Read & explore together
Instructions to Elders
Peter speaks directly to elders among his readers and urges them to lead in a way that matches Christ. These verses describe who they belong to, how they should serve, and what hope is set before them.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This passage is part of a letter and gives direct teaching rather than telling a story. Peter addresses elders among his readers, identifies himself as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and then gives instructions about shepherding, oversight, example, and future glory.
1 Peter 5:1–4Main takeaway
Elders among God’s people are urged to care willingly, lead by example, and look to Christ the chief Shepherd.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Peter exhorts the elders among youPeter begins with an exhortation to the elders among his readers. He calls himself a fellow elder, a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who will also share in the glory that will be revealed.
Explanation
Peter begins with an exhortation to the elders among his readers. He calls himself a fellow elder, a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who will also share in the glory that will be revealed. His opening words connect present responsibility with Christ’s sufferings and future glory.
02Shepherd the flock of GodThe elders are told to shepherd the flock of God among them and to exercise oversight. The flock belongs to God, so this is God’s work among God’s people.
Explanation
The elders are told to shepherd the flock of God among them and to exercise oversight. The flock belongs to God, so this is God’s work among God’s people. Peter contrasts serving under compulsion with serving voluntarily, and seeking dishonest gain with serving willingly.
03Be examples to the flockPeter also explains how oversight should not be used. Elders are not to lord it over those entrusted to them.
Explanation
Peter also explains how oversight should not be used. Elders are not to lord it over those entrusted to them. Instead, they are to make themselves examples to the flock. The passage points to a form of leadership that can be seen in the elder’s own life and conduct.
04The chief Shepherd will be revealedThe passage ends by lifting the elders’ eyes to Christ. Peter says that when the chief Shepherd is revealed, they will receive a crown of glory that does not fade away.
Explanation
The passage ends by lifting the elders’ eyes to Christ. Peter says that when the chief Shepherd is revealed, they will receive a crown of glory that does not fade away. This promise gives a future perspective and shows that elders serve under Christ’s greater shepherding care.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What descriptions does Peter use for himself in his appeal to the elders?
Look closely at the three parts of verse 1 and notice how each description is connected to Christ’s sufferings or future glory.
02What contrasts show the right and wrong ways to carry out oversight?
Read the paired phrases in verse 2 and list the attitudes Peter rejects and the attitudes he commands.
03How does Peter join present leadership with future hope in this passage?
Notice what he says about the chief Shepherd being revealed and the crown of glory that does not fade away.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
1 Peter 5:1–4
1Therefore I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed:
2shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily; not for dishonest gain, but willingly;
3not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
4When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.