John Calvin Commentary 1 Peter 2:25

"For ye were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." — 1 Peter 2:25 (ASV)

For ye were as sheep. Peter also borrowed this from Isaiah, except that the Prophet makes it a universal statement.

All we like sheep have gone astray (Isaiah 53:6).

But on the word sheep there is no particular stress; he indeed compares us to sheep, but the emphasis is on what the Prophet adds when he says that every one had turned to his own way. The meaning then is that we are all going astray from the way of salvation and proceeding in the way of ruin until Christ brings us back from this wandering.

And this appears still more evident from the clause that follows, but are now returned to the Shepherd, etc.; for all who are not ruled by Christ are wandering like lost sheep in the ways of error. Thus, then, is condemned the whole wisdom of the world that does not submit to the government of Christ.

But the two titles given here to Christ are remarkable: that he is the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. There is then no cause to fear, for he will faithfully watch over the safety of those who are in his fold and under his care. And it is his office to keep us safe both in body and soul; yet Peter mentions only souls, because this celestial Shepherd keeps us under his own spiritual protection to eternal life.