AN EXHORTATION TO ELDERS FROM AN APOSTLE (1 PETER 5: 1-2)

Dear Members in Christ,

An exhortation to elders from an Apostle (1 Pet 5: 1-2)  

Why do we need to have church elders, and what does the Bible say about their role in the church? The office of an elder is a biblical doctrine. For the Bible-Presbyterians, this office is cast in the name by which the church calls itself. The word Presbyterian is derived from the Greek word “presbuteros” a word translated as “elder”.

Rightfully, as dutiful and responsible Bible-Presbyterians, we should learn about the Biblical origins of the office and the role of an elder so that we may support their ministry, and pray for them meaningfully. 

The Apostle Peter begins by saying, “I exhort,” urging the elders to hear his exhortation. You see, the Apostle Peter refers to himself as an elder too for he says of himself, “who am also an elder.”

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 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.” 1 Peter 5: 1, 2

 

The Apostle Peter has much to teach and guide elders, and he begins by reminding them that besides being an elder as they are, he is also an Apostle. Let us follow the words of exhortation of the Apostle Peter in his passage.

The Assembly of Elders or the Board of Elders

When The Apostle Peter asserts that he has witnessed the sufferings and the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, this is not a case of an Apostle who is trying to lord over the other elders. But he sees them as his equal, the only difference being that he is an Apostle, for, by his calling, he is a witness of the ministry, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. By saying this, the Apostle Peter is making a statement about the equality of the “elders.” In our church, we refer to the assembly of the Elders as the “Board of Elders.” There is not to be a higher ranking elder who lords over others, or a lower ranking elder, for biblical pattern shows parity within the Board of Elders. Therefore, even a pastor who is an elder and therefore a member of the Board of Elders is to be viewed as such. Rather than acting as a “one-man show”, and making unilateral decisions, he receives guidance from the other elders when the need arises.

Thus, when the Board of Elders assembles to decide on a doctrinal matter, there must be consensus on the doctrine. We see this pattern developed for us in Acts 15, where the elders and Apostles met in the “Jerusalem Council” to debate the matter of whether Gentiles converts are required to observe Jewish traditions. The prayerful consensus was that “… it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things” Acts 15:28.

The Elder’s role of shepherding the flock

The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 5:2 exhorts the elders to fulfill their main role in the church. He goes on to say, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof…”

The word translated as “feed” conveys more than just finding pasture or giving fodder to the flock. It carries a wider responsibility of tending to a flock. Now in ancient times (and even these days) shepherds have to be very mindful caregivers to their flocks. They will calm their fears when the flock senses danger and is feeling anxious. If a predator is lurking nearby, the shepherd will drive away the wild beast to keep the flock safe. If an animal is injured, the shepherd will tend to the wounded and help the animal to recover. The elders of the church have the role of tending and caring for the flock. This is why the Apostle Peter says, “Feed the flock…” and the verb is addressed in the form of a command, it sounds like, “you! feed (or tend to) the flock…”

Caring for the flock goes further than just delivering a sermon a week, or teaching a bible class. The congregation needs tending to, it needs comforting sometimes, it needs to be encouraged and soothe at other times, and yet at other times, it requires discipline. 

This is why the Apostle Peter writes to the elders, that they ought to be “taking the oversight thereof.” Oversight or the act of overseeing means to watch over, to give care, and to supervise the activities of the flock. Elders cannot be withdrawn and aloof from the congregation. They have to show care and love for the flock willingly and cheerfully. In the latter half of verse two, the Apostle Peter tells them of their attitude in service, he says, “Not by constraint, but willingly.” Elders must exhibit a loving attitude in their task of caring for the congregation for the shepherd knows the state of his sheep. He is considerate and patient with them, knowing as the Apostle Peter says, “… when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 1:5.

A Call to Prayer

Let us all be mindful to pray for the elders of the church. We know from the Apostle Peter’s exhortation that they have a grave responsibility of looking after the flock. It is a task that requires much wisdom for weighty matters of doctrine are at stake. It requires much patience, longsuffering, and a heart of love, and thus we plead for help from the Holy Spirit upon the elders of the church. May God grant us prayerful hearts, and willing minds, to serve and to pray for the church and her elders. May God be praised.

 

In Christ,

Dn. Lim Seh Beng