PETER’S TEACHING ON INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP ON HOW CHRISTIAN ELDERS SHOULD RELATE TO THEIR FOLLOWERS (1 PETER 5:1-11)

Answer Details

In 1 Peter 5:1-11, Peter, writing as a fellow elder and witness of Christ's sufferings, instructs church elders on how they should relate to those under their care, and the followers on how they should respond.

Peter's charge to the elders:

• Tend the flock of God. They are to shepherd the flock of God that is among them, exercising oversight.
• Serve willingly, not by constraint. They must do so "not by constraint but willingly," according to the will of God.
• Serve without greed. They must not do it for "shameful gain but eagerly," free from love of money.
• Do not lord it over the flock. They must not domineer over those in their charge but lead humbly.
• Be examples to the flock. They should relate by setting a godly example rather than by force.
• Look to the reward. When the chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, they will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Peter's charge to the younger and to all:

• Submission. The younger must be subject to the elders.
• Humility to one another. All are to clothe themselves with humility, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
• Humble under God's hand. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
• Cast your cares on God. "Casting all your anxieties on Him, for He cares for you."
• Be sober and watchful. Resist the devil, who prowls like a roaring lion, standing firm in the faith.