1 Peter 5:2

Feed. Gr. poimaino, “to shepherd,” “to tend,” including not only the act of feeding but all the care a shepherd must give his sheep. Concerning the duties of a shepherd see on Acts 20:28; compare on 1 Peter 5:4. Peter here passes on the command that he himself once received from Christ (see on John 21:16).

Flock. Gr. poimne (cf. poimaino, above). Because it is God’s flock, the elders are to care for it even more faithfully than if it belonged to themselves. The conscientious church officer will ever regard the members of the church as belonging to the Lord, and will minister to their needs accordingly. Compare Christ’s insistent emphasis on the fact that the sheep belong to Him (John 10:14; 21:15).

Taking the oversight. Gr. episkoped, “to inspect,” “to oversee,” from the same root as episkopos, “overseer,” which is four times translated “bishop” in the NT (see Vol. VI, p. 26; see on Acts 20:28; cf. 1 Peter 2:25). Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the omission of the phrase “taking the oversight.” However, the context tends to favor retaining it. Peter expects the elders, as faithful shepherds, to provide for the safety, sustenance, and growth of the flock.

By constraint. Gr. anagkastos, “forcibly,” “by compulsion,” a word used of the intimidation of slaves, of the forcible conscription of soldiers, and of compulsion by torture. Peter would have the church elders carry out their duties happily, not as if these duties were burdensome, or an imposition that had been placed upon them against their will.

Willingly. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the addition of the words kata theon, “according to God.” The phrase would then mean, “according to God’s will.” The elders’ service was to be given voluntarily, for that is the only type of service God accepts (cf. on 2 Cor. 9:7).

Filthy lucre. Gr. aischrokerdos, “fondness for dishonest gain.” It is not possible to determine from this statement whether the elders received remuneration for their services. However this may be, elders are not to perform their services with “filthy lucre” as their objective. “The labourer is worthy of his reward” (see on 1 Tim. 5:18), but his reward is only a by-product of the service he renders. Service to the church may never be made an avenue for self-enrichment (cf. on 1 Tim. 3:8).

Of a ready mind. Or, “with eagerness.” The true shepherd is not only willing but eager to do his duty. Similarly, consecrated workers will serve the Lord irrespective of any monetary reward.