1 Peter 5 (WEB)

Bishop

Word Study· Steve Stanley
ἐπίσκοπος epískopos ·Strong's G1985

This word is only used five times in the NT. It is a compound noun formed from ἐπί (epi), “on, over,” and σκοπός (skopos), “goal, mark.” The cognate verb σκοπέω (skopeo) means to “pay careful attention, notice.” “Overseer” is a good literal translation of ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos). It can be used to mean “guardian” or “overseer, supervisor.” It is sometimes translated “bishop.” In this context of church leadership, it is used as a technical term and refers to oversight and supervision, all with a view to properly accomplishing the goal set before the church. This word may not be precisely synonymous with the word “elder” in the NT, but there is at least a great deal of overlap in the use of the two words (1 Tim 5:9; 1 Pet 5:1; 2 John 1; 3 John 1). Elders (overseers) and deacons have very similar qualifications for office, except elders are to be apt to teach and need to be able to defend against theological error. Deacons are not required to have the depth of theological understanding required of elders (1 Tim 3:9; Titus 1:9-13). As such, the main distinction between the two offices is gifting: elders must have speaking gifts, deacons serving gifts (1 Pet 4:10, 11). –SS

1 Peter 5 (WEB)

1Therefore I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed: 2shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily; not for dishonest gain, but willingly; 3not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock. 4When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.

5Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, 7casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.

8Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. 10But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

12Through Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. 13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you. So does Mark, my son. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace be to all of you who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Bishop