1 Peter 2:25
For "you were like sheep going astray," but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
For you were like sheep going astray
This phrase draws from the imagery of sheep, which is a common biblical metaphor for God's people. In the Greek, "going astray" (πλανώμενοι, planōmenoi) suggests a wandering or being led away from the right path. Historically, sheep are known for their tendency to wander and become lost without a shepherd's guidance. This reflects the human condition of sin and separation from God, as seen in Isaiah 53:6, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray." The use of this metaphor emphasizes the vulnerability and need for divine guidance in the believer's life.

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.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The author of the epistle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his leadership in the early church and his close relationship with Jesus.

2. Sheep
A metaphor for believers, highlighting their tendency to wander and their need for guidance and protection.

3. Shepherd
A title for Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role in guiding, protecting, and caring for His followers.

4. Overseer
Another title for Jesus, indicating His authority and responsibility over the spiritual well-being of believers.

5. The Early Church
The initial audience of Peter's letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile Christians facing persecution and needing encouragement.
Teaching Points
The Nature of Humanity
Like sheep, humans have a natural tendency to wander away from God. Recognizing this helps us understand our need for a Savior.

The Role of Jesus as Shepherd
Jesus is not only our Savior but also our Shepherd, guiding us through life's challenges and leading us to spiritual nourishment.

The Authority of Jesus as Overseer
As the Overseer, Jesus has authority over our lives, and we are called to submit to His leadership and trust in His care.

Returning to God
The call to return to the Shepherd is a call to repentance and renewed relationship with God, emphasizing His readiness to welcome us back.

Living Under Christ's Care
Understanding Jesus as our Shepherd and Overseer should impact how we live daily, relying on His guidance and protection.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the metaphor of sheep help us understand our relationship with God and our need for His guidance?

2. In what ways can we actively return to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls in our daily lives?

3. How does understanding Jesus as both Shepherd and Overseer influence our trust in His leadership and care?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are living under Christ's care and authority?

5. How do the additional scriptures (e.g., John 10, Psalm 23) deepen our understanding of Jesus' role as our Shepherd?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 53:6
This verse speaks of humanity's tendency to stray like sheep, which Peter echoes in his letter, emphasizing the need for divine guidance.

John 10:11-16
Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep, illustrating His sacrificial love and care.

Hebrews 13:20
Refers to Jesus as the "great Shepherd of the sheep," reinforcing His role in leading and nurturing believers.

Psalm 23
A well-known psalm that portrays the Lord as a shepherd, providing for and guiding His people.

