not lording it over those entrusted to youThis phrase emphasizes the leadership style that Peter advocates for church leaders. The term "lording it over" suggests a domineering or authoritarian approach, which contrasts with the servant leadership model exemplified by Jesus Christ (
Matthew 20:25-28). In the Greco-Roman world, hierarchical structures were common, and leaders often exercised power in a top-down manner. However, Peter calls for a different approach, one that reflects humility and service. The phrase "those entrusted to you" indicates a stewardship responsibility. Leaders are caretakers of God's people, a theme echoed in passages like
Hebrews 13:17, where leaders are accountable to God for their oversight. This stewardship is a sacred trust, aligning with the biblical principle that all authority is ultimately derived from God (
Romans 13:1).
but being examples to the flock
Peter contrasts authoritarian leadership with the call to be "examples to the flock." This reflects the biblical principle of leading by example, as seen in Paul's exhortation to Timothy in1 Timothy 4:12. The imagery of a "flock" is consistent with the pastoral metaphor used throughout Scripture, where God's people are often depicted as sheep (Psalm 23,John 10:11-16). Shepherds in biblical times were responsible for guiding, protecting, and nurturing their sheep, a role that required patience and dedication. By being examples, leaders demonstrate the character and conduct expected of all believers, embodying the teachings of Christ. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of imitation, where believers are encouraged to imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1) and other godly leaders (Hebrews 13:7). The emphasis on example underscores the transformative power of lived faith, where actions speak louder than words, and integrity in leadership fosters trust and unity within the community.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PeterThe apostle Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct the early Christian communities.
2.
EldersThe primary audience of this passage, elders are leaders within the early church responsible for shepherding the believers.
3.
The FlockThis term refers to the congregation or the body of believers who are under the care of the elders.
4.
Early Christian CommunitiesThe recipients of Peter's letter, these communities were spread across Asia Minor and faced various challenges, including persecution.
5.
Asia MinorThe region where the early Christian communities were located, which is modern-day Turkey.
Teaching Points
Servant LeadershipElders are called to lead by serving, not by exerting authority or control. This reflects the heart of Christ's teaching on leadership.
Modeling Christ-like BehaviorLeaders should live in a way that others can imitate, demonstrating the character and love of Christ in their actions.
Responsibility of StewardshipThose entrusted with leadership have a sacred responsibility to care for and nurture the spiritual well-being of their congregation.
Humility in LeadershipTrue leadership in the church is marked by humility and a willingness to put others' needs above one's own.
Accountability to GodElders must remember that they are ultimately accountable to God for how they lead and care for His people.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Peter 5:3?
2.How can leaders avoid "lording over" those in their care today?
3.What does being "examples to the flock" look like in modern leadership?
4.How does 1 Peter 5:3 connect with Jesus' teachings on servant leadership?
5.Why is humility important for leaders according to 1 Peter 5:3?
6.How can you apply the principle of being an example in your community?
7.How does 1 Peter 5:3 define true leadership within the church?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of 1 Peter 5:3?
9.How does 1 Peter 5:3 challenge modern church leadership practices?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Peter 5?
11.What is heavy shepherding?
12.What did Jesus mean by 'Feed My Sheep'?
13.What are an elder's duties in the church?
14.What guidance does the Bible offer on raising children?What Does 1 Peter 5:3 Mean
Not lording it overPeter calls elders to refuse any hint of domineering leadership. Jesus had already warned, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… It shall not be so among you” (Matthew 20:25-26).
• Domineering shows up when leaders demand blind obedience, use fear, or make ministry revolve around themselves (Mark 10:42-45).
• Paul echoes the same heart: “Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy” (2 Corinthians 1:24).
• True authority in the church flows from humble service, never from intimidation (Luke 22:25-27).
those entrusted to youThe people a leader serves are not personal property; they are a trust from God. “Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” (Acts 20:28).
• God assigns particular believers to particular shepherds; stewardship replaces ownership (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
• Leaders will give an account to the Chief Shepherd for how they cared for His sheep (Hebrews 13:17).
• Awareness of this trust produces gentleness rather than control (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8).
but being examplesInfluence in God’s household is primarily by demonstration. “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
• Jesus set the pattern: “I have given you an example so that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15).
• Paul invited imitation: “Be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
• Living the message gives it credibility; words alone cannot (Philippians 3:17).
to the flockThe church is pictured as a flock needing protection, nurture, and guidance. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
• Shepherd imagery emphasizes care, not command (Psalm 23:1-3).
• God condemns shepherds who “rule them with force and brutality” (Ezekiel 34:4).
