51 Therefore , I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ , and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed , 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion , but voluntarily , according to the will of God ; and not for sordid gain , but with eagerness ; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge , but proving to be examples to the flock .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Peter 5:1-3
Commentary on 1 Peter 5:1-4
(Read 1 Peter 5:1-4)
The apostle Peter does not command, but exhorts. He does not claim power to rule over all pastors and churches. It was the peculiar honour of Peter and a few more, to be witnesses of Christ's sufferings; but it is the privilege of all true Christians to partake of the glory that shall be revealed. These poor, dispersed, suffering Christians, were the flock of God, redeemed to God by the great Shepherd, living in holy love and communion, according to the will of God. They are also dignified with the title of God's heritage or clergy; his peculiar lot, chosen for his own people, to enjoy his special favour, and to do him special service. Christ is the chief Shepherd of the whole flock and heritage of God. And all faithful ministers will receive a crown of unfading glory, infinitely better and more honourable than all the authority, wealth, and pleasure of the world.