John Calvin Commentary 1 Peter 5:4

"And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away." — 1 Peter 5:4 (ASV)

When the chief Shepherd shall appear. Unless pastors keep this goal in view, they cannot possibly proceed earnestly in the course of their calling, but will, on the contrary, often become faint, for there are innumerable hindrances sufficient to discourage the most prudent.

They often have to deal with ungrateful men, from whom they receive an unworthy reward; long and great labors are often in vain; Satan sometimes prevails in his wicked schemes. Therefore, so that the faithful servant of Christ is not broken down, there is for him one and only one remedy: to turn his eyes to the coming of Christ.

In this way, the one who seems to derive no encouragement from men will diligently continue in his labors, knowing that a great reward is prepared for him by the Lord. Furthermore, so that prolonged expectation does not produce weariness, he at the same time presents the greatness of the reward, which is sufficient to compensate for all delay: An unfading crown of glory, he says, awaits you.

It should also be observed that he calls Christ the chief Pastor; for we are to rule the Church under him and in his name, only in such a way that he should still truly be the Pastor. So the word chief here does not only mean the principal, but him whose power all others should submit to, since they do not represent him except in accordance with his command and authority.