1 Peter 5:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Elders should lead not by domineering but by being examples to the flock.
What Does 1 Peter 5:3 Mean?
Peter names the temptation of every leader: to lord it over those in their charge, to rule by domination. He forbids it plainly. The flock is God's heritage, not the elder's possession to command.
Instead of ruling from above, the elder leads from within, by being an example the flock can follow. Authority in Christ's church is exercised by going first, not by pressing down. Peter calls the shepherds to a leadership that wins by pattern rather than by power, drawing the sheep along a path the shepherd himself is walking. The greatest among them is to be the clearest example of the life he asks of others.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Peter 5:3
What does 1 Peter 5:3 mean?
Elders should lead not by domineering but by being examples to the flock.