Ezekiel 34:11-16
God promises to search for His sheep and care for them, a theme that resonates with Peter's depiction of Jesus as the Shepherd and Overseer.
The Shepherd and Bishop of SoulsA. Maclaren 1 Peter 2:25
The Strayed Sheep RecoveredJ.R. Thomson 1 Peter 2:25
Under the Shepherd's CareJ. Hudson Taylor1 Peter 2:25
Burden Bearers1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ an Example in His SufferingsG. Hill, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ is Our Example1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Our CopyJ. D. Thomas.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Our ExampleCanon Liddon.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Our ExampleAbp. Tillotson.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Our ExampleJ. Cumming, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Our IdealC. J. Ridgeway, M. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ Without SinA. Thomson, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ's Example is to be FollowedJ. Cumming, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Christ's Sufferings in GethsemaneW. Harness, M. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
Copying But a Fragment of the ChristJ. R. Miller, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Dead to Sin by Christ's DeathAbp. Leighton.1 Peter 2:18-25
Dead to Sin: Living to RighteousnessW. L. Watkinson.1 Peter 2:18-25
Death for Sin, and Death to SinC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 2:18-25
Endurance of WrongCanon Liddon.1 Peter 2:18-25
Equanimity Under ReproachBengel's Life1 Peter 2:18-25
God has Ordained His People to Undergo Troubles in This WorldJohn Rogers.1 Peter 2:18-25
Gratitude for Wrongful SufferingD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Healed by Christ's StripesF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
Men as SheepC. Stanford, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Of PatienceIsaac Barrow, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
On the Diseases and Health of the SoulRobert Foote.1 Peter 2:18-25
On the Example of ChristC. R. Maturin.1 Peter 2:18-25
On the Example of ChristJohn Main, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
PatienceE. B. Pusey, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
Patience in TribulationJ. J. S. Bird.1 Peter 2:18-25
Patience Under OppressionCrown Liddon.1 Peter 2:18-25
Salvation, What it CostT. De Witt Talmage.1 Peter 2:18-25
Servants Urged to Patient Endurance of Undeserved SufferingC. New 1 Peter 2:18-25
Servitude and SubjectionJ.R. Thomson 1 Peter 2:18-25
Sinless and GuilelessR. A. Griffin.1 Peter 2:18-25
Subjection of Servants to Their MastersR. Finlayson 1 Peter 2:18-25
Submission EnjoinedThornley Smith.1 Peter 2:18-25
Suffering WrongfullyKing's Highway.1 Peter 2:18-25
Thanks from GodF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Blessings of InjusticeCanon Diggle.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Character of ChristT. C. Edwards.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Christian as a ServantU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 2:18-25
The Christian IdealJ. G. Rogers, B. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Conduct of ServantsJ. J. S. Bird.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Duty of Patience Under InjuriesR. South, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Duty of ServantsAbp. Leighton.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Example of ChristW. E. Channing.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Former and Present State of Believers ContrastedR. Walker.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Great ShepherdU. R. Thomas.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Guardian of SoulsHomilist1 Peter 2:18-25
The Imitation of ChristE. H. Hopkins.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Necessity of a Perfect ModelH. Melvill, B. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
The New LifeH. W. Beecher.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Perfect IdealHomilist1 Peter 2:18-25
The Return of the FlockHomilist1 Peter 2:18-25
The Shepherd and Bishop of SoulsW. A. Snively, D. D.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Sin BearerC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 2:18-25
The Stripes of JesusC. Moinet, M. A.1 Peter 2:18-25
Wandering SheepAbp. Leighton.1 Peter 2:18-25
People
Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus, Zion
Topics
Astray, Bishop, Continually, Guardian, Keeps, Lost, Overseer, Protector, Returned, Sheep, Shepherd, Souls, Straying, Watch
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 2:25

     2018   Christ, divinity
     2203   Christ, titles of
     2330   Christ, as shepherd
     4684   sheep
     6109   alienation
     6740   returning to God
     7748   overseers
     8126   guidance, need for
     8491   watchfulness, divine

1 Peter 2:20-25

     2060   Christ, patience of

1 Peter 2:21-25

     7160   servants of the Lord

Library
Under the Shepherd's Care.
A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 25. "Ye were as sheep going astray." This is evidently addressed to believers. We were like sheep, blindly, willfully following an unwise leader. Not only were we following ourselves, but we in our turn have led others astray. This is true of all of us: "All we like sheep have gone astray;" all equally foolish, "we have turned every one to his own way." Our first
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

