Teks -- 1 Peter 5:2 (NET)

5:2 Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly.

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Robertson: 1Pe 5:2 - Tend

Tend ( poimanate ).

First aorist active imperative of poimainō , old verb, from poimēn (shepherd) as in Luk 17:7. Jesus used this very word to Peter in the interview by the Sea of Galilee (Joh 21:16) and Peter doubtless has this fact in mind here. Paul used the word to the elders at Miletus (Act 20:28). See 1Pe 2:25 for the metaphor.

Robertson: 1Pe 5:2 - Flock

Flock ( poimnion ).

Old word, likewise from poimēn , contraction of poimenion (Luk 12:32).

Robertson: 1Pe 5:2 - Exercising the oversight

Exercising the oversight ( episkopountes ).

Present active participle of episkopeō , old word (in Heb 12:15 alone in N.T.), omitted here by Aleph B.

Robertson: 1Pe 5:2 - Not by constraint

Not by constraint ( mē anagkastōs ).

Negative mē because of the imperative. Old adverb from verbal adjective anagkastos , here alone in N.T.

Robertson: 1Pe 5:2 - But willingly

But willingly ( alla hekousiōs ).

By contrast. Old adverb, in N.T. only here and Heb 10:26.

Robertson: 1Pe 5:2 - Nor yet for filthy lucre

Nor yet for filthy lucre ( mēde aischrokerdōs ).

A compound adverb not found elsewhere, but the old adjective aischrokerdēs is in 1Ti 3:8; Tit 1:7. See also Tit 1:11 "for the sake of filthy lucre"(aischrou kerdous charin ). Clearly the elders received stipends, else there could be no such temptation.

Robertson: 1Pe 5:2 - But of a ready mind

But of a ready mind ( alla prothumōs ).

Old adverb from prothumos (Mat 26:41), here only in N.T.

Vincent: 1Pe 5:2 - Feed

Feed ( ποιμάνατε )

Better, Rev., tend, since the verb denotes all that is included in the office of a shepherd - guiding, guarding, folding, no less than feeding, which latter is expressed by βόσκω . There is, doubtless, a reminiscence in the word of Christ's charge to Peter (Joh 21:15-17). Both words are used there: " Feed (Βόσκε ) my lambs" (Joh 21:15); " tend (ποίμαινε ) my sheep" (Joh 21:16); " feed (βόσκε ) my sheep" (Joh 21:17). The A. V. obliterates the distinction by rendering all three feed. Bengel rightly remarks, " Feeding is part of tending." See on Mat 2:6.

Vincent: 1Pe 5:2 - Taking the oversight

Taking the oversight

The best texts omit. Rev. retains.

Vincent: 1Pe 5:2 - By constraint

By constraint ( ἀναγκαστῶς )

Only here in New Testament.

Vincent: 1Pe 5:2 - Willingly

Willingly ( ἑκουσίως )

Only here and Heb 10:26.

Vincent: 1Pe 5:2 - For filthy lucre

For filthy lucre ( αἰσχροκερδῶς )

From αἰσχρός , disgraceful, and κέρδος , gain. Only here in New Testament. The word filthy is intended to convey the idea which lies in αἰσχρός , base or dishonorable; becoming such if it is made the motive of the minister's service. Compare 2Co 12:14.

Vincent: 1Pe 5:2 - Willingly

Willingly ( προδύμως )

Not strong enough. The word is compounded of πρό , forward, and θυμός , heart or spirit. Hence Rev., with a ready mind; a forward spirit; denoting not mere willingness, but zeal. Only here in New Testament. Compare the kindred adjective πρόθυμος , ready (Rom 1:15; Mat 26:41; Mar 14:38), and the kindred noun προθυμία , readiness (2Co 8:11, 2Co 8:12, 2Co 8:19; 2Co 9:2).

Wesley: 1Pe 5:2 - Feed the flock

Both by doctrine and discipline.

Wesley: 1Pe 5:2 - Not by constraint

Unwillingly, as a burden.

Wesley: 1Pe 5:2 - Not for filthy gain

Which, if it be the motive of acting, is filthy beyond expression. O consider this, ye that leave one flock and go to another, merely because there is more gain, a large salary! Is it not astonishing that men can see no harm in this? that it is not only practised, but avowed, all over the nation?

