1 Peter 5:3,4 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Neither as being lords, or lording it, over God's heritage Behaving in a haughty, domineering manner, as though you had dominion over their consciences. From this prohibition it would seem that, in the apostle's days, the bishops or elders were beginning to assume that dominion over their flocks, which in after times they carried to the greatest height of tyranny. Or St. Peter, by inspiration, foreseeing what would happen, condemned in this prohibition the tyranny which in after times the clergy exercised. But being ensamples to the flock Setting them an example worthy of their imitation; and therefore, being of a meek and lowly, kind and condescending mind, and be having toward them with such gentle, tender solicitude for their salvation, and such an entire freedom from the very appearance either of avarice or ambition, that you may gain their confidence, and win their affections. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear To judge the world; ye Who have discharged your duty to your flocks faithfully; shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away A crown which shall bloom in immortal beauty and vigour, when all the transitory glories of this world are withered, like a fading flower. In the original expression, αμαραντινον, amaranthine, there is an allusion to the crowns of green leaves and herbs bestowed by the ancients as the rewards of military prowess, or of victory in the games. These, together with the honours of which they were the symbols, soon faded away; but the crown of glory, the reward to be given to faithful shepherds, will never fade, being a crown of righteousness, 2 Timothy 4:8, and a crown of life, James 1:12. The word rendered heritage in the singular number, properly signifies a lot. But because the land of Canaan was divided among the Israelites by lot, the word came to signify, a heritage. Wherefore, believers being God's people, or portion, the different churches or congregations are called here God's heritages. In process of time, the name κληρος, clergy, was appropriated to the ministers of the gospel, because, being considered as the successors of the Levitical priests, they were regarded as God's lot or portion.