… you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Summary: Peter helps us understand that being faithful to God while we serve him in this life leads to eternal favor.
In 2 Chronicles 20:2, the text describes David putting on the crown of a conquered king. It says, “David took the crown from the head of their king—its weight was found to be a talent of gold, and it was set with precious stones—and it was placed on David’s head.” The notes in my Bible say that the weight of the ancient talent is equal to about seventy-five pounds.
Can you imagine putting a seventy-five-pound hat on your head? That is about the same weight as a large sack of concrete. I don’t think I could do something like that. Fortunately for us, glory isn’t heavy. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth having though. It is.
The glory Peter is referring to is the value of God’s opinion about you. Do not confuse this with God’s love for us. He loves us despite our shortcomings (Romans 3:23). Peter, remember, knows about shortcomings! (Luke 22:61) He also knows about God’s love and forgiveness. (John 21: 15-19)
In this passage, Peter has been writing to the elders of the churches. These are the people who shepherd God’s flock. Peter appeals to them to watch over the flock willingly, being eager to serve and living a life that is a godly example to the flock.
For those who remain faithful and diligent, it will be like the story Jesus tells. The master who comes home to find his servants watching when he comes waits on them himself. (Luke 12:35-38) It will also be like the joy experienced by the five virgins. They were prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom and went in to celebrate. (Matthew 24: 1-15) To be in the presence of a grateful king would be an amazing experience. Like the blessing God gave Moses and Aaron, the Lord will turn his face towards you and give you peace. (Numbers 6: 24-26)
More than peace, the faithful shepherd will see God’s face and know the Creator of all things is smiling. Like an obedient child who has done everything well, the love of their father is amplified by the pride the father has in them.
Application: Be encouraged. Keep your eye on the goal. Love the Lord with all your heart.
Food for Thought: Why does Peter call it a ”crown of glory?” He’s not talking about a literal crown is he?
We shall see. Revelation 4:10, 11
Thank you, JEC!
Nice to hear from you! And yes, we shall see indeed! 🙂
This is the Stephanos crown in the Greek, or the victors crown. It emphasizes the victory we have in Jesus as opposed to ruling. As JEC points out, we will be given crowns. As the famous hymn writer said, we will be “casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea” (Rev 4: 6 – 11).
I personally think Peter has in mind the crown which is glory. A crown that we will not cast down or fade away. I think in the Greek syntax and in the context our future glory is the crown.
Either way – it is very good.
Rich,
Thank you for the excellent background. I agree – either way it is very good!
Why does Peter call it a ”crown of glory?” He’s not talking about a literal crown is he?
We have been born into this world as spiritual beings, confined to physical bodies. The world trains us, schools us to be PROUD of OURSELVES, OUR accomplishments. To seek power for ourselves over others. To seek material things of this world with all OUR power and live by the rules WE create.
We develop in an environment of conflict between this worlds definition of right and wrong which is in direct conflict with “the conviction of the Holy Spirit” who reveals Gods right and wrong. When we accept Christ we begin to experience the transformational, miracle of INWARD RENEWAL as we continue our path in OUTWARD DECAY.
WE BEGIN to spiritually and physically SERVE A NEW MASTER, as we yield to this process of inward renewal, allowing the Holy Spirit of God to defeat the powers of the old person and fill us with the righteous powers of Jesus Christ. This is the beginning of “sanctification” which will only be completed when Christ returns.
What is the crown of Glory. The Bible seems to indicate it is somehow directly related to our receiving a VISIBLE, GLORIOUS MANIFESTATION Of the inward renewal process, completed by the HOLY SPIRIT. The level of our individual humble obedience to the righteousness received from God.
IN THE END, WE WILL ALL CAST OUR CROWNS AT THE FEET OF JESUS WHO IS THE POWER BEHIND THEM.
REVELATION 4:10-11, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and they worship Him who lives forever and ever; and they throw down their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they exist, and were created and brought into being.”
1 Peter 5:6, Ephesians 3:16-19, Philippians 1:6, Revelation 22:12,
Link added — JE
Ron,
I really appreciate your description of the “inner renewal” and the “outward decay.” You also contrast the worldly and material with our new spiritual natures. Nicely done! It is so important for believers to understand the difference between where we are and have been and where we are going.
👍🏻