Ecc514 - Orthodox Ukrainian jurisdictions

Lesson 1: Early Church Jurisdictions - 3

Roman Empire

The concept of shepherding comes from Christ, the Great Shepherd who challenged Peter to feed his sheep. Peter, often identified as the "first among all bishops", identified Jesus as the true Shepherd.

"For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." (1 Pt 2:25)

Jesus authorized Peter to take the role of Shepherd. However, note that the underlying assumption prior to genuine sheperding is the love of Jesus.

"So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord. You know that I love You . " He said to him, "Tend My lambs." (Jn 21:15)

Peter had heard Jesus talk about shepherds ever since they met. Jesus, reverberating the words of the prophets, had denounced the pharisees and scribes as blind guides. He contrasted this with the good shepherd and set the example in Himself.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them." (Jn 10:10-12)