that everyone is different and that it is crucial to accept and embrace these differences. The speaker also highlights the role of Satan in seeking to disrupt unity and encourages individuals to resist his attempts. He discusses the challenges that leaders face in maintaining unity and urges listeners to respond with love and understanding when conflicts arise. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the significance of walking in the light and the importance of love in all relationships.
How Disunity Comes in the Body of Christ
By George Verwer9191:11:49Disunity1PE 5:1In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of disunity within the body of Christ. He emphasizes that disunity can arise from various factors such as overreaction, crooked thinking, and unrealistic expectations. The speaker also highlights the importance of seeking wisdom from God and learning from the experiences of others. He encourages the congregation to break down barriers and come together in prayer for unity. The sermon references the book of Peter and mentions the need for believers to combine the wisdom from God's Word with practical situations.
Church Government: Jesus Style and Moses Style
By David Guzik8631:02:091PE 5:1In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of whether a senior pastor or a team of elders should lead the church. The speaker acknowledges that there are both wise and unwise pastors who may rule in a manner contrary to the Scriptures. The speaker then reads from 1 Peter 5:1-3, which exhorts the elders to shepherd the flock of God. The speaker also mentions the example of James as a special case and emphasizes the importance of not dismissing opposing arguments as special cases. Overall, the sermon explores different models of church government and highlights the presence of strong pastoral leadership in the New Testament.
Studies in 1 Peter-16 1 Peter 5:1-9
By Dwight Pentecost82526:031PE 5:1In this sermon, the Apostle Paul addresses the saints in Ephesus, comparing them to sheep in need of a shepherd and children in need of parental care. He emphasizes that God has provided spiritual fathers and elders to guide and protect his children. Paul warns of the dangers of pride and encourages humility, drawing from the example of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. He urges the believers to trust in God's way of dealing with moral and doctrinal issues, rather than taking matters into their own hands. Additionally, Peter exhorts the flock to be sober and vigilant, as the devil is constantly seeking to devour them. The sermon emphasizes the importance of submission to God's authority and trusting in His provision for deliverance.
Believers Conference 1970-01 Elders
By Stan Ford81133:291PE 5:1In this sermon, the speaker addresses the role of elders in the church and their responsibility to feed and care for the sheep. The speaker emphasizes the importance of humility and submission among the sheep, as they are called to honor and obey their shepherds. The speaker also acknowledges the challenges that elders may face when the sheep are unwilling to be fed. The sermon concludes with a threefold description of an elder, a threefold danger they may encounter, and a threefold direction for their role in the church. The speaker encourages elders to faithfully fulfill their duty to feed and care for the sheep, relying on God's guidance and the example of Jesus as the ultimate shepherd.
Dealing With Pride
By George Verwer73444:481PE 5:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's work in universities in order to understand Britain. He highlights the significant number of conversions that occur among students, often due to the love shown by their peers. The speaker then directs the audience to 1 Peter 5:1-10, a passage that has personally impacted him and brought him to repentance. He mentions the need for humility, lowliness of mind, and esteeming others as better than oneself. The sermon also touches on the importance of how we speak and act towards others, sharing a story of someone who was hurt and turned away from God due to a negative experience at a church. The speaker emphasizes the need for ongoing teaching and guidance to help people grow in their faith and live in accordance with biblical principles.
Grace
By George Verwer70547:53Grace1PE 5:1In this sermon, the speaker addresses the elders among the audience, urging them to be shepherds of God's flock. He emphasizes the importance of serving willingly and not for personal gain, and encourages leaders to be examples to those under their care. The speaker also discusses the challenges of lending and the need to extend grace when things are broken or damaged. He highlights the value of learning from experienced leaders and sharing that knowledge with others. The sermon emphasizes the importance of writing down teachings to aid memory and facilitate sharing with others.
