Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 138:549 (Jan 1981)
Article: Endurance in Suffering in 1 Peter
Author: Gordon E. Kirk

BSac 138:549 (Jan 81) p. 46

Endurance in Suffering in 1 Peter

Gordon E. Kirk

[Gordon E. Kirk, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Biola College, La Miranda, California]

Prominent in the Epistle of 1 Peter is the theme of persecution, suffering, and trials, undergirded with the resilient framework of endurance. In this short letter the Apostle Peter succinctly discusses the situations, Christ’s example, attitudes and actions, and purposes pertaining to believers enduring in the midst of suffering. Not leaving the believer in despair, Peter reveals the elements essential to endurance during periods of affliction.

Situations Calling for Endurance

Several times Peter speaks of situations in which his readers suffered. He refers to trials in general (1:6, πειρασμοί, “tests, trials”), slander (2:12; 3:16, καταλαλέω, “to defame, to speak evil of”), evil (3:9, κακός, “evil or injurious conduct”), insult (3:9, λοιδορίας, “verbal abuse”), and being reviled (3:16, ἐπηρεάζω, “to threaten or mistreat;” and 4:14, ὀνειδίζω, “to reproach or insult”). These are seen in the following verses.

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials” (1:6).

“Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation” (2:12).

BSac 138:549 (Jan 81) p. 47

“To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing” (3:8–9).

“Keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (3:16).