A co-elder, someone who shares in the ministry and office of eldership. Peter identifies himself in 1 Peter 5:1 as 'a fellow elder' when exhorting the elders of the churches—a remarkable expression of collegiality from an apostle. Rather than pulling rank, Peter addresses fellow elders as peers, sharing the same pastoral responsibilities. The term assumes plural eldership in each church and emphasizes the shared nature of spiritual oversight. Peter's self-designation models humble leadership: even apostles serve alongside other shepherds of God's flock.