I Peter 1
Greeting of Peterverses 1-2
Peter – an apostle of Jesus Christ – to the strangers scattered throughout
Pontus – Galatia – Cappadocia – Asia – Bithynia
elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father
through sanctification of the Spirit
to obedience and sprinkling of the
blood of Jesus Christ
Grace to you and peace be multiplied
Incorruptible inheritance in heavenverses 3-5
Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
which according to HIS abundant mercy has begotten us
again to a lively hope by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
to an inheritance incorruptible – and undefiled
and that fades not away – reserved in heaven for you
who are kept by the power of God through faith
to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time
Trials strengthen our faithverses 6-9
Wherein you greatly rejoice – though now for a season
if need be – you are in heaviness through manifold temptations
that the trial of your faith
being much more precious than of gold that perishes
though it be tried with fire
might be found to praise – honor – glory
at the appearing of Jesus Christ
WHOM having not seen you love
In WHOM – though now you see HIM not yet believing
you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory
receiving the end of your faith
EVEN the SALVATION of your souls
Salvation revealed to Old Testament prophetsverses 10-12
Of which SALVATION the prophets have inquired and searched diligently
who prophesied of the grace that should come to you
searching what or what manner of time the
Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify
when it testified beforehand the
sufferings of Christ
and the glory should follow
To whom it was revealed – that not to themselves
but to us they did minister the things
which are now reported to you by them that preached
the gospel to you with the Holy Ghost
send down from heaven
which things the angels desire to look into
Call to holinessverses 13-16
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind – be sober
and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought
to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
As obedient children
not fashioning yourselves according to the former lust
in your ignorance – BUT as HE which has called you is holy
so be you holy in all manner of conversation
BECAUSE it is written
Be you holy FOR I am holy
Redemption based on sacrifice of Christverses 17-21
AND IF you call on the Father
WHO without respect of persons judges
according to every man’s work
pass the time of your sojourning here in fear
forasmuch as you know that ye were not redeemed
with corruptible things – as silver and gold
from your vain conversation received
by tradition from your fathers
BUT with the precious blood of Christ
as of a lamb without blemish and without spot
WHO verily was foreordained before the
foundation of the world
but was manifest in these
last times for you
Who by HIM do believe in God – that raised HIM up from the dead
and gave HIM glory
that your faith and hope might be in God
Relationship of believers to each otherverse 22
Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through
the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren
see that you love one another
with a pure heart fervently
Believers future based on Word of Godverses 23-25
Being born again – not of corruptible seed – but of incorruptible
by the word of God – which lives and abides for ever
For all flesh is as grass
and all the glory of man as the flower of grass
THE grass withers
and the flower thereof falls away
but the word of the Lord endures for ever
AND this is the word which by the GOSPEL is preached to you
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (4268 “foreknowledge” [prognosis] means forethought, pre-arrangement, what is known beforehand, purpose, or a perceiving beforehand)
DEVOTION: The Apostle Peter wrote this book. Remember he was a fisherman when the LORD called him into service. Also remember that he was noted for putting his foot in his mouth most of the time. He would speak before he thought. He would question Jesus on many occasions regarding the future.
Now we have him writing a book under the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He introduces his book to the elect of God who were perceived before the foundation of the world.
In other words, God knew before the foundation of the world who would become a follower of Jesus Christ. Their names are written in the book of life in heaven.
We have to understand that God doesn’t live in time but we do. HE has no past, present or future. HE created us in time. HE gave Jesus Christ to come and die on the cross for the sins of the world but only a small amount repent of their sins and become followers. It is sad but true. We don’t know which ones are known beforehand so we have to witness to all those who are in our world.
Once someone becomes a follower of Jesus Christ they are sanctified or set apart to service of Jesus Christ. They are to live by the standard set down in the Word of God with the help of the Holy Spirit. HE helps us with our daily decisions if we listen to HIM.
We are called to obedience. Listening to HIM is not a option but a command. Too often we still want to go our own way after becoming a follower of Christ and so HE has to use correction to get us to return to proper service.
CHALLENGE: God wants us to be obedient. Peter didn’t start out obedient but with the help of the Holy Spirit he grew in obedience. We can do the same.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 12 To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to us they did minister the things, which are now reported to you by them that have preached the gospel to you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, which things the angels desire to look into. (601 “revealed” [apokalupto] means to disclose, to make fully known, to be or become made know to the public, revelation, or to uncover)
DEVOTION: We have to realize the special place that God has given us as human beings. We know all about God’s plan from our reading of both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Old Testament prophets told us that Jesus Christ was coming. They reported many prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah. They didn’t understand everything the Holy Spirit told them to write but they knew that HE was coming to be a suffering servant for the sins of the world. They also told of HIS second coming in glory.
When Christ came HE proclaimed the Good News to all those who would listen. Many didn’t respond to HIS message but some did and became the leaders of the church after HIS death.
They were given power through the Holy Spirit to reach their world with the message of salvation to all who would believe. Many through the ages have become followers of Jesus.
There was another group that was created by God which is not human. They are called angels. Angels can look like humans when they are sent on assignment from heaven but they will never be humans. Humans will never be angels.
They didn’t understand the complete plan of God, but they were interested in it. They wanted to know more. This group is called angels. They are watching from heaven to see how it will play out here on earth. They are more interested than many humans. They have a place where they can be involved and at the same time watch what is going on in our world.
CHALLENGE: We need to have an interest as well in God’s plan. We can read all about it in the Bible.
: 15 But as HE which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation. (39 “holy” [hagion] means pure, having the characteristics of moral or ritual purity, dedicated, consecrated, clean, blameless, or set apart)
DEVOTION: Holy means that we are set apart for service to the LORD. It is a holy calling by a holy God.
The example we have to understand is that of the priesthood of the Old Testament. Their clothes had to be clean before they could come into service in the Temple. They had to offer sacrifices for their own sins before they could offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. They served faithfully or the LORD would kill them if they entered HIS presence in a manner that was not pleasing to HIM. Every detail of the priest’s service was explained. Every detail of the ministry of the High Priest was explained. Jesus Christ is the High Priest.
We are the priests that serve the LORD on a daily basis in our world. HE wants us to understand that we can do our service to HIM only in the strength that HE provides. HE is the one who instructs us in our area of service to HIM throughout our life.
It is not easy to be holy or set apart for service to the LORD. We rebel against HIM instructing us every day. This should not happen but HE knows our nature. However, HE judges us by our service to HIM regarding our rewards in heaven. Our salvation is sure because of HIS blood on the cross.
Beware of your former lives influence on your present life of service to the LORD. Ask for wisdom from above daily. Put on the armor of the LORD, which is, Jesus Christ daily.
CHALLENGE: This will give each of us victory to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifested in these last times for you. (4267 “foreordained” [proginosko] means to know beforehand, foreknow, foresee, select in advance or to predestinate)
DEVOTION: Peter was known for his foot in mouth disease. He would speak before he thought. He was the one who denied Christ three times. He was the one who asked the LORD to let him come to HIM on the water and then looked on the water. The LORD didn’t give up on him. HE prayed for him.
Peter was chosen to give the message on the day of Pentecost. He was the one who first introduced Christianity to the Gentiles. He was the first to start the church among the Samaritans.
Even with all this happening in his life, he continued to compromise. He was confronted by Paul.
Here we have a letter that he wrote to the church through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. This letter was written as an encouragement to those who scattered because of their stand for Jesus Christ.
He states that these individuals were elect of God. They were elect before the foundation of the world. They were sanctified. They were given grace. They had an inheritance in heaven. Peter had many wonderful things to say about salvation. He was encouraging the brethren.
He also presents the truth that the Godhead had a plan before the creation of the world what was going to happen. God knew that man would fall in the garden and need a Savior. God knew that Christ had to die on the cross for our sins because the blood of lambs and goats could not satisfy HIS judgment against sinful man. God knew the timing of the first coming of Christ. God knows the timing of the second coming of Christ. God knows the beginning from the end of our world. HE is omniscience.
There is no limit to HIS knowledge. HE is never surprised. The Godhead knows the makeup of the church. God knows all the suffering we are going to need before we spend eternity in heaven with HIM. HE knows what suffering will mature us in the faith. HE knows just how much to send our way. HE will not send more than we can take. Praise HIS name. Everyone who God foreknew is going to be saved.
When the last one is saved, then the church will be taken out of this world and the Tribulation with start. Isn’t it great to know that we have a God who KNEW and KNOWS everything that is going to happen before it happens? Praise HIS name. HE knew all this BEFORE HE created the world. HE knew it before the first man was created.
However, we don’t know who is going to be a follower of Christ. We have to witness to all those in our world. They are going to stand before God at the end of the age. Some will stand before the Judgment seat of Christ and some before the Great White Throne Judgment. We would like to see all of our friends and family stand before the Judgment seat of Christ. That is because ONLY believers will stand there.
CHALLENGE: Realize that NOTHING surprises God. There are some who teach that God doesn’t know the future. They are heretics.
:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.(1618 “fervently” [ektenes] means 1 stretched out. 2 metaph. intent, earnestly, assiduously. [Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship])
DEVOTION: We were in South America where they use wood-burning stoves for heat. When the temperature outside was cold, we were happy when someone stoked the wood into the stove to warm the house up. We wanted to see the fire not just burning, but burning strongly or fervently so that it would chase away the chills in our bodies.
In the same way, our love for one another should be fervent. Jesus Himself had taught that people would know that we were His disciples by their love for one another (John 13:34-35). This is not merely a feeling, but rather is the same type of self-sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated when He died for us on the cross. In fact, there are times when we engage in this form of self-sacrificial love that we have no special feelings for those we are serving.
What is the wood that stokes the fire of love in our lives? It is the realization that we are in debt to the LORD for His great salvation of us. We realize that He loved us even when we were His enemies! He did not wait for us to take the first step, but He took the first step toward us.
In an average church, there are more than our fair share of squabbles and conflicts. There have been churches we have visited where no one even greeted us when we came or when we left. And then we wonder why people are leaving the church! We need to be revived in our cold, lifeless hearts. People are drawn to the magnetism of a loving body of believers.
CHALLENGE: Think today about the great love of God for you in sending Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Let this meditation begin to warm your heart so that you begin to love those around you, especially those you have problems getting along with. Then call one person and ask for forgiveness so that you can restart a relationship. (MW)
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Prophetsverse 10
Gospelverses 12, 25
It is writtenverse 16
Word of God: lives and abides for eververse 23
Word of the Lordverse 25
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
Foreknowledgeverse 2
Fatherverses 2, 3, 17
Godverses 2, 3, 5, 21, 23
God the Fatherverse 2
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christverse 3
Abundant mercyverse 3
Power of Godverse 5
Holyverses 15, 16
Without respect of personsverse 17
Judge according to every man’s workverse 17
Raised Christ from the deadverse 21
Gave Christ gloryverse 21
Word of Godverse 23
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
Jesusverses 1-3, 7, 13
Christ verses 1-3, 7, 11, 13, 19
Jesus Christ verse 1-3, 7, 13
Obedience of Jesus Christverse 2
Sprinkling of bloodverse 2
Lordverses 3, 25
Lord Jesus Christ verse 3
Resurrection of Jesus Christverse 3
Appearing of Jesus Christverse 7
Spirit of Christverse 11
Sufferings of Christverse 11
Glory that should followverse 11
Revelation of Jesus Christverse 13
Blood of Christverse 19
Lamb without blemishverse 19
Lamb without spotverse 19
Foreordained before foundation of worldverse 20
Word of the Lord endures foreververse 25
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Spiritverses 2, 11, 12, 22
Holy Ghostverse 12
Send down from heavenverse 12
Obeying truth through the Spiritverse 22
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Angelsverse 12
Angels desire to look intoverse 12
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Strangersverse 1
Pontusverse 1
Galatiaverse 1
Cappadociaverse 1
Asiaverse 1
Bithyniaverse 1
Fleshverse 24
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Lustsverse 14
Ignoranceverse 14
Corruptible thingsverse 18
Vain conversation [life]verse 18
Corruptible seedverse 23
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Electverse 2
Sanctificationverse 2
Graceverse 2
Peaceverse 2
Abundant mercyverse 3
Begottenverse 3
Lively hopeverse 3
Inheritance incorruptibleverse 4
Undefiled
Fades not away
Reservation
Kept by power of Godverse 5
Faithverses 5, 7, 9, 10, 21
Praise
Honor
Glory
Salvationverses 5, 9, 10
Rejoiceverses 6, 8
Manifold temptationsverse 6
Trial of your faithverse 7
Loveverses 8, 22
Believeverses 8, 21
Joy unspeakableverse 8
Salvation of soulsverse 9
Graceverses 10, 13
Gird up the loins of your mindverse 13
Soberverse 13
Hopeverses 13, 21
Obedientverses 14, 22
Calledverse 15
Holy in all matter of conversation [lifestyle]verses 15, 16
Godly fearverse 17
Redeemedverse 18
Purifiedverse 22
Obeying the truthverse 22
Love one anotherverse 22
Pure heartverse 22
Born againverse 23
Incorruptible seedverse 23
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Prophets: inquired and searched dilgentlyverse 10
Prophesied of the grace that should comeverse 10
Spirit of Christ which was in them did signifyverse 11
Testified beforehandverse 11
Revealedverse 12
Tradition from your fathersverse 18
Church (New Testament people of God)
Peterverse 1
Apostle of Jesus Christ
Ministerverse 12
Reportverse 12
Preached the gospelverses 12, 25
Unfeigned love of the brethrenverse 22
Love one anotherverse 22
Last Things (Future Events)
Heavenverses 4, 12
Revealed in the last timeverse 5
Appearing of Jesus Christverse 7
End of faithverse 9
Salvation of soulsverse 9
Glory of Christverse 11
End of the graceverse 13
Revelation of Jesus Christ verse 13
Last timesverse 20
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QUOTES regarding passage
6 “In this” (en hō) probably refers to anticipation of the future deliverance. As the Christian longs for his inheritance, he can “rejoice” (agalliasthe, which is best taken as a present indicative). Bultmann says, “God’s help is always the theme of [agalliaē] which is a jubilant and thankful exultation” (TDNT, 1:20). The participle lypēthentes (grieve) is concessive, as the translation “though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief” shows. The Greek emphasizes that the suffering is brief, for the present time (arti), and necessary (ei deon). The aorist participle also plays down the duration of the grief of the believer. That Peter uses peirasmoi (“trials”) instead of diōgmoi (“persecutions”) or thlipseis (“tribulations”) is significant. While they are not technical terms (cf. BAG, s.v.), diōgmoi or thlipseis are not found in Peter’s epistles. Peter is thinking in terms of the broadest category of the pagans’ attitude toward Christians rather than of specific actions, and this may be an evidence of the early dating of the book. (Blum, E. A. (1981). 1 Peter. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Hebrews through Revelation (Vol. 12, pp. 220–221). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
Wherein (ἐν ᾡ [en hōi]). This translation refers the relative ᾡ [hōi] to καιρῳ [kairōi], but it is possible to see a reference to Χριστου [Christou] (verse 3) or to θεου [theou] (verse 5) or even to the entire content of verses 3 to 5. Either makes sense, though possibly καιρῳ [kairōi] is correct. Ye greatly rejoice (ἀγαλλιασθε [agalliāsthe]). Present middle indicative (rather than imperative) of ἀγαλλιαομαι [agalliaomai], late verb from ἀγαλλομαι [agallomai], to rejoice, only in LXX, N. T., and ecclesiastical literature as in Matt. 5:12. Now for a little while (ὀλιγον ἀρτι [oligon arti]). Accusative case of time (ὀλιγον [oligon]) probably as in Mark 6:31, though it can be used of space (to a small extent) as in Luke 5:3. If need be (εἰ δεον [ei deon]). Present active neuter singular participle of δει [dei] (it is necessary). Some MSS. have ἐστιν [estin] after δεον [deon] (periphrastic construction). Condition of first class. Though ye have been put to grief (λυπηθεντες [lupēthentes]). First aorist passive participle (concessive circumstantial use) of λυπεω [lupeō], to make sorrowful (from λυπη [lupē], sorrow), old and common verb. See 2 Cor. 6:10. In manifold temptations (ἐν ποικιλοις πειρασμοις [en poikilois peirasmois]). Just the phrase in James 1:2, which see for discussion. “Trials” clearly right here as there. Seven N. T. writers use ποικιλος [poikilos] (varied). (Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (1 Pe 1:6). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.)