JFB: 1Pe 5:2 - Feed

Greek, "Tend as a shepherd," by discipline and doctrine. Lead, feed, heed: by prayer, exhortation, government, and example. The dignity is marked by the term "elder"; the duties of the office, to tend or oversee, by "bishop." Peter has in mind Christ's injunction to him, "Feed (tend) My sheep . . . Feed (pasture) My lambs" (Joh 21:16). He invites the elders to share with him the same duty (compare Act 20:28). The flock is Christ's.

JFB: 1Pe 5:2 - which is among you

While having a concern for all the Church, your special duty is to feed that portion of it "which is among you."

JFB: 1Pe 5:2 - oversight

Greek, "bishopric," or duty of bishops, that is, overseer.

JFB: 1Pe 5:2 - not by constraint

Necessity is laid upon them, but willingness prevents it being felt, both in undertaking and in fulfilling the duty [BENGEL]. "He is a true presbyter and minister of the counsel of God who doeth and teacheth the things of the Lord, being not accounted righteous merely because he is a presbyter, but because righteous, chosen into the presbytery" [CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA].

JFB: 1Pe 5:2 - willingly

One oldest manuscript, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic, add, "as God would have it to be done" (Rom 8:27).

JFB: 1Pe 5:2 - not for filthy lucre

(Isa 56:11; Tit 1:7).

JFB: 1Pe 5:2 - of a ready mind

Promptly and heartily, without selfish motive of gain-seeking, as the Israelites gave their services willing-heartedly to the sanctuary.

Clarke: 1Pe 5:2 - Feed the flock

Feed the flock - Do not fleece the flock

Clarke: 1Pe 5:2 - Taking the oversight

Taking the oversight - Επισκοπουντες· Discharging the office of bishops or superintendents. This is another proof that bishop and presbyter were the same order in the apostolic times, though afterwards they were made distinct

Clarke: 1Pe 5:2 - Not by constraint

Not by constraint - The office was laborious and dangerous, especially in these times of persecution; it is no wonder then that even those who were best qualified for the office should strive to excuse themselves with a genuine Nolo episcopari , "I am unwilling to be a bishop.

Clarke: 1Pe 5:2 - Not for filthy lucre

Not for filthy lucre - Could the office of a bishop, in those early days, and in the time of persecution, be a lucrative office? Does not the Spirit of God lead the apostle to speak these things rather for posterity than for that time? See the notes on 1Ti 3:3

Clarke: 1Pe 5:2 - But of a ready mind

But of a ready mind - Doing all for Christ’ s sake, and through love to immortal souls.

Calvin: 1Pe 5:2 - Feed the flock of God // The flock of God, // Taking the oversight,

2.Feed the flock of God We hence learn what the word presbyter imports, even that it includes the office of feeding. It is for a far different end that the Pope makes presbyters, even that they may daily slay Christ, there being no mention made of feeding in their ordination. Let us then remember to distinguish between the institution of Christ and the confusion of the Pope, it being as different as light is from darkness. Let us also bear in mind the definition given of the word; for the flock of Christ cannot be fed except with pure doctrine, which is alone our spiritual food.

Hence pastors are not mute hypocrites, nor those who spread their own figments, which, like deadly poison, destroy the souls of men.

The words, as much as it is in you, mean the same as though he had said, “Apply all your strength to this very thing, and whatever power God has conferred on you.” The old interpreter has given this rendering, “Which is among you;” and this may be the sense of the words: more correct, however, is the rendering of Erasmus, which I have followed, though I do not reject nor disapprove of the other. ⁵⁴

The flock of God, or, of the Lord, or, of Christ: it matters little which you take, for the three readings are found in different copies. ⁵⁵

Taking the oversight, or, discharging the office of a bishop. Erasmus renders the words, “Taking care of it,” ( curam illius agentes ;) but as the Greek word is ἐπισκοποῦντες I doubt not but that Peter meant to set forth the office and title of the episcopate. We may learn also from other parts of Scripture that these two names, bishop and presbyter, are synonymous. He then shews how they were rightly to perform the pastoral office, though the word ἐπισκοπεῖν generally means to preside or to oversee. What I have rendered “not constraintally,” is literally, “not necessarily;” for when we act according to what necessity prescribes, we proceed in our work slowly and frigidly, as it were by constraint.