The Jewish Rebellions
1 PETER ii. 11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. I think that you will understand the text, and indeed the whole of St. Peter's first Epistle, better, if I explain to you somewhat the state of the Eastern countries of the world in St. Peter's time. The Romans, a short time before St. Peter was born, had conquered all the nations round them, and brought them under law and regular government. St. Peter now tells those
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Christ the Exemplar
'For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.'--1 Peter ii. 21. These words are a very striking illustration of the way in which the Gospel brings Christ's principles to bear upon morals and duty. The Apostle is doing nothing more than exhorting a handful of slaves to the full and complete and patient acceptance of their hard lot, and in order to teach a very homely and lowly lesson to the squalid minds of a few captives,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Transcriber's Note:
List of corrections and amendments made: Ephesians: Page 36: added closing quote after "the event of our inheritance" (line 3) 102: "gentle words ot" to "to" 154: "it" added in "what it is to hear" 263: [Preached on Whitsunday] was a footnote. 286: (R.V.) to (R.V.). for consistency with other references. 286: "please to understand" to "do" 287: "we shoud be entitled" to "should" 391: added -- and changed Ephes. to Eph. for consistency with other headings 391: added colon after "Mark its
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Spiritual Sacrifices
'... Spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--1 Peter ii. 5. In this verse Peter piles up his metaphors in a fine profusion, perfectly careless of oratorical elegance or propriety. He gathers together three symbols, drawn from ancient sacrificial worship, and applies them all to Christian people. In the one breath they are 'temples,' in the next 'priests,' in the third 'sacrifices.' All the three are needed to body out the whole truth of the relationship of the perfect universal
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Mirrors of God
... That ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness ...'--1 Peter ii. 9. The Revised Version, instead of 'praises,' reads excellencies--and even that is but a feeble translation of the remarkable word here employed. For it is that usually rendered 'virtues'; and by the word, of course, when applied to God, we mean the radiant excellencies and glories of His character, of which our earthly qualities, designated by the same name, are but as shadows. It is, indeed,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone
'To Whom coming, as unto a living stone ... ye also, as living stones, are built up.'--1 Peter ii. 4, 5. I wonder whether Peter, when he wrote these words, was thinking about what Jesus Christ said to him long ago, up there at Caesarea Philippi. He had heard from Christ's lips, 'Thou art Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church.' He had understood very little of what it meant then. He is an old man now, years of experience and sorrow and work have taught him the meaning of the words, and he
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Christ Precious to Believers
This remark is uttered by way of introduction, it may seem egotistical, but that I cannot help. I must give glory to God in the midst of the great congregation, and pay my vows to the Lord now in the midst of all his saints, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. My text states a positive fact, namely, that Christ is precious to believers. This shall be the first part of our discourse; then in the second we will try to answer the question, why is Jesus Christ so precious to his believing people? And
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Coming to Christ
"To whom coming."--1 Peter 2:4. IN THESE three words you have, first of all, a blessed person mentioned, under the pronoun "whom"--"To whom coming." In the way of salvation we come alone to Jesus Christ. All comings to baptism, comings to confirmation, comings to sacrament are all null and void unless we come to Jesus Christ. That which saves the soul is not coming to a human priest, nor even attending the assemblies of God's saints; it is coming to Jesus Christ, the great exalted Saviour, once slain,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."--1 PETER ii. 5. There is a manifest reference in the fourth verse to the personage alluded to in Psalm cxviii. 22, 23: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." And this passage is applied by Christ to himself in Matthew xxi. 42: "Jesus saith unto them, Did
Knowles King—The Wesleyan Methodist Pulpit in Malvern

The Sin-Bearer.
A COMMUNION MEDITATION AT MENTONE. "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 24, 25. THE SIN-BEARER. THIS wonderful passage is a part of Peter's address to servants; and in his day nearly all servants were slaves. Peter begins at the eighteenth verse: "Servants, be subject
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

That the Grace of God Doth not Join Itself to those who Mind Earthly Things
"My Son, precious is My grace, it suffereth not itself to be joined with outward things, nor with earthly consolations. Therefore thou oughtest to cast away all things which hinder grace, if thou longest to receive the inpouring thereof. Seek a secret place for thyself, love to dwell alone with thyself, desire the conversation of no one; but rather pour out thy devout prayer to God, that thou mayest possess a contrite mind and a pure conscience. Count the whole world as nought; seek to be alone
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

"For Hereunto were Ye Called; Because Christ Also Suffered for You...
"For hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow in his steps." It was Friday morning and the Rev. Henry Maxwell was trying to finish his Sunday morning sermon. He had been interrupted several times and was growing nervous as the morning wore away, and the sermon grew very slowly toward a satisfactory finish. "Mary," he called to his wife, as he went upstairs after the last interruption, "if any one comes after this, I wish you would
Charles M. Sheldon—In His Steps

