I Peter: The Pilgrim’s Handbook

Main Theme: Our calling and instruction as strangers and pilgrims for the purpose of having a good conscience during times of suffering and looking forward to the future glory to follow.

This epistle could be understood as a handbook written for ambassadors to a hostage foreign land. The author, knowing persecution would arise, carefully prescribed conduct designed to bring honor to the One they represented.1 Peter, Roger M. Raymer, Bible Knowledge Commentary

Audience: Written by the apostle Peter to believers (mainly Jewish but not exclusively) who through persecution have been scattered throughout the region that we today call Turkey.

The Theme of Strangers and Pilgrims in 1 Peter*The believers are called strangers and pilgrims (1:1; 2:11)*It is part of the Father’s calling for us (1:1-2)*We have an eternal, heavenly inheritance, not an earthly one (1:4-5; Eph 1:11, 14, 18)*The illustration is used of girding up the loins of our thinking as one gathers up their garments as they prepare to go on a journey (1:13)*Abraham and Sarah which are used by Peter in chapter 3 are referred to as strangers and pilgrims (Heb. 11:8-13)*Christ, who is our example in suffering, was a pilgrim while here on the earth(Luke 2:7; Matthew 8:20; John 8:23; 17:16)

I. The Pilgrim’s Calling1Pe 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the (elect) pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

*apostle (apostolos/652): one who is sent forth-To be an apostle of Jesus Christ meant to have seen and been personally commissioned by Him (Matt. 10:2; 1 Cor. 9:1). The apostles and the prophets formed the foundation of the Church (Eph. 2:20). Based on these previous statements, there are no more apostles today. Along with the other apostles, Peter was a steward of the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 3:21-4:11)

*elect (eklektos/1588): picked out, chosen, select-adjective which modifies/describes the word “pilgrims”-As part of our calling, God has selected us to walk as pilgrims1 Pet 2:4, 6, 9

*pilgrims (parepidemos/3927): one who comes from a foreign to reside next to the natives, one who resides in a country that is not his own; also known as exiles, temporary residents, those away from their homes, those temporarily residing abroad; one who makes a brief stay in a strange or foreign place, who sojourns or who resides temporarily among a native people to whom he or she does not belong; they did not expect to be regarded as a native of the place they resided.

-para (3844): alongside of (think of parallel lines)-epidemeo (1927): to be a sojourner, of a foreign resident

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Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

-strangers (xenos/3581): a foreigner, a stranger, without a share inEph 2:12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Eph 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

Thoughts on a being a stranger (gleaned from the Puritan writer Thomas Manton)1) A stranger is one that is absent from his country, and from his father's house:

so are we, heaven is our country, God is there, and Christ is there2) A stranger in a foreign country is not known, nor valued according to his birth

and breeding3) A stranger is patient, standing not for ill usage, and is contented with pilgrim's

fare and lodging. We are now abroad and must expect hardship.4) A stranger is wary, that he may not give offense, and incur the hatred and

displeasure of the natives.5) A stranger is thankful for the least favor; so we must be thankfully contented

with the things God hath bestowed upon us: anything in a strange country is much.

6) A stranger, that has a journey to go on, would pass over it as soon as he could, and so we, who have a journey to heaven, desire to be dissolved

7) A stranger buys not such things as he cannot carry with him; he doth not buy trees, house, household stuff, but jewels and pearls, and such things as are portable. (What things are we dragging along with us mentally?)

8) A stranger's heart is in his country; so is a saint's.

1Pe 2:11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

Persons sojourning for a brief season in a foreign country. Though applied primarily to Hebrews scattered throughout the world (Gen_23:4; Psa_39:12), it has here a wider, spiritual sense, contemplating Christians as having their citizenship in heaven. Compare Heb_11:13. The preposition παρα, in composition, implies a sense of transitoriness, as of one who passes by to something beyond. (Vincent’s Word Studies)

The picture in the metaphor here is that heaven is our native country and we are only temporary sojourners here on earth. (A. T. Robertson’s Word Pictures)

1) Our origin is foreign2) We are to reside “next to” the natives. We are to maintain our uniqueness.3) We are residing in a country that is not our own.

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4) Our residing is temporary.

I’m a Pilgrim (Maxwell)

I’m a pilgrim and a stranger,Rough and thorny is the road,Often in the midst of danger,

But it leads to God.Clouds of darkness oft distress me;

Great and many are my foes;Anxious cares and thoughts oppress me;

But my Father knows.

Oh, how sweet is this assurance,’Midst the conflict and the strife,

Although sorrows past enduranceFollow me through life.

Home in prospect can still cheer me:Yes, and give me sweet repose,

While I feel His presence near me,For my Father knows.

Yes, He sees and knows me daily,Watches over me in love;

Sends me help when foes assail me,Bids me look above.

Soon my journey shall be ended,Life is drawing to a close;

I shall then be well attended—This my Father knows.

I shall then with joy behold Him;Face to face my Savior see;

Fall with rapture, and adore HimFor His love to me.

Nothing more shall then distress me—In the land of sweet repose:

Jesus stands engaged to bless me—This my Father knows.

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If we are not citizens here, then where is our citizenship? In heaven.

Php 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Php 3:21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

*Dispersion (diaspora/1290): scattering (as seed)See also John 7:35; James 1:1Primarily written to the Jews, although the Gentiles are included in the letter as well (see 1 Peter 2:10). All believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are to view themselves in the truth of their calling as pilgrims and strangers while here on the earth.

*Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia: In Peter’s day, these were provinces in the Roman Empire during the rule of Nero, in the area today known as Turkey

-Acts 2:9 Jews from these regions were present at the day of Pentecost-See Acts 16:6-7 and how Paul was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go there

“To the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” He is writing to the strangers, or aliens, who were scattered throughout the Roman Empire. They were Jews, called the Diaspora because they were no longer in the land of Palestine. Due to persecution and other reasons, they had settled throughout the empire. If you will check a map, you will find these places are all in Asia Minor, the area we know as Turkey today. You may recall that Paul on his second missionary journey tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of God would not allow him to go there. It is my conviction that Simon Peter had already preached the Gospel there and that the Holy Spirit wanted Paul to go to people who had not heard the Gospel. Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles, and Simon Peter was the apostle to Israelites who had turned to Christ.1

1McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary: The Epistles (1 Peter). electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1991 (Thru the Bible Commentary 54), S. 16

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II. The Basis for that calling*The Father’s eternal plan*Sanctifying work of the Spirit*Cleansing work of the Son

1Pe 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

*according (kata/2596): according to, along the lines of, after the manner of, on the basis of*foreknowledge (prognosis/4268): forethought, pre-arrangement*in (en): by sanctification of the Spirit*sanctification (hagiasmos/38): consecration, purification, set apart*for (eis/1519): resulting in *obedience (hupakoe/5218): lit. to hear under, obedience, submission, compliance

-our obedience in responding to the truth of the gospel-3x in 1 Peter

1Pe 1:14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;

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1Pe 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

Note: obedience cannot be learned apart from sufferingHeb 5:8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

*sprinkling (rhantismos/4473): cleansing, purification-literal fulfillment of Isaiah 52:15 and the sprinkling of the nations-also Hebrews 12:24

*multiplied (plethuno/4129): to be increased (2 Peter 1:2)

Our calling as elect pilgrims is in accordance with the Father’s eternal plan, by means of the sanctifying work of the Spirit, resulting in our obedience and sprinkling by the blood of Jesus Christ (which is the cleansing needed for our walk). All three persons of the Godhead are involved (which is a beautiful picture of the trinity). Grace and peace, which are given to us in abundant supply, are what is going to be needed for us to fulfill this calling.

III. The New birth and the hope of the pilgrim (Our Foreign Birth)1Pe 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

*blessed (eulogetos/2128): bless, praise, to speak well of (eulogize)

Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

*according (kata/2596): according to, along the lines of, after the manner of, on the basis of*abundant (polus/4183): many, much, great*mercy (eleos/1656): kindness or good will towards the miserable and afflicted with a desire to help them; the outward manifestation of pity, it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it.

Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Tit 3:4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

Tit 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

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*begotten (anagennao/313): born again, born anew, to regenerate, the act of the Holy Spirit imparting to us eternal life and making us partakers of the divine nature and children of God

-aorist passive participle (emphasizes the event of regeneration)-aorist emphasizes the event of regeneration (in contrast to that of being continuous)-passive indicates that we are recipients of the new birth

-only occurs here and in 1 Peter 1:23*ana (313): in the midst of, again, up, above*gennao (1080): to give birth, to bring forth

*to (eis/1519): resulting in*living (zao/2198): that which is alive, full of life and vigor, active, powerful

-present active participle (qualifies hope)-1 Peter 1:23, 2:4,5,24; 4:5,6

*hope (elpis/1680): joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation-1 Peter 1:21, 3:15

*through (dia/1223): through, by means

It is by God's abundant mercy that we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. God is the source of this salvation. His great mercy is its cause. The new birth is the nature of it. A living hope is its present reward. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the righteous basis of our salvation, as well as the foundation of our living hope. (BBC)

Our regeneration is a birth which does not have its origin from here below, but from above. We are pilgrims because we are foreigners by birth. Quite simply, we are not of this world and its system. Yet we as believers time and time again walk in contradiction to our birth and our calling as pilgrims by allowing ourselves to be corrupted by the world system (See 2 Peter).

The result of our new birth is that we have a living, confident expectation on the basis of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. As He rose, so shall we. As pilgrims, we cannot lose sight of the eternal prize which awaits us at the end of our journey and the character of the one who promised it to us.

IV. The Eternal Inheritance and Security of the Pilgrim (The Pilgrim’s Hope defined)1Pe 1:4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

*to (eis/1519): resulting in*inheritance (kleronomia/2817): property received through an inheritance, possession, portion, share*incorruptible (aphthartos/862): uncorrupted, incapable of decay, imperishable*undefiled (amiantos/283): unstained, unsoiled *does not fade away (amarantos/263): enduring, perpetual*reserved (tereo/5083): under guard

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-perfect passive participle (past completed action with continuous results)

Another result of our new birth is an eternal inheritance which is of the quality that will not fade, nor corrupt, nor lose its value, which is under guard in heaven for us.

When we are born again we have the certain hope of an inheritance ... in heaven. The inheritance includes all that the believer will enjoy in heaven for eternity, and all that will be his through Christ (Psa_16:5). The inheritance is incorruptible and undefiled and unfading: (1) Incorruptible means that it can never corrode, crack, or decay. It is death-proof. (2) Undefiled means that the inheritance itself is in perfect condition. No tarnish or stain can dim its purity. It is sin-proof. (3) That does not fade away means that it can never suffer variations in value, glory, or beauty. It is time-proof. Earthly inheritances are uncertain at best. Sometimes the value of an estate drops sharply because of market declines. Sometimes wills are successfully contested by parties not mentioned in them. Sometimes people are deprived of an inheritance because of legal technicalities. But this divine inheritance is not subject to any of the changes of time, and there are no loopholes in the believer's title to it. It is kept in the safety-vault of heaven for the child of God. (William MacDonald; The Believer’s Bible commentary (BBC))

Consequently the inheritance is spoken of as "reserved in heaven.'' In the Epistle to the Ephesians we are seated in the heavenlies in Christ, and the inheritance is that of all things of which Christ Himself is heir. But the Christian is also in fact a pilgrim and a stranger on the earth; and it is a strong consolation to us, in our pilgrimage, to see this heavenly inheritance before us, as a certain pledge of our own entrance into it.Another inestimable consolation is added. If the inheritance is preserved in heaven for us, we are kept by the power of God all through our pilgrimage that we may enjoy it at the end. Sweet thought! — we are kept here below through all our dangers and difficulties; and, on the other hand, the inheritance there, where there is no defilement or possibility of decay. (JN Darby)

1Pe 1:5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.*who: refers back to the “you” in verse four*kept (phroureo/5432): to guard, to protect by a military guard either of a hostile invasion or of flight

-present passive participle (continuously being kept)*power (dunamis/1411): strength, ability*through faith: it is NOT our faith that keeps us (that is God’s power), but it was our faith that was the response to the saving message of Jesus Christ which resulted in our new birth.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon said: “It is not thy hold on Christ that saves thee; it is Christ. It is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee; it is Christ. It is not even thy faith in Christ that saves thee, though that be the instrument. It is Christ’s blood and merit.” That is what saves you, my friend. Faith just lays hold of it—

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that is all. Faith, therefore, is not something mysterious at all—it is that which looks to the Lord Jesus Christ.2

*ready (hetoimos/2092): to have in readiness, prepared*revealed (apokalupto/601): to be revealed, to uncover, to make manifest

-aorist passive infinitive

Not only is the inheritance guarded for Christians, but they are kept or guarded for it. In this life an heir may die before an inheritance is divided. But the same grace that preserves the heavenly inheritance preserves us as heirs to enjoy it (BBC)

V. The Training of the Pilgrim: Learning to live as a stranger and pilgrim in the light of trials1Pe 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

*in this: verses 3-5, our eternal inheritance and security*greatly rejoice (agalliao/21): to exult, jubilant exaltation, to celebrate

-present middle/passive deponent indicative (you are continuously greatly rejoicing)-1 Pet 1:8; 4:13

*little while (oligos/3641): little, small, few; of time: short2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

*if need be (dei/1163): it is necessary, of necessity:-in what is required to attain some end; -in what is required by circumstances;-established by the counsel and decree of God-present active participle

*grieved (lupeo/3076): to cause sorrow, grief, pained, distressed-aorist passive participle

*trials (peirasmos/3986): temptations, trial, solicitation to sin; the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy

Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

1Pe 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 1Pe 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

The “in this” refers back to our eternal hope which is presented in the previous verses 3-5. This is to be our mental focus as we go through various trials. We must never lose the eternal viewpoint, especially in times of suffering.

2McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary: The Epistles (Hebrews 8-13). electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1991 (Thru the Bible Commentary 52), S. 68

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Because of this hope of the redemption of the body and of a glorious inheritance, believers can greatly rejoice even in the midst of trials. The Christians to whom Peter was writing were suffering persecution because of their testimony for Christ. Peter reminds them of one of the delightful paradoxes of Christianity—joy in the midst of sorrow. (BBC)

1Pe 1:7 that the genuineness of your faith, [being] much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

*that (hina/2443): purpose clause (with the subjunctive “may be found”)*genuineness (dokimion/1383): trial, that by which something is tried, to try with the purpose of approval, proof, criterion, test, the proving

-see James 1:3

Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

The word means a test. As the means of proof, however, is not only the touchstone itself, but the trace of the metal left upon it, the sense here is the result of the contact of faith with trial, and hence the verification of faith. The expression is equivalent to your approved faith. (Vincent Word Studies)

“It is not the testing of our faith that is to the glory of God, but the fact that our faith has met the test and has been approved, that redounds to His glory.” (Wuest’s Studies in the Greek N.T.)

*precious (timios/5093): of great price, esteemed*tested (dokimazo/1381): to test, examine, prove, to recognize as genuine after examination, to test with the expectation of approval, to approve after trial

-present passive participle (our faith is continuously being tested)

Kindred with δοκιμιον, proof, and better rendered by Rev., proved. The verb is used in classical Greek of assaying or testing metals, and means, generally, to approve or sanction upon test. (Vincent)

*found (heurisko/2147): to find by examination, scrutiny, observation, by experience; to find by enquiry, thought, examination, scrutiny, observation, to find out by practice and experience; to see, learn, discover, understand; to be found, i.e. to be seen, be present; to be discovered, recognized, detected, to show one’s self out, of one’s character or state as found out by others (men, God, or both)

-aorist passive subjunctive-with “that” at the beginning of the verse indicates a purpose clause; the purpose of the trial of our faith is that it would be approved resulting in praise, honor and glory

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to (eis/1519): resulting in

*Three results of being approved through trials at the appearing of Jesus Christ:-praise (epainos/1868): approbation, commendation, applause-honor (time/5092): value, preciousness, esteem, price-glory (doxa/1391): good opinion, splendor, brightness, glorious condition, the opinion which obtains respecting one, credit, magnificence

*revelation (apokalupsis/602): disclosure, manifestation, appearance, coming-appearance of Christ to the Church/Rapture (1 Cor. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:7; 5:1, 4)-future physical manifestation of the sons of God (Rom. 8:19)-revelation to Paul regarding the mysteries (Gal. 1:22; 2:2; Eph. 3:3)-manifestation of Christ with His angels for wrath (2 Thess. 1:7)

One of the many beneficial purposes of afflictions in this life for the child of God is to test the genuineness of his faith. Peter contrasts our faith with gold. Of all the substances known to man, gold is one of the most imperishable. It can be subjected to intense heat and might seem to be indestructible. But the truth is that gold perishes through use, pressure, and fire. True faith is indestructible. The believer may undergo severe tests and trials, but instead of destroying his faith, they become food for faith to feed on. Job probably sustained heavier losses in one day than any other man in the history of the world, yet he was able to say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job_13:15). The three men in the Babylonian furnace were literally tested by fire. The fire proved their faith to be real. Also it burned away the ropes that held them, setting them free (Dan_3:12-30). And during their flaming ordeal, they had the companionship of One “like the Son of God.”The genuineness of faith can be proved only by fire. When prevailing conditions are favorable, it might be easy to be a Christian. But when public confession of Christ brings persecution and suffering, then the casual followers drift away and are lost in the crowd. A religion which costs nothing is worth nothing. Faith which refuses to pay the price is spurious. It is the kind of say-so faith that James condemns. Genuine faith will result in praise, honor, and glory when Jesus Christ is revealed. This simply means that God will reward every instance of faith that stood the test. He will praise those who are joyful though surrounded by trouble. He will award honor and glory to tried and suffering believers who were able to accept their tribulations as a vote of confidence from Him. (BBC)

Rom 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold.” After gold is mined, it is put into a smelter, a red–hot furnace. The purpose is not to destroy the gold; it is to purify the gold. When the gold is melted, the dross is drawn off to get the pure gold. When God tests us today, He puts us into the furnace. He doesn’t do that to destroy us or to hurt or harm us. But He wants pure gold, and that is the way He will get it. At the time of testing, the dross is drawn off and the precious gold appears. That is God’s method. That is God’s school.

