1 Peter 5:1–6 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Elder, shepherd, overseer – these terms used by Peter here are referring to what would today be called a pastor. Peter sees himself in that role as well. Yes, he is an apostle, one sent out by Jesus, but he could also relate to being one who cared for other members of the body of Christ. We don’t know where Peter served as a “pastor” of a local congregation, but it is very possible, even likely, that he did so.

 The reason I have this opinion comes from what I know about Peter in the Gospel accounts. You know he made the bold promise that he would defend Jesus to the death, only to deny Jesus three times after He was arrested (John 18:15-27). He regretted doing so, and that was not then end of the story. After the resurrection, Jesus spoke to Peter privately and asked three times, “Peter, do you love me?” Each time he affirmed that he did, Jesus told him “Feed my lambs…take care of my sheep…feed my sheep” (John 21:15-19). It seems logical that Peter would have taken that command literally and personally.

Peter also tells us to “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another …  Humble yourselves…” I would imagine He was remembering the way Jesus modeled that behavior at the Last Supper when He wrapped a towel around His waist and washed the feet of His disciples. Peter was the one who objected to this, but Jesus said if he would not allow Him to wash his feet, Peter would have no part of the kingdom. Hearing that, Peter then wanted an entire bath from his Lord! This humble act of service by Jesus gives us a pattern of how we are to serve others.

All of this is in the context of God giving us grace and lifting us up. That is what He has done for us in Christ. He has rescued us from sin and death. He gave His life so we could live. We should want to respond to that with lives of humble service to others for His sake.