What does 1 Peter 5:4 mean?

Peter concludes his instructions to the leaders of the local churches—the elders—with a very simple statement: You will be rewarded. Peter has already written that the time draws near when Christ's glory will be revealed to everyone (1 Peter 4:7). Jesus is the Chief Shepherd. Elders in the local church serve Christ by serving Christ's sheep: the men, women, and children He loves so dearly.

So when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, appears in His glory at the "end of all things," He will bring rewards. For the elders there will be the unfading crown of glory. We're not sure exactly what this means, other than the fact that Jesus will share His glory with those who served as the elders of His flock, and they will carry that glory with them forever.

Peter likely has in mind the leafy crowns awarded to champion athletes during this era. The physical glory of that crown would fade as the leaves shriveled and died. In contrast, the glory Christ shares with those who shepherd His flock will be everlasting.

Serving as an elder in the local church is a difficult role, made all the more challenging in times of persecution and suffering. Peter's instructions prove that it is easy to do this task badly, by serving reluctantly, or for personal gain, or in a domineering and controlling way. But for those elders who serve according to God's design, as willing, eager examples of how to follow Christ, the reward will be significant.