“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1 Peter 5:4)

New Testament epistles point to crowns that Christ’s followers should prize and strive for. Peter introduced a “crown of glory.” The context implies church elders can receive such crowns: “The elders which are among you I exhort” (1 Peter 5:1).

“Elder” and “bishop” describe the same positions in Acts 20:17, 28 and in Titus 1:5, 7. What characteristics describe these men, and which of them can expect a crown of glory? Titus 1:7–9 specifies, “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

Elders have experience. They “by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). They show an ever-increasing understanding of the Scriptures. They regularly apply those Scriptures to all life’s areas and decisions.

Can such a man suffer a character collapse? Of course! One bad step can wreck a lifetime of faithfulness. Peter therefore urges elders toward faithfulness. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3).

Thus, elders who remain examples to the Christians under their care, shepherding or tending them until the end, will receive this wonderful crown of glory. What a worthy goal. BDT