Defender: 1Pe 5:2 - filthy lucre

"Filthy lucre" is one word in the Greek. Lucre, from a Latin word meaning "gain," only becomes filthy when it corrupts the sincerity of Christian ministry."

TSK: 1Pe 5:2 - Feed // the flock // which is among you // taking // not by // not for // of

Feed : Son 1:8; Isa 40:11; Eze 34:2, Eze 34:3, Eze 34:23; Mic 5:4, Mic 7:14; Joh 21:15-17; Act 20:28

the flock : Isa 63:11; Jer 13:17, Jer 13:20; Eze 34:31; Zec 11:17; Luk 12:32; 1Co 9:7

which is among you : or, as much as in you is, Psa 78:71, Psa 78:72; Act 20:26, Act 20:27

taking : Heb 12:15 *Gr.

not by : Isa 6:8; 1Co 9:16, 1Co 9:17

not for : Isa 56:11; Jer 6:13, Jer 8:10; Mic 3:11; Mal 1:10; Act 20:33, Act 20:34; 2Co 12:14, 2Co 12:15; 1Ti 3:3, 1Ti 3:8; Tit 1:7, Tit 1:11; 2Pe 2:3; Rev 18:12, Rev 18:13

of : Act 21:13; Rom 1:15; Tit 2:14, Tit 3:1

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: 1Pe 5:2 - Feed // The flock of God // Which is among you // Taking the oversight thereof // Not by constraint // But willingly // Not for filthy lucre // But of a ready mind

Feed teach and rule, Mat 2:6 Joh 21:15-17 Act 20:28 .

The flock of God the church.

Which is among you which is with you, or committed to your charge; intimating that the flock not being their own, they were to give an account of it to him that had set them over it.

Taking the oversight thereof or, being bishops, or acting as bishops over it, i.e. superintending, inspecting, and watching over it with all care, Act 20:28,29 .

Not by constraint not merely because ye must: what men do out of compulsion, they do more slightly and perfunctorily, as those that would not do it if they could help it: see the like expression, 2Co 9:7 .

But willingly cheerfully and freely, as Exo 36:2 Psa 54:6 : compare 1Co 9:17 .

Not for filthy lucre not out of covetousness, or a design of making a gain of the work; it being a shameful thing for a shepherd to feed the sheep out of love to the fleece: see Tit 1:7 1Ti 3:3,8 .

But of a ready mind out of a good affection to the welfare of the flock, in opposition to the private gain before mentioned. He doth not do his work freely, and of a ready mind, who is either driven to it by necessity, or drawn by covetousness.

PBC: 1Pe 5:2 - Feed the flock. // Feed the flock of God which is among you. // which is among you. // Taking the oversight... // ... Not by constraint, but willingly. // ... Not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.

see PBtop: CROWNS    F3 and search for "Feed the flock of God"

In studying the way some Old Baptists behave in the Church reminds me of what I observe in some homes. Sometimes parents will leave their children and go away from home for a while. They leave their laws and order to govern them in their absence. But sometimes there is a big, over-grown boy who assumes the job of "bossing" until the parents return. This big boy is always very smart. He gives orders and demands obedience. He is usually uncompromising and harsh. The younger children must act in strict obedience to what he commands. This is often contrary to the parental law that they are duty-bound to obey. But for fear of the torture and abuse of the big brother they yield to do what he says. Therefore, when the parents return they find the family disturbed, things out of order, and their laws disregarded. Do not some of us preachers resemble this big boy? Do we not too often give the Lord’s family our own Orders instead of the orders of our Master? Will our kind Master not look with disfavor upon such procedure? Won’t we have to face Him in shame when we must give account for our stewardship?

Instead of this big boy abusing and exercising such authority over the family, he should have been a kind protection for them. The ministry was given as a kind of protection for the Church; at least, they are watchmen, to warn of approaching dangers. But, too often in this age of the Church, there is sometimes more danger in the watchman than there is in the enemy he is watching.

