Feed My Sheep: A Commentary on the First Letter of Peter

Copyright © 2014 Fritz Lenk and Helga Arndt.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-2358-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-2357-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014901153

WestBow Press rev. date: 02/13/2014

Contents

Preface

Prologue

Chapter 1

Salutations. Praises to God for our living hope. Encouragement to live a holy life.

Chapter 2

As a chosen people and a royal priesthood, Christians should abstain from sinful desires, obey earthly authorities, and follow Christ’s example.

Chapter 3

Obligations of wives and husbands. Warning for all believers to be compassionate, humble, and live in harmony with one another.

Chapter 4

In times of sufferings, Christians should still praise God.

Chapter 5

Instructions for Church Overseers. Admonishing to practice humility, trust in God, and be alert of the times. Blessings, Greetings, and Conclusion

Appendix

Acknowledgments and Thanks

Preface

I was serving the German Church of God in Union City, New Jersey, when pastors from other German churches across the United States asked me to take the editorial position of the German Gospel Trumpet, the official paper/newsletter for the churches. So far, I was used to the oral proclamation of the Word of God. Now I was to extend that to the printed form.

As I started planning what should go into the paper, I had the idea to take a book of the Bible and give a running commentary on it—verse by verse. I titled the commentary Our Bible Hour. I asked God for wisdom and grace, to help me with such a great mandate. The reason for choosing the first letter of Peter was because this letter is filled with the living hope that is so encouraging in following in Jesus’ footsteps. By the grace of God, Our Bible Hour was published without interruption for 105 weeks.

At one of our pastor’s conferences, we decided to save all the Gospel Trumpets with the commentary and eventually compile them in a book. Therefore, this book is now, with just a few alterations, the result of the weekly studies in the Gospel Trumpet. It is my prayer that everybody who reads this book will be encouraged in his walk with the Lord; may it be a lasting blessing.

To spur each reader further, I’d like to point out that this book can be used as a personal Bible study or as a family devotional. In its simple speech and form, it can increase your understanding of the biblical truth. May God bless you.

Fritz Lenk

September 1970

Translated from German into English in 2012

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son

of John, do you truly love me more than these?"

Yes, Lord, he said, you know that I love you.

Jesus said, Feed my lambs.

Again Jesus said, Simon son of John, do you truly love me?

He answered, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.

Jesus said, Take care of my sheep.

The third time he said to him, Simon son of John, do you love me?

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, Do you love me?

He said, Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.

Jesus said, Feed my sheep.

—Jn 21:15–17

Prologue

The first letter of Peter is also known as the letter of hope. It is a letter of a shepherd, a father in Christ, who is concerned for the flock of Christ. Peter was the author, and Silas was his scribe.

Right at the beginning, in chapter 1, Peter describes the glories of Christendom with a faith that will bring us victoriously to our eternal bliss. From there, he gives practical advice on how to follow Jesus and live a life of holiness.

Peter has worked mainly among Gentiles in northern Asia Minor. He reminds his readers of their high calling to be a people of God. Belonging to a holy nation carries the responsibility to live as a royal priesthood while in this world. As one who has proven himself to be faithful, Peter tells his readers to keep their eyes focused on Jesus—the perfect example for all his followers to imitate.

In further teaching, Peter addresses the various layers of society. The fullness of Christendom enables people in any situation to remain steadfast in their Christian characters. However, to be able to do this, one has to submit to God’s will and demonstrate humility, love, and obedience.

Followers of Christ can expect opposition from the world. Since Peter is speaking from personal experience, he warns readers to conduct themselves as godly disciples. After all, he said, Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? (1Pe 3:13). Legend has it that the letter was written either before or during the persecution under Caesar Nero. During this time of tribulation, the faithful received encouragement to stay strong in sufferings. To suffer for Christ is an honor for a Christian.

The church elders are admonished to take good care of their flock. Peter also reminds them that they have to be accountable to their Chief Shepherd. God alone remains the Lord over all his children. Everybody must bow to his all-powerful hand. The benefit is that believers can trust God in all circumstances and know that he is with them every step of the way. In our Christian pilgrimage, we have to be watchful of the soul’s enemy, who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking who he can devour (1Pe 5:8b).

If God’s way for his children leads them through sufferings, he will give them strength, endurance, and bring them to glory. In conclusion, the apostle gives his readers the assurance that they are covered by God’s all-encompassing grace.

