12. How are we to understand Paul’s statement at Acts 20:28?

¹² Paul’s great concern for those older men from Ephesus, as well as for “the flock” in their care, is indicated by his words: “Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son.” (Acts 20:28) Each one of those men surely felt the need to examine himself in view of the serious responsibility involved in shepherding “the flock.” Also, those overseers needed to apply Paul’s counsel to themselves as a body of older men. They had to cooperate and work together in caring for “the flock.” For best results, there had to be unity of thought and action on their part. This, in itself, would show that they had deep concern for “the flock.”

Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly; neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; neither as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd has been made manifest, you will receive the unfadable crown of glory.”​—1 Pet. 5:1-4.

Caring Lovingly for the “Flock of God”

5. (a) To be effective, what attitude should a Christian overseer have in order to fulfill his responsibility toward “the flock”? (b) Why can an overseer today view matters as Peter did?

⁵ As an eyewitness of the sufferings of the Christ, Peter was moved to emphasize the importance of showing concern for the “flock of God.” Just as the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, demonstrated such concern, so it should be with all those shepherding “the flock.” But a Christian overseer certainly could not do this if he felt that he was serving under compulsion. No appointed elder today should feel that he must serve due to being put under pressure. While there is much work involved in shouldering this privileged responsibility, the loving undershepherd will display a desire to help and to be of service. But he will manifest that spirit only if he has the same mental attitude as that possessed by Christ Jesus, who displayed humility and willingness to endure suffering. (Phil. 2:5-8; 1 Pet. 4:1) If an elder recognizes himself to be part of “the flock” under the care of the Great Shepherd, Jehovah God, being accountable to Him and to the Fine Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and not to some human, then he will serve eagerly, uncomplainingly. (1 Pet. 2:25) Even though they have not been eyewitnesses of Jesus’ sufferings as Peter was, overseers today are favored with the detailed Bible accounts of Christ’s life and ministry. So they can view matters as Peter did and thus have the same spirit as that of the apostle when it comes to shepherding “the flock.”

6. What should overseers keep in mind when dealing with “the flock”?

⁶ To be a proper example, a Christian undershepherd must not be interested in dishonest or selfish gain, or in the attaining of undue prominence.