 Elder J. M. Bullard

" Feed the flock."

The Greek word translated " feed" refers to the whole pastoral responsibility of caring for sheep. The Greek language has a word that specifically refers to providing food, but Peter chose the word that means to provide for the comprehensive, spiritual needs of the people under the care of these elders. We live in a time that has witnessed the diminishing of preaching’s Biblical importance. Though given lip service, preaching often is assigned a diminished role in church activities to a multitude of programs. Set a stopwatch to the various activities that make up a church’s Sunday routine worship service. How much time is devoted to each activity? How much of the whole agenda is devoted to preaching? Not long ago I had an interesting conversation with a young man who had been invited to speak at a neighboring church. The church leaders reviewed their schedule with him and told him how much time he had for his message. However, when the schedule unfolded, they devoted significantly more time to their programs and subtly informed the young man that they expected him to shorten his message to compensate for the excess time they had used in other programs.

The broad responsibility of "tending" or "shepherding" the people in a local church must be viewed with godly balance. A church that puts all its emphasis on pulpit preaching, but neglects ministering to the special needs of its members, will become little more than a spiritual classroom, strong on knowledge, but short on application and spiritual health. A church that puts all its emphasis on programs will lose its Biblical vision of what a church is about and become little more than a spiritual "support group." Biblical shepherding, feeding sheep, should build on the solid foundation of preaching. From that foundation, it should incorporate helpful " in the trenches" processes to equip its members to understand and to apply what they are taught to their individual lives and needs. We will study this thought further.

" Feed the flock of God which is among you."

The subtle nuances of the lesson instruct us as richly as the dominant theme. Peter exhibits no concept of " universal church" government or authority. For both Peter and for the other " elders," mature spiritual leaders in the church, the authority to minister is limited to a rather narrow scope,

" which is among you."

In the opening verses Peter identified his recipient audience. These elders had no authority over all churches in all regions. Their authority was limited to their local church. Whether we consider the worldwide claims of papal authority or the small regional claims of ministers to have authority over multiple churches, we are dealing with the same insidious over-stepping of human authority. No " elder" has any Biblical authority outside the church of his membership. Where ever he lives or travels, he must live with the conscious responsibility to live a holy example before others, believers and unbelievers alike. Peter defines his spiritual charge to shepherd or feed the flock of God, " which is among you." Individual churches should be tender and faithful in maintaining a familial bond with other churches, particularly within their immediate area, but they should avoid any appearance of interfering with, or lording their ideas over, any other church.

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Having examined the Biblical objective of godly leadership, the comprehensive care of God’s people, we now move to the methods that Scripture sets forth to accomplish the objective.

" Taking the oversight..."

Passive pastoring (or pasturing) is not an acceptable option in Peter’s teaching. Sheep, one of Scripture’s most frequent metaphors for God’s children, cannot fend for themselves. Sheep lack the ability to protect themselves adequately from danger. Although they have a rather strong sense of community, of flocking together, their best defense, they also have an inclination to become distracted and to wander from the flock. Once out of sight from the flock, they have a poor sense of direction, so they find it difficult to retrace their steps back to the flock.

Am I referring to sheep or to children of God? To both; Christians’ best defense against error, against insidious false teaching, is to stick together, but their curiosity often leads them to strike out on their own in search of some " new truth," of a different interpretation for an old familiar Scripture. Once engaged and enamored with a different perspective, they are inclined to rationalize their newfound ideas rather than returning to the familiar fold and its inherent safety. Even within established churches we see occasional drifts that are strongly influenced by tradition instead of Scripture. Scripture anchors our minds to its timeless truth. Tradition has no Biblical anchor, so, once a people begin to dilute their respect for Scripture by justifying their traditions, they will inevitably drift deeper into tradition. Even when it begins to contradict Scripture, tradition establishes itself as part of the culture. Something that may have been rather neutral in its beginning slowly evolves into something that violates the teaching of Scripture. We, no less than the intensely religious Jews of the first century, will then revere the tradition fully as much as Scripture. Consequently, we are liable to fall into the mindset of first century Judaism. " Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?"  {Mt 15:2} No less than they, we then face the probing response of our Lord, " Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?"  {Mt 15:3} Transgression should be measured by Scripture, not by tradition. Inevitably, when tradition becomes its own authority, its lack of Biblical foundations will lead its followers to drift farther and farther away from Scripture, even to violate Scripture and to think they did no wrong.