Church History Series - Part 2
By Mike Attwood7044:39Church LeadershipPerseverance in PersecutionChurch History1PE 5:1Mike Attwood discusses the early church's history, focusing on the church in Ephesus and the emergence of the clergy-laity system, which he argues undermines the biblical principle of shared leadership among elders. He emphasizes the importance of true shepherding and warns against the dangers of elevating church leaders to a status that diminishes Christ's preeminence. Attwood also highlights the persecution faced by the church in Smyrna, illustrating how suffering can lead to spiritual richness and growth, despite the challenges posed by societal pressures and false teachings. He encourages believers to live sacrificially for Christ, drawing inspiration from the martyrs of the early church who exemplified unwavering faith in the face of persecution.
Elders Then Must Be
By Phil Beach Jr.3231:31Shepherding the FlockEldership1PE 5:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound responsibility and privilege of being entrusted with the care of God's flock as elders. He encourages elders to remain soft, tender, and pliable in the hands of the Lord, reminding them that their ministry extends beyond the local church to the entire body of Christ. Beach highlights the importance of being examples to the flock, serving selflessly, and being vigilant against false teachings. He urges elders to find their sufficiency in Christ and to diligently study the Word of God, as they will be held accountable for their leadership. Ultimately, he calls for a humble and compassionate approach to shepherding, reflecting the love of Christ for His people.
Asahel Nettleton: The Forgotten Evangelist
By Asahel Nettleton02CH 7:14PRO 28:13ACT 3:191CO 2:42TI 4:2HEB 4:12JAS 4:81PE 5:11JN 1:9REV 2:5Jim Ehrhard delves into the life and ministry of Asahel Nettleton, a forgotten evangelist of the early 19th century, who impacted thousands with his powerful preaching during times of revival. Nettleton's probing messages led many to a deep conviction of sin, resulting in genuine repentance and conversion. Despite being overshadowed by more well-known evangelists like Finney and Moody, Nettleton's ministry was remarkably effective, with over 30,000 conversions attributed to his preaching. His focus on sound doctrine, the seriousness of sin, and the necessity of true repentance set him apart in an era marked by controversial new measures in evangelism.
The Lord Jesus Christ and Authority
By Frank Viola0MAT 20:25MAT 28:18EPH 5:211PE 5:1Frank Viola delivers a powerful sermon on hierarchical leadership structures, contrasting the Roman model of top-down authority with Jesus Christ's teachings on servant leadership and liberation. Viola emphasizes that Jesus condemned the dominating and controlling nature of hierarchical leadership, advocating instead for setting people free and serving others. He highlights how Peter, in his letter to the churches, warns against elders lording over the flock and emphasizes the importance of humility, mutual submission, and being examples to the congregation.
Primitive Episcopacy
By J.H. Newman0ACT 14:23EPH 4:111TI 3:1TIT 1:51PE 5:1J.H. Newman preaches about the early stages of evangelizing heathen countries in primitive times, where the first step was to establish a central city with a Bishop surrounded by clergy, gradually expanding to form an organized Church. The dioceses extended over the heathen country, with the Bishop's mission reaching all who had not heard the Christian faith. The early Church's polity naturally evolved into a Provincial and Patriarchal system, with a tendency towards large dioceses in its infancy and multiple smaller ones as Christianity grew stronger in a region.
Your Venerable Presbytery
By Ignatius of Antioch01TH 5:251TI 4:122TI 4:221PE 5:1Ignatius of Antioch sends greetings and commendations to the brethren at Troas, acknowledging their support and refreshment through Burgus, whom they sent with him. He encourages all to imitate Burgus as a model minister of God, promising that the grace of the Lord will reward him. Ignatius also extends his greetings to Bishop Polycarp, the presbytery, deacons, and all believers, invoking blessings of grace, mercy, peace, and patience in Christ Jesus for eternity.
The Ark Convicts of Righteousness
By Allan Halton0GEN 6:5JHN 15:22JHN 16:8PHP 1:28HEB 11:71PE 5:12PE 2:52PE 3:12Allan Halton preaches on the significance of Noah's building of the ark as a demonstration of God's provision for salvation in a wicked world, justifying God's judgment on the ungodly. Similarly, the life and death of Jesus Christ became a condemnation of the evil world, revealing God's righteousness and providing a way of escape from sin and judgment. The preaching of Noah and the testimony of Christ convicted the unbelieving world, demonstrating God's call to repentance and salvation. The Holy Spirit continues this work by convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment through the lives of believers, justifying God's eventual judgment on the world.
