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The Apostle Peter in his letter gives needed exhortaons to the Elders of the Asia Minor Churches. He refers to them as equals, being a fellow Elder himself and not talking down to them as one of higher authority. He sets himself to be an example they can follow. Possibly as he make his encouragement to the Elders, he could be remembering the talk he had with the resurrected Jesus who told Peter to “feed my lambs” and “take care of my sheep” (John 21:15-17). In the same manner Peter conveys this honourable and glorious duty to the Elders, looking to Jesus as the Good Shepherd who loves His sheep and lays down His life for them (John 10:11). During this conversaon with Jesus, Peter’s love and affection to Jesus was in doubt. His love for Jesus was so low that the accompanying work before him to be a shepherd was merely out of duty rather than out of love.

Jesus was gentle in bringing Peter to respond with some level of love but it was not the “agape” love that Jesus expected. Jesus did not force this “agape” love. At the right me such an “agape” love will grow and form in Peter. Now, an older and matured Peter who has witnessed Jesus’ sufferings and resurrecon and sancfied by the Holy Spirit has a renewed mind and heart needed for pasturing God’s flock. The perspective of this task is that it is God’s flock; it is God’s will and it has to be done God’s way.

Jesus’ command to Elders is to “feed my lambs” and this is through preaching/teaching the Word of God and through Chrisan disciplines as taught by the Bible. The lambs need spiritual food to grow and be able to discern right from wrong, good from evil and stay steadfast and firm in sound teachings, not easily seduced by false teachings. To “take care of my sheep”, the Elders have to guard with personal care and vigilance the lives of the flock which is God’s heritage. It is by being living examples that the Elders exhibit holiness and self-denial, not doing it for monetary gain and through a willing heart take pleasure in this service faithfully and cheerfully. The Elders serve with much love, meekness and tenderness and consequently the flock (Church members) will have confidence in them and accord respect and gratude to the Elders. The eternal reward is the promise of the crown of glory.