1:6. A living hope results in a present joy. In this likely refers to the truths mentioned in verses 3–5. Peter encouraged his readers to put their knowledge into practice. Their response to the tremendous theological truths taught so far should be that they would greatly rejoice. Knowledge alone cannot produce the great joy of experiential security and freedom from fear in the face of persecution. God’s omnipotent sovereignty needs to be coupled with human responsibility. Christians are responsible to respond in faith. Faith turns sound doctrine into sound practice. Faith acts on the content of theology and produces conduct that corresponds to that content. Faith makes theological security experiential. The Apostle John wrote, “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). This kind of faith or living hope can enable believers to rejoice even when they are called on to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
Peter stressed that a Christian’s joy is independent of his circumstances. James used the same two Greek words (poikilois peirasmois, trans. here “all kinds of trials”). The trials themselves are seen as occasions for joy (James 1:2). Though trials may cause temporary grief, they cannot diminish that deep, abiding joy which is rooted in one’s living hope in Christ Jesus. (Raymer, R. M. (1985). 1 Peter. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 841). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
We must keep in mind that all God plans and performs here is preparation for what He has in store for us in heaven. He is preparing us for the life and service yet to come. Nobody yet knows all that is in store for us in heaven; but this we do know: life today is a school in which God trains us for our future ministry in eternity. This explains the presence of trials in our lives: they are some of God’s tools and textbooks in the school of Christian experience.
Peter used the word “trials” rather than “tribulations” or “persecutions,” because he was dealing with the general problems that Christians face as they are surrounded by unbelievers. He shared several facts about trials.
Trials meet needs. The phrase “if need be” indicates that there are special times when God knows that we need to go through trials. Sometimes trials discipline us when we have disobeyed God’s will (Ps. 119:67). At other times, trials prepare us for spiritual growth, or even help to prevent us from sinning (2 Cor. 12:1–9). We do not always know the need being met, but we can trust God to know and to do what is best.
Trials are varied. Peter used the word “manifold,” which literally means “variegated, many-colored.” He used the same word to describe God’s grace in 1 Peter 4:10. No matter what “color” our day may be—a “blue” Monday or a “gray” Tuesday—God has grace sufficient to meet the need. We must not think that because we have overcome one kind of trial that we will automatically “win them all.” Trials are varied, and God matches the trial to our strengths and needs.
Trials are not easy. Peter did not suggest that we take a careless attitude toward trials, because this would be deceitful. Trials produce what he called “heaviness.” The word means “to experience grief or pain.” It is used to describe our Lord in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:37), and the sorrow of saints at the death of loved ones (1 Thes. 4:13). To deny that our trials are painful is to make them even worse. Christians must accept the fact that there are difficult experiences in life and not put on a brave front just to appear “more spiritual.”
Trials are controlled by God. They do not last forever; they are “for a season.” When God permits His children to go through the furnace, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. If we rebel, He may have to reset the clock; but if we submit, He will not permit us to suffer one minute too long. The important thing is that we learn the lesson He wants to teach us and that we bring glory to Him alone.
Peter illustrated this truth by referring to the goldsmith. No goldsmith would deliberately waste the precious ore. He would put it into the smelting furnace long enough to remove the cheap impurities; then he would pour it out and make from it a beautiful article of value. It has been said that the Eastern goldsmith kept the metal in the furnace until he could see his face reflected in it. So our Lord keeps us in the furnace of suffering until we reflect the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ.
