Three points need to be noticed in this passage: First, to whom the words were addressed; second, the instructions given; third, the promises that were made.
To whom were these words addressed? The epistle itself, according to I Peter 1:1, is addressed “to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” But by way of contrast, the passage in I Peter 5:1 is addressed to a select few, namely, “the elders among you.”
This the instructions given and the promise made in these verses apply specifically, and only, to the elders. That which is promised is “the crown of glory which fadeth not away.”
Now, if this is not a special crown, denoting some special recognition and wreaked to faithful elders, the language ceases to mean anything. If this is a general crown promised to all saved people, then again language has lost its meaning.
Peter says, “The elders therefore among you I exhort, whom am a fellow-elder,” thus addressing his exhortation, which follows, to fellow members of this select group of Christian men. In his exhortation he says (speaking not to Christians in general, but just to elders) “Tend the flock ofGod which is among you.”
Distinction is made here between the elders and their flock. Now,since message is not one primarily on elders and their qualifications, we shall not give a detailed lesson on the points of instruction here, except to pause long enough to point out that Peter simply appealed to these men to accept the responsibility that God had given them as unto the Lord,to do their work faithfully and well, and with pure unselfish motives as true stewards of the Lord. As shepherds, they were to tend their flocks, to give them food in due season, and to guard them from spiritual wolves. They were to lead their flocks, not drive them.
They were to set a good example before them. Oh, the grave responsibilities these men had; yet how great their privileges, and how high their calling! And to elders who serve well and faithfully; to such as are successful in properly Balancing their authority with their ability to respect the wishes and will of the congregation; who carefully tend, but never lord it over, the flock; who exercises the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly; well, to such elders, who thus function in the will of God, there is a promise…one that is distinctively and peculiarly theirs. Here it is: “And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, yea, (elders) shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth no away.”
The Crown of glory is a special promise of reward and honor to faithful elders of the Lord‘s church. Surely such man are deserving. Such men bear heavier loads of responsibility than others; often it is one of those thankless jobs, a job that when well done is taken for granted; but when even the simplest mistake is made or thought to be made, Much criticism must be taken in a spirit of gentleness and quietness. These men if they serve well, do so for no other reason than their love for the Lord, and often must feel that their efforts are not appreciated. Well, says Peter, take courage, men. God takes note of all of your sacrifices and your faithfulness; and when the Shepherd who is the Shepherd -In Chief shall be manifested, you will not be or not go unrewarded.
The rewards are being accurately kept, and God will reward you accordingly. He has a special crown just for you, the CROWN OF GLORY. And when will it be given? Not now. Not during this lifetime. Oh, no doubt God will give much such men blessings in this life; but this Crown of Glory is something specific, to be given at a pacific time, namely when the Chief Shepherd shall be manifested. Yes a day of rewards is coming, a day of crowning. And for elders who have taken their calling seriously, and have conducted themselves as men who were indeed appointed of the Holy Spirit is it is the crown of glory that faith is not away
May God give us more consecrated Christian men who will righteously, our parts of love for the Lord and his church, DESIRE the office of bishop or ,elder, as per first Timothy 3:1. And may God use this lesson to encourage those who are now serving as elders to take their seriously, as onto the Lord: to be deeply spiritual and very faithful knowing that there is awaiting such the crown glory that faith is not away. Perhaps we cannot know for sure just what it is; but we can know that if God gives it, it will be everything that is good and blessed.