Theophylact of Ohrid, on 1Pet 5:1

“The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech, who am myself also an ancient, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ: as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come:”

“The Apostle was about to speak of humility, which he had already mentioned, saying: "doing good" (1 Pet. 4:19). He calls himself a "pastor" (elder) either on account of his age or on account of the dignity of a bishop; for the book of Acts (Acts 20:17) also calls bishops elders. Then, wishing to show that he has preeminence over them and that he calls himself a "fellow elder" out of humility, he sets forth his own dignity, namely that he is a "witness of the sufferings of Christ." He speaks as if to say: if I, who have explained to you such visions, do not find it beneath me to call myself a fellow elder, then it is also unjust for you to exalt yourselves over those subject to you. Likewise concerning humility the Lord also says: "If I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet" (John 13:14). The Apostle adds that he is "a partaker of the glory that is to be revealed," in order to present the preeminence of humility, just as Paul also says: "When Christ, your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him" (Col. 3:4).”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.