Church Government
By J.W. McGarvey0DEU 21:1ACT 2:17ACT 20:281TI 3:1HEB 13:171PE 5:1REV 2:14J.W. McGarvey preaches about the importance of Church Government, focusing on the qualifications and roles of elders within congregations. He addresses the need for elders to possess specific qualifications, such as age, family experience, and teaching ability, in order to effectively lead, protect, and teach the church. McGarvey also discusses the significance of having a plurality of elders in each congregation, emphasizing the importance of faithful discipline and ruling. Furthermore, he explores the role of evangelists within the church, highlighting their distinct duties and the necessity of their work in conjunction with the eldership. Lastly, he stresses the urgency of addressing worldliness and sin within the churches, calling for the removal of unworthy elders, the restoration of active eldership, and the collective effort of the pulpit and press to bring about necessary reforms.
First Epistle of Peter - Introduction
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0MAT 16:18ACT 2:91PE 2:41PE 5:12PE 1:21Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the authenticity of the Epistle of Peter, addressing the objections raised by critics and emphasizing the role of inspiration in confirming Peter as the author. He provides insights into the life and service of Simon Peter, highlighting his impulsive yet faithful character and his significant role in the early church. Gaebelein explores the purpose and message of 1 Peter, focusing on the themes of suffering and glory, and stresses the importance of believers, both Jewish and Gentile, embracing the practical exhortations and comfort found in the Epistle for their spiritual growth and endurance in trials.
Being the Followers of the Love of God Towards Man
By Ignatius of Antioch0EPH 4:2PHP 2:11TH 1:31PE 5:1Ignatius of Antioch commends the believers for their faith, righteousness, and love in Christ Jesus, acknowledging their support and prayers as he faces martyrdom for the sake of Christ. He praises their unity and the leadership of their bishop, Onesimus, urging them to love and emulate him. Ignatius expresses gratitude to God for granting them such a remarkable bishop and encourages them to continue in faith and love.
The Episcopal Church Apostolical
By J.H. Newman0MAT 28:18ACT 1:241CO 4:1EPH 4:111TI 4:142TI 2:2TIT 1:5HEB 13:171PE 5:1JUD 1:3J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of Apostolic Succession in the Church, emphasizing the divine providence in preserving this Succession throughout history. He argues that the doctrine of a Succession is natural and clear from Scripture, as those ordained by the Apostles are the rightful representatives of Christ. Newman highlights the significance of the Ministerial Office being perpetuated through a fixed law of Succession, ensuring the continuity of the Church's authority and spiritual guidance.
The Ignatian Epistles Entirely Spurious - Part 4
By William Dool Killen0ACT 20:281CO 12:28EPH 4:111TI 3:1TIT 1:51PE 5:1William Dool Killen delves into 'The Testimony of Irenaeus and the Genesis of Prelacy,' examining the claims of the Epistles attributed to Ignatius and the development of Episcopacy in the early Christian Church. The evidence from Irenaeus and Polycarp's writings fails to support the authenticity of the Ignatian letters, leading to suspicions of forgery. Dr. Lightfoot's arguments for the early spread of Episcopacy in Asia Minor and Syria are challenged, highlighting the lack of solid foundation for such claims.
Let Nothing Be Done Without the Bishop
By Ignatius of Antioch01CO 11:21TI 3:1TIT 1:5HEB 13:171PE 5:1Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of following the leadership within the Church hierarchy, comparing it to the relationship between Christ and the Father. He stresses the reverence and obedience towards bishops, presbyters (elders), and deacons, highlighting their roles as appointed by God. Ignatius underscores the necessity of the bishop's presence in Church activities, such as administering the Eucharist, baptizing, offering sacrifices, and leading love-feasts, as everything done under the bishop's authority is pleasing to God.
1 Peter 5:1
By John Gill0Church LeadershipHumility1PE 5:1John Gill emphasizes the apostle Peter's exhortation to church elders, urging them to fulfill their pastoral duties with humility and dedication, as he identifies himself as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings. He encourages them to lead by example, feeding the flock willingly and without greed, while reminding them of the eternal reward awaiting faithful shepherds. Additionally, he calls on church members to submit to their leaders and to each other, highlighting the importance of humility and vigilance against spiritual adversaries. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the believers' strength and stability in their faith, reinforcing the communal responsibilities of both leaders and members in the body of Christ.
"Till We All Come"
By Chip Brogden0MAT 28:191CO 3:6EPH 4:11EPH 4:13COL 1:281TI 4:152TI 2:2HEB 5:121PE 5:1Chip Brogden emphasizes the importance of the ministry gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers in the Church today, highlighting their role in perfecting the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edifying of the body of Christ. He stresses the need for a relational Christianity where Christ is the Head of His Church, and all believers function as a priesthood within a community. Brogden explains that these ministry functions will continue until all believers reach unity in faith, full-knowledge of the Son of God, and the fullness of Christ, indicating that we still need these ministries as we have not yet collectively attained that maturity.
The Resurrection of Lazarus. (John 11:43-44)
By George Whitefield0JHN 21:15ACT 20:28COL 1:162TI 4:2HEB 1:2HEB 13:171PE 2:21PE 5:12PE 3:181JN 3:18The preacher emphasizes the importance of shepherding and feeding God's people, drawing parallels between literal feeding of animals and the figurative feeding of believers. Peter's love for Jesus led to a desire to serve and teach others, showcasing that moral perfection or academic degrees are not prerequisites for serving God. The duty of a Christian teacher is to promote the spiritual welfare of the church members, as portrayed in the figurative sense of 'bosko.' Believers are reminded that they are stewards of God's possessions and will be held accountable for their shepherding roles.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The elders which are among you - In this place the term πρεσβυτεροι, elders or presbyters is the name of an office. They were as pastors or shepherds of the flock of God, the Christian people among whom they lived. They were the same as bishops, presidents, teachers and deacons, Act 14:23; Ti1 5:17. And that these were the same as bishops the next verse proves. Who am also an elder - Συμπρεσβυτερος· A fellow elder; one on a level with yourselves. Had he been what the popes of Rome say he was - the prince of the apostles; and head of the Church, and what they affect to be - mighty secular lords, binding the kings of the earth in chains, and their nobles in fetters of iron; could he have spoken of himself as he here does? It is true that the Roman pontiffs, in all their bulls, each style themselves servus servorum Dei, servant of the servants of God, while each affects to be rex regum, king of kings, and vicar of Jesus Christ. But the popes and the Scriptures never agree. A witness of the sufferings of Christ - He was with Christ in the garden; he was with him when he was apprehended. and he was with him in the high priest's hall. Whether he followed him to the cross we know not; probably he did not, for in the hall of the high priest he had denied him most shamefully; and, having been deeply convinced of the greatness of his crime, it is likely he withdrew to some private place, to humble himself before God, and to implore mercy. He could, however, with the strictest propriety, say, from the above circumstances, that he was a witness of the sufferings of Christ. A partaker of the glory - He had a right to it through the blood of the Lamb; he had a blessed anticipation of it by the power of the Holy Ghost; and he had the promise from his Lord and Master that he should be with him in heaven, to behold his glory; Joh 17:21, Joh 17:24.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The elders which are among you I exhort,.... The apostle returns to particular exhortations, after having finished his general ones, and which chiefly concern patient suffering for Christ; and having particularly exhorted subjects to behave aright to civil magistrates, servants to their masters, and husbands and wives mutually to each other, here proceeds to exhort "elders" to the discharge of their office and duty; by whom are meant, not the elder in age, or the more ancient brethren in the churches, though they are distinguished from the younger, in Pe1 5:5 but men in office, whose business it was to feed the flock, as in Pe1 5:2 and though these might be generally the elder men, and whose office required, at least, senile gravity and prudence, yet they were not always so; sometimes young men, as Timothy, and others, were chosen into this office, which is the same with that of pastors, bishops, or overseers; for these are synonymous names, and belong to persons in the same office: and these are said to be "among" them, being members of the churches, and called out from among them to the pastoral office, and who were set over them in the Lord, and had their residence in the midst of them; for where should elders or pastors be, but with and among their flocks? they were fixed among them; and in this an elder differs from an apostle; an elder was tied down to a particular church, whereas an apostle was at large, and had authority in all the churches; and these the Apostle Peter does not command in an authoritative way, though he might lawfully have used his apostolic power; but he chose rather to exhort, entreat, and beseech, and that under the same character they bore: who also am an elder; or, "who am a fellow elder"; and so the Syriac version renders it; and which expresses his office, and not his age, and is entirely consistent with his being an apostle; for though that is an higher office than a pastor, or elder, yet it involves that, and in some things agrees with it; as in preaching the word, and administering ordinances; and is mentioned to show the propriety and pertinency of his exhortation to the elders; for being an elder himself, it was acting in character to exhort them; nor could it be objected to as impertinent and unbecoming; and since he was still in an higher office, on which account he could have commanded, it shows great humility in him to put himself upon a level with them, and only entreat and beseech them; he does not call himself the prince of the apostles and pastors, and the vicar of Christ, as his pretended successor does, but a fellow elder: and a witness of the sufferings of Christ; as he was even an eyewitness of many of them; of his exceeding great sorrow in his soul, of his agony and bloody sweat in the garden, and of his apprehension, and binding by the officers and soldiers there; and of the contumelious usage he met with in the high priest's hall, where was mocked, blindfolded, buffeted, and smote upon the face; if not of his sufferings on the cross; since it is certain John was then present; and quickly after we read of Peter and he being together, Joh 19:26 and therefore a very fit person to exhort these elders to feed the churches under their care with the preaching of a crucified Christ; since he, from his certain knowledge, could affirm his sufferings and his death: moreover, he was a witness, that is, a minister, and preacher of the sufferings of Christ, and of the doctrines of peace, pardon, justification, and salvation through them; as appears from all his sermons recorded in the "Acts of the Apostles", and from these his epistles: and besides, he was a partaker of the sufferings of Christ; he bore witness to him, by suffering for him; and as the Apostle Paul did, filled up the afflictions of Christ in his flesh; he, with other apostles, were put into the common prison by the Jewish sanhedrim, for preaching Christ, as he afterwards was by Herod; and had, doubtless, by this time, gone through a variety of sufferings for the sake of Christ and his Gospel, as he afterwards glorified God by dying that death, which his Lord and master signified to him before hand; and therefore a very proper person to exhort these elders to discharge their work and office, and persevere in it, whatever they were called to suffer for it: and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed; which some think has reference to the transfiguration of Christ upon the mount, where Peter was present, and saw the glory of Christ, and of those that were with him, Moses and Elias, and enjoyed their company, and heard their conversation with so much pleasure and delight, that he was for continuing there; and which was an emblem and pledge of the glory of Christ, that was afterwards to be revealed, and still is to be revealed, and so the Syriac version renders it, "a partaker of his glory": of the glory of Christ, see Pe1 4:13 or it regards the eternal glory and happiness of the saints, which is at present hid, and unseen, but shall be revealed at the last time, at the coming of Christ, when he shall appear in his glory, both to the saints, in them, and upon them; a glory which shall be both upon body and soul; and this the apostle calls himself a partaker of, as in Christ, his head and representative, and because of his interest in it, his assurance of right unto it, and meetness for it, and the certainty of enjoying it; nothing being more sure than this, that those that suffer with Christ, and for his sake, shall be glorified with him. Now, the exhortation of a person in such an office, as before expressed, and of one that was an eyewitness of Christ's sufferings, and had endured so much for Christ, and had had so large an experience of his grace, and such full assurance of glory, must carry great weight and influence in it, and is as follows.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we may observe, I. The persons to whom this exhortation is given - to the presbyters, pastors, and spiritual guides of the church, elders by office, rather than by age, ministers of those churches to whom he wrote this epistle. II. The person who gives this exhortation - the apostle Peter: I exhort; and, to give force to this exhortation, he tells them he was their brother-presbyter or fellow-elder, and so puts nothing upon them but what he was ready to perform himself. He was also a witness of the sufferings of Christ, being with him in the garden, attending him to the palace of the high-priest, and very likely being a spectator of his suffering upon the cross, at a distance among the crowd, Act 3:15. He adds that he was also a partaker of the glory that was in some degree revealed at the transfiguration (Mat 17:1-3), and shall be completely enjoyed at the second coming of Jesus Christ. Learn, 1. Those whose office it is to teach others ought carefully to study their own duty, as well as teach the people theirs. 