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There are no shortcuts to maturity. All the gimmicks and new methods will lead to a dead–end street. The only thing that will bring us into a true maturation is the trial of our faith which God sends to us.3

“The picture here is of an ancient gold-smith who puts his crude gold ore in a crucible, subjects it to intense heat, and thus liquefies the mass. The impurities rise to the surface and are skimmed off. When the metal-worker is able to see the reflection of his face clearly mirrored in the surface of the liquid, he takes it off the fire, for he knows that the contents are pure gold. So it is with God and His child. He put us in the crucible of Christian suffering, in which process sin is gradually put out of our lives, our faith is purified from the slag of unbelief that somehow mingles with it so often, and the result is the reflection of the face of Jesus Christ in the character of the Christian. This, above all, God the Father desires to see. Christlikeness is God’s ideal for His child.” (Wuest)

1Pe 1:8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see [Him], yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

*whom: Jesus Christ*having not seen (eido/1492): to see, behold, to perceive, understand, to know

-perfect active participle (have not seen/known with the results that you do not see/know Him now)

*you love (agapao/25): this is not love based on emotion, but the same sacrificial love that values the object loved, that same love by which the Father loves us

-present active indicative (you are continuously loving Him)*see (horao/3708): to see with the eyes, to perceive, to see with the mind, to become acquainted with by experience; Vine indicates that it refers to the physical act of seeing.

-aorist active participle*believing (pisteuo/4100): to have confidence in, to be persuaded, to trust, and to rely upon

-present active participle*rejoice (agalliao/21): to exult, jubilant exaltation, to celebrate

-present middle/passive deponent indicative (you are rejoicing)*joy (chara/5479): gladness, inner delight*full of glory (doxazo/1392): to glory, to magnify, to honor, of an opinion

In verse eight, we have the present results of a believer whose faith is being approved. We love (value) the One that we have never seen/known, we believe in the One that we cannot see with our physical eyes, we rejoice with a joy that cannot be put into words. It is through suffering and trials that we as believers are actually strengthened in our faith as we lift our eyes away from our circumstances and focus them on the love and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It is through the seemingly unbearable heat of the refining furnace that we are drawn closer to Him.

Joh 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

3McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary: The Epistles (1 Peter). electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1991 (Thru the Bible Commentary 54), S. 28

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1Pe 1:9 receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of [your] souls.*receiving (komizo/2865): to take care of, to provide, to receive the promised blessing

-present middle participle (receiving for yourself)2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

1Pe 5:4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

*end (telos/5056): completion, by which a thing is finished, closed*salvation (soteria/4991): safety, deliverance

-the transition from suffering to glory

Our souls receive their final deliverance when we see Christ. Until then, we are to use the engrafted word to save our souls on a daily basis.

Jas 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

VI. The Old Testament prophets foresaw Christ’s suffering and glory1Pe 1:10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace [that would come] to you,

Concerning which salvation prophets conducted an exhaustive inquiry and search, those who prophesied concerning the particular grace destined for you (Wuest)

*this salvation: the message of Christ’s suffering and glory as it relates to all three tenses*prophets: reference to the Old Testament prophets*have inquired (ekzeteo/1567): to seek out, to investigate, to scrutinize, to search diligently for anything lost, to exert considerable effort and care in learning something

-aorist active indicative (a point action in past time, a historical event)*searched carefully (exeraunao/1830): to search out anxiously and diligently, as a dog sniffs out with his nose

-aorist active indicative (a point action in past time, a historical event)

Dan 9:2 in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the LORD through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

Dan 12:4 "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase." Dan 12:5 Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank.

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Dan 12:6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?" Dan 12:7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished. Dan 12:8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, "My lord, what shall be the end of these things?" Dan 12:9 And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.

Each Old Testament prophet search and investigated their writings in order to try and understand the salvation that they were writing about and the details surrounding it.

1Pe 1:11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

*searching (ereunao/2045): to make thorough examinationJoh 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

*manner (poios/4169): of what sort, quality or nature1Co 15:35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up? And with what (what quality) body do they come?"

*time (kairos/2540): fixed and definite time, right time, measure of time, the things and events of timeRom 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Eph 1:10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.

*the Spirit of Christ who was in them: confirmation of the inspiration of the Old Testament prophecies2Pe 1:20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private

interpretation, 2Pe 1:21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

*OT prophecies concerning Christ’s suffering (Psalm 22; Isaiah 52-53)*OT prophecies concerning Christ’s glory (Psalm 16, Isaiah 11, 40, 66)

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*indicating (deloo/1213): to make known*sufferings (pathema/3804): that which one suffers, a suffering, misfortune, calamity, evil, affliction

-the sufferings of Christ-the afflictions which Christians must undergo in behalf of the same cause which Christ patiently endured

Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. Heb 2:10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings

1Pe 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1Pe 5:1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:1Pe 5:9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

*glories (doxa/1391): a good opinion resulting in praise, honor and glory, splendorLuk 24:25 Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Luk 24:26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His

glory?"

1Pe 1:12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven--things which angels desire to look into.

*to them: the Old Testament prophets*revealed (apokalupto/601): to uncover, to make known, to disclose

-aorist passive indicative (they received this revelation at a point in time in the past)*to us: not specifically us, but future generations*ministering (diakoneo/1247): to minister, to serve to the interest of another*reported (anaggello/312): to announce, to make known

-aorist passive indicative (it was announced at a point in time in the past)*preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit: divine message with divine enablement

1Th 1:5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

*desire (epithumeo/1937): to have a desire for, to long for, eagerly desire-present active indicative (continuously desire)

*to look (parakupto/3879): to stoop down to look at, to inspect curiously

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Peter, in these last three verses (10-12), is emphasizing the greatness of the message of Christ’s salvation (His suffering and His glory) which is the template or pattern for us and our salvation in our daily walk. It is this same message which was announced to us that the writers of the Old Testament searched to understand and the angels (with all their glory) in heaven desire to look grace (Eph. 3:10).

1Pe 2:20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 1Pe 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 1Pe 2:22 "WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS DECEIT FOUND IN HIS

MOUTH"; 1Pe 2:23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

1Pe 5:1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

Please note: These truths in no way contradict the mystery of the Church and this dispensation of the grace of God which has been hidden, but now revealed (Eph. 3). The sufferings and the glory are similar to two great mountain peaks which are revealed, with the mystery of the Church the hidden valley in between (see illustration above).

VII. The Mindset of the Pilgrim needed for his journey1Pe 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest [your] hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

*Therefore: due to the greatness of the salvation message that has been given to us, we should gird up the loins of our mind*gird up (anazonnumi/328): a metaphor derived from the practice of the Orientals, who in order to be unimpeded in their movements were accustomed, when starting a journey or engaging in any work, to bind their long flowing garments closely around their bodies and fastened them with a leather belt. The figure is taken from the circumstances of the Israelites as they ate the Passover in readiness for their journey, Exodus 12:11.

-see John 21:18-aorist middle participle

-aorist: The aorist represents an action seen as an event, rather than continuous (present). This use of the aorist sees the action in view of the whole journey (girding up the loins of your mind once for all before you begin)-middle: you can only do this for yourself -from ana/303 (up) and zonnumi/2224 (to gird)-Use of zonnumi in the Greek Septuagint:2Ki 4:29 Then he (Elisha) said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not;

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and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child. (KJV)2Ki 4:29 Then he (Elisha) said to Gehazi, "Get yourself ready, and take my staff in your hand, and be on your way. If you meet anyone, do not greet him; and if anyone greets you, do not answer him; but lay my staff on the face of the child." (NKJV)

The figure is taken from the circumstances of the Israelites as they ate the Passover in readiness for their journey, Exo_12:11; the Christian is to have his mental powers alert in expectation of Christ's coming. The verb is in the middle voice, indicating the special interest the believer is to take in so doing. (Vine’s)

Exd 12:11 NKJV - And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD's Passover.

-The illustration that comes to mind is that of tying your shoes in preparation for going on a walk. The Father desires that we would gather up the loose thinking in our mind in preparation for a journey and continuously be calm and clear headed as we make our way as pilgrims.

“Peter treats this as a God-expected obligation on the part of the believer.” (Wuest)

The aorist tense pictures a past once-for-all completed action in preparation for a course of activity, a strenuous life of obedience. They were to have their minds in constant preparation to discharge the duties, or to endure the trials of life - like those who were prepared for labor, for a race, or for a conflict. Middle voice indicates the action performed is for one's own benefit and conveys a reflexive sense - "Gird up for YOURSELF the loins of your mind”. The middle implies that the person does the girding in his own interest. The mind ought to be free from any hindrance (for example, fear or worry) to serve the Lord. (PA)

The girding up of the mind is an interesting figure of speech. In eastern lands, people wore long, flowing robes. When they wanted to walk fast or with a minimum of hindrance, they would tie the robe up around their waist with a belt (see Exo_12:11). In this way they girded up their loins. But what does Peter mean by gird up the loins of your mind? As they went out into a hostile world, believers were to avoid panic and distraction. In times of persecution, there is always the tendency to become rattled and confused. A girded mind is one that is strong, composed, cool, and ready for action. It is unimpeded by the distraction of human fear or persecution. (BBC)

So girding up your mind involves removing anything that would hinder the free action of the mind in relationship to spiritual growth or progress. The recipients of this letter are reminded by the apostle in 1Pe 1:1 (note) that they are strangers, those who have temporarily settled down alongside of a pagan population and later as pilgrims (1Pe 2:11-note). As such they should always be ready to move. As the traveler, the racer, the warrior, and the laborer, gathered in their long and loose garments, that they might be ready in their business, so Christians should do in their minds and affections. The image is one of preparing for battle or rugged travel. The believer is to grab hold of his mind and take charge of his thought life—to bring it under obedience to Christ (2Cor 10:5). It is not physical exertion that Peter has in mind here, but mental. If the purpose of girding up the clothing was to put out of the way that which would impede the physical progress of an individual, the girding up of the loins of the mind would be

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the putting out of the mind all that would impede the free action of the mind in connection with the onward progress of the Christian experience, things such as worry, fear, jealousy, hate, unforgiveness, impurity. These things harbored in the mind prevent the Holy Spirit from using the mental faculties of the Christian in the most efficient manner, and impede growth in the "grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2Pe 3:18) (PA)

*loins of your mind: the loins are the place where the Hebrews thought the generative power resided, the place of creation. The “loins of our mind” is the place in our thinking where thoughts are conceived. The admonition is that we are not to let our thoughts run wild. We need to stay focused if we are to operate as pilgrims in our journeys here on earth.

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

*mind (dianoia/1271): the mind as a faculty of understanding, feeling and desiring, the way of thinking, imagination, understanding, intention, comprehension

2Pe 3:1 Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder),

The idea inherent in dianoia is what goes through (dia = through) one's mind and so one's thought processes and finally the mind in general. It focuses more on one's ability to think or perceive and thus describes that function of the mind with by which one organizes perceptions.The loins were girded by gathering the long folds of the wide undergarment in a girdle in order to supply the body with a firm stay and to remove all hindrances, when the object was to work, to set out on a journey, to run, to carry a burden, to wrestle or to go to war. So the Christian should gird the dianoia, gather up all distractedness and fickleness, and be astir and ready, that is, his thoughts and his will should be alive and concentrated when there is a call for work, for fight and for suffering. (PA)

*be sober (nepho/3525): to be calm and collected in spirit; temperate; dispassionate; in control of one’s thought processes; to be clear headed, to be watchful

-present active participle (be continuously sober)*As sons of light, we are to operate soberly in contrast to those who are in darkness.1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1Th 5:7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at

night. 1Th 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

*As those called to suffer, we are to be clear headed in our prayers, free from all distractions1Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

*We are to be calm and collected in the face of Satanic attacks 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

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The idea is to “make sure you keep all your faculties fully operational”. This trait describes one who is free from every form of mental and spiritual ‘drunkenness’, from excess, passion, rashness, confusion, etc. be well-balanced, self-controlled. Peter gives us an injunction to sane appraisal of the facts, without undue emotion and panic.

He says that we are to continually (present tense) make the choice of our will (active voice = volitional choice) to be watchful, calm and collected in spirit, temperate, dispassionate and circumspect in this present evil age. Its image of not being drunk when it comes to spiritual things and implies alertness and evaluating things correctly, because you see clearly, and your mind isn't numb with intoxicating influences. Such a person is able to see things without the distortion caused by worry, fear, and their related attitudes. (PA)

*hope (elpizo/1679): to wait for salvation with joy and confidence, to expect, to trust-aorist active imperative (1st of 36 imperatives in 1 Peter)-A command to be done once, rather than continuous (like setting the destination of your journey before you begin)*Our hope/confidence in the future redemption of our bodiesRom 8:23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. Rom 8:24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? Rom 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with

perseverance.

*Our hope is based on Christ’s resurrection from the dead1Co 15:16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 1Co 15:17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 1Co 15:18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 1Co 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most

pitiable. 1Co 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

*Our trust/hope is not to be in riches, but in the Lord1Ti 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

The Septuagint uses the word 91x, 70x in the Psalms, where it is usually translated “trust”Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.Psa 18:30 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Psa 31:24 Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.

Fix your hope is the first command following Peter's unveiling of the riches of our salvation in 1:1-12, and is in the aorist imperative which conveys the need for each believer to make this a

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decisive choice. It is like a command from a general to his troops engaged in deadly combat. "Hope fully!"  It conveys a sense of urgency. Do it now. Do it once for all. Do it effectively but just do it! The active voice  indicates that this is a voluntary choice of each person's will. The point is that God won't force us to "fix our hope" on "future grace". His word tells us much about what "future grace" and glory entail to motivate us but ultimately we must make a decision to "Do it now".

Too often we “set our hope” on some near, immediate "grace". “Lord, I’d like a new job.” “Lord, heal my illness.” “Lord, if only You’ll let us get this home of our own.” “Father, I know this marriage is just what I need to make me happy!” We may indeed get what we ask and hope for in this life. But any earthly prospect can disappoint, and every earthly possession be torn from our grasp. Only when we set our hope “fully” on the grace that will be ours when Jesus comes will we be immune to life’s losses." (Richards, L.. The 365 day devotional commentary. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books)

Remember we are aliens (parepidemois) in "enemy territory" so to speak and are to be good soldiers of Christ Jesus.

So the first command in this letter is an action we are to carry out with our mind (and our heart - it's not just an "intellectual" exercise but a heart attitude that is the seedbed for a heart response). Peter is commanding us to live with an experiential hope -- “Pull your mind together and have the right mental attitude in view of our Lord’s return.”

Notice that "fix your hope completely" is the main verb in this verse and is modified by the two subordinate participles (a participle ends in "-ing"), the first being "you yourself having girded the loins of your mind at a definite point in time" and then "continually being sober". Then comes the main verb "Hope fully!" Which simply means that girding up the loins of our minds and being sober in our spirits are both "actions" which are means to the end hoping fully, which is the main charge that Peter is conveying. (PA)

*fully (teleios/5049): perfectly, completely, to the end*grace (charis/5485): gift, favor, benefits, loving-kindness

*to be brought (phero/5342): to bring to, to bring forward, to bring in by announcing-present passive participle (that is being brought)

-The grace that will be fully manifested to us at the appearance of Jesus Christ is actually available to us now

*revelation (apokalupsis/602): disclosure, manifestation, appearance, coming-appearance of Christ to the Church/Rapture (1 Cor. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:7; 5:1, 4)

Therefore having girded up the loins of your mind (to start your journey), be continuously clear headed for the duration of your journey, and rest your hope fully (your fixed point of destination of your journey) upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Wherefore, having put out of the way once for all everything that would impede the free action of your mind, be calm and collected in spirit, and set your hope perfectly, wholly, and unchangeably,

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without doubt and despondency, upon the grace that is to be brought to you upon the occasion of the revelation of Jesus Christ; (Wuest)

1Pe 1:14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, [as] in your ignorance;*obedient (hupakoe/5218): lit. to hear under, obedience, submission, compliance (noun)*children (teknon/5043): born ones, the result of our regeneration

Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Rom 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

1Jn 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

The Greek is literally “children of obedience” indicating that the obedience is a result of their nature. Contrast this verse with Ephesians 5:6 and the children of disobedience of which disobedience is their nature. We are born ones due to the regeneration mentioned in 1:3 and as a result of the regeneration; we have the opportunity to share in the Father’s nature (2 Peter 1:3-4)

*conforming (suschematizo/4964): to conform one’s self (mind and character) to a pattern; to fashion one’s self after, putting on an outward appearance that doesn’t represent the inward reality (hypocrite), transitory, unstable

Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

-sun (with/together with) and schema (the outward appearance, that which strikes the senses)-present middle passive participle

-present (continuous action)-middle (don’t do it to yourself)-passive (don’t allow others to do it to you)

“The word “fashion” in the Greek text refers to the act of assuming an outward appearance patterned after some certain thing, an appearance or expression which does not come from and is not representative of one’s inmost and true nature.” (Wuest)

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As pilgrims, we are not to conform ourselves to the temporary illusion that is this world system and its lusts, as we are just temporary residents here and are merely passing through. But rather we are to allow ourselves to be conformed to the image of Christ through getting to know Him and the fellowship of His sufferings (Phil. 3:10)

*former (proteros/4386): before, prior*lusts (epithumia/1939): desire (good or bad), craving, longing*ignorance (agnoia/52): lack of knowledge, moral blindness, our former unregenerate condition

-You can’t keep your mind girded up if you keep looking back to the past. If we are to have a good conscience before the Lord (and others) in suffering, our walk must reflect our calling as pilgrims and not our pre-regeneration life (see also Ephesians 4:17 and following).

