Paul who grew up in the cosmopolitan city of Tarsus hardly uses the shepherd imagery more familiar to rural folks. He points out however that the office of pastors (shepherds) are one of the important gifts that Jesus gives for the building up of the Church (Eph 4:11). He reminds his converts that as apostles, he and Barnabas have the right to expect support from the Christian communities because “who shepherds a flock without using some of the milk from the flock?” (1 Cor 9:7). Paul, however, does not use this right because he wants to offer the gospel free of charge, that is, he wants to preach the gospel without thinking of any material gain.
Luke, on the other hand, presents Paul as a model shepherd worthy of imitation by other leaders. As Paul concludes his Mediterranean mission, he makes his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders in Miletus. He tells them to watch over themselves and over the whole flock of which the Holy Spirit has appointed them overseers. Paul then bares himself as a self-sacrificing shepherd: “I have never wanted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You know well that these very hands have served my needs and my companions” (Acts 20:33-34).