1st Peter 5 THE PILGRIM SHEPHERDS AND THE FLOCK OF GOD The theme of submission is through this whole epistle as the way believers can live in difficult times and still have a significant impact of the spiritual life of others as well as themselves. In an assembly of called out Christians, order and effectiveness are maintained by those the Holy Spirit raises up to lead God's people. In this passage of scripture Peter confirms the fact that "elders," those who are mature in the faith; "shepherds" (pastors), those who teach the word of God; "bishops," those who oversee the administration of an assembly, are the same persons. There are various parts of the work to which they have been called. Counsel to the shepherds is the first part of this chapter and counsel to those under their charge (the flock) follows.
Giving honor and heed to those who are older is a common attitude throughout the world. Wisdom often comes through years of experience. An older person carries a great responsibility toward those who are younger in the faith. Not only should an elder pass on spiritual wisdom and understanding by words, but also by example. The plurality of elders provides for both variety in gifts, but also safety in governing the saints. By there being more than one elder there is safety from false teaching; there is the value of godly discernment and a balanced ministry is able to be maintained. No one person is given a special authority nor personal glory. By a number of equally responsible men in leadership, in times of persecution the testimony is able to be preserved from being splintered or disintegrated. As elders, they guide God's people. As shepherds, they give authority to the words they teach and practice. As overseers, they guard the flock and protect it from false teachers and satanic attacks.