1Pe 1:15 but as He who called you [is] holy, you also be holy in all [your] conduct,*called (kaleo/2564): to call, to invite

Peter mentions 5 callings for the believer in this epistle:1) Called to holiness/1:152) Called out of darkness/2:93) Called to suffer/2:204) Called not to render evil for evil, but blessing/3:95) Called unto eternal glory/5:10

*be (ginomai/1096): to become-aorist passive imperative

A command to you allow yourself to be set apart in your conduct once for all*holy (hagios/40): to be separated, consecrated, set apart

-uniquely identified-set apart for a purpose (our calling as strangers and pilgrims), not referring to sinlessness

One commentator remarked that holiness is not equal to happiness

*conduct (anastrophe/391): manner of life, one’s outward walk, conduct, that which people see-used 6x in 1 Peter and 2x in 2 PeterEph 4:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, Eph 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, Eph 4:24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

1Ti 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

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1Pe 2:11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 1Pe 2:12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1Pe 3:1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 1Pe 3:2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1Pe 3:16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

2Pe 2:7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked

2Pe 2:8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)—

2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2Pe 3:11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

conversation — deportment, course of life: one’s way of going about, as distinguished from one’s internal nature, to which it must outwardly correspond. Christians are already holy unto God by consecration; they must be so also in their outward walk and behavior in all respects. The outward must correspond to the inward man. (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown)

1Pe 1:16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."*be (ginomai/1096): become, begin to be

-aorist middle deponent imperativeThis is a repeat of the command given in verse 15.

*holy (hagios/40): to be separated, consecrated, set apart-His children, we are to imitate the Father (Eph. 5:1-2)-Leviticus 11:44

Peter reaches back into the OT for proof that God expects His people to be like Himself. In Lev_11:44, the Lord said: “Be holy, for I am holy.” Christians are empowered to live holy lives by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Old Testament saints did not have this help and blessing. But since we are more privileged, we are also more responsible. The verse Peter quotes from Leviticus acquires a new depth of meaning in the NT. It is the difference between the formal and the vital. Holiness was God's ideal in the OT. It has assumed a concrete, everyday quality with the coming of the Spirit of truth. (BBC)

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1Pe 1:17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay [here] in fear;

*and: continuing the theme from verses 13-16*if: since (1st class conditional sentence)

-The Greek makes it clear that it is assumed that the believer/pilgrim will call upon the Lord.

*call (epikaleo/1941): to invoke, to call upon on one’s own behalf, to call as a helper, to appeal to-present middle indicative

-present (we are to continuously on the Father)-middle (we can only call for our self)

Act 25:10 So Paul said, "I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. Act 25:11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar." Act 25:12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, "You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!"

-What are we calling the Father for? Based on the context which is our walk as pilgrims, we are to call on/appeal to Him for help regarding His provision for our holy walk, remembering that it is He who is judging us.

*without partiality (aprosopoleptos/678): derived from the Hebrew idiom “to receive the face” of someone meant to show partiality or favoritism. This word reflects the respectful Oriental greeting in which one humbly turns one’s face to the ground upon meeting another person. If the person greeted the raised the face of the man, this was a sign of recognition and esteem. Here the word is the opposite or negative aspect of this well-known practice and thus means “does not receive face.” That is God does not receive anyone’s face. He is impartial (PA).

*judges (krino/2919): to separate, to pronounce an opinion as to whether right or wrong, to approve-present active participle (The present indicates that He is continuously judging us)-The Father is judging us right now as to our work as pilgrims (that is the context)

*conduct (anastrepho/390): "to turn back, return" (ana, "back," strepho, "to turn"), hence, "to move about in a place, to sojourn," and, in the middle and passive voices, "to conduct oneself," indicating one's manner of life and character, is accordingly rendered "behave" in 1Ti_3:15, lit., "how it is necessary to behave," not referring merely to Timothy himself, but to all the members of the local church (see the whole epistle); to abide (Vine’s)

-aorist passive imperative (A once for all command)

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*fear (phobos/5401): fear, terror, dread, reverential fear, dread of not pleasing the Father*stay (paroikia/3940): dwelling in a strange land, temporary residence in a foreign land, sojourning

1) Our stay here is in a foreign land2) Our stay here is temporary

a citizen of heaven living for the time being amongst the unsaved on this earth, which is foreign territory governed by the god of this world (Wuest)

We are to pass the time of our stay on earth in fear. Christians are not at home in this world. We are living in a foreign country, exiled from heaven. We should not settle down as if this were our permanent dwelling. Neither should we imitate the behavior of the earth-dwellers. We should always remember our heavenly destiny and behave ourselves as citizens of heaven. (BBC)

1Pe 1:18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, [like] silver or gold, from your aimless conduct [received] by tradition from your fathers,

*knowing (eido/1492): perceive, understand-The perfect tense indicates that they knew and still know about their redemption.

*redeemed (lutroo/3084): to set free upon payment of a ransom, to liberate, emphasizes the actual deliverance, to release on receipt of ransom

-aorist passive indicative (once for all action in past time)

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Tit 2:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Tit 2:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

*corruptible (phthartos/5349): decayed, perishable*aimless (mataios/3152): devoid of force, truth, success or result; useless, of no purpose, of no lasting value, pointless

1Co 15:17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!

Tit 3:9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

*traditions from your fathers (patroparadotos): handed down from the fathers

1Pe 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.*precious (timios/5093): of a great price

-salvation is free, but it isn’t cheap!*blood: the payment for our sins

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-The value of Christ’s blood:1) It is the basis for forgiveness of sins in the New Covenant

Mat 26:28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

2) It is the propitiation (satisfying sacrifice)Rom 3:25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,

3) We are justified by His bloodRom 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

4) We have redemption through His bloodEph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

5) We are brought near by His bloodEph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

6) He made peace through His bloodCol 1:20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

7) It was by His blood, that Christ our High Priest prepared the way for us into the Heavenly Tabernacle

Heb 9:12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

Heb 9:23 Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. Heb 9:24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; Heb 9:25 not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—

Heb 10:19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, Heb 10:20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, Heb 10:21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,

8) It is by His blood that we can walk in fellowship with the Father and the Son1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

*lamb: referring to Christ’s fulfilling the picture of the Passover Lamb-Exodus 12; Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29, 36; Rev. 5:12

*without blemish (amomos/299): without fault, blameless*without spot (aspilos/784): irreproachable, unstained

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If a believer is ever tempted to return to worldly pleasures and amusements, to adopt worldly modes and patterns, to become like the world in its false ways, he should remember that Christ shed His blood to deliver him from that kind of life. (BBC)

1Pe 1:20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you

*foreordained (proginosko/4267): to know beforehand

Rom 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Act 2:22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—Act 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; Act 2:24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.

Rev 13:8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from (before) the foundation of the world.

Foreknowledge - This word denotes “the seeing beforehand of an event yet to take place.” It implies:1. Omniscience; and,2. That the event is fixed and certain.To foresee a contingent event, that is, to foresee that an event will take place when it may or may not take place, is an absurdity. Foreknowledge, therefore, implies that for some reason the event will certainly take place. What that reason As, however, God is represented in the Scriptures as purposing or determining future events; as they could not be foreseen by him unless he had so determined, so the word sometimes is used in the sense of determining beforehand, or as synonymous with decreeing, Rom_8:29; Rom_11:2. In this place the word is used to denote that the delivering up of Jesus was something more than a bare or naked decree. It implies that God did it according to his foresight of what would be the best time, place, and manner of its being done. It was not the result merely of will; it was will directed by a wise foreknowledge of what would be best. And this is the case with all the decrees of God. It follows from this that the conduct of the Jews was foreknown. God was not disappointed in anything respecting their treatment of his Son, nor will he be disappointed in any of the actions of people. Notwithstanding the wickedness of the world, his counsel shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure, Isa_46:10. (Barnes Bible Commentary)

*for (dia/1223): in the accusative case emphasizes the reason something is done; because of, on account of

Christ’s sacrificial death for us was not an afterthought. It was planned in eternity past.

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1Pe 1:21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

*who: Christ*through (dia/1223): by means of, on account of*believe (pisteuo/4100): to trust in, to have confidence in

-present active participle (are believing)-who through Him (Christ), you are believing in God

*who raised Him from the dead: another reference to the resurrection*gave Him glory: the result of Christ’s suffering*so that (hoste/5620): so then, therefore*faith (pistis/4102): conviction*hope (elpis/1680): joyful and confident expectation

It is the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ that gives the believer conviction and confident expectation during times of suffering.

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VIII. Exhortations to the PilgrimA. Exhortation to Love the brethren (fellow pilgrims) 1Pe 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

*purified (hagnizo/48): to cleanse from defilement-perfect active participle (state of completion with the emphasis on present results)-Having purified your souls by obedience to the truth

The present context of 1Pe 1:22 describes an internal, supernatural cleansing which occurred when they received the living and abiding word and were caused to be born again by God (1Pe 1:3-note). Peter says a person is purified when he or she obeys the truth (the Word of God, the Gospel) and in context Peter is referring to the initial experience of salvation (justification) by grace through faith.

Hagnizo is in the perfect tense signifying a past act (the moment we believed the gospel) with ongoing effects (enabled to sacrificially love others). The perfect tense underscores the permanence of the once for all transaction of salvation. (PA)

*obeying (hupakoe/5218): lit. to hear under, obedience, submission, compliance (noun)*the truth: the gospel (1:23-25)*in (eis): resulting in*sincere (anupokriptos/505): unfeigned, undisguised, without hypocrisy, authentic*love (Philadelphia/5360): the love which Christians cherish each other with as brethren, family love, loving those who are of the same nature as you

Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. 2Pe 1:7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

*love (agapao/25): sacrificial love which values the object loved, the same love by which the Father loves us-aorist active imperative (a once for all command)

The aorist tense and imperative mood  commands the believer to carry out this act of love now and do it effectively. The active voice indicates that each believer must decide in his or her mind to carry out this love. It is decision of your will.  Imperative mood (a command which conveys the sense of urgency). (PA)

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Wuest adds that agape

"speaks of a love which in its classical usage refers to a love called out of one’s heart by the preciousness of the person loved, which usage is carried over into the NT, but which word has an additional content of meaning poured into it by the way it is used in certain contexts such as (John 3:16), where the idea of self-sacrifice for the benefit of the person loved is added to its classical meaning, (1Cor13:4ff-note) where the constituent elements of its Biblical usage are listed, and (1Jn 4:8), where it is said to refer to the love that God is. Thus, the exhortation is to love one’s brother Christian because he is precious to God, and to love him with a love that is willing to sacrifice one’s self for the benefit of that brother, a love that causes one to be long suffering toward him, a love that makes one treat him kindly, a love that so causes one to rejoice in the welfare of another that there is no room for envy in the heart, a love that is not jealous, a love that keeps one from boasting of one’s self, a love that keeps one from bearing one’s self in a lofty manner, a love that keeps one from acting unbecomingly, a love that keeps one from seeking one’s own rights, a love that keeps one from becoming angry, a love that does not impute evil, a love that does not rejoice in iniquity but in the truth, a love that bears up against all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. That is the kind of love which God says one Christian should have for another. These Christians to whom Peter was writing already had a fondness and an affection for one another. The feeling of fondness and affection was perfectly proper in itself, but it could degenerate into an attachment for another which would be very selfish. But if these Christians would blend the two kinds of love, saturate the human fondness and affection with the divine love with which they are exhorted to love one another, then that human affection would be transformed and elevated to a heavenly thing. Then the fellowship of saint with saint would be a heavenly fellowship, glorifying to the Lord Jesus, and most blessed in its results to themselves. There is plenty of the phile fondness and affection among the saints, and too little of the agape divine love." (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans or Logos)

*fervently (ektenos/1619): intensely, not relaxing in effort; picture of an athlete stretching every muscle toward the goal, intense effort and strain*pure (katharos/2513): clean, purified by fire, free from corrupt desire, from every admixture of what is false, sincere, genuine

The result of our obedience to the truth of the gospel is that our souls have been purified (completed act at salvation with present results) resulting in a genuine love of the brethren (our fellow born ones). It is a love which loves those who come from the same womb. It loves those who are like us, emphasizing that we are not to have this love for those who are different from us (unbeliever). It is the love to be directed toward fellow strangers and pilgrims. Upon this, we are then commanded to love with a sacrificial love towards one another, the same quality of love by which the Father loves us. It is this quality of love that is needed for each other as we go through times of suffering. It is this last love that we are to make the intense effort, straining to display this divine love to each other.

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B. Exhortation to desire the Word and lay aside that which will hinder our walk1Pe 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,

*having been born again (anagennao/313): ): born again, born anew, to regenerate, the act of the Holy Spirit imparting to us eternal life and making us children of God and partakers of the divine nature

-see 1 Peter 1:3-perfect passive participle

-perfect (This emphasizes the completed act of regeneration and its present results as seen in the following verses)-passive (we are the recipients of the new birth)

*not of corruptible seed: not of physical descent (see John 1:12-13)-seed (spora/4701): seed, parentage (only occurs in this verse)-the preposition “of” is in the genitive case indicating origin

*incorruptible (aphthartos/862): imperishable, not liable to corruption or decay1 Pet 1:4; 3:4

*through (dia/1223): by means of (agency)*word (logos/3056): teaching, discourse, doctrine

The source of the new birth is the incorruptible spiritual seed, not from a physical seed or lineage. And it is the eternal Word of God that is the instrument/means of the new birth.

Jas 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

1Pe 1:24 because "All flesh [is] as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away,

*Isaiah 40:6-8Isa 40:6 The voice said, "Cry out!" And he said, "What shall I cry?" "All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. Isa 40:7 The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. Isa 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands

forever."

The word “flesh” refers to all men; their natural abilities and qualities with their temporal glory. Compare that to the eternal glory of Jesus Christ.

1Pe 1:25 But the word of the LORD endures forever." Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

*word (rhema/4487): utterance, speech, discourse, what one has said, sayings

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-used in reference to the words of Jesus (John 6:63), Peter (Acts 2:14), the OT prophets (2 Peter 3:2) and the apostles (Jude 1:17)

*which by the gospel was preached (euaggelizo/2097): to bring good news

1Pe 2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,*laying aside (apotithemi/659): to put away from, to cast off or away

*apo/575: preposition indicating separation-Aorist middle participle (This describes a once for all action to be done to benefit yourself) -Having laid aside (for yourself)

On the word rendered laying aside, see Rom_13:12; Eph_4:22, Eph_4:25; Col_3:8. The allusion is to putting off clothes; and the meaning is, that we are to cast off these things entirely; that is, we are no longer to practice them. The word “wherefore” (ουν oun) refers to the reasonings in the first chapter. In view of the considerations stated there, we should renounce all evil.(Barnes)

Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Heb 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Jas 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

*malice (kakia/2549): ill-will, desire to injure, wickedness, viciousnessMalice—the harboring of evil thoughts against another person. Malice nourishes

antagonism, builds up grudges, and secretly hopes that revenge, harm, or tragedy will overtake another (BBC)

*deceit (dolos/1388): fraud*hypocrisy (hupokrisis/5272): acting of a stage player, to put on a mask, pretending to be what we are not (the idea of a believer walking like an unbeliever) *envy (phthonos/5355): feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others, jealousy*evil speaking (katalalia/2636): defamation, backbiting

Peter is listing here those sins which would be a hindrance to the love that the Father desires to see among His children and which are in contradiction to our partaking of the divine nature which is ours as a result of our new birth.

1Pe 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,*desire (epipotheo/1971): to long after, pursue

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-Aorist active imperative (A once for all command)

A second obligation flowing from our new birth is to have an insatiable craving for the pure spiritual milk of the word. The sins mentioned in the previous verse stunt spiritual growth; the good word of God nourishes it. (BBC)

*pure (adolos/97): unmixed, unadulterated, sincere*word (logikos/3050): pertaining to reason or logic, spiritual

-see Romans 12:2It describes the quality of the milk as spiritual or rational, as opposed to literal and

ceremonial. In the only other place where it occurs (Rom_12:1) it is rendered reasonable; (Vincent Word Studies)

*that (hina/2443): with the subjunctive mood in ‘grow’ indicates purpose*grow (auxano/837): to increase, mature

-aorist passive subjunctive-the passive voice indicates that we receive the growth

The phrase as newborn babes does not necessarily mean that Peter's readers were new believers; they may have been saved for several years. But young or old in the faith, they should thirst for the word just as infants cry for milk. (BBC)

1Pe 2:3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.*if: since*tasted (geuomai/1089): to perceive the flavor of, partake, enjoy, take nourishment

-aorist middle indicative (at a point in past time)-these believers have tasted that the Lord is gracious

*gracious (chresto/5543): fit for use, useful, good, pleasant (as opposed to sharp)

The apostle did not mean to express any doubt on the subject, but to state that, since they had had an experimental acquaintance with the grace of God, they should desire to increase more and more in the knowledge and love of him. (Barnes)

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C. Exhortation to come to the Living Stone1Pe 2:4 Coming to Him [as to] a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God [and] precious,

*coming (proserchomai/4334): to approach, to draw near*pros/4314: preposition of direction, towards, forward, facing*erchomai/2064: to come, to appear-present middle/passive deponent participle (You are continually coming to Him)

Indicating a close (προς) and an habitual (present participle) approach and an intimate association. (Vincent)

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Heb 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Heb 10:22 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.

*to (pros/4314): preposition of direction, towards, forward, facing-Notice the double use of “pros” emphasizing the facing and coming to Christ. It is obviously very important, especially in the light of suffering that we are coming to Christ continuously.

*living (zao/2198): to enjoy and have true life, living, to be in full vigor, fresh, strong; used of living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul

-present active participle

Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."