CHAPTER 1

Salutations. Praises to God for our living hope. Encouragement to live a holy life.

Chapter 1, verse 1, "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,

The author of the letter introduces himself as Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. However, the letter was not written by Peter but by his coworker Silas (5:12). Silas was Paul’s companion on his second mission trip (Ac 15:40), so he knew the churches of Asia Minor personally. In general, Peter is accepted as the author of the letter. Even the early church fathers—Polycarp, Iraneus, and Tertullian—acknowledged Peter as the writer.

From the Gospels and from Acts, we learned of Peter’s spiritual growth. Simon, with the surname Peter, was born in Bethsaida, by the Sea of Gennesaret. Together with his father, Jonas, and brother Andrew, he owned a fishery. Simon was married and lived in Capernaum, where Jesus also chose to live (Mt 4:13).

When Peter’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, Jesus healed her (Mt 4:14, 15). Peter was brought to Jesus by his brother Andrew (Jn 1:40–42). It was at that first meeting with Jesus when Simon took the name Cephas, which translates as rock. His call to apostleship, however, came later (Lk 5:10–11 and 6:12–16). Among the twelve, Peter established himself as the spokesperson. After the tragic, incriminating night in which he denied the Lord (Lk 22:54–62), Jesus reestablished Peter’s apostleship (Jn 21:15–17).

At Pentecost, Peter preached his spirit-filled sermon, at which three thousand people were saved. In addition, God allowed him to open the door to the Gentiles in the house of Cornelius (Ac 10 and 15:7). Peter never had to defend his discipleship as Paul did (1Co 9:1–2). Even with such credentials, he never acted superior to the other apostles, nor did he seek a leading position. In 1Pe 5:1, he refers to himself as an elder and in 2Pe 1:1 as a servant. In general, the apostles thought of themselves as ambassadors of Jesus Christ. The message took first priority, while their personhoods lingered in the background.

In comparison to Paul, Peter had an inferior education. In Ac 4:13, we read about the reaction of the rulers, elders, and teachers of the law: When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished (Ac 5:13). But in spite of this, Peter penned two doctrinal letters. (Even the Gospel of Mark is the result of the author’s listening and meditating on Peter’s sermons, for John Mark acted as a translator and scribe who wrote down what Peter shared concerning Jesus’ life.)

Let us not forget that Peter spent approximately three and a half years with the Master and was also filled with the Holy Spirit. In fact, Peter is an excellent example of spiritual wisdom and truth, for the fullness of the Holy Spirit is more precious than any learning. On the other hand, looking at Paul’s life, we can see how a formal education comes in handy when it is surrendered to God’s will and leading. However, there is no difference in the teachings of Peter and Paul. That’s why Peter endorses the salvation of his readers as genuine and true to the faith (1:12; 5:12).

The receivers of his letters are the five named provinces in Asia Minor. I don’t think that we can differentiate sharply between Christians who were Jews and Christians who were Gentiles. Both groups were members of the local churches. Asia Minor was Paul’s mission field, but we know that Jews were present at Pentecost when Peter preached his first sermon (Ac 2). Yet the teaching is predominantly aimed at Christians with a Gentile background; we see this in the words former and now (1:14; 2:10).

Above all this, we know that all children of God are strangers here on earth. From this vantage point, we understand that the letter serves as an encouragement and strengthening of the believer’s faith. Christians should be steadfast in times of temptation, looking forward to their eternal inheritance. Peter himself was ready to suffer for his heavenly Master. According to traditional history, Peter died as a martyr in AD 64, during the reign of Nero. He personally requested that he be crucified upside down instead of head up as his Lord had been. Jesus prophesied this in Jn 21:18

The book of Peter was written in AD 62. At that time, Peter was in Babylon, by the Euphrates. According to Josephus (a Jewish historian), there were many Jews living in that area. We can imagine that Peter as an apostle to the Jews (Gal 2:7–9) felt obligated to preach the gospel to his countrymen.

Just as the apostles fulfilled their Lord’s command, so it is with us—we too have to proclaim the good news (the gospel). A fallen world needs the ambassadors of God. The Lord may not send us very far, maybe just next door or our own families. Others he may send to the end of the earth, but all of us have the same mandate. It is the message of God’s love in his son Jesus Christ, our Lord. For Jesus’ sake the early Christians gave all they owned, even their lives. We should be willing to do the same. Again, the message of the book is that we are pilgrims and strangers in this world. On this pilgrimage to our heavenly home, we should be steadfast in following in Jesus’ footsteps.

