1 Peter 5:3 - Printer Friendly

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

NIV: not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

NASB: nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock.

CSB: not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

NLT: Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.

KJV: Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

NKJV: nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

Peter continues his instructions to the elders or leaders of the local churches who will receive this letter. In the previous verse, Peter has been clear that an elder must genuinely want the position. He must be eager to serve other believers in the "flock" as a shepherd serves his sheep. This cannot be coerced, or motivated by money. Elders must serve only out of a sincere desire to guide others in their Christian walk.

In this verse, Peter concludes the thought by revealing that good church leadership is about showing, not merely telling. An elder's primary responsibility is to be an example to other believers of how to follow Jesus. This especially includes times of suffering and / or persecution.

Also, while an elder does hold authority in the church, he must not "lord it over" others or be overbearing. The elder's calling is not a license to force others into obedience. He is called to show people how to obey God. A dictatorial or heavy-handed approach is incompatible with God's will for the church elder.

1 Peter 5:1–11 gives specific instructions to elders about how to lead the flock of God willingly, eagerly, and by their own example. All of us must live in humility toward each other and toward God, who opposes the proud. In humility, we cast our anxieties on the Father who cares for us. In alertness, we are to remain clear-minded, looking out for our enemy the devil who seeks to destroy us. We resist him by focusing on staying firm in our faith and trusting God to keep His promises.

Peter concludes his letter to the scattered Christians in Asia Minor with specific instructions. Primarily, these are targeted at those in the role of elder, about how to lead. He also provides counsel for all believers on living in humility toward each other and toward God. In humility, we wait and trust God to exalt us in His time. In humility, we cast our cares on Him. But we’re also called to remain alert, watching out for the devil and resisting him by focusing on staying firm in our faith. After this brief life of suffering, our God will bring our suffering to an end and make us strong forever.

Thus far, Peter has affirmed that Christians have been chosen by God and set aside for His purposes. We should not be surprised by suffering, and we should not respond to persecution by rebelling against our human authorities. Our suffering in both cases points the world to our hope in Christ and allows us to follow in Jesus’ steps. Peter here concludes his letter with instructions to the elders, teaching on humility, and a final warning to be sober-minded and alert.

Some 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are facing greater persecution for their faith. How should they respond? How should we respond to suffering today? The apostle Peter writes this letter both to comfort believers and to encourage them to stay strong. He urges them to put all their hope in their perfect future with Christ, and to obey and trust Him in the present, even in their suffering. Christ suffered greatly; now the Christ-followers have the opportunity to follow Him even in this, showing His grace and power in their hopefulness, obedience, and faith.

Accessed 5/2/2024 10:17:31 PM