but now you have returned
The Greek word for "returned" (ἐπεστράφητε, epestraphēte) implies a turning back or conversion. This signifies a pivotal transformation in the believer's life, moving from a state of lostness to one of being found. Theologically, this return is not merely a physical or emotional change but a spiritual reorientation towards God. It highlights the grace and mercy of God in accepting those who turn back to Him, reminiscent of the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.

to the Shepherd
The term "Shepherd" (ποιμένα, poimena) is rich with Old Testament connotations, where God is often depicted as the Shepherd of Israel (e.g., Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd"). In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11), who lays down His life for the sheep. This title underscores the protective, guiding, and sacrificial role of Christ in the believer's life. It assures Christians of His constant care and leadership.

and Overseer
The word "Overseer" (ἐπίσκοπον, episkopon) is translated from the Greek, which can also mean "guardian" or "bishop." This term conveys authority and responsibility, indicating that Christ not only guides but also watches over and protects the souls of believers. In the early church, overseers were leaders who ensured the spiritual well-being of the community. Here, it emphasizes Christ's ultimate authority and care over His followers, ensuring their spiritual growth and safety.

of your souls
The Greek word for "souls" (ψυχῶν, psychōn) refers to the entire being of a person, encompassing both the physical and spiritual aspects. This phrase highlights the depth of Christ's care, extending beyond mere physical needs to the eternal and spiritual well-being of believers. It reassures Christians that their innermost being is under the watchful care of Christ, who is both Shepherd and Overseer, providing comfort and security in their faith journey.

But are now returned.--The tense of the original verb points to the actual historical time at which it took place, rather than the position now occupied, "but now ye returned." The word "now" is used in the same way in 1Peter 2:10, where literally it is, "but now did obtain mercy." "Returned" does not in the Greek imply that they had at first been under the Shepherd's care and had left Him. The word is that which is often rendered "were converted," and only indicates that they turned round and moved in a contrary direction.

The shepherd and bishop of your souls.--Undoubtedly this means Christ. The first of the two titles is of course suggested by the simile of the sheep. The image is so natural and so frequent, that we can not say for certain that it proves St. Peter's acquaintance with the parable of the Good Shepherd in John 10. More probably, perhaps, he is thinking of Psalm 23:3, "He converted my soul" (LXX.), where "the Lord," as usual, may be taken to mean the Son of God rather than the Father; or else of Ezekiel 34:11; Ezekiel 34:16, where the words rendered "seek them out" in our version is represented in the LXX. by that from which the name of a "bishop" is derived. (Comp. Ezekiel 34:23; Ezekiel 37:24; also Isaiah 40:11, which last citation comes from a passage which has been in St. Peter's mind just before, 1Peter 1:24.) It is hardly necessary to add that to the Hebrew mind the thought of superintendence and ruling, not that of giving food, was uppermost when they spoke of shepherds, and that the pastors spoken of in the Old Testament are not the priests or givers of spiritual nutriment, but the kings and princes. Thus it will here be nearly synonymous with the second title of bishop. This name suggests in the first instance not so much overseeing as visiting--i.e., going carefully into the different cases brought under the officer's notice. (Comp. 1Peter 5:2; 1Peter 5:4, and Acts 20:28.) Both words were already familiar as ecclesiastical words already, and as such were especially appropriate to Christ, the Head of the Church; but as they had not yet become stereotyped in that sense, the writer adds, "of your souls," to show that it was not an outward sovereignty and protectorate which the Messiah had assumed over them. "Soul" is a word of which St. Peter is fond (1Peter 1:9; 1Peter 1:22; 1Peter 2:11; 1Peter 4:19; 2Peter 2:8), but which is, perhaps, never used by St. Paul in this sense. It is to be remarked how St. Peter works almost every section of the Epistle round, so as to end with some encouragement to the readers to cling to Jesus as the Messiah, and to their Christian state, from which they were in danger of receding into Judaism. He makes even the special exhortations lead up to that which is the main exhortation of the Letter. . . .

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