Verse 2
2. Feed the flock Rather, Tend the flock. The flock is the Church, and belongs to God; the work of the elders is to tend it as shepherds, guiding, teaching, watching, feeding. It can hardly be that there was not present in St. Peter’s mind the memorable scene on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, (John 21:15-17,) in which Jesus used to him nearly the same words: “Tend my sheep.” All that it meant as addressed to him, it means here as addressed to the elders.
Taking… thereof Overseeing, superintending, doing the work of bishops. The time had not then come when, as in a more complete organization of the Church, the designation of Bishop was specially given to the president of the presbyters. How this oversight should be exercised, is specified in three particulars, negatively and positively: (1) As to the spirit, not by constraint, as if under compulsion or necessity, and against the will, as might naturally be the case in view of the weightier burdens or the greater exposure to the malice of persecutors; but willingly, freely, and with the fulness of consecrated souls. (2) The motive.
Not for filthy lucre Base gain. It is, indeed, the Lord’s ordinance that “they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel,” (1 Corinthians 9:14,) but base is the minister who makes the money gained his motive.
Ready mind With alacrity and zeal, from love of the Church and of souls.
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