1 Peter 5 - What Does a Good Pastor Look Like?

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To the Elders and the Flock

5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

The word "elder" is the same word for "overseer" or "bishop". You could also make the comparison to a pastor today. It was a position of spiritual authority and oversight. The argument for word being synonymous with a pastor is solidfied when Peter says they are "shepherds over God's flock".  Shepherd and pastor come from the same Greek word. One of the chief qualities of a "good shepherd" was someone who watched over the congregation willingly not under obligation. 

The day a pastor is working out of obligation, or has lost his passion, is the day he should probably find a new profession, or take a Sabbtical. Good shepherds are also not greedy for money but have a servant's heart. They can't be controlling (lording it over others), but are an example of the godly life in Christ Jesus. They are not perfect for sure, I can attest to that.  

Shepherds follow the model of and get the strength they need from the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. There is a great book by Ken Blanchard called "Lead Like Jesus!" It is an excellent read. Peter says that faithful shepherd will receive the crown of glory which never fades away. The "crown of glory" is one of five crowns mentioned in the New Testament. 

The Crown of Glory – (1 Peter 5:4) “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Though Peter is addressing the elders, we must also remember that the crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing. This word “glory” is an interesting word referring to the very nature of God and His actions. It entails His great splendor and brightness. Recall Stephen who, while being stoned to death, was able to look into the heavens and see the glory of God (Acts 7:55-56). This word also means that the praise and honor we bestow to God alone is due Him because of who He is (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11; Galatians 1:5). It also recognizes that believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the kingdom, into the very likeness of Christ Himself. For as Paul so eloquently put it, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 NKJV). - Got Questions.org

5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

As he has described the role of the pastor/elder, he now exhorts the members of the church to submit to the leadership of their elders/shepherds. Submitting to the spiritual leader of your church is always a sign of humility. The "calling card" of any Christian is someone who looks to serve, not to be served. Serving each other and building each other should be the DNA of any church. As we humble ourselves in every and any situation, God will lift us up, especially in times of suffering. 

Peter realizes that the trials they are facing will create anxiety. We all experience anxiety on a regular basis, some more than others. But Peter tells us to "Cast all of our anxiety on the Lord", because he cares for us. As God's servants, we pray for each other to receive the peace that passes all understanding. Philippians 4:6

But the reality is we face an enemy, who is like a lion seeking to devour us. The devil knows his time is limited, and his rebellion against God at the beginning of time will cause him one day to be thrown into a lake of fire. So his mission is to try and take God's servants away from him. As we acknowledge our enemy, become aware of his schemes, and stand firm in the faith we can resist him. When we go into spiritual battle, we are never alone. Our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and believers fron all over the world join us in this battle. This is why when we learn of the suffering and persecution of believers around the world, we need to pray for them. 

 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Though God allows us to suffer, as we stand firm, he restores us and makes us stonger than ever. Notice it is God who restores us, makes us strong, firm, and steadfast. It is only by His power we get through our trials. 

Final Greetings

12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

It seems as though Silas helped Peter write this letter. This last part may have been the only part Peter wrote with his own hand. Silas is probabaly the same Silas Paul referred to in his letter. 

What does, "She who is in Babylon" mean? 

 She probably refers to the church, which in the ancient Greek is in the feminine. Peter apparently wrote from Babylon. This may be the literal city of Babylon (which still existed in Peter’s day), or it may be a symbolic way of referring to either Rome or Jerusalem. These were two cities that in Peter’s day were famous for their wickedness and spiritual rebellion, just like ancient Babylon was. In any regard, this was one church greeting another.

The "Mark" Peter refers to is probably John Mark, who also journeyed with Paul on his missionary journeys. See  Acts 12:12, 12:25, and 15:37-39

Many believe Mark's gospel is written by John Mark, who Peter is referring to. 

When the style and perspective of the Gospel of Mark are taken into account, many believe that Peter was Mark’s primary source of information for his gospel. - Guzik

Do you have a shepherd/pastor/elder whose authority, teaching and care you submit to? What anxiety do you need to cast on the Lord? When you feel like you are going through spiritual warfare, do you resist the devil and stand firm in your faith? 

Remember He who called you is faithful and never will let you be tempted beyond the strength and power He alone can give you!