Biblical Eldership Church Leadership

Peter’s Instruction to the Asian Elders

THE FUTURE REWARD FOR CHRIST’S UNDERSHEPHERDS

Peter concludes his appeal to the Asian elders by reminding them of that triumphant, glorious day “when the Chief Shepherd appears” and when they “will receive the unfading crown of glory.” Victory day is ahead! Reward day is coming! On that day all the labors, sacrifices, and hardships of pastoral life will be fully recognized and lavishly rewarded. Peter appropriately calls Jesus Christ the “Chief Shepherd.” Ac cording to the New Testament there is only “one flock with one shep her ” (John 10:16) and Jesus Christ is that one, incomparable, irre placeable Shepherd. In chapter 2, Peter states, “For you were continu ally straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls” (1 Peter 2225). Indeed, Jesus Christ is “the great Shepherd” (Heb. 13220) and “the good shepherd” (John 1021 1,14). As the good Shepherd, He loves the sheep. He laid down His life for the sheep. He calls the sheep by name. Someday He will return in all His glory to take His flock to be with Him forever: He “shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them to springs of the water of life” (Rev. 7217). At that time, the “Chief Shepherd” will fully re ward His undershepherds. The imagery of the “Chief Shepherd” or “Arch Shepherd” (archipoimenos) emphasizes Christ’s relationship to all other shep herds. Because He is “Chief,” all other shepherds are His undershepherds. As undershepherds, all elders are under the authority and rule of the Chief Shepherd. Thus, the elders’ shepherding work must be done in complete agreement with His ways and teaching. Like their loving Chief Shepherd, shepherding elders must shepherd the flock eagerly and willingly, as models of godly disposition. Shepherd ing elders are not free to speak or lead the people in any way they wish, for they must answer to the Chief Shepherd. Everything the el ders do will be judged on the basis of faithfulness to Him. In the words of commentator and professor I. Howards Marshall, “Christian lead ership is thus a sharing in the leadership of Christ under His direc tion.”16 What could be more encouraging to faithful shepherds who face many heartaches, problems, trials, and persecutions than to look for ward to Christ’s return as the “Chief Shepherd” and to share in His

249