Chapter 1, verses 1-2 "To God’s elect …who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance."

Now Peter begins to explain God’s task to save sinners. It is a task in which the Father,

the Son, and the Holy Spirit work together in unison. The word trinity is not mentioned in the Bible, but salvation is the result of the triune God. With our human language, we are limited in describing what is involved in the whole salvation plan. That is why no commentary can explain the event step by step but can simply illuminate the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father

God is the initiator of our salvation. He enters into every person’s thought life. The subject of election/chosen and free will represents an impossibility in many people’s minds. Sometimes election is stressed in preaching and sometimes free will, but in proclaiming the whole gospel there is a place for both. God’s election encompasses man’s free will. That is why election is not a resting place, nor should it hinder how we react toward the offered salvation.

In Hebrew, the word for beloved and elect is used interchangeably. In Jn 3:16 we read, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Through Jesus Christ, his Son, God loved or elected all men to be saved (2Co 5:12). God did not determine who is going to be saved, but he determined the way to receive eternal life. Jesus Christ is the only way, the only Mediator, and it is God’s requirement that everyone must believe that Jesus is the Savior (Ac 17:31). In his second letter, Peter states, The Lord is not slow… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come repentance (2Pe 3:9). On the day we are born again, God’s election is a mission accomplished in us.

Being born again holds the proof of election. The renewal of the spirit shows the transformation of our minds. It is a separation from all unholy, a moving away from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light (Col 1:13). In Tit 3:5, we read, But because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Nobody can come to Jesus without the working of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit uses many ways to convict a person of his sinful state. He can work a godly sorrow in one’s heart (2Co 7:10) until the person cries out, God be merciful to me, a sinner! (Lk 18:13). That is the way a sinner is led to Golgotha, where the sacrifice for sins was offered. Here we see the double influence of the Holy Spirit. First he convicts a person of his sins, and then he shows him the way to salvation.

The Holy Spirit leads men to obedience and having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience (Heb 10:22b). Through the proclamation of the gospel, our faith comes alive (Rom 1:5). Obedience is inseparable from faith. Whoever believes is obedient, and the obedient person believes. A good example is Abraham. Doctrinal truths such as salvation, holiness, the three ordinances (baptism, foot washing, and the Lord’s Supper), the understanding of the Church of God, and the giving of a tithe always connect faith and obedience. It is also the Holy Spirit’s task to bring the children of God to the fullness of obedience or to lead them in all wisdom.

Sprinkling of the blood is an expression from the Old Testament. God sealed his covenant with his people with the blood of animals (Ex 24:8). However, we have a better sacrifice in the New Testament. We are justified by the costly blood of Christ, the Lamb of God (Heb 9:14). Dear reader, has God been able to make a covenant with you on Golgotha? The way to God leads through the cross of Christ. Ps 50:5 states, Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice. Is this not a wonderful invitation for all children of God?

On Golgotha’s hill, all children of God are sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ. What does the seer say about the multitude clothed in white robes? These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb.(Rev 7:14)There is no mentioning any membership to any religion. The only requirement is having the seal of the Lamb. May God have mercy on us if we proclaim the gospel without including the blood of Christ. A religion without the sacrificial blood of Christ cannot bring new life. Only the blood of Christ is strong enough to withstand Satan’s bulwark. The cross of Christ with its wonder-working power must be the central theme in the proclamation of the good news. Paul reiterates this saying: May I never boast except in the cross of Jesus Christ our Lord, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Gal 6:14).

Notice the wonderful unity of the Godhead: the election by the Father, born again through the Spirit and sprinkled with the blood of Christ.

The blessing Grace and peace be yours in abundance concludes the greeting. Grace is the well of peace. We are warned not to miss the grace, because without it we do not have any peace (Heb 12:15).

Chapter 1, Verse 3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.".