Christ is our life (Col. 3:4) and he who has the Son has this eternal, quality of life (1 John 5:12-13). Christ gives to us a quality of life that is available nowhere else. He is the Chief Cornerstone, not of some dead, lifeless building, but of the spiritual house of God which is comprised of every Church believer and whose quality is life (Eph. 2:19-22).

*stones (lithos/3037): of building stones

The article is not used with the expression (living stone), showing that emphasis is placed upon character or quality (the living quality and divine character of Jesus Christ). He is in character a

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Living Stone. (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans or Logos)

*rejected (apodokimazo/593): to not approve, to disallow, to reject, to reject after testing, to examine and deem as useless

-perfect passive participle (rejected in a completed act with the results of continuous rejection)

The word “disallowed” refers to the act of putting someone or something to the test for the purpose of putting one’s approval upon that person and thus receiving him, this act of testing being carried to the point where no further testing is needed, with the result that one comes to the settled conclusion that the one tested does not meet the requirements of the test and is therefore disapproved, repudiated. This Living Stone in the Person of God the Son became incarnate, lived for thirty-three years in the midst of Israel, offered Himself as its Messiah, was examined by official Israel for the purpose of approving Him as its Messiah, and then repudiated because He was not what official Israel wanted in a Messiah. What a commentary on the totally depraved condition of man’s heart. (Wuest)

Luk 9:22 saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day."

1Pe 2:7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE,"

*chosen (eklektos/1588): picked out, chosen

1Pe 2:6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHIEF CORNERSTONE, ELECT, PRECIOUS, AND HE WHO BELIEVES ON HIM WILL BY NO MEANS BE PUT TO SHAME."

*precious (entimos/1784): held in honor, prized

1Pe 2:6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHIEF CORNERSTONE, ELECT, PRECIOUS, AND HE WHO BELIEVES ON HIM WILL BY NO MEANS BE PUT TO SHAME."

Though Christ was chosen by the Father and precious in his sight, He was rejected then and still is being rejected today. As believers, we should understand that identification with Christ involves suffering with Him as well. But it is not man’s opinion that matters, but the Father’s.

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IX. The Spiritual Service of the Pilgrim1Pe 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

*living stones: see previous verse

As stones are cut to fit the purpose of the builder in constructing a building, so we as believers are cut (i.e. suffering) by the Master Builder to fit His purpose, so that we may fit into His design of His building for His glory.

*being built up (oikodomeo/3618): to build a house, to erect a building, to grow-present passive indicative

Mat 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Eph 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, Eph 2:20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, Eph 2:21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, Eph 2:22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in

the Spirit

*spiritual (pneumatikos/4152): pertaining to the Spirit, of spiritual things

Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—

Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

*house (oikos/3624): house, building, dwelling place, referring to the Church of God

1Pe 4:17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

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Under the Law, God’s glory (the shekinah glory) was manifested on the earth first in the tabernacle:

Exo 40:34 Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Exo 40:35 And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

And then in the temple:

2Ch 7:1 When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2Ch 7:2 And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD's house.

But in the Dispensation of Grace, it is the spiritual body of believers that is the dwelling place of the Lord and that is to display His glory:

2Co 6:16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM. I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE."

*priesthood (hierateuma/2406): office of priest, the order or body of priests

1Pe 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Under the law, only those of the tribe of Levi could operate as priests. But in the dispensation of the Church, every believer has access to the throne of grace and is to function as a believer-priest.

*offer up (anaphero/399): to offer up on an altar, to bare up-aorist active infinitive

Heb 7:26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; Heb 7:27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. Heb 9:26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

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Heb 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Heb 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

*sacrifices (thusia/2378): offering-Rom 12:1; Eph 5:2; Phil 2:17, 4:18; Heb 5:1; 7:27; 8:3; 9:9, 23, 26; 10:1, 5, 8, 11, 12, 26; 11:4; 13:5-6

It is important to see that in this verse, believers in this dispensation of the grace of God are BOTH the priesthood and the temple (Eph. 2:21-22). As strangers and pilgrims, it is appropriate that our priestly service before the Father (every believer is a believer-priest) would not be dependent on any physical location or building, but would be spiritual in nature. The worship center is wherever the Lord would have us to go.

In the temple at Jerusalem, the priesthood appointed to minister there, and to offer sacrifices, constituted an essential part of the arrangement. It was important, therefore, to show that this was not overlooked in the spiritual temple that God was raising. Accordingly, the apostle says that this is amply provided for, by constituting “the whole body of Christians” to be in fact a priesthood. Everyone is engaged in offering acceptable sacrifice to God. The business is not entrusted to a particular class to be known as priests; there is not a particular portion to whom the name is to be especially given; but every Christian is in fact a priest, and is engaged in offering an acceptable sacrifice to God. See Rev_1:6; “And hath made us: kings and priests unto God.” The Great High Priest in this service is the Lord Jesus Christ, (see the Epistle to the Hebrews, passim) but besides him there is no one who sustains this office, except as it is borne by all the Christian members. (Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible)

The spiritual house is built up of all believers in Christ, and is therefore the same as the church. The church has this in common with the temple of the OT that it is the dwelling place of God on earth (1Ki_6:11-13; Eph_2:22). But it is contrasted with the temple, a physical, tangible building made of beautiful but lifeless, perishable materials. The church is a structure built of living stones.Now the figure changes swiftly from a spiritual house to the holy priesthood that functions in connection with the house. Believers are not only living building blocks in the house; they are holy priests as well. Under the Mosaic Law, the priesthood was limited to the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron. And even those who were priests were forbidden to approach the Presence of God. Only the high priest could do that on one day of the year (Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement) following the precisely ordained procedure outlined for the event by the Lord.In the new dispensation, all believers are priests with instant access to the Throne Room of the universe, day or night. Their function is to offer up spiritual sacrifices (in contrast to the animal, bird, and meal offerings of the Mosaic Law). (BBC)

*Sacrifices of the grace believer:38

1) bodyRom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

-service (latreia/2999): divine service (used in relation to the tabernacle)2) faith Php 2:17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

*service (leitourgia/3009): service or ministry of the priests

3) giving Php 4:18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

*sweet-smelling (euodia/2175): spoken of the smell of sacrifices and obligations, agreeable to the ancient notion that God smells and is pleased with the odor ofsacrifices

4) praise Heb 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

*offer (ana/399): to bring to the altar*praise (ainesis/133): thank offering*giving thanks (homolegeo/3670): to agree, to say the same thing*name (onoma/3686): the name refers to the person.

5) to do good Heb 13:16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God

is well pleased. *do good (eupoiia/2140): to benefit

6) to fellowshipHeb 13:16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased *to share (2842): to fellowship, to communicate

*acceptable (euprosdektos/2144): well received, pleasing, favorable

Through the merits of the great sacrifice made by the Redeemer on the cross. Our prayers and praises are in themselves so imperfect, and proceed from such polluted lips and hearts, that they can be acceptable only through him as our intercessor before the throne of God. Compare the notes at Heb_9:24-25; Heb_10:19-22. (Barnes)

These sacrifices are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. It is only through Jesus Christ, our Mediator, that we can approach God in the first place, and it is only He who can make our offerings acceptable to God. All that we do—our worship and our service—is imperfect, flawed by sin. But before it reaches the Father, it passes through the Lord

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Jesus. He removes all the sin, and when it reaches God the Father it is perfectly acceptable. (BBC)

1Pe 2:6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."

*contained (periecho/4023): to encompass; to contain of subject matter, contents of a writing*I lay (tithemi/5087): set, place, establish

-present active indicative*Zion: often used of the city of Jerusalem*chief cornerstone (akrongoniaios/204): placed at a extreme corner, the chief foundation stone; the stone used to align all the other stones

Eph 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, Eph 2:20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

The principal stone on which the corner of the edifice rests. A stone is selected for this which is large and solid, and, usually, one which is squared, and worked with care; and as such a stone is commonly laid with solemn ceremonies, so, perhaps, in allusion to this, it is here said by God that he would lay this stone at the foundation. (Barnes)

*believes: the one believing-present active participle

*by no means (ou me): shall notShall not is "ou me" a double negative representing a strong denial of the possibility that a true believer would ever be disappointed, disgraced or ashamed. Wuest paraphrases it accurately " shall positively not be disappointed" (disgraced, made to blush, be ashamed)

*shame (kataischuno/2617): to dishonor, disgrace, -aorist passive subjunctive

*Isaiah 28:16Isa 28:16 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.

Still thinking of the building, Peter reverts to Christ the stone, and in particular, to Christ as the chief cornerstone. By quoting from Isa_28:16, he shows that Christ's role as cornerstone was foretold in Scripture. He points out that God has determined that Christ will have this unique position, that He is an elect and precious stone, and that He is completely dependable. No one who trusts in Him will ever be disappointed.He is a stone elect and precious. He is elect in the sense that God has selected Him to occupy the place of chief honor; He is precious because there is not another like Him.

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He who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame. The original passage in Isaiah from which this is quoted is rendered “he who believes will not act hastily.” Put these two together and you have the wonderful promise that those who have Christ as their cornerstone are saved from frustrating humiliation and from frantic haste. (BBC)

1Pe 2:7 Therefore, to you who believe, [He is] precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,"

*believe (pisteuo/4100): to trust in, to have confidence in, to be persuaded, to entrust-present active participleWhat is it to believe?

When missionary John Paton was translating the Scripture for the South Sea islanders, he was unable to find a word in their vocabulary for the concept of believing, trusting, or having faith. He had no idea how he would convey that to them. One day while he was in his hut translating, a native came running up the stairs into Paton's study and flopped in a chair, exhausted. He said to Paton,

It's so good to rest my whole weight in this chair.

John Paton had his word: Faith is resting your whole weight on God. That word went into the translation of their New Testament and helped bring that civilization of natives to Christ. Believing is putting your whole weight on God. If God said it, then it's true, and we're to believe it. (PA)

*disobedient (apeitheo/544): not allow one’s self to be persuaded, refuse to believe-present active participle

Joh 3:36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

*rejected (apodokimazo/593): to not approve, to disallow, to reject, to reject after testing, to examine and deem as useless

-aorist active indicate (in the historical sense, Christ’s rejection when He was on the earth)*Psalm 118:22

Act 4:10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. Act 4:11 This is the 'STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED BY YOU BUILDERS, WHICH HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE.' Act 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

1Pe 2:8 and "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

*stumbling (proskomma/4348): on obstacle in the way which if one strikes his foot against it hestumbles or falls*being disobedient (apeitheo/544): not allow one’s self to be persuaded, refuse to believe

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-present active participle (present tense: continuously disobedient to the word)*offense (skandalon/4625): a trap or snare; an impediment which causes one to stumble or fall*appointed (tithemi/5087): to set or place, to lay down, to establish

-aorist passive indicativeThis is an interesting choice of words. As God the Father laid down and established Christ as the Chief Cornerstone (2:6), those who reject Christ because of their disbelief have been established to stumble.

*Isaiah 8:14

They stumble, being disobedient to the word. Why do they stumble? Not because of honest intellectual difficulties. Not because there is anything about the Lord Jesus that makes it impossible to believe in Him. They stumble because they willfully disobey the word. The trouble is in the human will. The reason men are not saved is because they do not want to be saved (Joh_5:40).The latter part of verse 8, to which they also were appointed, seems to say that they were destined to disobey the word. Is this what it means? No, this verse teaches that all those who willfully disobey the word are destined to stumble. The words to which they also were appointed refer back to the entire preceding clause, they stumble, being disobedient to the word. God has decreed that all who refuse to bow to the Lord Jesus will stumble. If a man insists on going on in unbelief, then he is appointed to stumble. (BBC)

X. The Spiritual Lineage of the Pilgrim1Pe 2:9 But you [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

*chosen (eklektos/1588): picked out*generation (genos/1085): offspring, nationality, aggregate of many individuals of the same nature, kindred, lineage*royal (basileios/934): regal, that which is suitable for a king

-only used here in the NT and in Exodus 19:6; 23:22 in the Septuagint

What an incredible privilege NT believers possess in Christ. In the OT, even the kings of Israel did not serve as a priest, and the one who tried was judged by God (read about it in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21). No so for NT believers who are of royal lineage in Christ the King of kings. (PA)

2Ch 26:16 But when he (King Uzziah) was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 2Ch 26:17 So Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him were eighty priests of the LORD—valiant men. 2Ch 26:18 And they withstood King Uzziah, and said to him, "It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed! You shall have no honor from the LORD God."

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*priesthood (hierateuma/2406): office of priest-1 Peter 2:5Rev 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, Rev 1:6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

The first resurrection is the resurrection into life. Every believer of every dispensation has a part on that. The second resurrection is into eternal judgment.

Exo 19:4 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself. Exo 19:5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. Exo 19:6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."

What God had promised to Israel if they obeyed, He has given to every believer in this dispensation of the grace of God.

*holy (hagios/40): separate, set apart*nation (ethnos/1484): multitude of individuals of the same nature, of the same tribe (specifically a

foreign one), Gentiles

Mat 21:42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE. THIS WAS THE LORD'S DOING, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES' ? Mat 21:43 "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.

*special (peripoiesis/4047): acquisition, possession, one’s own property, preservation, to make a ring around something to mark it as your own

Eph 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Eph 1:14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

*people (laos/2992): people all of the same stock and language, nation

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Act 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. Act 15:13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, "Men and brethren, listen to me: Act 15:14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.

Tit 2:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

*proclaim (exaggello/1804): to declare, to celebrate, to publish*praises (arête/703): virtuous course of thought, feeling and action, moral goodness, moral excellency

-Phil 4:8, 2 Pet 1:2*called (kaleo/2564): to invite, to summon

-aorist active participle-2nd of Peter’s callings for the believer (see 1:15, 2:21, 3:9; 5:10)

*darkness (skotos/4655): physical, intellectual or moral darkness2Co 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Eph 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

*marvelous (thaumastos/2298): wonderful, worthy of pious admiration, admirable, passing humancomprehension, that which causes one to marvel

*light (phos/5457): physical light, of spiritual truths

The last part of verse 9 describes the responsibility of those who are God's new race, priesthood, nation and people. We should proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once we were groping in the darkness of sin and shame. By a stupendous deliverance we have been transferred into the kingdom of His dear Son. The light is as clear and brilliant as the darkness was oppressive. How we should shout the praises of the One who did all this for us! (BBC)

1Pe 2:10 who once [were] not a people but [are] now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

*people (laos/2992): people all of the same stock and language, nationAll believers, as a result of the new birth, are of the same spiritual nature, lineage, and nationality and have the potential to speak the same language.

*mercy (eleeo/1653): to help one who is afflicted, to bring help to the wretched, to have compassion on

It is in the passive voice indicating that we are the recipients of God’s mercy.

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No one should conclude from this passage in Peter that because the church is now God's people, He is through with Israel as a nation. Neither should one assume that the church is now the Israel of God, or that the promises made to Israel now apply to the church. Israel and the church are separate and distinct entities, and an understanding of this distinction is one of the most important keys to interpreting the prophetic word.Israel was God's chosen earthly people from the time of the call of Abraham to the coming of the Messiah. The nation's rebellion and faithlessness reached its awesome climax when Christ was nailed to the cross. Because of this crowning sin, God temporarily set aside Israel as His chosen people. They are His ancient earthly people today but not His chosen people.During the present age, God has a new people—the church. This Church Age forms a parenthesis in God's dealings with Israel. When the parenthesis is closed, that is, when the church is caught away to heaven, God will resume His dealings with Israel. Then a believing portion of the nation will become God's people again. (BBC)

XI. The Warfare of the Pilgrim1Pe 2:11 Beloved, I beg [you] as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

*beg (parakaleo/3870): to call along side of, to exhort, admonish, to encourage and strengthenRom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

*sojourners (paroikos/3941): a foreigner who lives in a place without the right of citizenship, temporary resident, one who lives on earth as a stranger, a sojourner on the earth, someone who did not enjoy rights usually possessed by residents

-para (3844): along side of-oikos (3624): dwellingAct 7:6 But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years.

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Eph 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

Also used in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament):*Of Abraham to describe himself:Gen 23:4 "I am a foreigner and a visitor among you. Give me property for a burial place among you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight."

*Of David to describe himself and Israel:1Ch 29:15 For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope.

Psa 39:12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Hebrew (toshab/H8453): a dweller (but not outlandish, H5237); especially (as distinguished from a native citizen (active participle of H3427) and a temporary inmate, H1616, or mere lodger, H3885) resident alien: - foreigner-inhabitant, sojourner, stranger.

*pilgrims (parepidemos/3927): one who comes from a foreign to reside next to the natives, one who resides in a country that is not his own; also known as exiles, temporary residents, those away from their homes, those temporarily residing abroad; one who makes a brief stay in a strange or foreign place, who sojourns or who resides temporarily among a native people to whom he or she does not belong; they did not expect to be regarded as a native of the place they resided.

-see also 1 Peter 1:3

Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

The hymns of yesterday remind us of our pilgrimage. For instance:Called from above, and heavenly men by birth(Who once were but the citizens of earth),As pilgrims here, we seek a heav'nly home,Our portion in the ages yet to come.We are but strangers here, we do not craveA home on earth, which gave Thee but a grave:Thy cross has severed ties which bound us here,Thyself our treasure in a brighter sphere.—James G. Deck

Also used in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament):

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Gen 23:4 "I am a foreigner and a visitor among you. Give me property for a burial place among you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight." . 1Ch 29:15 For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope. Psa 39:12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner, as all my fathers were. Psa 119:19 I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from

me.

Hebrew (gare/H1616): From H1481; properly a guest; by implication a foreigner: - alien, sojourner, stranger.