The important point is that this glory is not fully revealed until Jesus returns for His church. Our trying experiences today are preparing us for glory tomorrow. When we see Jesus Christ, we will bring “praise and honor and glory” to Him if we have been faithful in the sufferings of this life (see Rom. 8:17–18). This explains why Peter associated rejoicing with suffering. While we may not be able to rejoice as we look around in our trials, we can rejoice as we look ahead. The word “this” in 1 Peter 1:6 (nasb) refers back to the “salvation” (the return of Christ) mentioned in 1 Peter 1:5.
Just as the assayer tests the gold to see if it is pure gold or counterfeit, so the trials of life test our faith to prove its sincerity. A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted! Too many professing Christians have a “false faith” and this will be revealed in the trials of life. The seed that fell on shallow soil produced rootless plants, and the plants died when the sun came up (see Matt. 13:1–9, 18–23). The sun in the parable represents “tribulation or persecution.” The person who abandons “his faith” when the going gets tough is only proving that he really had no faith at all.
The patriarch Job went through many painful trials, all of them with God’s approval; and yet he understood somewhat of this truth about the refiner’s fire. “But He knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). And he did!
It is encouraging to know that we are born for glory, kept for glory, and being prepared for glory. But the fourth discovery Peter shared with his readers is perhaps the most exciting of all. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 393–394). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
In view of this blessed hope we are enabled to rejoice even though now for a season, if need be, we are in heaviness of spirit because of the many trials to which we are exposed. There is a “need be” (1:6) for every sorrow that the Christian is called upon to endure. Are we willing to trust the wisdom of God and to allow Him to plan our lives as He sees fit? Faith must be tested, otherwise it could not be verified. So we need not fear when our faith is exposed to trial that it indicates any displeasure on God’s part toward us. Rather it indicates His deep interest in and concern for us. For just as gold is tried in the fire in order to separate it from the dross, so faith, which is much more precious than gold that perisheth, must be tested in order that it may be found unto praise and honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ from heaven. (Ironside, H. A. (1947). Expository notes on the Epistles of Peter. (p. 17). Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers.)
Ver. 6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, &c.] The Vulgate Latin version reads, in which ye shall rejoice; and so the Syriac version, adding, for ever; and refer these words to the last time; or times spoken of in the preceding verse; when the saints will greatly rejoice, being in full possession of eternal salvation; in distinction from the present time, in which they are in heaviness; but it is better to read the words in the present tense, and as expressive of the saints in this life, who are blessed with that fruit of the spirit, joy, and have always reason to rejoice, and greatly rejoice. The connexion is with the whole that goes before; and the sense is this, that regenerated persons rejoice, in that they are the elect of God, according to his everlasting love towards them, and free grace, and good will; in their regeneration, which is an evidence of their election of God; in the abundant mercy of God displayed in their regeneration; and in that lively hope of eternal life which is the effect of it; and in the resurrection of Christ from the dead, which secures their justification of life, and their resurrection from the dead; and in the inheritance they are born heirs unto; and in their preservation to it by the power of God through faith; and in that complete salvation which is ready for them, and in a short time will be revealed, to which they are kept: though now for a season (if need be) ye are in heaviness, through manifold temptations. This seems to be a contrast, but is no real contradiction; for the character of the saints in this world is, that they are as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, 2 Cor. 6:10 rejoicing even in their tribulations and temptations; yea, for them, and on account of them, in some respects, which in others make them sorrowful, and heavy, or heavy with sorrow: the cause of this heaviness is not only in-dwelling corruptions, the hidings of God’s face, and the temptations of Satan, but afflictions and persecutions, which are here meant by manifold temptations; for not the temptations of Satan, or to sin, are here intended, but the temptations with which God tempts and tries his people: so he sometimes does, by calling them to hard service, to do things difficult and disagreeable to flesh and blood, in which way he tempted Abraham; and by laying afflictions, or suffering afflictions to come upon