Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Peter 5:1-4

"The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 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; neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away." — 1 Peter 5:1-4 (ASV)

The apostle Peter does not command, but exhorts. He does not claim power to rule over all pastors and churches.

It was the unique honor of Peter and a few others to be witnesses of Christ's sufferings, but it is the privilege of all true Christians to share in the glory that will be revealed.

These poor, dispersed, suffering Christians were the flock of God, redeemed to God by the great Shepherd, living in holy love and communion according to the will of God. They are also dignified with the title of God's heritage or clergy—His special possession, chosen for His own people, to enjoy His special favor and to do Him special service.

Christ is the chief Shepherd of the whole flock and heritage of God. And all faithful ministers will receive a crown of unfading glory, infinitely better and more honorable than all the authority, wealth, and pleasure of the world.