A parepidēmos was a person who was staying there temporarily and who had his permanent home somewhere else. Sometimes his stay was strictly limited. A parepidēmos was a man in lodgings, a man without a home in the place where life had sent him. All their lives the patriarchs were men who had no settled place that they could call home. It is to be noted that to dwell in a foreign land was a humiliating thing in ancient days; to the foreigner in any country a certain stigma attached. In the Letter of Aristeas the writer says: “It is a fine thing to live and to die in one’s native land; a foreign land brings contempt to poor men and shame to rich men, for there is the lurking suspicion that they have been exiled for the evil they have done.” (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series. The Westminster Press)

Abraham and Lot: A ContrastIn Abraham and Lot we see a contrast of two believers. In Abraham, Hebrews 11:13describes him as a stranger and a pilgrim; and in Genesis 23:4 he describes himself as a foreigner and a visitor as he seeks land to purchase to bury Sarah. In Lot, we see just the opposite. In Genesis 13, we see Lot’s downward progression away from the life of a pilgrim as he chooses to pitch his tent toward Sodom and Gomorrah: he saw (13:10), he chose (13:11), he pitched his tent. 2 Peter 2:7-8 states that he was dwelling (egkatoikeo/1460: dwelling in or among) among the wicked, tormenting his soul.

*abstain (apechomai/567): to hold one’s self off, restrain, to put some distance between-present middle infinitive (continuously restrain yourself)-apo (575): preposition indicating separation, away from-echo (2192): to have, to holdAct 15:19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, Act 15:20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 1Th 4:4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in

sanctification and honor, 1Th 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.

*fleshly (sarkikos/4559): carnal, having nature of the flesh, under the control of the animal appetites in contrast to the Spirit of God, sensual

Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

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1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 1Co 3:2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 1Co 3:3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 1Co 3:4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you

not carnal?

*lusts (epithumia/1939): desire (good or bad), craving, longing, desire for what is forbiddenTit 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Tit 2:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, Jas 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and

enticed. Jas 1:15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

1Pe 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 1Pe 4:2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 1Pe 4:3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 2Pe 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of

Jesus our Lord, 2Pe 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 2Pe 1:4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

*war (strateuo/4754): to lead on a military expedition, to lead soldiers into war, to make war-present middle indicative (continuous struggle against ourselves)2Ti 2:4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. Jas 4:1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?

A good illustration is that of ships in a harbor constantly bombarding a fortress.

*soul (psuche/5950): the seat of affections, desires, perceptions, thoughts, will and purpose; self

XII. The Testimony of the Pilgrim (Doing good in suffering)1Pe 2:12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by [your] good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

*having (echo/2192): to hold, to have, to possess

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-present active participle (continually having your conduct honorable)*conduct (anastrophe/391): manner of life, behavior*honorable (kalos/2570): beautiful to look at, precious, admirable, excellent in its nature and characteristics, genuine, praiseworthy, possessing moral excellence, good, praiseworthy*speak against (katalaleo/2635): speak against, to criminate, to slander

1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1Pe 3:16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

*good (kalos/2570): beautiful to look at, precious, admirable, excellent in its nature and characteristics, genuine, praiseworthy, possessing moral excellence, good, praiseworthy*observe (epopteuo/2029): to look upon, to view attentively, to watch, to be an eyewitness, to inspect

1Pe 3:1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 1Pe 3:2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

*visitation (episkope/1984): investigation, inspection, that act by which God looks into and searches out the ways, deeds character, of men, in order to adjudge them their lot accordingly, whether joyous or sad

There are two lines of interpretation as to what the ‘day of visitation’ means. It can either refer to a visitation by God in terms of judgment or in terms of mercy. The verb form of this word (episkeptomai/1980) has the meaning of “to look, inspect, to see someone in order to see how they are doing (as in visiting a sick friend), to look upon to help or benefit” (see Matt. 25:36). It is also used to refer to God visiting those in terms of salvation (see. Luke 1:68; Acts 15:14). Therefore, I believe the interpretation is that ‘visitation’ is the time when the Gentiles, behold your suffering, respond to the gospel and God visits them with grace, and they glorify God as a result of beholding your testimony during times of suffering.

XIII. The Submission of the Pilgrim to man’s authority for the glory of the Lord1Pe 2:13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme,

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*submit (hupotasso/5293): to arrange under, to yield to, to obey, to subordinate-aorist active imperative (once for all command)1) Believers to the government

Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Rom 13:2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

2) Believers submitting to each otherEph 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

3) Wives submitting to their husbandsEph 5:22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Eph 5:23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.

4) Servants to their mastersTit 2:9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, Tit 2:10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

*ordinance (ktisis/2937): institution*for (dia/1223): in the accusative case emphasizes the reason something is done; because of, on account of*the Lord’s sake: the reason for the believer’s submission to man’s authority. Even as pilgrims, we are called to submit to the authority over us in order to bring glory to the Lord.

Whatever the source of the suffering, the answer is not for us to rise up and exert our rights, but to trust ourselves to the care and the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

The ultimate Christian answer to persecution, detractors and critics is that of a blameless life, conduct beyond reproach and good citizenship. In particular ... submission is a supremely Christlike virtue. (BBC)

1Pe 2:14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and [for the] praise of those who do good.

*governors (hegemon/2232): leaders of any kind, ruler*good (agathopoios/17): virtuous

The injunction of obedience applies to subordinate officials such as governors. They are authorized by God to punish offenders and to praise those who keep the law. (BBC)

1Pe 2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

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*will (thelema/2307): will, desire, pleasure*good (agathapoieo/15): to do something that benefits others, to do well, to do right

-present tense (continuous action, we are to be continuously doing good)1Pe 2:20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 1Pe 3:17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for

doing evil.

*put to silence (phimoo/5392): to muzzle, to make speechless*ignorance (agnosia/56): lack of understanding*foolish (aphron/878): without reason or intelligence, acting rashly

The best way to silence those who are persecuting you is to live out a life of godliness and good works.

1Pe 2:16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.*free (eleutheros/1658): free, exempt, one who is not a slave

Act as free men. We are not in bondage or slavery to civil authorities. We need not live in servility or terror. After all, we are the Lord's free men. But that does not mean we are free to sin. Liberty does not mean license. Freedom does not include lawlessness. So we must never use our freedom as a pretext for evil. Sinful disobedience should never be justified by some pseudo spiritual excuse. (BBC)

*using (echo/2192): having, possessing, holding on to *liberty (eleutheria/1657): liberty to do or omit things not having to do with salvation; living as we should not please ourselves

Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.Gal 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Jas 1:25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

*cloak (epikalumma/1942): veil, pretext, a means of hiding*vice (kakia/2549): depravity

1Pe 2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,

Jas 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

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*bondservants (doulos/1401): slave, one who gives himself up to another’s will, one who isdevoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests.

In the Greek culture doulos usually referred to the involuntary, permanent service of a slave, but the use in the epistles of Paul and Peter elevates the meaning of doulos to the Hebrew sense which describes a servant who willingly commits himself to serve a master he loves and respects (cp Ex 21:5, 6 Dt 15:12-16 discussed below). By Roman times, slavery was so extensive that in the early Christian period one out of every two people was a slave!

Kenneth Wuest explains that a doulos as"the most abject, servile term used by the Greeks to denote a slave. The word designated one who was born as a slave, one who was bound to his master in chords so strong that only death could break them, one who served his master to the disregard of his own interests, one whose will was swallowed up in the will of his master. Paul was born a slave of sin at his physical birth, and a bondslave of his Lord through regeneration

A doulos:Was owned by and totally possessed by his master. Existed for his master and no other reason. Had no personal rights. Was at the master’s disposal "24/7". Had no will of his own but was completely subservient to the master.

Paradoxically a bondservant of the Most High God is one of the most privileged, noblest professions in the world.

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Mabel Williamson was a missionary to China who powerfully described the sacrifice of her rights to a normal standard of living, ordinary safeguards of health, private affairs, marriage, and even a home life. She was human like you and I and thus just like us she struggled with suffering and self-denial and the fact that she had to give up so many of what she thought were her “rights”. But she finally came to the conclusion that part of serving and becoming like her Master Christ was becoming like one who had not rights, as epitomized by the picture of a bond-servant. In her book Have We No Right? (Chicago: Moody Press, 1958) she wrote the following poem

He Had No Rights He had no rights No right to a soft bed, and a well-laid table. No right to a home of His own, a place where His own pleasure might be sought. No right to choose pleasant, congenial companions, those who could understand Him and sympathize with Him. No right to shrink away from filth and sin, to pull His garments closer around Him and turn aside to walk in cleaner paths. No right to be understood and appreciated; no, not by those upon whom He had poured out a double portion of His love. No right even never to be forsaken by His Father, the One who meant more than all to Him.

His only right was silently to endure shame, spitting, blows; to take His place as a sinner at the dock; to bear my sins in anguish on the cross.

He had no rights. And I? A right to the “comforts” of life? No, but a right to the love of God for my pillow. A right to physical safety? No, but a right to the security of being in His will. A right to love and sympathy from those around me? No, but a right to the friendship of the One who understands me better than I do myself. A right to be a leader among men? No, but the right to be led by the One to whom I have given my all, led as is a little child, with its hand in the hand of its father. A right to a home, and dear ones? No, not necessarily, but a right to dwell in the heart of God. A right to myself? No, but oh, I have a right to Christ.

All that He takes I will give. All that He gives I will take. He, my only right! He, the one right before which all other rights fade into nothingness. I have full right to Him. Oh, may He have full right to me!

Read the following lines again as you ask yourself, as I am sure Timothy did, "Am I truly a bond-servant of Jesus? Can I honestly say..."

All that He takes I will give.All that He gives I will take.

He, my only right!

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1Pe 2:17 Honor all [people]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.*honor (timao/5091): to revere

-aorist active imperative (once for all command)*love (agapao/25): to love the object loved not because the object is worthy of it.

Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Vines’-present active imperative (a command to continuously love the brethren)

*brotherhood (adelphotes/81): family of brothers-1 Pet 5:9

*fear (phobeo/5399): to be afraid, to have reverence for-present middle imperative (a command to be continuously having reverence for God for our benefit)

*honor (timao/5091): to revere-present active imperative (a command to continuously honor the king)

Notice the four imperative statements in this sentence. All of these qualities reflect the attitude of submission that the believer is to have even during times of suffering.

-Honor all (even those who are causing you to suffer, remembering that Christ died for them)-Love the brethren continuously-Have continuous reverence for the Father which will be a benefit to you-Honor the king (even those who persecute truth)

Generally speaking, the Christian can live under any form of government. The only time he should disobey is when he is ordered to compromise his loyalty or obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. (BBC)

1Pe 2:18 Servants, [be] submissive to [your] masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.

*servants (oiketes/3610): household servants, a domestic*submissive (hupotasso/5293): to arrange under, to subordinate

-present passive participle*fear (phobos/5401): reverence, terror*good (agathos/18): good, beneficial*gentle (epieikes/1933): fair, equitable, mild*harsh (skolios/4646): crooked, perverse, wicked, unfair, surly

This passage is addressed to domestic servants, but the principles apply to employees of any kind. The basic appeal is to submit to the master with all respect. It is a built-in fact of life that in any society or organization, there must be authority on the one hand, and obedience to that authority on the other. It is for any servant's own good to submit to his

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master, otherwise he would not have employment. But it is much more important for a Christian to submit. More than his paycheck is involved; his testimony depends on it.Obedience should not vary according to the temperament of the employer. Anyone can submit to an employer who is good and gentle. Believers are called to go beyond that and be respectful and obedient to the harsh, overbearing boss. This stands out as distinctly Christian behavior. (BBC)

One’s Christianity does not give the right to rebel against one’s superior in the social structure no matter how unfair or harsh he may be. A Christian employee may be wronged by an unbelieving coworker or supervisor. For conscience’ sake, he must “take it” even though he is not in the wrong. A Christian’s relationship to God is far more important than his relationship to men. Remember Jesus' admonition & encouragement (Jn 16:33). (PA)

1Pe 2:19 For this [is] commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

*commendable (charis/5485): thankworthy, grace, of a benefit, delight“referring to an action that is beyond the ordinary course of what might be expected” (Wuest)

*conscience (suneidesis/4893): co-knowing; a knowing together with*endures (hupophero/5297): to bear by being under, to bear patiently, to undergo hardship, to get under a heavy load and carry it

-present active indicative (continuous endurance)1Co 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 2Ti 3:10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 2Ti 3:11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.

*grief (lupe/3077): sorrow, pain, affliction, heaviness; physical, mental or spiritual painRom 9:1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, Rom 9:2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. Heb 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

*suffering (pascho/3958): to be affected for good or bad, to endure evil, to be vexed-present active participle (continuous suffering)-12x in 1 PeterChrist suffering for us1Pe 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 1Pe 2:23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 1Pe 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

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1Pe 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

Our suffering as believers

1Pe 2:20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 1Pe 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 1Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "AND DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEIR THREATS, NOR BE TROUBLED." 1Pe 3:17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for

doing evil. 1Pe 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 1Pe 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 1Pe 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 1Pe 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

*wrongfully (adikos/95): unjustly, without fault, undeservedly

1Pe 2:20 For what credit [is it] if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this [is] commendable before God.

*credit (kleos/2811): glory, praise*beaten (kolaphizo/2852): to strike with the fist, to mistreat

Mar 14:65 Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him, and to say to Him, "Prophesy!" And the officers struck Him with the palms of their hands. 1Co 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 1Co 4:11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless.

This whole passage, 1Pe_2:19-24, bears the mark of Peter's memories of the scene of Christ's last sufferings (see Introduction) - the blows of the servants, the scorn of the high-priest, the silent submission of Jesus, the cross, the stripes. (Vincent)

*faults (hamartano/264): sinning*patiently (hupomeno/5278): to remain under, to patiently endure, to not recede or flee

There is no benefit if we suffer for sins that we have committed, even if we endure the suffering. It’s not just a matter of enduring; we need to be enduring for the right reason, for doing His will.

*good (agathapoieo/15): to do something that benefits others

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1Pe 3:17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

*suffering (pascho/3958): to be affected for good or bad, to endure evil, to be vexed*commendable (charis/5485): thankworthy, grace, of a benefit, delight

“referring to an action that is beyond the ordinary course of what might be expected” (Wuest)

There is no virtue in patient suffering for our own misdeeds. Certainly there is no glory for God in it. Such suffering will never mark us out as Christians, or make others want to become Christians. But suffering patiently for well-doing is the thing that counts. It is so unnatural, so other-worldly that it shocks people into conviction of sin and, hopefully, into salvation. (BBC)

XIV. The Example of Christ for the Pilgrim in Suffering and Submission1Pe 2:21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

*to this: the previous verse, we are to do good (be a benefit) and suffer while remaining under*called (kaleo/2564): to invite, to summon

-3rd of Peter’s callings for the believer (see 1:15, 2:9, 3:9; 5:10)

*suffered (pascho/3958): to be affected for good or bad, to endure evil, to be vexed-aorist active indicative (point action in past time; He is not suffering for us now)Mat 16:21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Luk 24:25 Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Luk 24:26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His

glory?" Luk 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

Act 17:1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Act 17:2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, Act 17:3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."

Php 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

Every word here is significant. Suffering is a gift of grace. “It is given” should be “it was given,” referring to the gift bestowed when they became Christians. Suffering was the marriage-gift when they were espoused to Christ: the bounty when they enlisted in His service. Becoming one with Him they entered into the fellowship of His suffering (Phi_3:10). The gift was not suffering as such. Its meaning and value lay in its being for His sake. The

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Macedonian churches, and the Philippian church especially, were preeminently suffering churches. See 2Co_8:2. (Vincent)

1Pe 2:23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

1Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "AND DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEIR THREATS, NOR BE TROUBLED." 1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1Pe 3:16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 1Pe 3:17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for

doing evil.

1Pe 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

1Pe 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 1Pe 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

1Pe 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

1Pe 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

*for (huper/5228): in behalf of, for the sake of (Christ’s substitutionary death)-1 Peter 3:18; 4:1

*leaving (hupolimpano/5277): to leave behind*example (hupogrammos/5261): a writing copy given to beginners to aid them in learning to draw; template

There is no other template for the believer to imitate than the one that is presented here; that of suffering first, then the glory.

*follow (epakoloutheo/1872): to tread in one’s footsteps, to imitate an example

It is more than just following in Christ’s footsteps. It is Christ Himself living out His life through the believer in every step that he takes. And it is suffering that is the catalyst that will allow that to happen. It is the crushing of the myrrh that brings out the fragrance.

1Pe 2:22 "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth";*commited (poieo/4160): to make, produce, do

-aorist active indicative (an historical event)

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*sin (hamartia/266): to miss the mark, sin2Co 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Heb 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 1Jn 3:5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him

there is no sin.

*deceit (dolos/1388): to bait, snare, craft, guile1Pe 2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil

speaking, 1Pe 3:10 For "HE WHO WOULD LOVE LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, LET HIM REFRAIN HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL, AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT.

*found (heurisko/2147): to find by enquiry, thought, scrutiny, examination, observation*Isaiah 53:9

Isa 53:9 And they made His grave with the wicked— But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth.

1Pe 2:23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed [Himself] to Him who judges righteously;

*reviled (loidoreo/3058): to reproach, to rail at, to heap abuse upon*suffered (pascho/3958): see verse 2:21*threaten (apeileo/546): menace*committed (paradidomi/3860): lit. to give along side of, to give into another’s hands, to deliver to someone to keep or take care of

Mat 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Mat 26:40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Mat 26:42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done."