The New Testament writers praise God the Father, who gave the redeemed such a great salvation through his Son, with enthusiasm and joy. Looking to the past, we see the great deed on Golgotha; in the present, we are aware of the redeeming and protective power of God; in the future, we are looking forward to our glorious everlasting inheritance. This gives us motive and reason to thank God and bow our knees in prayer. As the wellspring of all blessing, the praises of his children are due to him. A father praises his children more than children would praise their parents, but children of God should never forget to come to their heavenly Father with praise and thanksgiving. In Eph 1:12, Paul writes, In order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise and glory. Children are proud if their earthly father is an accomplished person. Our heavenly Father is God Almighty, and we should live to glorify him!

Peter sees God’s great mercy as the wellspring of all blessings, and Paul is in agreement with Peter’s opinion (Eph 1:3). The Israelites blessed God as the creator of the world and their deliverer out of the bondage in Egypt. New Testament children of God thank the Father for the sacrifice and resurrection of his Son. We also see the vastness of God’s mercy if we look at the enormity of a godless world. The godlessness spans from the enemies of the cross to the abyss of despair. That is why the redeemed can agree with the apostle in saying, Praise God.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Here Peter uses the full address for his beloved Lord to emphasize the meaning of the salvation. God made Jesus Lord and Christ. He is the anointed of the Father, the promised Messiah. Today we are tempted to accept Jesus as Savior without making him Lord of our lives, but Christ cannot be divided. If he is our Savior, we have to be obedient in all phases of our lives. We only have one master: Jesus Christ. Mary said to the servants (at the wedding in Cana). Do whatever he tells you (Jn 2:5). We want to be obedient to him so he doesn’t have to say to us, Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? (Lk 6:46).

The name Jesus depicts his task: Je is an abbreviation of Jehovah, and sus means redeeming; so Jesus literally means Jehovah redeems. That is also why God told Joseph in his dream, And you shall give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins (Mt 1:21b). Christ means the Anointed One or Messiah. In the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed. All three offices are united in Christ. As a prophet, he fulfilled his mission here on earth by preaching, teaching, and healing (Ac 1:1; Heb 1:1–2). Then, as a High Priest, he entered the Most Holy place in heaven with his own blood (Heb 9:11; 12:24). At the end of time, he will return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1Ti 6:13–16). So we realize that God is the originator of our salvation and that we experience his great mercy through his Son as a mediator between God and man.

Peter also talks about our living hope that enables us to withstand the most difficult temptations. Just as an anchor secures, hope stands on two firm foundations: the rebirth and the resurrection of Jesus. Being born again is a scriptural requirement to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus made this clear to Nicodemus when he said, I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (Jn 3:3). At the time of the rebirth, we received the right to our eternal inheritance. As long as we were in the fallen state, we were objects of wrath (Eph 2:3). Objects of wrath also have an inheritance: hell, which was prepared for the Devil and his angels (Mt 24:41). However, with the new birth, we received the comforting hope of the eternal blessing. This hope is a fruit of the Spirit and a gift of God—just like the new birth.

Just as there was little we could contribute to our own natural births, so we also have to take our spiritual births with thanksgiving from God’s hand. Repenting and turning to Jesus is man’s job, but it is God who gives us a new heart. One who is forgiven is a new creation. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (2Co 5:17). Like an underage child may happily await what he is going to inherit from his parents someday in the future, so the Christian may rejoice in hope (Ro 12:12). The eternal inheritance is kept safely, and one day he will take possession of it.

The second reason for our hope is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. The letter of 1 Peter was already named the letter of hope. Without the resurrection of Jesus, there is no hope (Eph 2:12b). The resurrection is clear proof of the truth of Scripture, the faith and hopes. It is a beacon of truth shining throughout time. The resurrection of Christ is a picture of our changed lives (rebirth) (Ro 6:4b; Eph 2:5–6; Col 3:1), but it is also a pattern of how our bodily resurrection will be (1Co 15:20; 23:49). Tell me, dear reader, do you have this hope? Whoever accepted Jesus has this hope. Christ in us is the hope of glory (Col 1:27). The Christian hope looks far beyond the grave, and it can teach us that life is stronger than death. Praise God for such wonderful salvation.

Chapter 1, "Verse 4: And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,".

The incorruptible inheritance is the object for the Christian hope. No treasures of this world can completely satisfy the soul, because they have the seed of corruptibility in them. Peter describes the eternal inheritance as incorruptible, undefiled and does not fade away. We have the great assurance that it is kept for us in heaven.

An inheritance is a justified possession due to the son. Through our rebirth, we become God’s children, and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.(Gal 4:7b).