• Healthy leaders feed the flock on the Word (John 21:15-17) and guard against wolves (Acts 20:29-31).
summary1 Peter 5:3 calls church leaders to reject domineering attitudes, remember they are stewards of God’s people, lead primarily by personal example, and treat believers as a cherished flock. Such shepherding mirrors Christ’s own humble, sacrificial care and invites the church into joyful, willing followership.
(3)
Neither as being lords.--Rather,
nor yet as lording it. The English version is somewhat too strict for the Greek and for the sense. There is a sense in which the heads of the Church are, and ought to be, lords and princes over the rest; but this is very different from "lording it," acting tyrannically, forgetting the constitutional rights of their subjects.
Over God's heritage.--Quite literally,Over the lots. The word first of all means (as inMatthew 27:35 orActs 1:26) the actual scrap of paper or wood that was tossed. Then it comes to mean (like the word "lot" in the language of auctions) the piece of property that falls by lot to any one's share. Then all notion ofchance disappears, and it comes to mean the portion assigned to any one. So St. Peter says that Simon Magus has "no share nor lot in this thing" (Acts 8:21). InActs 26:18,Colossians 1:12, the same word is rendered "inheritance." InActs 17:4, our version endeavours, not very successfully, through the Latin word "consorted," to keep up the underlying notion of the Greek, which literally is "wereallotted to Paul and Silas." Here, therefore, we must understand "the lots," over which the clergy are not to lord it, to be the different congregations, districts, parishes, dioceses, which had been allotted to them. At the same time it does not at all imply that any process like drawing of lots had been resorted to in their appointment, as is seen fromActs 17:4, just cited. It will be seen that our version is misleading in substituting singular for plural, and in inserting the word "God's." The whole flock is God's (1Peter 5:2), purchased with His own blood; but the "allotments" are the portions assigned by Him to the different clergy. It is some consolation to see, when we groan under the lives and characters of some church officers now, that even in the Apostles' days cowardice, greed, and self-assertion were not unknown. . . .
Verse 3. -
Neither as being lords over God's heritage; rather, as in the Revised Version,
neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you. The
κατά ιν τηε verb
κατακυριέω is not only intensive, it implies something of scorn and tyranny or even of hostility, as also in
καταδυναστεύω (
James 2:6); comp.
Matthew 20:25. The literal rendering of the clause is, "lording it over the lots." The Authorized Version, following Beza, supplies
τοῦ Θεοῦ, "God's heritage." But if this were the apostle's meaning, he would surely have used the singular,
κλῆρος, "the lot or portion of God;" and it is very unlikely that he would have left the most important word to be supplied. Some commentators take
κλῆροι in its modern sense, of the clergy, as if St. Peter was commanding the bishops not to tyrannize over the inferior clergy. But this view involves an anachronism; the word had not acquired this meaning in St. Peter's time. It is clearly best to understand it of the lots or portions assigned to individual presbyters. The word
κλῆρος originally meant a "lot" (
Matthew 27:35;
Acts 1:26), then portions assigned by casting lots, as the possessions of the tribes of Israel (
Joshua 18 and 19), then any portion or inheritance however obtained; thus in
Deuteronomy 10:9 the Lord is said to be the Inheritance
κλῆρος of the Levites. In later times the word was applied to the clergy, who were regarded as, in a special sense, the Lord's portion or inheritance, perhaps because God was pleased to take the tribe of Levi instead of the firstborn, saying, the Levites shall be mine (
Numbers 3:12).
But being ensamples to the flock; literally,
becoming examples. They must imitate the great Example, the Lord Jesus, and, by gradual imitation of his blessed character, become examples themselves. Thus they will acquire a more salutary influence and a truer authority. "The life should command, and the tongue persuade" (Athanasius, quoted by Fronmuller).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
notμηδ’(mēd’)Conjunction
Strong's 3366:And not, not even, neither…nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.lording it overκατακυριεύοντες(katakyrieuontes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2634:To exercise authority over, overpower, master. From kata and kurieuo; to lord against, i.e. Control, subjugate.those entrusted to you,κλήρων(klērōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2819:(a) a lot, (b) a portion assigned; hence: a portion of the people of God assigned to one's care, a congregation.butἀλλὰ(alla)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.beingγινόμενοι(ginomenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.examplesτύποι(typoi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5179:From tupto; a die, i.e. a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. A statue, style or resemblance; specially, a sampler, i.e. A model or instance.to theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.flock.ποιμνίου(poimniou)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4168:A little flock. Neuter of a presumed derivative of poimne; a flock, i.e. group.
Links
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NT Letters: 1 Peter 5:3 Neither as lording it over those entrusted (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) 
