1 Peter 5:4 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)4 And when the Supreme Shepherd [i.e., Jesus] comes back, you will receive [for your effort] a glorious crown [of reward] that will never fade away [Note: The idea of “fading away” is suggested by the wilting of the laurel wreath bestowed on the winner of an athletic contest]. See the chapterMore versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 17694 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. See the chapterAmplified Bible - Classic Edition4 And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror's crown of glory. See the chapterAmerican Standard Version (1901)4 And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. See the chapterCommon English Bible4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive an unfading crown of glory. See the chapterCatholic Public Domain Version4 And when the Leader of pastors will have appeared, you shall secure an unfading crown of glory. See the chapter |
Dearly loved ones, we are God’s children now, but it has not yet been revealed [to us] what we will be [in the future life, Luke 20:34-36]. But, we do know this, however, that when Jesus is revealed [i.e., at His second coming], we will be like Him [I Cor. 15:49], for we will see what He really looks like!
Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. [For] look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. [But], you should be faithful [to God] even to the point of dying [for Him], and I will give you the crown of [never ending] life.
You should serve as shepherds of God’s flock [i.e., the church], among whom you minister, providing careful oversight [of the people], not because you feel forced to, but because you want to, as this is in accordance with the way God wants it to be. Do not [serve as elders] simply out of a desire for the income you receive, but because your heart is in it.