THE ELDERS; men commissioned to have the care of churches and to preach the gospel, but with a distinct allusion to the fact that they were also literally elders in respect to age. 1 Peter 5:5 WHO AM ALSO AN ELDER; his higher office of apostle included the lower office of elder, which latter he here... [ Continue Reading ]
FEED THE FLOCK; as Christ told Peter, John 21:16 FILTHY LUCRE; dishonorable gain. OF A READY MIND; cheerfully, from love.... [ Continue Reading ]
NEITHER AS BEING LORDS; exercising undue authority. GOD'S HERITAGE; his people. Deuteronomy 32:9 BEING ENSAMPLES; examples of piety, meekness, humility, and beneficence. The pope, in claiming and exercising civil authority, and lording it over the faith and practice of those who are weak, wicked,... [ Continue Reading ]
CHIEF SHEPHERD; Jesus Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
BE SUBJECT ONE TO ANOTHER; pay all due regard to each other's feelings, and treat each other with kindness, courtesy, and respect. RESISTETH THE PROUD; PROVERBS 3:34 _JAMES 4:6_... [ Continue Reading ]
UNDER THE MIGHTY HAND; submit cheerfully to the dealings of his providence. Humility in all conditions is not only essential for the faithful discharge of duty, but the best preparation for receiving all needed favors.... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL YOUR CARE; PSALMS 55:22 A sure and effectual relief from oppressive cares is cheerful submission to the will of God; choosing to have him do as seemeth him good, because he does all things well.... [ Continue Reading ]
RESIST; by refusing to comply with temptations to evil, and persevering in that which is good. YOUR BRETHREN; other Christians are suffering in the same way with yourselves. Though the devil is subtle and powerful, has great experience, and is untiring in his efforts to destroy men, yet the weakest... [ Continue Reading ]
PERFECT; complete in character. ESTABLISH; you in the hope and peace of the gospel. STRENGTHEN; you to resist temptations and bear all trials with patience. SETTLE; render you steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. God will not continue the trials of his people longer th... [ Continue Reading ]
AT BABYLON; there is no compelling reason this could not be the literal Babylon. MARCUS; whether the same as John Mark the evangelist, or some other Mark, is unknown.... [ Continue Reading ]