them, by which he tried Job; and by permitting wicked men to reproach and persecute them, and to injure them in their characters, persons, and properties; and which was the case of the primitive Christians, and has been more or less the case of the saints ever since: now such exercises are called, from the quality of them, temptations, or trials; because they try the hearts, principles, and graces of them that believe, and particularly their faith hereafter mentioned; and from the quantity of them, they are said to be various; they are of different sorts; as reproach, imprisonment, loss of goods, and death itself in divers shapes; and are more or less at different times and ages; and are exercised on various persons: and are sometimes very heavy, and grievous to be borne, and cause great heaviness and sorrow of heart; and yet there are things, and circumstances, and which are here hinted at, that greatly mitigate the heaviness occasioned by them; as, that these afflictions, and the heaviness that comes by them, are but little, and light, in comparison of the eternal weight of glory; though they are great tribulations in themselves, through and out of which the people of God come to the kingdom; and so the Syriac version renders it, though at this time קליל, ye are a little made sorrowful; and then it is only now, for the present time, and but for a short time; for a little season, even for a moment, comparatively speaking; and also, if need be, which the Syriac version omits, though by all means to be retained: afflictive dispensations, in whatsoever form, are necessary, by the will of God, who has appointed them, and therefore must be, and ought to be, quietly submitted to, and patiently borne, on that consideration; and are also necessary, on account of Christ the head, to whom there must be a conformity of his members; and likewise on their own account; for the humbling of their souls; for the weaning of them from the things of this world; for the restraining, subduing, and keeping under the corruptions of their nature; and for the trial of grace: and ’tis only if, and when there is a necessity for them, that they are in heaviness by them; otherwise God does not delight to afflict and grieve the children of men, and much less his own; see Lam. 3:33 so the Jews say, that הוצרך, there was a necessity of God’s tempting Abraham as he did, to humble and purify him. (Gill, J. (1809). An Exposition of the New Testament (Vol. 3, pp. 531–532). London: Mathews and Leigh)
It Sings Beyond the Testing Side of Life (1:7)
Peter sees a precious faith developed by the trial. He draws attention to “the trial of your faith” (1:7a). He sees a purging fire devouring in the trial: “that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire …” (1:7b). And he sees a priceless find discovered beyond the trial: “that … your faith … might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1:7c–d). Just as the fire melts the gold, so that the refiner can skim away the dross, so persecution enables the Spirit of God to purify and make infinitely more precious the faith of the suffering saint. Things do not happen by chance.
Faith is a spiritual commodity that is infinitely more precious than mere gold. Gold will one day perish in the judgment fires of the last days (2 Peter 3:12–13), but faith, purified and refined by persecution, will bring its own reward. Peter has his eye on “the appearing of Jesus Christ.” The word is apokalupsis, which refers us again to the day of Christ’s unveiling.
What a day that will be! And we shall be with Him, arrayed in praise, honor, and glory, the reward of a purified faith. The hymn writer has caught the picture:
The heavens will glow with splendor,
But brighter far than they,
The saints shall shine in glory,
As Christ shall them array;
The beauty of the Savior shall dazzle every eye,
In the crowning day that’s coming, bye and bye.[4]
So, then, we have an expectant hope and an experiential faith, both well suited to hold us fast when “the strong tides lift, and the cables strain.” But there is more. (Phillips, J. (2009). Exploring the Epistles of Peter: An Expository Commentary (1 Pe 1:7). Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
prognosis (πρόγνωσις, 4268), “a foreknowledge” (akin to A.), is used only of divine “foreknowledge,” Acts 2:23; 1 Pet. 1:2.¶ “Foreknowledge” is one aspect of omniscience; it is implied in God’s warnings, promises and predictions. See Acts 15:18. God’s “foreknowledge” involves His electing grace, but this does not preclude human will. He “foreknows” the exercise of faith which brings salvation. The apostle Paul stresses especially the actual purposes of God rather than the ground of the purposes, see, e.g., Gal. 1:16; Eph. 1:5, 11. The divine counsels will ever be unthwartable. (Vine and Unger)
Jesus’ point is that true spiritual maturity means that we don’t feel the need to congratulate ourselves because we’ve gotten something right. We come to see that it really is better to give than to receive. Giving no longer looks extraordinary to us now; it just looks sane. It seems like the natural thing to do.….
