1 Peter 5:2-3

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:2

Verse 2 2Feed the flock of God We hence learn what the word presbyter imports, even that it includes the office of feeding. It is for a far different end that the Pope makes presbyters, even that they may daily slay Christ, there being no mention made of feeding in their ordination. Let us then remember to distinguish between the institution of Christ and the confusion of the Pope, it being as different as light is from darkness. Let us also bear in mind the definition given of the word; for... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Peter 5:3

Verse 3 3Neither as being lords, or, as exercising dominion. The preposition κατὰ in Greek is taken, for the most part, in a bad sense: then Peter here condemns unreasonable exercise of power, as the case is with those who consider not themselves to be the ministers of Christ and his Church, but seek something higher. And he calls particular churches “lots,” (cleros ;) for as the whole body of the Church is the Lord’s heritage, so the churches, scattered through towns and villages, were as so... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 5:1-4

I. WHAT HE IS WHO ADDRESSES THEM . 1. " Also an elder ." St. Peter is a beautiful example of that humility which should especially mark those who are called to high orifice in the Church, without which high office is a most dangerous temptation. He assumes no superiority; he does not remind them of the great trust committed to him by Christ ( Matthew 16:18 , Matthew 16:19 ); he does not even insist on his apostleship. He identifies himself with those whom he exhorts,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 5:1-4

The work of the pastoral office is to be fulfilled also by the private members of the Church, according to their respective gifts and opportunities. So there are practical lessons here for them, as well as for the minister, it is to them the words are addressed, "Exhort one another daily," and "Bishoping, lest any man fail of the grace of God." I. THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH AND THEIR WORK . Church system is in itself worth nothing; its sole value consists in that it is a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 5:1-11

I. EXHORTATION TO ELDERS . 1. In what character Peter exhorts . "The elders therefore among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed." The link of connection is "well-doing," which is here given in detail. The first who are exhorted to do well are the elders , to be understood officially. These elders are referred to as among them, i . e . in the Churches in the various... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 5:2

Feed the flock of God which is among you ; rather, tend , as a shepherd tends his flock. The verb ποιμάνατε is aorist, as if St. Peter wished to concentrate into one point of view all the labors of the ministerial life. He is echoing the word so solemnly addressed to himself by the risen Lord, "Feed my sheep ποίμαινε τὰ πρόβατά μου ." The word covers all the various duties of the pastoral office: "Pasce mente, pasce ore, pasce operc, pasce animi oratione, verbi exhortatione,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 5:2-4

The office of the Christian pastor—the bishop, the presbyter, the deacon—was something new in the history of mankind. The functions of the Christian pastor differ widely and radically from those of the heathen priest or philosopher; and they differ decidedly from those of the Jewish prophet or priest. The bonds uniting pastor and people together are more sacred, more tender, and more morally powerful than the official bonds which owe their efficacy merely to superior power or superior wisdom.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Peter 5:3

Neither as being lords over God's heritage ; rather, as in the Revised Version, neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you . The κατά in the verb κατακυριέω is not only intensive, it implies something of scorn and tyranny or even of hostility, as also in καταδυναστεύω ( James 2:6 ); comp. Matthew 20:25 . The literal rendering of the clause is, "lording it over the lots." The Authorized Version, following Beza, supplies τοῦ θεοῦ , "God's heritage." But if... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 5:2

Feed the flock of God - Discharge the duties of a shepherd toward the flock. On the word “feed,” see the notes at John 21:15. It is a word which Peter would be likely to remember, from the solemn manner in which the injunction to perform the duty was laid on him by the Saviour. The direction means to take such an oversight of the church as a shepherd is accustomed to take of his flock. See the notes at John 10:1-16.Which is among you - Margin, as much as in you is. The translation in the text... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Peter 5:3

Neither as being lords - Margin, “overruling.” The word here used (κατακυριεύω katakurieuō) is rendered “exercise dominion over,” in Matthew 20:25; exercise lordship over, in Mark 10:42; and overcame, in Acts 19:16. It does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It refers properly to that kind of jurisdiction which civil rulers or magistrates exercise. This is an exercise of authority, as contradistinguished from the influence of reason, persuasion, and example. The latter pertains to the... read more

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