5:1 The elders. The elders of the churches addressed by Peter are urged to “feed the flock” (that is, to “pastor”), while also “taking the oversight” (that is, to “bishop”) the churches they were serving. This admonition indirectly confirms the implication that the offices of elder, pastor and bishop really are synonymous in effect, all being centered in the same man or men. “Elder” implies maturity in the faith, “pastor” implies teaching the Word,” and “bishop” implies oversight administratively.

5:2 filthy lucre. “Filthy lucre” is one word in the Greek. Lucre, from a Latin word meaning “gain,” only becomes filthy when it corrupts the sincerity of Christian ministry.

5:4 chief Shepherd. See Isaiah 40:11. The Lord Jesus Christ is called the “good shepherd” in John 10:11, and “that great shepherd of the sheep” in Hebrews 13:20. Actually “pastor” is the same word as “shepherd” in the Greek.