Kay

CLC,
Good thoughts! This is something I posted over on Mike Seaver’s blog Part 6 of the debate – just throwing it out here for you to mull over and see what thoughts it may spark.

*Mike,
After reading the last few lines of your rejoinder, I’m feeling baffled also. How can we both read 1 Peter 5 and “see” it so differently? I don’t see the word “authority” in any of those verses. I see in verse 2 the word translated as “oversight” has the meanings of “to care for, to look after” but no mention of “authority” in the definition. I do see the shepherds being told “And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock” a) Don’t try to be lords to those you care for. b) Do be examples. It is a warning for elders in the faith to be responsible. What could be more plain?
Not one time is being in authority mentioned.
But “all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Not one time is being in authority mentioned here either. So, I am left to wonder – where are the verses setting up an “authority” structure? *