1 Peter 5:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

NIV: And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

NASB: And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

CSB: And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

NLT: And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

KJV: And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

NKJV: and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

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.

1 Peter 5:1–11 gives specific instructions to elders about how to lead the flock of God willingly, eagerly, and by their own example. All of us must live in humility toward each other and toward God, who opposes the proud. In humility, we cast our anxieties on the Father who cares for us. In alertness, we are to remain clear-minded, looking out for our enemy the devil who seeks to destroy us. We resist him by focusing on staying firm in our faith and trusting God to keep His promises.

Peter concludes his letter to the scattered Christians in Asia Minor with specific instructions. Primarily, these are targeted at those in the role of elder, about how to lead. He also provides counsel for all believers on living in humility toward each other and toward God. In humility, we wait and trust God to exalt us in His time. In humility, we cast our cares on Him. But we’re also called to remain alert, watching out for the devil and resisting him by focusing on staying firm in our faith. After this brief life of suffering, our God will bring our suffering to an end and make us strong forever.

Thus far, Peter has affirmed that Christians have been chosen by God and set aside for His purposes. We should not be surprised by suffering, and we should not respond to persecution by rebelling against our human authorities. Our suffering in both cases points the world to our hope in Christ and allows us to follow in Jesus’ steps. Peter here concludes his letter with instructions to the elders, teaching on humility, and a final warning to be sober-minded and alert.

Some 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are facing greater persecution for their faith. How should they respond? How should we respond to suffering today? The apostle Peter writes this letter both to comfort believers and to encourage them to stay strong. He urges them to put all their hope in their perfect future with Christ, and to obey and trust Him in the present, even in their suffering. Christ suffered greatly; now the Christ-followers have the opportunity to follow Him even in this, showing His grace and power in their hopefulness, obedience, and faith.