So I exhort the presbyters among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed. 2 Tend the flock of God in your midst, [overseeing] not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly. 3 Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you younger members, be subject to the presbyters. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for: “God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. 8 Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings. 10 The God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory through Christ [Jesus] will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little. 11 To him be dominion forever. Amen.
Peter is addressing the Jewish Christians living outside of Palestine. The Presbyters at this early stage of the Church were using a pastoral leadership model from contemporary Judaism. Peter identifies with the Presbyters because he also had no template to follow after Christ ascended. He encourages the elders to exhibit exemplary leadership and love for the flock that will sustain the Church through persecution. He testifies to the “sufferings of Christ” which opened the door to eternal life for Christians. He has witnessed the glory to be revealed (Mt. 17:1-8). Presbyters were paid so Peter is warning them against focusing on the money and not tending the flock. They must be examples to the flock and their reward will be a share in Christ’s glory.
The younger church leaders should obey the Presbyters and be humble when dealing with each other because God favors the lowly (Prov. 3:34). They must rely totally on God (Jas. 4:6-10) and accept God’s discipline so that He can bring them to everlasting life; “Cast your care upon the Lord, who will give you support. He will never allow the righteous to stumble (Ps. 55:23).” They must be alert and sober (1 Thess. 5:6). The accuser is prowling around like a lion (Ps. 22:14). Christians everywhere were being persecuted and Peter exhorts them to keep the faith because God’s grace will strengthen them through their trials. God has called them to his eternal glory through Christ.
Almighty God, grant us the grace to stand firm in the face of trials and live the precepts you have given us. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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