God is merciful toward ungodly and unthankful people; he distributes health, strength, talents, beauty, riches, and honor indiscriminately among all people. However, his inheritance is reserved for his beloved children. We have a picture of this in Ge 25:5–6. Abraham gave gifts to Ketura’s children; the inheritance, however, he gave to his son Isaac. Jesus Christ is the heir, and because we have his spirit, we are coheirs (Gal 4:6; Ro 8:17).

The spirit is also known as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance (Eph 1:14). As long as a beneficiary is underage (or the parents are still alive), he looks forward to the day he will receive his inheritance. In spite of the wait, he enjoys partaking in his father’s possessions. Some people hold the position that all blessings of the rebirth are for the hereafter. But we know, personally and from Scripture, that the salvation is a present experience. Think about the spiritual gifts: salvation, justification, peace, joy, communion with God, and the filling of the Holy Spirit. Peter writes about this in his second letter. His divine power has given us everything we need for life (2Pe 1:3).

Have you experienced this? If so, thank God. If not, do reach out for it—whoever asks will receive. If God bestows all the earthly blessings we experience in this life, how much more will be our eternal inheritance? It is hard for us to understand all of God’s attributes, but we can get a glimpse if we look at the opposites. The infinite stands in contrast to the finite. All we see is temporary (2Co 4:18); even heaven and earth will pass away (Lk 21:33). How much more do we realize, hidden beneath all man’s glory, that there is a wasting away, falling apart and dissolving nature. Not so with the eternal inheritance. Time cannot destroy it, nor can any shadow fall on it. We will inherit a crown that will not age with time. An earthly inheritance is something left behind. Nobody takes anything with him. A child receives from the parents and passes it to his children. We are only stewards of our possessions for a short while. In contrast to this, our eternal inheritance is different—once we receive it, it becomes ours forever.

The second adjective Peter used is undefiled. How much sin and corruption are attached to earthly possessions? Usury, cheating, being overambitious, paying low wages… Riches are often tarnished with the blood of the oppressed. Corrupted riches often lead to quarrels among family members. We find none of this in the undefiled inheritance. God himself is our inheritance; he is holy, just as the new Jerusalem is holy, and no defilement or anything that causes abomination can enter it (Rev 21:27b). Words such as pearl and the names of all kinds of precious stones are used to describe the glorious city (Rev 21). We can lay claim to such an inheritance through the blood of Christ, for his sacrificial blood cleansed us from all defilement so that we are worthy to receive the undefiled inheritance.

Finally, we have an inheritance that cannot undergo any more changes. It is perpetually blooming in youth and beauty. In our seasons, there is always a time of dying. Leaves fall to the ground, and flowers wilt. Humans also go through changes. We are growing older, and life experiences leave their mark on us. Besides the outward changes, many people have inward changes as well. Unsteadiness is a well-known characteristic. Whoever puts his trust in humans will eventually experience disappointments. Only by being close to Jesus can we be steadfast in our characters. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8). Just like Jesus, our eternal inheritance shines in its perpetual youth and beauty. It does not change with the breath of age. God is our lamp and sun, and we may walk in its path joyfully forever.

Our eternal inheritance is reserved for us in heaven. It is saved for us far beyond our ability to grasps its security; it is outside the limit of being destroyed or passed into oblivion (Mt 28:18). Even Satan, the accuser and destroyer of everything that is good, cannot touch it. Jesus Christ, who said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me also keeps the eternal inheritance for his own. In the original writing of the Scripture, the word for heaven is plural. Therefore, we can see that our inheritance is rich and extensive. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known (1Co 13:12).

Do we believe in the eternal inheritance? People’s ambitions often proof otherwise. A lot of time, money, and energy are spent on things that do not last. May God help us to focus on heavenly things instead of earthly. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourself, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings (Lk 16:9; Mt 6:19–21). Blessed is the one who can say with Paul, Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands" (2Co 5:1).

Chapter 1, Verse 5: "Who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

We have the assurance that our eternal inheritance is kept for us in heaven. Our hearts are lifted up by the description of it. Like a wanderer who does not tire of talking about his homeland, a follower of Jesus loves to dream and talk about his heavenly residence.

