1 Peter 5:2

KJV

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

KJV (with Strong's)

Feed {G4165} the flock {G4168} of God {G2316} which is among {G1722} you {G5213}, taking the oversight {G1983} thereof, not {G3361} by constraint {G317}, but {G235} willingly {G1596}; not {G3366} for filthy lucre {G147}, but {G235} of a ready mind {G4290};

Complete Jewish Bible

shepherd the flock of God that is in your care, exercising oversight not out of constraint, but willingly, as God wants; and not out of a desire for dishonest gain, but with enthusiasm;

Berean Standard Bible

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;

American Standard Version

Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Exhortation to Elders") serves as a profound apostolic charge to Christian elders, delineating their sacred responsibilities and, crucially, the virtuous attitudes required for spiritual oversight. It calls leaders to shepherd God's people with diligent care, not under compulsion but with willing hearts, and to serve not for personal financial gain but out of genuine eagerness and pure motives, thereby reflecting the selfless nature of Christ's own shepherding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Peter's concluding exhortations in his first epistle, specifically addressing the elders (πρεσβυτέρους, *presbyterous*) of the churches to whom he writes. In [1 Peter 5:1](/1_peter/5-1 "1 Peter 5:1 - Peter's Exhortation to Elders"), Peter identifies himself as a "fellow elder" and a "witness of the sufferings of Christ," lending significant weight and personal authority to his instruction. The immediate context of [1 Peter 5:1-4](/1_peter/5-1-4 "1 Peter 5:1-4 - Exhortation to Elders and Young Men") provides specific guidance for church leadership, followed by exhortations to younger members and a general call to humility and vigilance. This section builds upon the broader themes of suffering, steadfastness, and godly living that permeate the entire letter, emphasizing that even in leadership, suffering for Christ's sake is expected, and integrity in service is paramount.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's epistle is addressed to "strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" ([1 Peter 1:1](/1_peter/1-1 "1 Peter 1:1 - Peter's Audience")), referring to Jewish and Gentile Christians dispersed across Asia Minor. These believers were facing various forms of social ostracism, slander, and incipient persecution for their faith. In such a challenging environment, strong, godly leadership was essential for the cohesion, spiritual health, and endurance of the nascent Christian communities. The cultural backdrop would have included various forms of leadership, some of which were driven by power, prestige, or profit. Peter's exhortation directly counters these worldly models, advocating for a distinctively Christian ethos of humble, sacrificial service, reminiscent of the Good Shepherd.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Exhortation to Elders") contributes significantly to several key themes within the epistle and broader New Testament theology. The primary theme is **shepherding God's flock**, which casts believers as sheep and leaders as their spiritual caregivers, responsible for their nourishment, protection, and guidance. This metaphor underscores the profound responsibility and tender care required of spiritual leaders, echoing Jesus' commission to Peter in [John 21:17](/john/21-17 "John 21:17 - Jesus' Command to Peter") to "feed my sheep." Another crucial theme is **the proper motivation for service**, contrasting compulsion with willingness, and greed with a ready mind. This highlights the internal disposition of the leader, emphasizing that true spiritual authority is exercised out of love and devotion, not obligation or self-interest. This aligns with broader New Testament teachings on qualifications for overseers, as seen in passages like [1 Timothy 3:3](/1_timothy/3-3 "1 Timothy 3:3 - Qualifications for Overseers") and [Titus 1:7](/titus/1-7 "Titus 1:7 - Qualifications for Elders"), which explicitly warn against those motivated by "dishonest gain." Finally, the verse implicitly touches on the theme of **imitating Christ's sacrificial leadership**, setting a standard that transcends worldly leadership paradigms and points to the ultimate example of the Chief Shepherd.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feed (Greek, _poimaínō_):** This verb, derived from the noun for "shepherd" (ποιμήν, *poimēn*), signifies more than just providing food. It encompasses the full range of a shepherd's duties: guiding, protecting, tending, guarding, and nurturing the flock. In a spiritual sense, it implies comprehensive pastoral care, including teaching, discipling, protecting from false doctrine, and leading by example. It is a holistic term for spiritual oversight.
