Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Feed, х Poimanate (G4165)] - 'Tend as a shepherd,' by discipline and doctrine. Lead, feed, heed; by prayer, exhortation, government, example. The dignity is marked by "elder;" the duties, to tend or oversee, by "bishop." Peter has in mind Christ's injunction х Poimaine (G4165) ... boske (G1006)]: "Feed (tend) my sheep ... Feed (pasture) my lambs" (John 21:16-17). He invites the alders to share the same duty (cf. Acts 20:28). The flock is Christ's.
Which is among you. While having a concern for all, your special duty is to feed that portion which is among you.
Oversight - `bishopric;' duty of overseer.
Not by constraint. Necessity is laid upon them; but willingness prevents it being felt, both in undertaking and fulfilling the duty (Bengel). 'He is a true minister of the counsel of God who doeth and teacheth the things of the Lord; not accounted righteous because he is a presbyter, but, because righteous, chosen into the presbytery' (Clemens Alexandrinus).
Willingly. 'Aleph (') A, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic, add х Kata (G2596) Theon (G2316)], 'as God would have it done' (Romans 8:27).
Not for filthy lucre - (Isaiah 56:11; Titus 1:7.)
Of a ready mind - promptly, heartily, without selfish gain-seeking, as the Israelites gave their services willing-heartedly to the sanctuary (Exodus 35:5; Exodus 35:21-22; Exodus 35:29).