Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) among the readings “church of God,” “church of the Lord,” and “church of the Lord and God,” the latter being a characteristic combination of the two earlier readings. Paul often refers to Jesus Christ as God (Rom. 9:5; Titus 2:13; cf. Col. 1:15-20; 2:9; Phil. 2:5-11). On this textual problem see also Problems in Bible Translation, pp. 205-208.

 Gr. poimainō, “to tend a flock,” “to be a shepherd.” It is the duty of the shepherd to care for his flock and bring it to good pastures. So the pastor in the church is to feed his flock from the pastures of God’s Word. This was what Peter was thrice admonished by his Lord to do (John 21:15-17), a commission that Peter passed on later to his own converts (1 Peter 5:2). The pastoral duty is fivefold:

 (1) To preach to the flock the Word of God, to bring them to an understanding of the gospel (1 Cor. 2:4-7; Eph. 3:8-11) and to an experience in the power of truth (John 3:11; 2 Cor. 4:13), rightly presenting to them the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15), thus prudently to enhance their spiritual condition.

 (2) To pray for the flock (John 17:9-17; Rom. 1:9; Eph. 1:16; 1 Thess. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:3).

 (3) To administer the ordinances of the Lord’s house in their deep spiritual meaning: baptism (Rom. 6:3-6), foot washing (John 13:3-17), the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-30; 1 Cor. 11:23-30).

 (4) To preserve the truth of the gospel in the church (Jude 3; 1 Tim. 1:3, 4; 4:6, 7, 16; 6:20; 2 Tim. 1:14; 2:25; 3:14-17).

 (5) To seek the conversion of souls, adding them to the flock (Acts 2:47; 11:24; cf. Luke 14:23).

 Gr. episkopoi, literally, “overseers,” but the term used technically for “bishops.” Comparison with v. 17 shows that in Paul’s day the “elders” (presbuteroi) and “bishops” (episkopoi) were the same (see on Acts 11:30; cf. Acts 1:20; Titus 1:5-7).

These officers, known as elders, functioned as “overseers” in the church.

 The third person of the Godhead. The elders of Ephesus were men appointed, doubtless, under the eye of the apostle Paul (see on ch. 14:23). But the apostle considered them selected by the Holy Spirit through the elective, or appointive, process, and Spirit filled (cf. ch. 6:3). Here again is revealed the strong belief in the apostolic age that the Spirit of God was in, and functioning through, the church (see chs. 2:2-4; 4:31; 5:3, 4; 6:3, 5; 8:39; 10:45; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6, 7).

 The church is the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 4:12), the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16, 17), and the bride of her Lord (Eph. 5:23-32). But it is also, and very intimately, the flock of God (John 10:11-16; cf. 1 Peter 5:4; Heb. 13:20). As such, it is to be led, not driven (John 10:26-30), to be fed, not exploited (Ps. 23; John 10:7-14; 1 Peter 5:2).

 Pastor is a Latin word coming from the verb pascō, “I feed.” The appealing picture of the Good Shepherd, so clearly presented in Scripture, is an example to the gospel minister. The “all” means the whole flock and every part of it, for there must be no respect of persons (James 2:1-9).

 In view of Paul’s departure and of what he is about to tell them, the elders are to watch with care, first of all in regard to themselves (see v. 30), and then to the flock. Peculiar dangers and temptations beset religious leaders, in personal conduct, in respect to religious stability and constancy in doctrine, and even to dangers from without (cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-28), which will increase as time moves to its end.

 Christ purchased the redeemed, who constitute the church, with His own blood (1 Peter 1:18, 19). He who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). He has taken us who were dead in trespasses and sins, and has raised us into heavenly places (Eph. 2:1-6). We have been “bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; cf. 2 Peter 2:1).

 The Greek phrase is ambiguous and may also be translated “with the blood of his own [Son].” This translation would suit the reading “church of God” earlier in the verse, whereas the other translation either ascribes deity to Christ (a concept that other references make plain) or suits the reading “church of the Lord.” “The blood is the life” (Deut. 12:23). When the blood was shed, life ceased. The sacrificial animal died, its blood flowing upon the ground, prefiguring the death of Christ for sinners. So Christ’s death on Calvary’s cross, when blood with water issued from His heart, broken by separation from His Father (Matt. 27:46; John 19:34, 35), is spoken of as saving blood (1 Cor. 1:17, 18), purchasing blood (Acts 20:28), and cleansing blood (1 John 1:7). Since the death of Christ was the atoning sacrifice that made salvation possible, the church should be supervised by its pastors with particular devotion and care. As Christ loved the church and sacrificed Himself for it, so must the minister in the church love it and sacrifice himself in service for it.