* **Taking the oversight (Greek, _episkopéō_):** This verb means "to oversee," "to superintend," or "to exercise spiritual supervision." It is the root of the noun *episkopos* (bishop or overseer). It denotes a watchful, diligent, and responsible care for the congregation, implying active engagement in the spiritual well-being and governance of the church. It is not a passive role but one requiring active vigilance and management.
* **Of a ready mind (Greek, _prothýmōs_):** This adverb signifies eagerness, alacrity, willingness, and promptness. It describes a positive, enthusiastic, and proactive disposition in service. It stands in stark contrast to serving "by constraint" or "for filthy lucre," emphasizing that true spiritual leadership flows from an inner desire to serve God and His people, characterized by zeal and a cheerful spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Feed the flock of God which is among you":** This is the primary command, establishing the core function of elders as spiritual shepherds. The "flock of God" emphasizes that the church belongs to God, not to the leaders, underscoring the sacred trust and accountability involved. "Among you" highlights the localized, relational nature of their ministry, serving the specific community they are a part of.
* **"taking the oversight [thereof]":** This clause specifies the manner of feeding, which involves active superintendence and watchful care. It defines the elder's role as one of responsible supervision, ensuring the spiritual health and order of the congregation. It's not merely about providing, but about governing and guiding.
* **"not by constraint, but willingly":** This is the first pair of antithetical qualifications, addressing the *attitude* of service. Leaders are not to serve out of external pressure, obligation, or reluctance, but from an internal, spontaneous desire. "Willingly" (ἑκουσίως, *hekousíōs*) implies a free, unforced choice, a joyful embrace of the responsibility.
* **"not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind":** This second pair of antithetical qualifications focuses on the *motive* for service. Leaders must not be driven by the pursuit of dishonest or shameful gain (αἰσχροκερδῶς, *aischrokerdōs*), which would corrupt the sacred office. Instead, their service should be characterized by a "ready mind" (προθύμως, *prothýmōs*), signifying eagerness, zeal, and a selfless devotion to the task at hand, prioritizing the welfare of the flock over personal profit.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Exhortation to Elders") employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the **shepherd-flock metaphor**. Believers are depicted as a "flock of God," and elders are called to "feed" and "take the oversight" of them, drawing on the ancient and deeply resonant imagery of pastoral care. This metaphor conveys tenderness, protection, guidance, and provision. Another significant device is **Antithesis**, used twice to highlight the stark contrast between acceptable and unacceptable attitudes and motives for leadership: "not by constraint, but willingly" and "not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind." This rhetorical technique emphasizes the desired spiritual disposition by explicitly rejecting its negative counterparts. The verse also functions as a direct **Exhortation**, a strong call to action and a moral imperative delivered with apostolic authority, guiding the conduct of Christian leaders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological implication of [1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Exhortation to Elders") lies in its articulation of a distinctively Christian leadership paradigm, one rooted in selflessness, divine ownership, and spiritual nourishment rather than worldly power or personal gain. By calling the church "the flock of God," Peter underscores God's ultimate proprietorship and care for His people, making human leaders merely stewards of His precious possession. This verse connects the Old Testament imagery of God as Shepherd of Israel to the New Testament reality of Christ as the Good Shepherd, and human leaders as undershepherds. It establishes that the *manner* and *motive* of leadership are as crucial as the *act* of leading, reflecting the very character of God.

