1 Peter 5:3
nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;
Truth to Learn
The pastor (or elder) of a local congregation is to be an example of Christ, not a dictator over the local church.
Behind the Words
The words “being lords over” are a translation of the Greek word, katakurieuō, which means “to exercise dominion over” or “to rule over.” It is a compound word made up of kata, which means “down upon” and a form of kurieuō, which means “to have dominon or rule over someone else, like a lord or master.”
“Entrusted” is a translation of the Greek word klēros, which originally meant “a little piece.” It actually refers to a “die” or a “lot.” This was a little piece of wood or stone with an individual’s mark on it. It comes from the Greek custom whereby a die (or lot) was taken from each person, put into a container, shaken violently, then the first one that was poured out indicated who was chosen by the gods for a particular function. From this custom we get our expression “the die (or lot) is cast.” This word later also came to be applied to “an inheritance” or “something assigned to a person.”
The word “examples” is translated from the Greek word tupos, which literally refers to “the scar or impression left by a blow or strike of a die.” Figuratively, it refers to a person who has the form or resemblance of someone else, hence the translation “example.”
Meaning Explained
In today’s verse Peter continues with his thought from the previous verse. The pastor (elder) is to shepherd the flock and oversee it for unselfish reasons and, as he says in today’s verse:
not lording it over those entrusted to you, rather being examples to the flock.
The elders in the church have not been given the position of “boss” or “master” of the flock. On the contrary, they have been placed there to shepherd the flock, to care for the sheep, to feed them, to pray over them, and to be an example to them of how we are to live as children of the King of Kings.
The significant thing about the presence of the word klēros in today’s verse is that it refers to those (people) who are allotted to a pastor by God’s divine appointment: the congregation of the local church under an elder’s care. As much as we sometimes like to think that the growth of a church is due to our great teaching and preaching, everyone in a congregation is there because God has placed them there.
The message Peter is giving to pastors (elders) is that we are to oversee the local congregation (placed under our care by God) as under-shepherds of the Chief Shepherd. We are not to be rulers or dictators, rather examples of how the flock is to live in relationship to Christ, the Chief Shepherd.
Talk about a tough job description!
Application
Does this describe your pastor? Is he an example of humility and does he demonstrate a close, personal daily walk with God? If so, you are blessed and you should thank God for him! Sometimes, it’s a thankless job.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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