Study of Peter 1& 2: Chapter 5 Verses 1-5...

5 Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as domineering over [c]those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 1:1-5

Verse 1

Elders of the church refer to the office of the church according to this verse.

Peter was an elder is who he is talking about as a fellow elder.

The suffering of Christ refers to the testimony of the suffering not just that they saw what was going on or an eye-witness.

Glory revealed is talking about Christ's last coming meaning Jesus comes again.

30 And they did this, sending it [a]with Barnabas and Saul to the elders. Acts 11:30

Verse 2

Shepherd the flock refers to the congregation of the church.

Then it goes on to talk about taking care of the congregation.

Then it goes to say that it's not because you have to do this but because you want to do this.

They needed to this this according to God's will.

one version not for money another says not for mere pay 

But then one verse says out of a desire to serve and another says ready mind.

They needed to be ready to serve not out of duty but voluntary.

16 He said to him again, a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”

Verse 3

The elders were not to rule over the people but to be examples to the people in their church.

3 You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep [a]without feeding the flock. Ezekiel 34:3

Verse 4

Chief Shepherd appears refers to Jesus Christ.

You shall receive a Crown of Glory, a crown that will not fade away.

25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. 1 peter 2:25

Verse 5

Young men are to be subject, or some say submit, to obey the elders of their Church.

Clothing yourselves means putting on humbleness.

 Then once we are clothed with humbleness we are to do this towards one another.

God does not like the proud/pride.

God loves the humble.

26 But it is not this way for you; rather, the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. Luke 22:26