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.
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.