It feels good to know that the inheritance is secure. However, sometimes fearful doubts creep into our thoughts: Will I reach the glorious city? Will I be able to stand firm in times of testing? After Peter reassures us of our eternal inheritance, God’s Word addresses these troublesome thoughts too. He turns to the protection of believers. It is true. We live with thousands of dangers in this troublesome world. God alone knows the cliffs and storms that are threatening our little ship before it reaches the harbor. But there is one thing we know for certain: nobody ever got lost at sea as long as he had Jesus as his pilot. Peter speaks with strong conviction about the protection of God’s power. Like our inheritance in heaven, believers are being protected in this troublesome world. It is the same Lord who brings this about and also prayed, Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name and My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one (Jn 17:11b, 15).

Now, there are always some backsliders, and whoever did not seriously follow Jesus fell away. On our own, we would not be able to reach our heavenly destination, because the flesh is weak and our enemy is too strong. However, because a Christian is born by the spirit, he has a godly power (Jn 1:12) that is stronger than the flesh and more effective than Satan’s power. In 1Jn 4:4, we read, You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. From the day we are born again, we are guarded by the peace of God that transcends all understanding (Php 4:7).

Salvation includes the protection of believers. We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts (Isa 26:1). The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Pr 18:10).

As for inner peace, we are also guarded from the outside. We are told, The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them (Ps 34:7). Peter experienced this firsthand. When he was in jail, he was chained between two soldiers with additional guards by the locked door. But God sent his angel and delivered Peter undetected by the soldiers (Ac 12:1–7).

Faith is the key to experiencing God’s protective power. It is through faith that we are redeemed, and we remain redeemed through faith. Faith keeps us in touch with God’s power, and on the other hand, God’s power makes our faith stronger. It is necessary to keep the faith to experience God’s protection. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Heb 11:6).

Believers abide in God in spirit and mind. That is the shelter that the Enemy can’t reach; as John says, We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him (1Jn 5:4). This verse indicates that we have an active role in his protection. Be loyal, do not leave the way of righteousness, hate sin and flee from it. Most importantly, trust in God; then you will experience his power in times of temptation. For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1Jn 5:4)

Peter says that we are shielded… until the coming of the salvation. God’s protection lasts to the end of our lives. Then we will get the redemption of our bodies (Ro 8:23; 2Co 5:1–9). This redemption will be revealed in the last days or at time of the second coming. The dead will be resurrected, and the ones living will be changed. Mortality will be changed to immortality. So that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. (2Co 5:4) Bodily redemption is the crown of salvation. Jesus accomplished the entire redemption plan with his death and resurrection, which incorporates the resurrection of our earthly bodies. However, it is God’s sovereign plan to reveal or complete it in the last days. Then the precious treasure that believers carried in their jars of clay (bodies) will be revealed (2Co 4:7).

If we had to pick out Christians in a crowd of people, we would not be able to do so. In close proximity, we can recognize our fellow human beings by their fruit (deeds/behavior). But on the day of the Lord, all doubt will fall away; there will be no room for pretense. The righteous will be standing in their white robes, and the ungodly will be disgraced. One who trusts will never be dismayed (Isa 28:16b). While the believers are standing before God, the godless will try to hide in any way they possible can (Rev 6:12–17). That is also the wonderful moment in which hope is exchanged for actually seeing the hoped for. Then we will forget all our sorrows, for God will wipe away all our tears (Rev 7:17b).

We should console ourselves and take the apostle’s word to heart, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Php 1:6).

Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world (Mt 25:34). The power of God and faith brings us to this glorious blessing.

Chapter 1, Verse 6: "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials."

Peter talks about the joy that we will experience at the revelation of the whole redemption plan. We may joyfully anticipate that day, but the time of temptation is not over yet. When Jesus comes back, there will be no more pain and sighing; the redeemed will dance for joy over the glorious blessings their eyes can now see. The prophet Isaiah states, Everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isa 35:10b).

Although the apostle speaks of joy, he is aware of the present trials that believers experience. We as humans are more affected by the present than by the past or the future. But in comparison to the everlasting joy, our present sorrow is short. This fact helps us to be steadfast until the time of testing is over. It was not easy to be a Christian at the time of Peter’s writing in the Near East. For many Christians, whether of Jewish or Gentile background, becoming a Christian meant to be disowned or cast out of the home, abandoned by father, mother, brothers, and sisters. Some had to leave their possessions behind when removed from the home.

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