* [John 21:17](/john/21-17 "John 21:17 - Jesus' Command to Peter"): "He said to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."
* [1 Timothy 3:3](/1_timothy/3-3 "1 Timothy 3:3 - Qualifications for Overseers"): "Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;"
* [Titus 1:7](/titus/1-7 "Titus 1:7 - Qualifications for Elders"): "For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Exhortation to Elders") remains profoundly relevant for all who serve in any capacity within the church today, from ordained pastors and elders to small group facilitators, Sunday school teachers, and volunteers. It serves as a timeless reminder that Christian leadership is fundamentally a call to humble, sacrificial service, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of God's people above all else. It challenges us to examine our motivations: are we serving out of genuine love for God and His flock, or are there hidden desires for recognition, control, or material benefit? True spiritual leadership is characterized by a willing heart and a ready mind, reflecting a deep-seated eagerness to nurture, protect, and guide others in their faith journey, not as a burdensome duty, but as a joyful privilege. This verse calls for integrity, selflessness, and a pastoral heart that seeks to build up the body of Christ for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I feel "constrained" rather than "willing" to serve? How can I cultivate a more willing heart?**
* **What are my true motivations for serving others or engaging in ministry? Am I ever tempted by "filthy lucre" in any form (e.g., personal gain, recognition, power)?**
* **How can I better embody the "ready mind" in my daily interactions and responsibilities, showing eagerness and alacrity in serving God and others?**
* **If the church is "the flock of God," how does this understanding impact my perspective on those I lead or serve alongside?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "feed the flock of God"?**

Answer: To "feed the flock of God" (Greek: ποιμαίνω, *poimaínō*) means much more than simply providing spiritual nourishment through teaching or preaching. It encompasses the full spectrum of a shepherd's duties: guiding, protecting, caring for, and nurturing. In the context of church leadership, it implies comprehensive pastoral care, which includes teaching sound doctrine, offering spiritual guidance, protecting believers from false teachings and harmful influences, providing comfort and discipline, and leading by example. It signifies a holistic, active, and tender oversight of the community of believers, recognizing that they belong to God.

**Why does Peter emphasize the *manner* and *motive* of leadership so strongly?**

Answer: Peter emphasizes the *manner* ("not by constraint, but willingly") and *motive* ("not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind") of leadership because the integrity and effectiveness of spiritual oversight are inextricably linked to the leader's internal disposition. Compelled service lacks the genuine love and joy necessary for true spiritual impact, potentially leading to resentment or burnout. Similarly, serving for "filthy lucre" (dishonest gain) corrupts the sacred office, turning ministry into a self-serving enterprise rather than a selfless act of devotion. By highlighting willingness and a ready mind, Peter underscores that godly leadership flows from a pure heart, eager to serve God and His people for their spiritual benefit, reflecting the selfless character of Christ himself. This ensures that the focus remains on God's glory and the well-being of the flock, rather than on the leader's personal agenda or material gain, as also warned in [1 Timothy 3:3](/1_timothy/3-3 "1 Timothy 3:3 - Qualifications for Overseers") and [Titus 1:7](/titus/1-7 "Titus 1:7 - Qualifications for Elders").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Exhortation to Elders") finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in Jesus Christ, the quintessential Shepherd. Peter, himself once commanded by Jesus to "Feed my sheep" ([John 21:17](/john/21-17 "John 21:17 - Jesus' Command to Peter")), understood that all human shepherding is a reflection of Christ's own ministry. Jesus is not merely *a* shepherd, but the "Good Shepherd" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")) who lays down His life for His sheep, serving willingly and without constraint, driven by infinite love rather than any personal gain. He is also the "Great Shepherd of the sheep" ([Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The Great Shepherd")), who guides His flock through the power of an everlasting covenant. Peter himself later refers to Christ as the "Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" ([1 Peter 2:25](/1_peter/2-25 "1 Peter 2:25 - Shepherd and Overseer of Souls")), directly linking the concepts of shepherding and oversight to Jesus. Furthermore, in [1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd"), Peter explicitly calls Jesus the "Chief Shepherd," indicating that human elders are merely undershepherds, accountable to Him. Thus, the exhortation in [1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Exhortation to Elders") is not just a set of instructions, but a call to imitate the selfless, willing, and pure-hearted example of Christ, who perfectly embodied the role of the divine Shepherd.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Titus 1:7

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

1 Timothy 3:8

¶ Likewise [must] the deacons [be] grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Acts 20:26

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] pure from the blood of all [men].

Acts 20:28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Titus 3:1

¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

1 Timothy 3:3

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

1 Corinthians 9:7

Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?