Peter doesn't just command the elders; he exhorts them, meaning he appeals to them earnestly, showing he's one of them – a fellow elder, a witness to Christ's pain, and someone who will share in His future glory. This isn't a top-down directive but a shared journey, reminding leaders they walk the same path as those they lead.
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is addressing church leaders, urging them to shepherd their flocks with genuine care, not out of obligation or for personal gain. He grounds his exhortation by identifying himself as a fellow elder, a witness to Jesus' suffering, and someone anticipating the future glory that all believers will share. This personal testimony sets the stage for his practical advice on humility, prayer, and resisting the devil.
Peter calls himself an 'elder' alongside those he's addressing. What does this tell us about leadership in the early church?
Peter doesn't position himself as an aloof authority figure. Instead, he identifies with the elders he's writing to: 'as a fellow elder'. This language is key. It shows that leadership, even at the apostolic level, was meant to be about shared experience and mutual support, not about lording it over others. He's part of the team, facing the same challenges.
This perspective reshapes our understanding of church leadership. It’s not just about giving orders, but about walking alongside the flock, understanding their struggles, and leading from within the community, not from an isolated platform.
Peter grounds his exhortation in the ultimate realities of Christ's experience. How does this shape his call to leadership?
Peter doesn't just appeal to duty; he appeals to the core of the Christian faith. He presents himself as:
For leaders, this means their motivation isn't just the present task, but the past sacrifice and future hope found in Jesus. It’s a vision that can sustain them through hardship and inspire them toward faithfulness.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
presbyteros · Greek Noun
Leaders in the early church entrusted with oversight, teaching, and spiritual guidance of the congregation. The term implies maturity and experience in the faith.
martys · Greek Noun
One who sees an event personally and testifies to its truth. In the New Testament, it often refers to those who witnessed the earthly ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
pathēma · Greek Noun
The physical and spiritual pain Jesus endured during His earthly ministry, culminating in His crucifixion. It is the central act of atonement for the sins of the world.
koinōnos · Greek Noun
A partner or companion who shares in a common experience or inheritance. In a spiritual sense, it refers to believers sharing in the benefits of Christ's work.
doxa · Greek Noun
The future manifestation of God’s presence and majesty. It refers to the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom where believers will be glorified with Him.
poimainō · Greek Verb
To tend, feed, protect, and guide; often used as a metaphor for the leadership of God over His people or the leadership of church overseers over the congregation.
episkopeō · Greek Verb
The act of caring for and supervising the spiritual health of the church. It implies a burden of responsibility for the souls of others.
aischrokerdōs · Greek Adverb
Dishonest or corrupt ways of obtaining profit, especially in the context of ministry or leadership; utilizing spiritual office for material gain.
Peter writes as a 'fellow elder' to leaders in the scattered churches, drawing authority from his direct experience of Christ's suffering and his hope in Christ's future glory, a message deeply relevant to communities enduring persecution.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central events of Christianity, witnessed by Peter and many of the apostles, forming the foundation of their faith and ministry.
c. AD 33-40
Early Spread of Christianity in Judea
The gospel begins to spread from Jerusalem, with apostles like Peter playing key leadership roles in the nascent church.
c. AD 40s
Beginning of Gentile Inclusion
The gospel expands beyond Jewish communities, notably with Peter's encounter with Cornelius, signifying a major shift in outreach.
c. AD 44
Herod Agrippa's Persecution
King Herod Agrippa I executes James and imprisons Peter (Acts 12), highlighting the real dangers faced by early Christian leaders.
c. AD 48-50
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal meeting where leaders, including Peter and Paul, address the inclusion of Gentiles and the requirements for new believers.
c. AD 60s
Paul's Imprisonment and Writings
Paul writes letters from prison, and Peter is likely active in various churches, possibly traveling and ministering to dispersed Jewish Christians.
c. AD 64-67— this verse
Peter's First Epistle Written
Peter writes his first letter, likely from Rome (symbolically called 'Babylon'), to encourage believers scattered throughout Asia Minor who are facing suffering.
This passage outlines the qualifications for elders, offering a deeper look into the character and responsibilities expected of those who lead within the church, complementing Peter's exhortation.
John 21:15-17Jesus' interaction with Peter here, asking him three times if he loves Him and then telling him to feed His sheep, directly connects to Peter's later role as an elder shepherd and his authority to exhort others.
Acts 20:28-31Paul's charge to the Ephesian elders mirrors Peter's charge by emphasizing the fierce protection needed against false teachings and the intense dedication required from leaders, highlighting the 'sufferings' aspect Peter mentions.
Philippians 3:10Paul's desire to 'know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and may share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death' echoes Peter's own identification with Christ's sufferings and future glory.
Peter doesn't just command the elders; he exhorts them, meaning he appeals to them earnestly, showing he's one of them – a fellow elder, a witness to Christ's pain, and someone who will share in His future glory. This isn't a top-down directive but a shared journey, reminding leaders they walk the same path as those they lead.
Peter is addressing church leaders, urging them to shepherd their flocks with genuine care, not out of obligation or for personal gain. He grounds his exhortation by identifying himself as a fellow elder, a witness to Jesus' suffering, and someone anticipating the future glory that all believers will share. This personal testimony sets the stage for his practical advice on humility, prayer, and resisting the devil.
Peter is addressing church leaders, urging them to shepherd their flocks with genuine care, not out of obligation or for personal gain. He grounds his exhortation by identifying himself as a fellow elder, a witness to Jesus' suffering, and someone anticipating the future glory that all believers will share. This personal testimony sets the stage for his practical advice on humility, prayer, and resisting the devil.
"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under co…" — Peter doesn't just command the elders; he exhorts them, meaning he appeals to them earnestly, showing he's one of them – a fellow elder, a witness to Christ's pain, and someone who will share in Hi…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