Defective Learning.
"He that believeth on Him shall not be confounded."--1 Peter ii. 6. St. Paul declares that faith is the gift of God (Ephes. ii. 8). His words, "And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God," refer to the word "faith." A new generation of youthful expositors confidently assert that these words refer to "by grace are ye saved." The majority of them are evidently ignorant of the history of the exegesis of the text. They only know that the pronoun "that" in the clause "and that not of yourselves"
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

From Gallienus to the End of the Last Persecution (Ad 261-313)
Valerian, who had treated the Christians so cruelly, came to a miserable end. He led his army into Persia, where he was defeated and taken prisoner. He was kept for some time in captivity; and we are told that he used to be led forth, loaded with chains, but with the purple robes of an emperor thrown over him, that the Persians might mock at his misfortunes. And when he had died from the effects of shame and grief, it is said that his skin was stuffed with straw, and was kept in a temple, as a remembrance
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus Christ;
SHEWING, TRUE GOSPEL-HOLINESS FLOWS FROM THENCE; OR, MR. FOWLER'S PRETENDED DESIGN OF CHRISTIANITY, PROVED TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN TO TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT THE BLOOD OF THE SON OF GOD; AND THE IDOLIZING OF MAN'S OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS AS ALSO, HOW WHILE HE PRETENDS TO BE A MINISTER OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, HE OVERTHROWETH THE WHOLESOME DOCTRINE CONTAINED IN THE 10TH, 11TH, AND 13TH, OF THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES OF THE SAME, AND THAT HE FALLETH IN WITH THE QUAKER AND ROMANIST, AGAINST THEM. BY JOHN BUNYAN
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
OR, NO WAY TO HEAVEN BUT BY JESUS CHRIST. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of those ten excellent manuscripts which were found among Bunyan's papers after his decease in 1688. It had been prepared by him for publication, but still wanted a few touches of his masterly hand, and a preface in his characteristic style. He had, while a prisoner for nonconformity, in 1672, published a treatise upon this subject, in reply to Mr. Fowler, who was soon after created Bishop of Gloucester; but that was
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

God's Peace Obtained in Answer to Prayer
GOD'S PEACE OBTAINED IN ANSWER TO PRAYER ". . . Let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -- Phil. 4:6, 7. When we make our requests known unto God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving we are assured of receiving His peace through Christ Jesus. When we enter into the sacred Presence of the Prince of Peace, we enter into the place of perfect peace. The house of prayer is the sanctuary
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

The First Wall.
Let us, in the first place, attack the first wall. It has been devised, that the Pope, bishops, priests and monks are called the Spiritual Estate; Princes, lords, artificers and peasants, are the Temporal Estate; which is a very fine, hypocritical device. But let no one be made afraid by it; and that for this reason: That all Christians are truly of the Spiritual Estate, and there is no difference among them, save of office alone. As St. Paul says (1 Cor. xii.), we are all one body, though each member
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Some Other Writers of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap L) Ancient engraving of man reading scroll] Let us now look at the rest of the books which make up the New Testament. In the days when Paul preached at Athens, the old capital of Greece, much of the ancient splendour and power of the Greek people had passed away, for the Romans had conquered their country, and they were no longer a free nation. Yet, although the Greeks had been forced to yield to Rome, their conquerors knew that the Grecian scholars and artists were far
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Of the Primacy of the Romish See.
1. Brief recapitulation. Why the subject of primacy not yet mentioned. Represented by Papists as the bond of ecclesiastical unity. Setting out with this axiom, they begin to debate about their hierarchy. 2. Question stated. An attempted proof from the office of High Priest among the Jews. Two answers. 3. Arguments for primacy from the New Testament. Two answers. 4. Another answer. The keys given to the other apostles as well as to Peter. Other two arguments answered by passages of Cyprian and Augustine.
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

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