and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Truth to Learn
There is an unfading reward awaiting those who faithfully lead.
Behind the Words
The expression “Chief Shepherd” is translated from the Greek word archipoimēn, which is made up of archi, indicating high rank and poimēn, meaning “a shepherd.” Hence, this word refers to “the high ranking shepherd.”
“Crown” is translated from stephanos, from the verb stephō, meaning “to put around” or “to encircle.” This is the word used of the victory crown given to the winner of athletic games. It was typically woven of leaves and, as a result, would eventually fade away.
The expression “unfading” is from amarantos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of marainō, meaning “to extinguish, to pass away, or to fade away.”
Meaning Explained
With today’s verse Peter finishes up his exhortation to pastors. God recognizes that being a leader in a church is a very difficult position. The pastor has responsibility for the spiritual care of those whom God has appointed to him, but he has no lordship over them. He is not the boss and only has the oversight of those in his care while they remain in his flock. He is to lead by example and teach with authority. It is easy to see why many pastors fall into one of two traps, either becoming autocratic and bossy, or succumbing to the pressures of the vocal minority and submitting to their will instead of the will of the Chief Shepherd.
It is a fine line that a pastor has to walk, one that requires dedication, perseverance, and constant communion with and submission to the Author and Finisher of our faith.
God recognizes the difficulty of this position and offers this verse of encouragement to all of those who shepherd a flock, whether it is large or small. When the Chief Shepherd appears, those who have labored in the pastoral position will receive a reward in the form of a crown, an unfading crown of glory.
Crowns are spoken of throughout the New Testament as rewards for faithful believers, not just pastors. A few of these crowns are spoken of in: 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; and Revelation 2:10.
And what will we do with these crowns? We will cast them at the feet of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings because only He is worthy of the honor.
the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who is sitting on the throne. And they worship Him who lives for ever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying, Lord, You are worthy to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because You created all things, and through Your will they are and were created. (Revelation 4:10,11)
Application
We should all look forward with anticipation to the day when we will join together in the presence of our Holy God and cast our crowns before Him. Truly, He is worthy!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved