He had told his disciples that he would depart from their midst to go to the presence of the Father and in due time he would return in order to take his own to himself (e.g., John 14:3, John 14:28). This return will occur at the end of the age, a time known to no one but the Father only (Matthew 24:36–42; see also 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 1:13). It is at this point that the shepherds will receive their wages.
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.