Acts 20:28-31

Keep watch. This is said especially to elders [church leaders]. Compare Hebrews 13:17. Over yourselves. Their first responsibility was over themselves, since they could not fulfill their mission unless they themselves set an example by their own lives. And over all the flock. The flock is the group of believers who make up the church in a locality. "Church leaders [elders] are a horizontal extension of the congregation, called to guide the spiritual growth and development of each member." Through the death of his own Son. Death is symbolic of the totality of God's act in Christ. Compare Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 2:14-17; Galatians 3:13. [Blood is symbolic of both life and death (Leviticus 17:11)] Fierce wolves will come among you. He still uses the symbolism of the flock. "Fierce wolves" are false teachers, and the special reference is to the "circumcisers" (Acts 15:1-2). Paul's whole ministry was a battle with these people. The early church faced all the problems which we face today! See the Third Letter of John.