This scenario illustrates only one problem that may occur in a culture that dilutes its Biblical teaching with other influences. How does this problem relate to the " elders...taking the oversight" of a church? In this context I would not necessarily restrict the term " elder" to the ministry or to a pastor. As in the Jewish synagogue, the term may equally refer to older and more mature leaders within a local church. As the pastor and respected leaders go, so goes the church they lead. Passive leadership, or leadership that fails to hold the single authority of Scripture alone before a people, will result in an anemic church that becomes sick and vulnerable to error or to drifting traditions that eventually violate Scripture. Taking oversight requires gentle, but distinct and focused leadership. Both church and leaders must understand this necessity and commit themselves to the greater leadership of Scripture in all things that they do and teach.

" ... Not by constraint, but willingly."

The pastor or other leaders of a church must exhibit strong commitment and consistency to their Biblical model of teaching and leadership. Their attitude must be one of willing, even joyful, submission to Scripture alone. Preachers who almost gleefully tell stories of how they fought the call to preach before finally submitting do their churches no favor. They exemplify entrenched rebellion and the antithesis of willing and joyful obedience. They tell people by their experience that obedience should be by " constraint," not willingly.

" ... Not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind."

How do we balance the Biblical teaching that preachers should devote their full time to ministry and that churches should contribute sacrificially and consistently to accomplish this model against this phrase? {1Co 9:14}[i]   No doubt at times both preachers and churches have neglected this exhortation. Based on the divine calling and the preacher’s Biblical obligation to that calling, a preacher should preach the gospel where and when opportunity appears, even if he doesn’t receive a penny for the effort. Equally a church that receives preaching should respond to the occasion by ensuring that the one who preaches doesn’t do so at his own expense. " A ready mind" defines a leader or pastor who is constantly prepared and eager to preach the gospel, not one who negotiates a fee prior to accepting the opportunity to preach.

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[i] Notice the same word, " ordained," appears in Eph 2:10. For Scripture what God has ordained is not optional, and God has ordained a devoted, full-time ministry for his churches. Failure to commit to this model predicts neglected sheep, not strong exemplary churches.

Haydock: 1Pe 5:2 - Feed the flock

Feed the flock. This shews he speaks of bishops and priests, and not of elders in years only.

Gill: 1Pe 5:2 - Feed the flock of God which is among you // taking the oversight thereof // not by constraint // but willingly // not for filthy lucre // but of a ready mind

Feed the flock of God which is among you,.... Some read, "as much as in you is"; that is, to the utmost of your power, according to your abilities, referring to the manner of feeding the flock, doing it in the best way they are capable of; but the phrase is rather descriptive of the flock to be fed, which points it out, and distinguishes it from all others, and for which they should have a particular regard; it being the flock, as the Syriac version renders it, which "is delivered unto you"; which was committed to their care, and they were made overseers of, and stood in a special relation to; wherefore it was incumbent on them to regard them, so as they did not, and were not obliged to regard, any other distinct flock: by "the flock of God"; or, "of Christ", as some copies read, is meant, not the whole world, which Philo the Jew ^r calls the greatest and most perfect, του οντος θεου ποιμην, "flock of the true God"; but the church of God, over which they were elders or pastors, consisting of Christ's sheep and lambs, he ordered Peter to feed, as he now does his fellow elders; and because they are the flock of God, which he has chosen, distinguished, and separated from the rest of the world, and has made the care and charge of Christ; put them into his hands, whence they are called the sheep of his hand; which he has purchased with his blood, and effectually called by his grace, and returned them to himself, the Shepherd and Bishop of souls, who before were as sheep going astray, and folded them together in a Gospel church state; all this is a reason, and a strong one, why they should be fed; not with every wind of doctrine, which blows up the pride of human nature, and swells men with vain conceits of themselves; nor with the chaff of human doctrines; nor with trifling and speculative notions; but with knowledge and understanding of divine and evangelical truths, with the words of faith and sound doctrine, with the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ; with the Gospel of the grace of God, which contains milk for babes, and meat for strong men; and with a crucified Christ himself, who is the bread of life, and whose flesh is meat indeed, and his blood drink indeed; by directing them to his person, blood, and righteousness, to live by faith on; by preaching the doctrines of peace and pardon by his blood, atonement and satisfaction by his sacrifice, and justification by his righteousness, and complete salvation by his obedience and death: in short, feeding includes the whole of the pastor's work, the ministry of the word, the administration of ordinances, and the rule and government of the church, in the several branches of it; for the same word signifies to rule as to feed; and which work is further expressed by

