ANALYSIS. Herein the elders are charged to feed the flock under their supervision without arrogance, and to do so willingly and not for gain, and, by being examples for them to follow and as a reward for the faithful discharge of duty, a crown of glory that will not fade will be given them by the ch... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 1. THE ELDERS WHICH ARE AMONG YOU. These elders were the bishops or overseers of the churches situated in the provinces named in the first chapter. This is evident from the duties imposed upon this office, as the same appears in second verse. Paul sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of that... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 2. FEED THE FLOCK OF GOD. I, a fellow-elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, am apostle chosen by him, exhort you to feed the flock. In doing this you are exercising the bishop's office by teaching and exhorting them, and praying with and for them, and watching for their souls, not... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 3. NEITHER AS LORDS OVER GOD'S HERITAGE. In your service be not arrogant and despotic. Macknight _says:_ "This is a strong word, denoting tyranny, which the men of this world often exercise when they have obtained offices of power." BUT BEING ENSAMPLES TO THE FLOCK. If the elder must not be... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 4. AND WHEN THE CHIEF SHEPHERD SHALL APPEAR. You elders, you shepherds, for thus faithfully performing the duties of your office, when the chief Shepherd shall come, will receive your reward. It will be a crown, but not such as is worn by the victor in races run by men in their human sports;... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 5. LIKEWISE, YE YOUNGER. Younger in years, and later inducted into the kingdom of Christ. To you, and to all such as you, I say be governed by the Christian advice, exhortations and instructions of the elders, for in this regard submission is proper and necessary to your well-being. YEA, ALL... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 6. HUMBLE YOURSELVES, THEREFORE. Since it is a fact that the humble only receive grace from God, humble yourselves. Take his corrections patiently. Show thereby your entire submission to his will, and in time he will exalt you to the possession of a home in heaven. This he will do in his own... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 7. CASTING ALL OF YOUR CARE UPON HIM. In any distress that comes upon you, submit to God. He will sustain you. The Psalmist says: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalms 55:22). FOR HE CARETH FOR YOU. How consolator... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 8. BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT. Observe temperance in all things. Rule with vigor all passions of the mind and passions of the body. Be vigilant; that is, careful, watchful, always on the guard. The occasion for this is that a conflict is before you, and the enemy whom I have disclosed is a roaring... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 9. WHOM RESIST, STEADFAST IN THE FAITH. When the devil is resisted he flees away. Oppose him, therefore, and be steadfast; that is, firm and unshaken in your faith. KNOWING THAT THE SAME AFFLICTIONS. You are not alone in this warfare and in these sufferings. Your brethren in the Lord everyw... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 10. BUT THE GOD OF ALL GRACE. He is the God of all grace, for he alone can bestow the grace the suffering of earth need. WHO HATH CALLED US UNTO HIS ETERNAL GLORY. God is the author and provider of the great reward, and he it is who has called us by Christ Jesus. This reward will be bestowe... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 11. TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN. Another doxology. To him, that is, God, the glory is ascribed and dominion forever, for none else in the universe has the right to control, and so, acknowledging God's supreme right, solemnly we say Amen.... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 12. BY SILVANUS, A FAITHFUL BROTHER. This is the Silas who traveled and suffered with courageous Paul, and preached to the jailer at Philippi. By him Peter sends this letter, exhorting the brethren and testifying as an apostle that the faith of the gospel embraced by the brethren is the true... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 13. THE CHURCH AT BABYLON, ELECTED TOGETHER WITH YOU. The brethren forming the church at Babylon, becoming members of the body of Christ as you also did, salute you. And so does Mark. This is the same Mark who wrote the Gospel bearing that name. I see no good reason for thinking that spiritua... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 14. GREET YE ONE ANOTHER WITH A KISS OF CHARITY. This was a testimony of affection common in those countries and those times. PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL THAT ARE IN CHRIST JESUS. AMEN. Serenity and happiness to all you brethren, members of the body of Christ Jesus, and, in testimony that I since... [ Continue Reading ]