*judges (krino/2919): to separate, to approve, to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong*righteously (dikaios/1346): properly, with strict justice, proper, as it is right

Mat 27:11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus said to him, "It is as you say." Mat 27:12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered

nothing. Mat 27:13 Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify

against You?" Mat 27:14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

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1Pe 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

*Himself: intensifies “who” (Christ). It was Christ Himself, and no one else, that bore our sins*bore (anaphero/399): to bring up to an altar

-aorist active indicative (historical event)Heb 7:26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; Heb 7:27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. Heb 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Isa 53:11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. Isa 53:12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

*our sins: what He carried in His body

*in His own body on the tree: where He carried themAct 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men. Act 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging

on a tree. Act 5:31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Gal 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"),

*that (hina/2443): purpose, is tied to the subjunctive mood in the verb “live”*having died (apoginomai/581): lit. to be away from, to be removed from, to depart

-apo: separation-aorist (action seen as an event, not continuous) “It speaks of the action of God in breaking the power of the sinful nature in the sinner when heputs his faith in the Lord Jesus as Savior. Henceforth, he need not be a slave to sin.” (Wuest)

*to sins: what we have been removed from*might live (zao/2198): to enjoy true life

Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,

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Tit 2:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

*righteousness (dikaiosune/1343): of that which is right, the condition acceptable to God*healed (iaomai/2390): to cure, to make whole

-the context is sins, not physical health-aorist passive indicative (event in past time)

1Pe 2:25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

*were (eimi/1516): to be-imperfect active indicative (continuous action in past time)

*going astray (plano/4105): to be led astray, to wander, to roam, to be led away from truth-present passive participle (are bring led astray, are being deceived)

i.e., as commonly understood, ye were like straying sheep. But the ye were should be construed with the participle going astray, the verb and the participle together denoting habitual action or condition. (Vincent’s Word Studies)

The combination of the imperfect tense of “were” and the present participle of “astray” together emphasize the continuous condition these believers were in. But now, at a point in time, they have returned to the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

*now (nun/3568): at this time*returned (epistrepho/1994): to turn one’s self to

-aorist passive indicative (historical point in time) *Shepherd (poimen/4166): one whose task is the feeding, caring for and protecting of the sheep

Joh 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

Heb 13:20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

*Overseer (episkopos/1385): bishop, man charged with the duty of seeing that things are done rightAs Christ is the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), He also is the Chief Bishop overseeing His Church.

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XV. Exhortations for SubmissionA. The Wives1Pe 3:1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

*likewise: wives are called to duplicate the same attitude of submission that Christ had.*submissive (hupotasso/5293): to arrange under, to yield to, to obey; to arrange military troops under a commander

-present passive participle (be continuously allowing yourself to be submissive)-see 1 Peter 2:13

*to your own husbands: the object of the submission*do not obey (apeitheo/544): refuse to comply, disobedient, to not allow one’s self to be persuaded

-present active indicative (the husband is continuously disobeying the word)Joh 3:36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." 1Pe 2:7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE," 1Pe 2:8 and "A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

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1Pe 3:19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 1Pe 3:20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

*without (aneu/427): without one’s will or intervention*won (kerdaino/2770): to gain, to win over*conduct (anastrophe/391): manner of life, conduct, behavior

-1 Peter 1:15, 18, 2:12, 3:1, 2, 16

Peter has stressed the obligation of Christians to submit to human government and to earthly masters. He now takes up the submission of wives to their husbands.Every wife is to be submissive to her husband, whether he is a believer or not. God has given to the man the place of headship, and it is His will that the woman should acknowledge the authority of the man. The relationship between husband and wife is a picture of that between Christ and the church. The woman should obey her husband just as the church should obey Christ.

Even when a woman's husband is an unbeliever, she should still respect him as her head. This will be a testimony to him of her faith in Christ. Her conduct as an obedient, loving, devoted wife may be used to win him to the Savior.And she may win him without a word. This means that the wife need not be preaching to her husband constantly. Possibly great harm has been done by wives who nagged their husbands concerning the gospel, cramming it down their throats. The emphasis here is on the wife's winning her husband by living Christ daily before him. (BBC)

1Pe 3:2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.*observe (epopteuo/2029): to view attentively, to be an eyewitness*chaste (hagnos/53): sacred, pure, free from carnality, modest

Tit 2:4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

Tit 2:5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

The unsaved husband may be impressed by the reverent and chaste conduct of his wife. The Spirit of God may use this to convict him of his own sinfulness, and he may come to faith in Christ. (BBC)

1Pe 3:3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—

*adornment (kosmos/2889): order

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This is not an admonition against a wife looking good for her husband, but rather emphasizing that which is important: the displaying of the inner qualities which will bring glory to God and her husband to truth.

1Pe 3:4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

*gentle (praus/4239): mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit, meeknessMeekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time (Isa 41:17, Luk 18:1-8). Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God's goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, not of the human will. Thayer

*quiet (hesuchios/2272): tranquil, tranquility arising from within-1 Tim. 2:2

*very precious (poluteles/4185): very costly, of surpassing value-1 Tim 2:9

1Pe 3:5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

This is one of the principles that spans dispensations: God has always desired that godly women submit to their own husbands because it brings glory to Him.

1Pe 3:6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

*obeyed (hupakouo/5219): lit. to hear under, to submit, to obey*lord (kurios/2932): he to whom a person or thing belongs, master, title of respect and reverence*good (agathapoieo/15): to do something that benefits others

-1 Pet 2:20; 3:6, 17

Sarah is cited as an example. She obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. This takes us back to Gen_18:12 where we read that Sarah said this “within herself.” She did not go around and make a loud profession of submission to Abraham by publicly calling him lord. Rather, in her inward life, she recognized him as her head, and this recognition was displayed by her actions.Those women who follow Sarah's example are her children. Jewish women are descendants of Sarah by natural birth. But to be her daughters in the best sense, they must imitate her personal character. Children should carry the family likeness.

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They should do good and let nothing terrify them. This means that a Christian wife should fill her God-appointed role as an obedient helpmate, and not be terrified even if she must suffer the unreasonable conduct of an unbelieving husband, except, of course, when it becomes violent or life-threatening. (BBC)

B. The Husbands1Pe 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with [them] with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as [being] heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

*likewise: husbands are also called to that same attitude of submission*dwell (sunoikeo/4924): dwell together with*understanding (gnosis/1108): knowledge*giving (aponemo/632): portion, to assign*honor (time/5092): esteem, of great price*weaker (asthenes/772): feeble, without strength, afflicted, distressed, oppressed with calamities*vessel (skeuos/4632): chosen instrument*heirs together (sugkleronomos/4789): joint heirs

Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Rom 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Eph 3:6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Heb 11:9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;

*hindered (ekkopto/1581): to cut off

A man's attitude toward his wife should recognize the fact that she is a fellow heir of the grace of life. This refers to a marriage in which both are believers. Though weaker than the man in some ways, the woman enjoys equal standing before God and shares equally the gift of everlasting life. (BBC)

C. All Believers1Pe 3:8 Finally, all [of you be] of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, [be] tenderhearted, [be] courteous;

*one mind (homophron/3675): lit. the same mind, like-minded*compassion (sumpathes/4835): suffering or feeling the like with one another, sympathetic*love as brothers (philadelphos/5361): loving one like a brother, fellow countrymen*tenderhearted (eusplagchnos/2155): compassionate

Eph 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

*courteous (tapeinophron/5391): lowly minded, humble minded, friendly, kind65

All of the above words are adjectives, and with the exception of tenderhearted, only occur in this verse. These are all qualities that we should be displaying to one another as believers especially during times of suffering.

1Pe 3:9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

*returning (apodidomi/591): to pay back what is due*evil (kakos/2556): wicked, troublesome, injurious, malicious

Rom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Rom 13:10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of

the law. 1Th 5:15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

*for (anti/473): instead of, in place of; the preposition of exchange-We are not to exchange evil for evil

*reviling (lodoria/3059): verbal abuse*blessing (eulogeo/2127): to speak well of, to praise*knowing (oida/1492): seeing, understanding*called (kaleo/2564): to invite or summon (regarding vocation or destination)

-4th of Peter’s callings for the believer (see 1:15, 2:9, 21; 5:10)*to (eis/1519): resulting in*that (hina/2443): purpose*may inherit (kleronomeo/2816): become partaker of, obtain*blessing (eulogia/2129): giving of thanks, praise, to speak well, laudation, commendation

Mat 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, Rom 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

This whole Epistle is written against a backdrop of persecution and suffering. From this verse to 4:6 the subject is the Christian and his relation to persecutors. Repeatedly, believers are urged to suffer for righteousness' sake without retaliating. We are not to repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling. Instead we are to bless those who mistreat us, and to repay insult with kindness. As Christians, we are not called to harm others but to do them good, not to curse but to bless. Then God rewards this type of behavior with a blessing. (BBC)

It is not enough to not return evil when it is displayed toward us. We must bless the ones that are doing evil to us, and not only in speaking well of them, it must manifest itself in action as well (remember Christ as our example, He did not only not return evil, He died for them).

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1Pe 3:10 For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.

*would (thelo/2309): purpose, desire, wish*love (agapao/25): to love, to value*life (zoe/2222): absolute fullness of life, life which is real and genuine and comes from God*see (eido/1492): to know, to perceive, to see with the eyes*good (agathos/18): beneficial*refrain (pauo/3973): to cease or desist

-aorist active imperative (command)*evil (kakos/2556): wicked, troublesome, injurious, malicious*deceit (dolos/1388): craft, guile, bait, snare, fraud

Verses 10-12 are taken from Psalm 34 which is a psalm of deliverance written by David after he was delivered from the Philistine king Abimelech.

Psa 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psa 34:9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of

them all.

But there is a difference from this verse and the one found in Psalm 34:12:

Psa 34:12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?

David mentions the idea of ‘many days’, while Peter is emphasizing the quality of life and beneficial days for the believer, even in the light of suffering. But, the blessing is only to those who respond correctly during times of suffering and do not respond in kind.

1Pe 3:11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.*turn (ekklino/1578): to turn aside, to turn away from, to keep aloof, to shun

-aorist active imperative*evil (kakos/2556): wicked, troublesome, injurious, malicious*do (poieo/4160): to make, produce

-aorist active imperative*good (agathos/18): good, excellent, beneficial*seek (zeteo/2212): to seek after, to seek for, to aim for, to strive after

-aorist active imperative*peace (eirene/1515): harmony, tranquility*pursue (dioko/1377): to run swiftly after a goal

-aorist active imperative

Not only evil speech, but evil deeds are forbidden. To retaliate only intensifies the conflict. It is stooping to use the world's weapons. The believer should repay evil with

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good, and promote peace by meekly enduring abuse. Fire cannot be fought with fire. (BBC)

1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the LORD [are] on the righteous, And His ears [are open] to their prayers; But the face of the LORD [is] against those who do evil."

*prayers (deesis/1162): needs, supplications, requestsEph 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Php 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 1Ti 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

*evil (kakos/2556): wicked, troublesome, injurious, malicious

The consequence of the believer not responding correctly as outlined in these verses is serious; our Father not responding to our requests.

D. Exhortation for a good conscience in suffering1Pe 3:13 And who [is] he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?

*harm (kakoo/2559): to oppress, to inflict, to mistreat, to treat badly, to hurt*followers (mimetes/3402): imitators

Eph 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.*good (agathos/18): good, excellent, beneficial

The question is rhetorical. While men may cause us to suffer temporarily, in the light of eternity, none can touch us.

1Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, [you are] blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."

*suffer (pascho/3958): to be affected for good or bad, to endure evil, to be vexed*blessed (makarios/3107): happy*troubled (tarasso/5015): agitated, restless, anxious, to cause one inward commotion, to take away

one’s calmness of mind

Don't be afraid of men, or terrified by their threats. How well the martyrs lived out this policy! When Polycarp was promised release if he would blaspheme Christ, he said, “Eighty six years I have served Christ and He has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?” When the proconsul threatened to expose him to the wild beasts, he replied, “It is well for me to be speedily released from this life of misery.”

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Finally the ruler threatened to burn him alive. Polycarp said, “I fear not the fire that burns for a moment: You do not know that which burns forever and ever.” (BBC)

1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always [be] ready to [give] a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

*sanctify (hagiazo/37): to separate, consecrate, to set apart-aorist active imperative

*hearts (kardia/2588): the center or the middle, the center and seat of all spiritual life, the place of decision*ready (hetoimos/2092): prepared*defense (apologia/627): a reasoned statement, verbal defense

Act 22:1 "Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now." Php 1:7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. Php 1:17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of

the gospel. *reason (logos/3056): cause, ground*hope (elpis/1680): joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1Pe 1:21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

-Peter ties his use of hope to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our identification with it.

*meekness (prautes/4240): mildness of disposition, gentleness of spiritit is an inwrought grace of the soul; and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God. It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; (Vine’s)

This applies primarily to times when Christians are being persecuted because of their faith. The consciousness of the presence of the Lord Christ should impart a holy boldness and inspire the believer to witness a good confession.The verse is also applicable to everyday life. People often ask us questions which quite naturally open the door to speak to them about the Lord. We should be ready to tell them what great things the Lord has done for us. This witnessing should be done in either case with gentleness and reverence. There should be no trace of harshness, bitterness or flippancy when we speak of our Savior and Lord. (BBC)

1Pe 3:16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

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*good (agathos/18): beneficial

It is imperative that when those seek to discredit us because of our association with the truth of the gospel, that we don’t give them any ammunition by our bad conduct. The best defense against those who revile us is a life set apart for the Lord even in the face of suffering.

1Pe 3:17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. *better (kreitton/2909): more useful, more advantageous, more excellent

There is no benefit for us to suffer due to our own misdeeds. This does not bring glory and honor to Him.

1Pe 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

*For (hoti/3754): because, since*suffered (pascho/3958): to suffer

-of Christ (Heb. 9:26; 13:12; 1 Pet 2:21; 4:1)-aorist (an event)

*once (hapax/530): one time, once for allHeb 9:26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, Heb 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

*for (peri/4012): concerning, because of, with reference toChrist suffered concerning our sins

*sins (harmatia/266): to miss the mark, to do wrong, to wander from the path of uprightness*just (dikaios/1342): righteous, innocent, faultless, guiltless*unjust (adikos/94): unrighteousness, sinful *for (huper/5228): on behalf of, in a substitutionary sense

He (the Just One) suffered on behalf of the unjust ones (of all of man)*that (hina/2443): purpose

The reason that Christ suffered for us*might bring (prosago/4317): to open a way of access, to bring into another’s presence

Represents the beautiful truth of reconciliation*put to death (thanatoo/2289): kill, ceasing of physical life

-perfect (completed action with present results; He died once, but the benefits of that death continue on) -passive (He was put to death)-Matthew 26:59

*made alive (zoopoieo/2227): to cause to live, to restore to life (physical life)

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-aorist (event)-passive (He was made alive)Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Notice the six features of His sufferings: (1) They were expiatory, that is, they freed believing sinners from the punishment of their sins. (2) They were eternally effectual. He died once for all and settled the sin question. The work of redemption was completed. (3) They were substitutionary. The just died for the unjust. “The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isa_53:6 b). (4) They were reconciling. Through His death we have been brought to God. The sin which caused alienation has been removed. (5) They were violent. His death was by execution. (6) Finally, they were climaxed by resurrection. He was raised from the dead on the third day. The expression made alive by the Spirit means that His resurrection was through the power of the Holy Spirit. (BBC).

1Pe 3:19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison,*went (poreuo/4198): to lead

-aorist passive deponent (He was led)*preached (kerusso/2784): to herald; to proclaim openly something which has been done

-aorist active indicative*spirits:

There are two lines of thought as to who the spirits are in this verse. One is that they are the people that rejected Noah’s message before the flood. The second (and the one that I lean toward) is that this is the group of angels that did not keep their first abode, but left their habitation to commit sexual sin with the “strange flesh” (not the same kind) of the women before the flood (Jude 6-7) as part of the plot by Satan to corrupt the seed of the women spoken of in Genesis 3:15 which is going to crush the serpent’s head (which is Satan)(see also Genesis 6:1-6; 2 Peter 2:4). One piece of evidence that supports this view is that the term “sons of God” used in Genesis 6 is only used to refer to angels in the Old Testament (see Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7)

*prison (phylake/5438): of the place where captives are keptThe reference here is to Tartarus, the prison for the fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4)

1Pe 3:20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while [the] ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

*who: the spirits in the preceding verse*were disobedient (apeitheo/544): not to allow one’s self to be persuaded; to refuse belief

-John 3:36; Acts 14:2; 17:5; 19:9; Rom 10:21; 1 Peter 2:7-8; 3:1; 4:17*longsuffering (makrothumia/3115): patience, forbearance*waited (ekdechomai/1551): to look for, to expect, to wait*ark (kibotos/2787): see Mt. 24:38; Heb 11:7*was being prepared (2680): to furnish, equip, make ready

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*were saved through (diasozo/1295): to preserve through danger, to bring safely through, to keep from perishing

-aorist passive indicative-Acts 23:24; 27:43

1Pe 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

*There (hos/3739): who, which, what, that-It is neuter which would tie it to the word “water” in the preceding verse which is alsoneuter (in contrast to ark which is feminine). This clearly indicates that Peter is referring

to water baptism.*antitype (antitupos/499): a thing formed after some pattern, its counterpart, representation,

illustrationHeb 9:24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;

*now (nun/3568): at this present time*saves (sozo/4982): to save, to keep safe and sound, to preserve from danger

-present active indicative: is continually saving us*baptism (baptisma/908): immersion*removal (apothesis/595): putting away

-Peter is clear that water baptism does nothing in regards to sin*answer (eperotema/1906): a question or inquiry, the appeal or demand

“Baptism represents a complete break with one’s past life. As the Flood wiped away the old sinful world, so baptism pictures one’s break from his old sinful life and his entrance into new life in Christ. Peter now applied to his readers the principle he set forth in verses 13-17 and illustrated in verses 18-20. He exhorted them to have courage to commit themselves to a course of action by taking a public stand for Christ through baptism. The act of public baptism would “save” them from the temptation to sacrifice their good conscience in order to avoid persecution. For the first-century Christian, baptism meant he was following through on his commitment to Christ, regardless of the consequences. Baptism does not save from sin, but from a bad conscience.”Roger Raymer, 1 Peter, Bible Knowledge Commentary

1Pe 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

*gone (poreuomai/4198): to lead over, to transfer*right hand (dexios/1188): right, right hand; place of honor and authority

Rom 8:34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Eph 1:20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

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Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Heb 1:3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, Heb 8:1 Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, Heb 10:12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, Heb 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

From His suffering and death in 3:18 to His ascension and glory in 3:22, this is the message of 1 Peter. Peter’s encouragement is that every believer will remain under the suffering that each is called to and not revert back to their pre-regenerate ways. Not only for the temporal benefits to be seen in our maturity, but also in the eternal benefits as we share in Christ’s glory.

