“and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).
Unlike the royal crown of a monarch, the crown referenced in 1 Peter 5:4 is one that was bestowed upon a first-century athlete. Thus, the “crown” mentioned here is synonymous with “...the wreath or garland which was given as a prize to victors in public games.” (1)
The garlands awarded to the winners of these ancient athletic contests varied in style and design depending on the region. In some areas, these wreaths were crafted from evergreens such as pine. Other regions used olive, laurel, grape, and apple leaves, or even herbs such as parsley. But no matter what materials composed these ancient crowns, they all had something in common- they eventually faded away.
One source compares these temporal rewards with the crown of glory mentioned here in 1 Peter 5:4…
“The Greek word translated ‘crown’ referred to a crown of victory in the Greek athletic games, a crown given for military valor, or a festal garland worn at marriage feasts. Here it is the reward given to faithful shepherds of the flock of God… The crown given to victors in either athletics or war was made of oak or ivy leaves, the festal garlands of the marriage feast, of flowers. These would wither and fade. But the victor’s crown which the Lord Jesus will give His faithful under-shepherds will never wither or fade.” (2)
In addition to the crown referenced here in 1 Peter 5:4, the Scriptures identify several other crowns that are associated with the rewards of heaven. These include…
- An imperishable crown. This crown is distributed to those who exhibit the God-honoring qualities of temperance, discipline, or self-control (1 Corinthians 9:25, compare with Galatians 5:23).
- A crown of rejoicing. This crown is given to those who introduce Christ to others and nurture their spiritual growth (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).
- A crown of righteousness. The crown of righteousness is distributed to “…all who eagerly look forward to his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8 NLT).
- A crown of life. Those who patiently endure through the temptations and trials of life are the recipients of the crown of life (James 1:12, Revelation.2:10).
Another commentary completes our look at this passage in the context of pastoral ministry…
“An elder’s work involves a tremendous expenditure of physical and emotional energy. He must sympathize, counsel, reprove, rebuke, teach, discipline, and warn. At times it may seem a thankless task. But a special reward is promised to the faithful elder. When the Chief Shepherd appears, he will receive an unfading crown of glory.” (3)
(1) G4735 stephanos Thayer’s Greek Definitions https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4735/kjv/tr/0-1/
(2) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament “The Responsibilities of Elders (1Pe_5:1-5a)” Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
(3) William Macdonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary Edited by Arthur Farstad, Thomas Nelson Publishers [pg. 2280]