John Calvin Commentary 1 Peter 5:2

"Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to [the will of] God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;" — 1 Peter 5:2 (ASV)

Feed the flock of God. From this we learn what the word presbyter means, namely, that it includes the office of feeding. It is for a far different end that the Pope makes presbyters, namely, that they may daily slay Christ, as there is no mention made of feeding in their ordination. Therefore, let us remember to distinguish between the institution of Christ and the confusion of the Pope, for it is as different as light is from darkness. Let us also bear in mind the definition given of the word, for the flock of Christ cannot be fed except with pure doctrine, which alone is our spiritual food.

Therefore, pastors are not mute hypocrites, nor those who spread their own figments, which, like deadly poison, destroy the souls of men.

The words, as much as it is in you, mean the same as if he had said, “Apply all your strength to this very thing, and whatever power God has bestowed upon you.” The old interpreter has given this rendering, “Which is among you;” and this may be the sense of the words; however, the rendering of Erasmus, which I have followed, is more correct, though I do not reject nor disapprove of the other.

The flock of God, or, of the Lord, or, of Christ: it matters little which you choose, for the three readings are found in different copies.

Taking the oversight, or, discharging the office of a bishop. Erasmus renders the words, “Taking care of it,” (curam illius agentes; ) but as the Greek word is ἐπισκοποῦντες, I do not doubt that Peter meant to establish the office and title of the episcopate.

We can also learn from other parts of Scripture that these two names, bishop and presbyter, are synonymous.

He then shows how they were to rightly perform the pastoral office, although the word ἐπισκοπεῖν generally means to preside or to oversee.

What I have rendered “not constraintally” is, literally, “not necessarily”; for when we act according to what necessity prescribes, we proceed in our work slowly and coldly, as if by constraint.