taking the oversight thereof; that is, of the flock; or "take the care of it", as the Syriac version renders it, and adds, "spiritually"; in a spiritual manner; which is an interpretation of the phrase: an acting the part of a bishop or overseer of it, as the word signifies; looking diligently to it, inspecting into the various cases of the members of the church; using diligence to know the state of the flock, and performing all the offices of a careful shepherd; as feeding the flock; and not themselves; strengthening the diseased; healing the sick; binding up that which was broken; bringing again that which was driven away, and seeking that which was lost; watching over them that they go not astray; and restoring of them in the spirit of meekness, when they are gone out of the way; and overlooking both their practices and their principles; admonishing, reproving them for sin, as the case requires; and preserving them, as much as in them lies, from wolves, and beasts of prey; from false teachers, and from all errors and heresies: all which is to be done,

not by constraint; or with force, in a rigorous and severe manner; for this may be understood actively of pastors not forcing their flock, over driving them, or ruling them with force and cruelty, complained of in Eze 34:4 or passively, of their being forced to feed the flock, and superintend it; as such may be said to be, who enter into the ministry, and continue in it, because obliged to it for want of a livelihood, and not knowing how to get one any other way; or through the pressing instances of relations, acquaintance, and friends; this ought not to be a matter of necessity, but of choice; they should be induced to it by no other necessity than what Christ has laid upon them, by calling them to the work, and furnishing them for it with the gifts of his Spirit; and should engage and continue in it by no other constraint than that of his love; wherefore it follows,

but willingly. The Vulgate Latin version adds, "according to God", and so some copies; according to the will of God, and agreeably to his word; and the Ethiopic version renders it, "with equity for God"; with all uprightness and integrity, for the sake of the honour and glory of God; this should be done with all a man's heart and soul, and should spring from pure love to Christ; for no man is fit to feed Christ's lambs and sheep but those who sincerely love him; see Joh 21:15, and from a cordial and affectionate concern for the good of souls; and from, an hearty desire unto, and delight in, the work itself; otherwise all he does will be as a task and burden; he will do it grudgingly, and with negligence, and will murmur under it, at least secretly. The Arabic version renders it, "watching, not forced watches, but willing ones". This contrast of phrases seems to be Jewish, or Rabbinical ^s; it is a tradition of the Rabbans;

"blood which is defiled, and they sprinkle it ignorantly, it is accepted; presumptuously, not accepted; of what things are these said? of a private person; but of a congregation, whether ignorantly or presumptuously, it is accepted; and of a stranger, whether ignorantly or presumptuously, בין באונס בין ברצון, "whether by constraint or willingly", it is not accepted:''

it follows here,

not for filthy lucre; not from a covetous disposition, which is a filthy one; and for the sake of gaining money, and amassing wealth and riches, as the false prophets in Isaiah's time, who were never satisfied; and the false teachers in the apostle's time, who, through covetousness, made merchandise of men, and supposed that gain was godliness; whereas there is no such thing as serving God and mammon; and as the work of the ministry should not be entered upon, and continued in, with any such sordid view; so neither for the sake of gaining glory and applause, a presidency, and chief place in the churches, and a name among the ministers of the Gospel, and credit and esteem among men:

but of a ready mind; or, "from the whole heart", as the Syriac version renders it; and in a cheerful view of reproaches and persecutions, of the loss of credit and reputation, of worldly substance, and of life itself; and with a sincere concern for the glory of God, and the good of immortal souls; being ready to do everything with cheerfulness, that may contribute to either of these. The Ethiopic version renders it, "in the fulness of your heart with joy".