2. How different the spirit and behaviour of Peter were from that of his pretended successors! He does not command and domineer, but exhort. He does not claim sovereignty over all pastors and churches, nor style himself prince of the apostles, vicar of Christ, or head of the church, but values himself upon being an elder. All the apostles were elders, though every elder was not an apostle. 3. It was the peculiar honour of Peter, and a few more, to be the witnesses of Christ's sufferings; but it is the privilege of all true Christians to be partakers of the glory that shall be revealed. III. The pastor's duty described, and the manner in which that duty ought to be performed. The pastoral duty is three-fold: - 1. To feed the flock, by preaching to them the sincere word of God, and ruling them according to such directions and discipline as the word of God prescribes, both which are implied in this expression, Feed the flock. 2. The pastors of the church must take the oversight thereof. The elders are exhorted to do the office of bishops (as the word signifies), by personal care and vigilance over all the flock committed to their charge. 3. They must be examples to the flock, and practise the holiness, self-denial, mortification, and all other Christian duties, which they preach and recommend to their people. These duties must be performed, not by constraint, not because you must do them, not from compulsion of the civil power, or the constraint of fear or shame, but from a willing mind that takes pleasure in the work: not for filthy lucre, or any emoluments and profits attending the place where you reside, or any perquisite belonging to the office, but of a ready mind, regarding the flock more than the fleece, sincerely and cheerfully endeavouring to serve the church of God; neither as being lords over God's heritage, tyrannizing over them by compulsion and coercive force, or imposing unscriptural and human inventions upon them instead of necessary duty, Mat 20:25, Mat 20:26; Co2 1:24. Learn, (1.) The eminent dignity of the church of God, and all the true members of it. These poor, dispersed, suffering Christians were the flock of God. The rest of the world is a brutal herd. These are an orderly flock, redeemed to God by the great Shepherd, living in holy love and communion one with another, according to the will of God. They are also dignified with the title of God's heritage or clergy, his peculiar lot, chosen out of the common multitude for his own people, to enjoy his special favour and to do him special service. The word is never restricted in the New Testament to the ministers of religion. (2.) The pastors of the church ought to consider their people as the flock of God, as God's heritage, and treat them accordingly. They are not theirs, to be lorded over at pleasure; but they are God's people, and should be treated with love, meekness, and tenderness, for the sake of him to whom they belong. (3.) Those ministers who are either driven to the work by necessity or drawn to it by filthy lucre can never perform their duty as they ought, because they do not do it willingly, and with a ready mind. (4.) The best way a minister can take to engage the respect of a people is to discharge his own duty among them in the best manner that he can, and to be a constant example to them of all that is good. IV. In opposition to that filthy lucre which many propose to themselves as their principal motive in undertaking and discharging the pastoral office, the apostle sets before them the crown of glory designed by the great shepherd, Jesus Christ, for all his faithful ministers. Learn, 1. Jesus Christ is the chief shepherd of the whole flock and heritage of God. He bought them, and rules them; he defends and saves them for ever. He is also the chief shepherd over all inferior shepherds; they derive their authority from him, act in his name, and are accountable to him at last. 2. This chief shepherd will appear, to judge all ministers and under-shepherds, to call them to account, whether they have faithfully discharged their duty both publicly and privately according to the foregoing directions. 3. Those that are found to have done their duty shall have what is infinitely better than temporal gain; they shall receive from the grand shepherd a high degree of everlasting glory, a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:1-14 Peter ends the letter with final exhortations to elders (5:1-4), to younger people (5:5), and to the church as a whole (5:5-11). These exhortations are followed by final greetings and a closing (5:12-14). 5:1-4 Elders were the spiritual leaders of the early churches (see also Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Tim 5:17-19; Titus 1:5; Jas 5:14). By calling himself a fellow elder, Peter identifies with them in their responsibilities and with the charge that he gives them.