1 Peter 5:4

Chief Shepherd. Gr. archipoimen, “chief shepherd,” or “first shepherd,” compounded from archi, a prefix denoting “chief,” or “high,” or “first,” and poimen, “shepherd” (cf. on v. 2). The title “chief Shepherd” occurs only here in the NT, in reference to Christ (cf. on Isa. 40:11; John 10:2, 11; 1 Peter 2:25). Peter regards himself and the elders as shepherds of the flock, but looks to Jesus as the supreme Shepherd, who cares both for the under-shepherds and for the sheep. See on John 10:1-16; cf. on Luke 15:1-7.

Shall appear. Literally, “having been manifested.” The apostle, although himself expecting to die before Christ’s return (cf. on John 21:18, 19; 2 Peter 1:14), had his eyes fixed on that glorious event and held it before the elders for their encouragement.

Receive. The Bible by no means excludes the thought of reward for Christian service, but refers to it as an incentive to faithfulness (cf. on Matt. 5:12; 2 Cor. 4:17; 2 Tim. 4:8).

Crown. Gr. Stephanos, “wreath,” or “chaplet,” such as was given to victors in athletic games (see on 2 Tim. 4:8; Rev. 2:10). The term “crown of glory” may be interpreted as “a glorious crown,” or “a crown which is glory.” Faithful elders will share in a glory that will be as a crown upon their heads (cf. on Rom. 8:18).

Fadeth not away. Gr. amarantinos, “composed of amaranth,” amaranth being a so-called everlasting flower. In ch. 1:4 Peter uses the related word amarantos (see comment there), in both instances stressing the eternal nature of the reward.