“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your FELLOW ELDER and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarilly, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shephard appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (I Peter 5:1-4).
Peter describes himself here not the the Supreme Shepherd but as “Your Fellow Elder”. He explicity forbids anyone from “lording” authority over other Christians. He identifies the “Chief Shepherd” (I Peter 5:4) not as himself, but as the Lord Jesus Christ.
All I can say is “hmmmmm.....”
INDEED.
It appears the concept of first among equals, which continues to this day with the Bishop of Rome, is unknown to you. You should break with the practice of excerpting a few words and forcing a preclusion and read all of 1 Peter 5:1-3 in which Peter references his oversight duties confirming his willing position as first among equal:s
Serve God Willingly
1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,
2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;
3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be (examples to the flock.
You do know that we Catholics have full internet access and have already read most of the looney tunes anti-Catholic websites and their contrived arguments so having a full and proper rebuttal ready is a fiat accompli. So please give me a few minutes to put on my raincoat before the multi-colored spew erupts.