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E. Exhortation to arm ourselves with the mind of Christ and to not return to our pre-regeneration life1Pe 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

*Therefore: referring back to 3:18*suffered (pascho/3958): see 2:21

-aorist active participle*for (huper/5228): on behalf of, in a substitutionary sense*arm (hoplizo/3695): furnish with arms, arm one’s self, take on the same mind, used of a soldier putting on his armor

-aorist middle imperative-only occurs here-(hoplon/3696): instruments of warfare

-Romans 6:13; 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7; 10:4*mind (ennoia/1771): consideration, meditation, intent, purpose*ceased (pauo/3973): to desist, to restrain, no longer stirred by the incitements and seductions of sin

-perfect passive indicative

There is a close connection between this section and the preceding (cf. 1Pe_3:18). We have been considering Christ as an example of One who suffered unjustly. He suffered at the hands of wicked men for the cause of righteousness. Since this was so, His followers should arm themselves with the same mind. They should expect to suffer for His name. They should be prepared to endure persecution because they are Christians.Whoever has suffered in the flesh, that is, in the body, has ceased from sin. The believer is faced with two possibilities—sin or suffering. On the one hand, he can choose to live like the unsaved people around him, sharing their sinful pleasures, and thus avoid persecution. Or he can live in purity and godliness, bearing the reproach of Christ, and suffer at the hands of the wicked.When a believer deliberately chooses to suffer persecution as a Christian rather than to continue in a life of sin, he has ceased from sin. This does not mean that he no longer commits acts of sin, but that the power of sin in his life has been broken. When a man suffers because he refuses to sin, he is no longer controlled by the will of the flesh. (BBC)

When Christ died, because of our position in Christ, we died with Him (Romans 6, 2 Corinthians 5:14; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:1-4). To indulge in sin is to live in contradiction to what Christ accomplished for us on the cross.

1Pe 4:2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

*that (eis/1519): resulting in*no longer (meketi/3371): no more*live (bioo/980): to pass one’s life (physical life)

-aorist active infinitive

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*rest (epiloipos/1954): remaining time*but (alla/235): nevertheless, an objection, an exception*will (thelema/2307): choice, inclination or desire, a contrast

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from

sexual immorality; 1Th 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;

2Co 5:15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

1Pe 4:3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

*enough (arketos/713): sufficient*past (parerchomai/3928): to go past, to pass by

-perfect tense indicating completed action. The believer is to view his past as a closed matter.

*lifetime (bios/979): physical life*Gentiles (ethnos/1484): pagans*walked (poreuomai/4198): to pursue, to follow

Lewdness—unrestrained indulgence, primarily in sexual immorality.Lusts—gratification of unlawful appetites of any kind, but probably referring especially to sexual sins.Drunkenness—giving oneself over to the control of intoxicating beverages with the resulting weakening of will power to resist temptation. There is a close link between drunkenness and immorality.Revelries—riotous parties and late-night merrymaking.Drinking parties—drinking bouts which lead to debauchery and brawls.Abominable idolatries—the worship of idols, with all the immorality that is associated with such worship. (BBC)

1Pe 4:4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

*strange (xenizo/3579): to surprise by the strangeness of a thing, to shock*run (suntrecho/4936): to run together as in a crowd*flood (anachusis/401): excess*dissipation (asotia/810): riot, wastefulness*speaking evil (blasphemo/987): blaspheme

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Don’t expect the unbeliever to applaud your decision to forsake your former life for the will of the Lord. They most likely will be surprised at your decision and then attack your character for your choice. “old acquaintances are now persecutors” BKC

1Pe 4:5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.*account (logos/3056): an answer or explanation

Though the ungodly blaspheme Christians in this life, they will give an account for every word and deed at the Judgment of the Great White Throne. The Lord is ready to judge the living and the dead. Clearly it is unbelievers whom Peter has in mind here. The judgment of the living unbelievers will take place before the Millennium begins; the wicked dead will be judged at the close of Christ's reign on earth (BBC)

1Pe 4:6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

*for this reason: because of the eternal judgment facing the unbeliever*gospel was preached (euaggelizo/2097): to bring good news

-aorist passive indicative (past historical event)*judged (krino/2919): of those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others *live (zao/2198): to enjoy real life, to have true life

-present tense indicates that they are currently enjoying true life now after death.

We understand this verse to refer to people to whom the gospel was preached while they were still alive on the earth and who believed on the Lord. Because of their valiant stand for the truth, they suffered at the hands of wicked men, and in some cases were martyred. These believers, though judged, or condemned, according to men in the flesh, were vindicated by God. They are now enjoying eternal life with Him. (BBC)

The key to the understanding of this difficult verse is found in the context of the entire book. In 1Pe 1:6, 7 we are told that the recipients are in heaviness in the midst of manifold trials. In 1Pe 2:18ff we have the case of Christian household slaves being unjustly punished because of their Christian testimony. In 1Pe 3:8ff the saints are instructed as to their behavior when undergoing persecution. In 1Pe 4:1ff the apostle deals with the glory of suffering for righteousness’ sake. He speaks of this persecution of the saints by the world as a judgment that begins at the house of God, the Church

In 1Peter 4:1-11 he speaks of the necessity of having the mind of Christ as armored protection against the persecution of the world. Thus the phrase judged according to men, refers to the judgment spoken of in 1Pe 4:17 which is defined as to its nature by the words in 1Pe 4:14 “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ.”

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The words them that are dead, refer to Christian believers who had died. The gospel had been preached to them and they had become Christians. As a result of this they had been judged according to men while they were on earth. This judgment was in the form of persecution because of their Christian testimony.

The word translated according to (kata) means literally “down,” and speaks of domination. This judgment was in the hands of men and was administered by them.

The words in the flesh are to be construed with might be judged, for they balance up the words in the spirit which clearly are to be understood with live. We have here the dative of respect. These Christians were judged with respect to the flesh, that is, with respect to their earthly existence in the body. The natural result of accepting the gospel would be the living of a Christian life, and the natural result of that would be persecution. But these Christians died, many of them as martyrs. Now, in heaven they were living according to the Word of God with respect to their spirits, their human spirits. They in their disembodied state were serving the Lord in the future life. (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans or Logos)

1Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.*end (telos/5056): the close, termination*at hand (eggizo/1448): near, approaching

-perfect active indicative-used of:

-kingdom of heaven (Matthew 3:2)-kingdom of God (Mark 1:15; Luke 10:9, 11)-destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20)-day of Christ (Romans 13:12)

*therefore (sun/3767): accordingly-in the light of Jesus’s imminent return for us

*serious (sophroneo/4993): to be of sound mind, to exercise self control, to curb one’s passions-aorist active imperativeMar 5:15 Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

*watchful (nepho/3525): to be sober, to be calm and collected in spirit, circumspect-aorist active imperative1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1Th 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

*prayers (proseuche/4335): worship

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Peter here is referring to the Rapture, the imminent return of Jesus Christ for His Church. For the believer, this is the glory that Peter mentions several times in this epistle. This glory is to be motivation for the believer to watchful and living his life in the light of this truth resulting in prayers and worship.

Php 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Php 3:21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

1Th 1:9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 1Th 1:10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Rev 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."*above (pro/4253): in front of, prior*have (echo/2192): to hold

-present active (continuously)*fervent (ektenes/1618): strained, stretched out, as an athlete stretching their muscles straining to win an athletic event to his limit*love (agape/26): sacrificial love which values the object loved

-Rom. 5:8; 8:35; 1 Cor. 13; 2 Cor. 5:14; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 2:4; 3:17, 19; 1 John 4:7-9

Agape in the Greek classics spoke of a love called out of one’s heart by the preciousness of the object loved. This is the idea inherent in the Father's proclamation "This is My beloved Son..." Agape is the love that was shown at Calvary. Thus agape is God’s love, and is the love that God is. It is not human affection but is a divine love, commanded by God, produced as fruit in the heart of a surrendered saint by the Holy Spirit (God Who is at work in us to will and to work to His good pleasure) (Ro 5:5-note Gal 5:22-note), self-sacrificial in nature seeking the benefit of the one who is loved, a love which means death to self and defeat for sin since the essence of sin is self-will and self-gratification, a love activated by personal choice of our will (working out our salvation in fear and trembling) not based on our feelings toward the object of our love and manifested by specific actions (1Co 13:4-8-note is an excellent source definition of "love in action") not just to fellow believers but to all men everywhere. (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans)

Agape love does not derive its motivation from the desirability of the object of one's affection but gives with no expectation of return (unconditional) so that if given and not returned then you don't stop giving it.

*cover (kalupto/2572): to hide, veil

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-future active indicativeJas 5:19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone

turns him back, Jas 5:20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. -Proverbs 10:12

He must pay attention to his fellowship with other believers (vv. 8, 9), and have fervent love for all members of the household of faith. Such a love will not publicize the faults and failings of other believers, but will protect them from public view. Someone has said, “Hatred makes the worst of everything. Love is entitled to bury things out of sight.” (BBC)

1Pe 4:9 [Be] hospitable to one another without grumbling.*hospitable (philoxenos/5382): generous to others, lit. lover of foreigners/strangers*grumbling (goggusmos/1112): murmuring, secret displeasure not openly disclosed

Php 2:14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,

During times of suffering and persecution, believers must be a support system for each other, even going as far as to open our homes to each other without grumbling or complaining, even in secret.

1Pe 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

*received (lambano/2983): to take as one’s own-aorist active indicative (historical event; when each believer received the Spirit at salvation)

*gift (charismos/5486): favor which one receives without any merit of his own, gifts, grace or gifts denoting extraordinary powers, distinguishing certain Christians and enabling them to serve the church of Christ, the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating on their souls by the Holy Spirit

Rom 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, Rom 12:5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one

another. Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them:

*minister (diaikoneo/1247): to serve-present active participle

*to one another: to themselves, the gifts were to be directed toward the body*good (kalos/2570): beautiful, excellent, precious, useful*stewards (oikonomos/3623): managers, superintendents; we are to be managers of the grace of God

At all times, we should be using our spiritual gifts to edify and uplift the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-17), but even more so during times of persecution and suffering.

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1Pe 4:11 If anyone speaks, [let him] [speak] as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, [let him do it] as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

*speaks (laleo/2980): to speak, to utter articulate sounds*oracles (logion/3051): words of God*ministers (diaikoneo/1247): to serve*ability (ischus/2479): ability, strength*supplies (choregeo/5524): to lead a chorus, to supply or furnish*that (hina/2443): indicating purpose*glorified (doxazo/1392): magnified, honored

-present passive subjunctive

Peter seems to be indicating that there are two categories of gifts: speaking gifts and serving gifts. For those with the speaking gifts (pastor/teacher, evangelist, teacher) they are to utter the words of God as found in the Bible. For those with the serving gifts, they are to be used, not through our own natural abilities, but by God’s divine power. For both, the purpose of their use is not for self-glorification, but to bring glory to God. This is especially important during times of suffering and persecution as these gifts are used to encourage believers.

1Pe 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

*strange: (xenizo/3579): to surprise by the strangeness of a thing, to shock-present passive imperative (stop being continuously surprised)-We have to stop thinking that suffering is some novelty or oddity in our lives. We need to see that suffering is the norm for the believer in order to mature and glorify God.

*fiery trial (purosis/4451): refining fire, a trial by fire; the smelting process by which gold is refined*try (peirasmos/3986): temptation, trial, proving; adversity, affliction or trouble, sent by God, and

serving to test or prove one’s character

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

*strange (xenos/3581): unheard of*happened (sumbaino/4819): to come to pass

-present (continuously happening)

The natural attitude for a Christian is to look on persecution as strange and abnormal. We are surprised when we have to suffer. But Peter tells us that we should consider it as normal Christian experience. We have no right to expect better treatment from the world than our Savior received. All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2Ti_3:12). (BBC)

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1Pe 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

*rejoice (chairo/5463): be glad-present active imperative (command to be continuously rejoicing when you suffer)

*partake (koinoneo/2841): to fellowship, to share-present active indicative-see Rom. 8:17; Phil. 3:10; 2 Tim 2:12

*sufferings (pathema/3804): that which one suffers, a suffering, misfortune, calamity, evil, affliction-the sufferings of Christ-the afflictions which Christians must undergo in behalf of the same cause which Christ patiently enduredRom 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 2Co 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Php 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

-We cannot know Christ apart from sharing in His sufferings*that (hina/2443): purpose*rejoice (chairo/5463): be glad

-aorist subjunctive (possibility of being glad at the point in time when Christ’s glory is revealed)If the child of God can rejoice today in the midst of suffering, how much more will he rejoice and be glad when Christ's glory is revealed. When the Savior comes back to earth as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, He will be revealed as the Almighty Son of God. Those who suffer now for His sake will be honored then with Him. (BBC)

1Pe 4:14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed [are you], for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

*if: since or when (1st class conditional sentence, it is assumed that we will be reproached)*reproached (oneidezo/3679): to revile, defame, rail at, chide, taunt, to assail with abusive words

-present passive indicative*blessed (makarios/3107): happy*rests (anapauo/373): to cease from movement in order to recover and collect his strength; to give rest, to refresh, of calm and patient expectation

-present middle indicative-see Matthew 11:28; 1 Corinthians 16:18

When we undergo abuse for the cause of Christ, we will experience true happiness and the Spirit of God will rest upon us in a special way to as provide spiritual refreshment for us and display glory much as the Shekinah glory rested upon the temple in the Old Testament.

-see Acts 6-7 and the example of Stephen

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This is the Holy Spirit who rests upon persecuted Christians as the glory cloud rested on the tabernacle in the OT, indicating the presence of God. We know that the Spirit indwells every true child of God, but He rests in a special way upon those who are completely committed to the cause of Christ. They know the presence and power of the Spirit of God as others do not. The same Lord Jesus who is blasphemed by the persecutors is glorified by His suffering saints. (BBC)

The Spirit of the Glory, even the Spirit of God, is resting with refreshing power upon the child of God, causing him to live a life which pleases God and toward which the world hurls its venom and hate. The Holy Spirit rests upon the reviled Christian much as the Shekinah (Shekinah glory cloud) rested on the Tabernacle in the wilderness and later on Solomon's Temple.The Holy Spirit will help you die if that is what you are called to do. He will stand by you when there is no one else. He will sustain your faith. He will give you glimpses of glory as He did Stephen as he was being stoned (see above). He will cause you to magnify Christ in your death. Courage which you never thought was possible will be yours. The Spirit of glory and of God will rest upon you and carry you home. (PA)

1Pe 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.

*suffered (pascho/3958): to be affected for good or bad, to endure evil, to be vexed-present active imperative with the negative: stop suffering as….

*thief (kleptes/2812): embezzler, false teachers who teach for profit*busybody (allotriepiskopos/244): meddler in other men’s affairs

A Christian should never bring suffering upon himself for wrongdoing. He should never be guilty of murder, stealing, evil in general, or meddling in other people's matters. There is no glory for God in this—only shame for the testimony of Christ. (BBC)

1Pe 4:16 Yet if [anyone suffers] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.*ashamed (aischunomai/153): to dishonor

-present passive imperative (with the negative, stop being ashamed)Php 1:20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

*glorify (doxazo/1392): to praise, to magnify, to honor-present active imperative

Roman law required each citizen to pledge his loyalty to the emperor. Once a year, the citizen would put a pinch of incense on the proper altar and say, “Caesar is Lord!” But the Christian confesses that “Jesus Christ is Lord!” (1Co 12:3.) Believers refused to bow before Caesar. Sometimes the Roman official would write the name of Christ on the ground or on a wall and ask the Christian to spit on it. If the Christian refused, he or she would be arrested, tried, and perhaps killed. By bearing the name of Christ (Christian), they were put to shame before their friends. But what a glorious name to bear! It is a name higher than any other. (Wiersbe, W. W. Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books)

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1Pe 4:17 For the time [has come] for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if [it begins] with us first, what will [be] the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

*time (kairos/2540): a fixed and definite time*judgment (krima/2917): decree, judgment, condemnation*begin (archomai/756): to be the first to do anything*house (oikos/3624): dwelling, referring to the spiritual house of God which is the Church*if: first class conditional sentence, it is assumed to begin with us*first (proton/4412): first in time or succession*do not obey (apeitheo/544): to refuse to believe, to not allow one’s self to be persuaded

If God is bringing judgment and chastisement upon His church now to purify them through suffering and persecution, what kind of terrible end awaits those who refuse to accept the good news of Jesus Christ?But God’s judgment on the Church is not concerning whether or not we will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire (Christ already took care of that), but it is the judgment which is to purify us and prepare us for eternity with Him. And if the Father in His divine wisdom directs His children to go through such intense situations and sufferings, imagine what is waiting those who reject the gospel of Jesus Christ?

1Pe 4:18 Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"*if: since (1st class conditional sentence)*righteous one (dikaios/1342): just or justified one*scarcely (molis/3433): with difficulty, not easily*saved (sozo/4982): to preserve, to keep safe and sound, to save from perishing

-present passive indicative

-Used of all three tenses*1st Tense

Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, Eph 2:9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

*2nd TenseJas 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

*3rd Tense1Co 3:15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

As Charles Ryrie puts it

"Because of suffering (1Peter 4:16) and discipline (1Peter 4:17), the righteous work out their salvation (see Philippians 2:12-13 note) with difficulty." (The Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Translation: 1995. Moody Publishers)

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The salvation that Peter is referring to is that of the believers being saved or purified in their walk by intense trials and suffering. That is the context of these verses. It is with difficulty that believers finish their journey as pilgrims. This echoes the thought presented in the previous verse. If God’s people are going through such intense chastisement, what can possibly be awaiting the ungodly?