Here is this practice in a nutshell: Every once in a while, do something good and try to make sure no one finds out about it. Join the club for recovering approval addicts that might be called “Righteous Anonymous.” (p. 168, Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg)
This focus is further emphasized with the word continually. The term is used only three other times in the New Testament, and in each case it refers to continuous prayer, especially on behalf of others (see Rom. 1:9; I Thess 1:3; 2:13). This refers to an attitude in which we live the totality of our life in constant awareness of our need for God and for HIS wisdom and direction.
(p.87, Developing Leaders for the Small Church by Glenn C. Daman)
THE CROSS OPENS THE GATE OF HEAVEN
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus…
Hebrews 10:19
Prayer means speaking to God who is in heaven, who is all-powerful to bless. How can you do that? There is only one way. Read again as the author to the epistle to the Hebrews puts it in his own incomparable manner: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).
That is the problem. What do I do when I need help? What do I do when I am failing, when I am in an agony, in a crisis? I want grace to help in time of need. How can I get it? What right have I to speak to God? And there is only one answer. My only right to speak to God is that Christ has borne my punishment and has reconciled me to God and has made me at peace with God. Or, as it is put in Hebrews 10:19-22, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” He opens the gate of heaven and enables me to pray.
A Thought to Ponder: Prayer means speaking to God who is in heaven, who is all-powerful to bless. (From The Cross, pp. 192-193, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
After His arrest, Jesus is taken before Pilate and the religious leaders.
INSIGHT
As the power of the Creator of the universe was veiled in human flesh in Jesus of Nazareth, men came with torches and weapons to subdue Him.
He asked, “Whom are you seeking?” They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” With the force of those words from Jesus, they “drew back, and fell to the ground” (John 18:6).
It must have rattled their confidence to have to arrest Jesus. How much greater significance it lends to Jesus’ words: “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself” (John 10:17-18).
For our sakes, Jesus laid down His life that we might take it up. He became what we are so that we might become what He is. Praise and glory to God! (Quiet Walk)
Habitation for God
“Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood. We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.” (Psalm 132:5-7)
These fascinating verses may well have a double meaning. First, a retrospective reference to David’s desire to build a temple for God, and second, a prophecy concerning a still-future habitation for God. Ephratah was the same as Bethlehem, the birthplace of both David and his greater son, Jesus.
The writer of this psalm may have been King Hezekiah, a contemporary of the prophet Micah, who had written: “Thou, Bethlehem Ephratah,…out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). He was also a contemporary of Isaiah, who had written concerning this same coming Son: “His name shall be called…The mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6).
David had desired to build an earthly habitation for the mighty God of Israel; Isaiah had said this “mighty God” would be “a child born” and “a Son given”; and Micah said He would be born in Bethlehem Ephratah. Our psalmist must have been thinking about these truths when he saw, through the future eyes of those “in the fields of the wood,” “at Ephratah,” this “place for the Lord,” who then would go to “worship at His footstool.”
Some 800 years later, “there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields” at Bethlehem Ephratah, when a great host of angels told them the promised Savior had come, directing them to go to His “habitation” to worship Him. And that was where they did, indeed, find Him, “wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:8, 12), and they were the very first to “worship at his footstool.”
(HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
For multitudes, these are uncertain times. Times of stress, confusion, fear. But when you and I look to the Word of God, we find a different type of picture. We see that God is in control. We can follow the signs happening before our very eyes, and connect the dots of current events to biblical predictions about the Last Days—something that was frankly impossible even just a few years ago!
Our role today, as God’s people, is not to worry or complain. Our role is to point a terrified world to peace through an understanding of God’s Word. This is why our Turning Point broadcast ministries are so critically important this month: Millions of lost souls are desperate for answers, desperate for comfort, desperate for hope. NOW IS THE TIME TO POINT THEM TO GOD.
For a gift of any amount you can receive Answers To Questions About Living In The Last Days by Dr. David Jeremiah.
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