The Unique Role of Elders

Continuing my series on 1 Peter, let us examine The Unique Role of Elders from 1 Peter 4:12-5:14.

Identifying with Elders

Peter ends his second epistle with final exhortations to elders (5:1-4), to younger men (5:5), and to the church as a whole (5:5-11).?? He explains that elders (5:1) have a unique role in the function of the church. Writing in the plural (elders), Peter indicated that it was usual to have a plurality of godly leaders who oversaw and fed the flock.?? Elders were the spiritual leaders of the early churches (cf. Acts 14:23; 20:17; 1 Tim 5:17-19; Titus 1:5; James 5:14).?? By calling himself a fellow elder, Peter identifies with them in their responsibilities and with the charge that he gives them, for he is able to give relevant exhortation to the spiritual leaders as ???one of them.???Furthermore, by noting that he had been an eyewitness of Christ???s suffering, Peter was affirming his apostleship and authority in giving this motivational exhortation (cf. Luke 24:48; Acts 1:21-22).?? The fact that Christian leaders will one day receive from the hand of Christ a reward for their service should be stimulant to faithful duty.?? The basis of this anticipation was Peter???s experience in observing the Transfiguration of Christ (cf. Matt 17:1-8; 2 Pet 1:16).?? For at that momentous event, he did partake of the Lord???s glory.