the command "be shepherds" -- RSQUBF discussion forum

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Date Posted: 01:54:32 10/12/04 Tue
Author: Chris
Subject: the command "be shepherds"
In reply to: Brian Karcher 's message, "Re: We or them?" on 09:16:40 10/11/04 Mon

>>though the title "shepherd" is EXPLICITELY forbidden.

>Actually, the Bible does not forbid this, but rather, contains the command "Be shepherds" twice (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2)

As Mike has already clarified, the problem he was talking about was not the use of the title "shepherd," but the use of titles in principle which is (explicitely or implicitely as you like) forbidden in Mt 23, and also is implicitely forbidden by the overall rule that we should consider each other as brothers, which goal is undermind by the use of titles.

Concerning the two passages mentioned by Brian, be aware that in both cases the "be shepherds" is addressed solely to the elders of the church. The elders are urged to observe the role of a shepherd for the church members, the flock which belongs to Christ. Please reread the passages in context. They are not addressed to everybody. Also observe Eph 4:11, 1Cor 12:29, Jam 3:1 and other passages clearly say that not everybody member in the church should be considered a shepherd. However, in UBF, as soon as you started to become a believer (or even earlier), you are pushed to assume the role and take the title of a shepherd. Also, please note the difference between "be shepherds" and "let your title be 'shepherd'". Furthermore, note that the passages also explain what it means to be a "shepherd" and particularly what it NOT MEANS: "not lording it over those entrusted to you," (1 Peter 5:3).

Brian, whenever you quote verse 2 from 1Peter5, you should also quote verse 1 and 3, the whole context.

By the way, I also do not like "be shepherds" to be called a "command." If you read both passages, you will find that it is expressed as an appeal, an urgent plea to the elders. That's something different than a "command." You may think it's the same, but why always use a different word with a different connotation than the Bible uses?

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