Shepherds of the Flock
1 Peter 5:2-4 tells the reader to remember that leading a flock should be done with God given oversight (direction) and not human compulsion. Also it tells the reader to not dominate the flock but to be an example to them in said leadership. No one wants a leader who is telling you what to do and not being a good example of that. If my leader says that we should serve and read the word, and they don't serve or read the word, then they aren't being a good leader nor are they being a good example to the flock. We need flock leaders to hold themselves accountable and also be held accountable.
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Leading and Loving Like Parents Should
I noticed a couple of things Paul said in this chapter that stuck out to me more than other verses. He compared the way that he was gentle and how he exhorted (encouraged) the church. In verse 7 Paul says "But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children." He is talking about his approach to correcting the church for missteps. He was gentle. He wasn't harsh and full of blame, he was gentle like a nursing mother would/should be. He also makes the comparison in verses 11-12 to being like a father and encouraging the church to "walk in a manner worthy of God." He is saying this is what a father would. He should his solidarity with the church by comparing his style to that of their parents. And since honoring your parents is in the law (Ten Commandments) then it would be in their best interest to respect Paul as such as the parent of the church, metaphorically speaking.
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Paul is Spared
In Acts 23:1-5, we see Paul get punched while being held down. The command to punch him came from the High Priest Ananias. Paul's response was an insult to whoever commanded the punch, but according to Exodus 22:28, Paul was wrong to insult a ruler of people.
Then in Acts 23:6-11, Paul knows that the Sadducees and the Pharisees were divided on their stance of Paul's innocence and guilt, he lets the crowds know that he is a Pharisee. Because he believed in the resurrection of Christ (the dead being a risen is believed possible by Pharisees and not Sadducees), then he aligns himself with the Pharisees saying that he is one of them. The disagreements became violent and in order to keep Paul from being harmed he was moved. The next night he was told by God “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome (Acts 23:11).”
There was a plot to kill Paul and the Jews made an oath to not eat or drink until Paul was dead. Paul's nephew (his sister's son) found out about this and told Paul who had his nephew taken by the centurion to tell the tribune of what was waiting for him. Paul was then sent to Felix the Governor. A letter was accompanied with Paul and those he was sent with explaining Paul's situation including his possible innocence (Acts 23:28-30). After the arrival, Felix decided not to charge Paul with anything until the accusers arrived and he could hear them out.
I learned from Paul's trials that when you are led by the Holy Spirit, keep going. I see Paul as an example of courage in the Spirit of God to keep pressing on even when it seems hopeless. I see God's hand guiding Paul the whole way. Have you ever taken the time to look back at life and see where God's hand was guiding you in accordance with the Bible?
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Receive the Kingdom like a Child
Children depend on their parents and guardians for many things. Children need food and shelter and clothing and most importantly love. Children need guidance too. How can a child come to know Jesus and who he was if the parents do not tell or lead the child?
The disciples were trying to stop the children from being brought to Jesus. But Jesus corrected their actions and said "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."
Jesus wants us to be humble when we seek the Kingdom. Children receive God's blessing without pretending they don't need it. We need God. We need His will ion our lives. Children are dependent on parents like we should be dependent on God for all we need.
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