The Threefold Role of the Elder
I Peter 5:1-4
Introduction: The title of this exposition may alarm those who believe in ruling elders separate from teaching/preaching elders; however, the threefold role is for the single elder. The reason Peter uses the word elders (plural) is simply because he was writing to the scattered (1:1) saints. There were many saints and many churches; therefore, there were many elders.
Furthermore, the word elder (presbyterios) is used interchangeably with the word bishop (episkopos) here and in Acts 20:17, 28. Perhaps elder refers to the experienced man, bishop to the office. Regardless of one’s personal viewpoint, the elders were the pastors and assistant pastors. The word bishop is more Greek in origin than the word elder and fits the local church leadership today.
Today, most Baptist churches use servants (deacons) to make decisions. It is important that mature men are selected if they are to assist in decision-making. Regardless of the type of church government, the pastor (bishop, elder) has the God given biblical authority to lead (oversee) the church.
Here (5:1) Peter exhorts those on the same level as himself. If Peter expected to be the infallible pope, he would have said so here, but he says, “also an elder.” Furthermore, Peter was married and although a great disciple, he sinned. He was far from infallible; in fact, several of his sins are recorded in the Bible. Peter was not a pope, nor was he the corner stone. In fact, Peter says we’re all living stones in God’s church. Peter was, however, part of the foundation and a great witness for Christ. He witnessed Christ’s sufferings and suffered himself. He would partake in glory because he suffered. No one should expect to receive a crown of glory without first suffering. The pastorate is hard work! Caring for the needs of the flock is time consuming.
I. Personal Care (5:2) (Feed/Tend)
The word “feed” includes caring, tending or shepherding. Jesus told Peter to feed (tend to) the sheep. The Old Testament shepherd was to “give knowledge and understanding.” Today some pastors do not toil in the Word, yet that is their first responsibility, Acts 6:4. It is not enough to throw together an outline on Saturday evening. People are starving spiritually and should be fed, not entertained.
II. Plan and Prepare (5:2) (Oversee)
The elder must feed and administrate, not by constraint, Ezekiel 34:2,3, but willingly. He must be called, not forced. He must not serve with the wrong motive – money. Another outline for the text is:
Proper goal — feed
Proper attitude — willingly
Proper motive — love of God’s people not people’s ($) god
Proper example — leading, not driving the sheep
Proper results — crowning
The “ready mind,” literally, a quick thinking approach on behalf of others. Be quick and eager to serve, Matthew 20:28.
III. Pattern to Bear (5:3) (Examples)
Not being “lords over God’s
heritage.” Notice it is God’s flock,
John 10, not ours.
Power and position often corrupt. “Pastors shouldn’t browbeat, whip crack or intimidate” Kroll. De Haan says, “Lords (dictators) are egotistical or insecure.” Peter sought the advice of others, Acts 10:46,47. The congregation chose purse holders, II Corinthians 8:19, and deacons, Acts 6. The congregation was involved in ministry and indoctrination, Acts 15.
Pastors are to be examples to the flock, I Corinthians 11:1, to lead the sheep, not drive them.
IV. Perfection to Share (5:4) (Unfading Glory)
The chief shepherd, lit. archbishop, is only used once in the Bible and refers to Christ. One writer said that it is sacrilegious to call anyone other than Christ an archbishop.
The Crown of glory is for faithful pastors to share in glory, v.1.
It fadeth not away, lit.
amaranth. A flower known in
Conclusion: Humble yourself. Love and serve your people. Study hard and look for His return.