1 Peter 1:3-9 Commentary
God's Great Mercy
In 1 Peter 1:3-9, the apostle Peter writes to encourage believers who are suffering persecution and trials in their lives. He reminds them of God's great mercy and the living hope that they have in Jesus Christ.
A Living Hope
"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" (1 Peter 1:3). Peter begins by praising God for His great mercy, which has given believers a living hope. This hope is not a fleeting or temporary one, but a hope that is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
An Inheritance that Fades Not Away
"And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 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" (1 Peter 1:4-5). This inheritance is not one that can be taken away or destroyed. It is kept in heaven, and believers are shielded by God's power until the coming of salvation.
Trials and Testing
"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1 Peter 1:6-7). Peter reminds believers that they are not alone in their suffering. He encourages them to rejoice, even in the midst of trials, because these trials are meant to test and refine their faith.
Rejoicing in the Unseen
"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:8-9). Peter encourages believers to rejoice in the unseen, to have faith in Jesus Christ even though they have not seen Him. This faith brings an inexpressible and glorious joy, as believers receive the salvation of their souls.
In conclusion, 1 Peter 1:3-9 is a powerful reminder of God's great mercy and the living hope that believers have in Jesus Christ. It encourages believers to rejoice in the midst of trials and to have faith in the unseen, knowing that their salvation is secure in heaven.