2Pe 3:7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. Jud 1:14 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, Jud 1:15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."

1Pe 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls [to Him] in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

*according to the will of God: see 4:15-161) Suffering for the believer is part of God’s will2) We are not to suffer outside of God’s will because of our sin or disobedience

*commit (paratithemi/3908): to deposit, entrust (a banking term)-present passive imperative (command to continuously be committing ourselves to Him during times of suffering)

*doing good (agathopiia/16): course of right action*faithful (pistos/4103): trustworthy

It seems somewhat strange that Peter should introduce the Lord as Creator here rather than as Savior, High Priest, or Shepherd. Christ is our Creator in a twofold sense—we are His as part of the original creation and of the new creation (Eph_4:24; Col_3:10). In either case, we are the objects of His love and care. It is only reasonable that we should entrust ourselves to the One who made our souls and who saved them. (BBC)

This is the only time in the New Testament God is called the Creator. If God created the universe by the word of His power, He is able to guard your deposit with Him and bring you safely to His heavenly kingdom (cp 1Pe 1:4-note, 1Pe 1:5-note). That He is the faithful Creator shows that He cares enough to guard you. So you can trust Him with your very life, even if evil men take it away from you, and know that He won’t lose it. You demonstrate your trust by continuing to do what is right when you suffer. (PA)

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F. Exhortation to the Elders1Pe 5:1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

*elder (presbuteros/4245): -regarding age (1 Tim. 5:1)-of Jewish leaders of the Sanhedrin (Matt. 15:2; 16:21: Mark 7:3; Acts 4:5, 8)-of Christian leaders in the local assembly (Acts 14:23; 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4; 20:17; 21:18; 1 Tim. 5:17, 19; Titus 1:5)-of the 24 elders seated around the throne of God (Rev. 4:4, 10; 5:5, 6, 8, 11, 14; 7:11, 13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4)

*fellow elder (sumpresbuteros/4850): only used here in Peter.*witness (martus/3144): witness, in this verse in a historical sense

-Peter was an eye witness to the suffering and death of Christ*sufferings (pathema/3804): that which one suffers, a suffering, misfortune, calamity, evil, affliction

-the sufferings of Christ*partaker (koinonos/2844): partner, associate, sharer (see 2 Peter 1:4)

During times of intense suffering and persecution, it is imperative that the local assemblies have mature men in place who can shepherd the sheep through those difficult times (see Acts 14:22-23).

1Pe 5:2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

*shepherd (poimaino/4165): to feed, care for, guide, protect and encourage the flock-aorist active imperativeJoh 21:16 He (Jesus) said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep."Act 20:28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

*overseer (episkopeo/1983): to look upon, to inspect, to care for, to look carefully85

-present active participle*compulsion (anagkastos/317): by force*willingly (hekousios/1596): voluntarily*dishonest gain (aischrokerdos/147): disgraceful gain*eagerly (prothumos/4290): forward in spirit, zeal

The shepherd must of his own free will take on the responsibility of feeding and caring for the sheep, not because he is forced to accept the position. He should also not be motivated by financial gain.

1Pe 5:3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;*lords (katakurieuo/2634): to subdue, to bring under one’s power, to master

-present active participle*entrusted (kleros/2819): allotted portion, that which has been assigned to you*examples (tupos/5179): figure created by a blow or impression, patterns, types

Php 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 1Ti 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Tit 2:6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, Tit 2:7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

Elders should be examples, not dictators. They should be walking out in front of the flock, not driving them from behind. They should not treat the flock as if it belonged to them. (BBC)

1Pe 5:4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.*Chief Shepherd (archipoimen/750): refers to Jesus Christ

-He is also known as the Good Shepherd (John 10) and the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20)*receive (kolumbao/2865): to receive the promised blessing

-future indicative2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

*crown (stephanos/4735): crown or wreath given to the victor in games or contests-crown of rejoicing (1 Thess. 2:19)-crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8)

-given to those who have manifested the righteousness of God in their walks and have loved His appearing

-crown of life (Jam. 1:12; Rev. 2:10)-given to those who remain under trials and suffering

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-crown of glory (1 Pet. 5:4)-given to those who shepherd according to the criteria listed in the previous verses

*does not fade away (amarantinos/262): takes its name from the flower amaranth which never withers nor fades

An elder's work involves a tremendous expenditure of physical and emotional energy. He must sympathize, counsel, reprove, rebuke, teach, discipline, and warn. At times it may seem a thankless task. But a special reward is promised to the faithful elder. (BBC)

G. Exhortation for humility to all1Pe 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to [your] elders. Yes, all of [you] be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

*likewise (homoios/3668): in the same way-as the elders are to be submissive to the Chief Shepherd, so the young ones are to be submissive to their elders/shepherds

*younger (neos/3501): recently born, newThose who are younger, whether in years or in the faith, should be submissive to the elders. Why? Because these overseers have wisdom that comes from years of experience in the things of God. They have a deep, experiential knowledge of the word of God. And they are the ones to whom God has given responsibility for the care of His sheep. (BBC)

*submit (hupotasso/5293): to arrange under, to put in subjection-aorist passive imperative-a command to allow yourself to be put into subjection to the elders

*submissive (hupotasso/5293): to arrange under, to put in subjection-present passive imperative

*clothed (egkomboomai/1463): to fasten or gird one’s self, refers to the putting on of servant’s clothing or apron

-aorist middle imperative

Just as Jesus laid aside His outer garments and put on a towel to become a servant, so each of us should have a servant’s attitude and minister to each other. True humility is described in Php 2:1-11. Humility is not demeaning ourselves and thinking poorly of ourselves. It is simply not thinking of ourselves at all! This was the white scarf or apron of slaves, which was fastened to the belt of the vest and distinguished slaves from freemen, hence in 1Pe 5:5, "gird yourselves with humility as your servile garb" means by putting on humility, show your subjection one to

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another. Also, this refers to the overalls which slaves wore to keep clean while working, an exceedingly humble garment. (PA)

*humility (tapeinophrosune/5012): deep sense of one’s own littleness, humbleness, lowliness of mind

Act 20:18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, Act 20:19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;Eph 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, Eph 4:2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, Php 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Col 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

John Wesley observed that “neither the Romans nor the Greeks had a word for humility.” The very concept was so foreign and abhorrent to their way of thinking that they had no term to describe it. When, during the first several centuries of Christianity, pagan writers borrowed the term tapeinophrosune, they always used it derogatorily—frequently of Christians—because to them humility was a pitiable weakness. (PA)

*resists (antitasso/498): stand in opposition to, to arrange against (a military term meaning to set an army against)*proud (huperephanos/5244): showing one’s self above others, contempt for others

Jas 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

*gives (didomi/1325): to bestow a gift, to supply, furnish-present active indicative

*grace (charis/5485): benefit, gift

Wuest explains that grace (charis) as used by the pagan Greeks...

referred to a favor done by one Greek to another out of the pure generosity of his heart, and with no hope of reward. When it is used in the New Testament, it refers to that favor which God did at Calvary when He stepped down from His judgment throne to take upon Himself the guilt and penalty of human sin. In the case of the Greek, the favor was done to a friend, never an enemy. In the case of God it was an enemy, the sinner, bitter in his hatred of God, for whom the favor was done. God has no strings tied to the salvation He procured for man at the Cross. Salvation is given the believing sinner out of the pure generosity of God’s heart.

The Greek word charis referred to an action that was beyond the ordinary course of what might be expected, and was therefore commendable. What a description of that which took place at the Cross! The grace spoken of here is sanctifying grace that part of salvation given the saint in which God causes him to grow in Christ-likeness through the ministry of the Holy Spirit... (Sanctifying grace is) the enabling grace for daily Christian living which is given to the

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saint yielded to and dependent upon the Holy Spirit (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Eerdmans)

*humble (5011): as a condition; lowly, of low degree; brought low with grief, depressed, lowly in spiritMat 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you

rest. Mat 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion2Co 7:6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the

coming of Titus, Jas 1:9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltationJas 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

1Pe 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,*Therefore (oun/3767): consequently, these things being so

-because God resists the proud, humble yourselves*humble (tapeinoo/5013): to lower, to make low, to have a low opinion of one’s self, to reduce to a plain, reduce to meaner circumstances, assign to a lower rank, to be ranked below others, to depress

-aorist passive imperative (command to allow yourself to be humbled by the Lord)Mat 23:12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luk 3:5 EVERY VALLEY SHALL BE FILLED AND EVERY MOUNTAIN AND HILL BROUGHT LOW; THE CROOKED PLACES SHALL BE MADE STRAIGHT AND THE ROUGH WAYS SMOOTH; Php 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Php 4:12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

*that (hina/2443): indicates a purpose clause, we allow God to humble under His mighty hand for the purpose that HE will exalt us*exalt (hupsoo/5312): to lift up, to raise up, to raise to honor, dignity and happiness

-aorist active subjunctiveMat 23:11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. Mat 23:12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

*due time (kairos/2540): fixed and definite time

Self exaltation is vain and temporary. However, the exaltation from the Lord is glorious and eternal.89

This verse should encourage you that the trial does have an end and that the suffering saint will not forever be left in a low and depressed state. (PA)

My fellow pilgrim, is the progress more painful than you expected? Thinking you were in for a Disneyland experience, have you been surprised to find yourself on cold, barren ground—lonely, depressed, and broken? Are you beginning to wonder if you are on the wrong road? Trust me, you are not. God is at work in you. His “mighty hand” is above you. His love is around you. His grace is available to you. (Author unknown)

H. Exhortation to cast our distractions on Him1Pe 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

*casting (epiripto/1977): to throw upon-aorist active participle (an event)-the participle is dependent on the main verb in the previous verse, which is the command to be humbledLuk 19:35 Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him.

*care (merimna/3308): anxiety, to draw in different directions, to distractMat 13:22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. Luk 21:34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.

*cares (melei/3199): to care about, the watchful care of interest and affection-present active indicative (continuously caring for us)

Believers are privileged to cast all their anxieties on the Lord with the strong confidence that He cares. Once again Peter is quoting from the Greek version of the OT (Psa_55:22).J. Sidlow Baxter points out that there are two kinds of care here:There is anxious care, in the words: “Casting all your care upon Him”; and there is affectionate care, in the words: “He careth for you.” Over against all our own anxious care is our Savior's never-failing affectionate care.

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Worry is unnecessary; there is no need for us to bear the burdens when He is willing and able to bear them for us. Worry is futile; it hasn't solved a problem yet. Worry is sin. A preacher once said: “Worry is sin because it denies the wisdom of God; it says that He doesn't know what He's doing. It denies the love of God; it says He does not care. And it denies the power of God; it says that He isn't able to deliver me from whatever is causing me to worry.” (BBC)

Spurgeon said that... Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows but only empties today of its strength.

Anxiety and fear is the fruit of the root of unbelief and unwillingness to accept God’s sovereignty over all of the aspects of one’s life. Faith (which comes by hearing...the Word of Christ) can break the stranglehold of anxiety and fear. Do you really trust God's sovereignty enough to cast your anxiety upon Him? The perfect cure for worry or anxiety is a child-like trust in our heavenly Father. (PA)

For the believer, it is pride that is at the root of anxiety, because it involves us admitting that we cannot save ourselves, it is only the mighty hand of God that can do so.

I. Exhortation to resist our legal adversary1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

*sober (nepho/3525): to be calm and collected in spirit, circumspect, clear-headed-aorist active imperative-see 1:13; 4:7

Nepho conveys the idea of freedom from excitability (a contrast to the excitement of drunkenness) and thus means to be calm and collected in spirit, temperate (marked by moderation, keeping within limits, not extreme or excessive), not given to excessive indulgence in drink or any other activity, dispassionate (not influenced by strong feeling; especially not affected by personal or emotional involvement), circumspect (careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences, prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk), with equanimity (evenness of mind especially under stress and suggests a habit of mind that is only rarely disturbed under great strain), cool (marked by steady dispassionate calmness and self-control) and unimpassioned. (PA)

*vigilant (gregoreo/1127): to watch, to give strict attention to, constant state of readiness-aorist active imperative1Co 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Col 4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

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*adversary (antidikos/476): adversary in a lawsuit or a court of law-see Job 1-2

*devil (diabolos/1228): slanderer, false accuserEph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Jas 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

*devour (katapino/2666): to drink down, to swallow, to destroy

Just as Satan tempted Eve into questioning the word and character of God, so today he is praying on believers who are neither watching nor stable in their thinking to question and doubt the Lord’s care for us as we go through intense suffering.

1Pe 5:9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

*resist (antistemi/436): to set one’s self against, to oppose-aorist active imperativeEph 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Jas 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

*him: the devil*steadfast (stereos/4731): strong, firm, immovable, firmly established

-The noun (stereoma/4733) has the idea of a solid front, as in a military formation, closing ranks to withstand an attack

*the faith: not personal faith, but the body of truth*sufferings (pathema/3804): suffering, calamity, affliction

2Co 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 2Co 1:6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 2Co 1:7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. Php 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 1Pe 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

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1Pe 5:1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

*experienced (epiteleo/2005): to bring to an end, to accomplish-present passive (continuously being experienced)

Php 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

One of Satan's devices is to discourage us with the thought that our sufferings are unique. As we pass through the fire of affliction, it is easy to faint under the mistaken idea that no one else has as much trouble as we do. Peter reminds us that the same sufferings are experienced by our Christian brotherhood throughout the world. (BBC)

J. Exhortation to allow the Lord to establish us1Pe 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle [you].

*called (kaleo/2564): to invite, to summon-5th of Peter’s callings for the believer (see 1:15, 2:9, 21; 3:9)

*suffered (pascho/3958): to be affected for good or bad, to endure evil, to be vexed*while (oligos/3641): little, small, few; of time: short; of degree or intensity: light, slight*perfect (katartizo/2675): to make sound, complete; to mend, heal; to equip, putting into appropriate

condition so that it will function well, to prepare for future use-aorist active optative

*establish (sterizo/4741): to set firm, to make stableRom 16:25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began

*strengthen (sthenoo/4599): to make strong-aorist active optative

*settle (themelioo/2311): to lay the foundationEph 3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

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The final encouragement is that God uses suffering to educate us and mold our Christian character. He is training us for reigning. Four aspects of this training process are listed.Perfect—Trials make the believer fit; they supply needed elements in his character to make him spiritually mature.Establish—Suffering makes Christians more stable, able to maintain a good confession, and to bear up under pressure. This is the same word the Lord Jesus used with Peter: “ . . .strengthen [or establish] your brethren” (Luk_22:32).Strengthen—Persecution is intended by Satan to weaken and wear out believers, but it has the opposite effect. It strengthens them to endure.Settle—This verb is related to the word “foundation” in the original. God wants every believer to be firmly planted in a secure place in His Son and in His word. (BBC)

1Pe 5:11 To Him [be] the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.*glory (doxa/1391): good opinion, splendor, majesty, magnificence, excellence*dominion (kratos/2904): force, strength, power, might

1Pe 5:12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

*Silvanus: also known as Silas (see also Acts 15-17; 2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1)Silas, the companion of Paul and Timothy: a suitable messenger by whom to confirm, as Peter here does, Paul’s doctrine of “the true grace of God” in the same churches (compare 2Pe_3:16). We never meet with Silvanus as Paul’s companion after Paul’s last journey to Jerusalem. His connection with Peter was plainly subsequent to that journey. (JFB)

*stand (histemi/2476): to place, to put, to make firm or establish, to stand safe and sound, to be of a steadfast mind

1Pe 5:13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with [you], greets you; and [so does] Mark my son.*She: The commentators offer up three suggestions as to this identity: Peter’s wife, the church at Babylon or the church at Rome with Babylon being an allegory for Rome (Revelation 17-18)*elect together with (suneklektos/4899): elected or chosen together with*Mark: probably reference to John Mark (Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37, 39; Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11)

1Pe 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.*kiss of love: common greeting among believers*peace(eirene/1515): harmony, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is*all who are in Christ Jesus: our unchanging position in Christ, regardless of the suffering and persecution that we are currently going through

Regardless of the type of suffering that we are enduring (physical or mental affliction, persecution for the gospel, attack from Satan, circumstantial or the purifying process from our Father) we are to never forget who we are as elect strangers and pilgrims and our eternal destination and glory that awaits us.

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Summary VersesStrangers and PilgrimsGen 23:3 Then Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying, Gen 23:4 "I am a foreigner and a visitor among you. Give me property for a burial place among

you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight."

1Ch 29:15 For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope.

Psa 39:12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Psa 119:19 I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me.

Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Suffering and afflictionJob 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

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Psa 66:10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. Psa 66:11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. Psa 66:12 You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through

water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

Psa 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. Psa 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. Psa 119:75 I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, And that in faithfulness You have

afflicted me. Psa 119:92 Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction.

Isa 48:10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, Rom 8:17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we

suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Rom 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared

with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

2Co 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

2Co 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2Co 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

2Co 1:6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

2Co 1:7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

2Co 4:18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,

Heb 11:25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,

Heb 11:26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

Sources

*Bible Knowledge Commentary*Believer’s Bible Commentary, William MacDonald*A.T. Robertson’s Word Pictures

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*Marvin Vincent’s Word Studies*Bruce Hurt, Precept Austin*Strong’s Hebrew and Greek dictionaries*Thayer’s Greek Definitions*Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words*J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary*Kenneth Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament *John Darby’s Synopsis of the Bible*Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary

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