Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 65:3 (Sep 2022)
Article: Like A Lion: Mapping The Leonine Metaphor In 1 Peter 5:8
Author: Tyler Hallstrom

JETS 65:3 (September 2022) p. 535

Like A Lion: Mapping The Leonine Metaphor In 1 Peter 5:8

Tyler Hallstrom*

^* Tyler Hallstrom is a PhD candidate in New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY, and an online instructor of New Testament at Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO. He may be contacted at [email protected].

Abstract: This article examines the conceptual backgrounds of the lion metaphor in 1 Peter 5:8. Utilizing the framework for mapping leonine metaphors in the Old Testament by Troy W. Martin, it compares the Jewish background with the Greco-Roman background proposed by Boris A. Paschke, who argues that the ad bestias execution informs the metaphor. In contrast to the tendency to offer highly particularized interpretations of the metaphor by drawing from one background, the synthesized view offered here argues that the text draws simultaneously from both backgrounds and centers on the metaphorical transfer of ferociousness. This focus on ferociousness avoids overspecification of the metaphor, heightens the urgency of shepherding the flock in 1 Peter 5:1–5, and broadens the imperatives of 1 Peter 5:8–9 beyond the ultimate concern for apostasy to include the variegated threats of the devil against Christians.

Key words: metaphor, lion, roaring, ferocious, ad bestias, arena, devil, 1 Peter 5:8

Rather than shunning suffering, “Christianity embraces the theme of suffering at the very heart of its belief system.”1 This theme permeates 1 Peter, where one of the author’s primary purposes is to link his audience’s suffering with that of Christ.2 Scholars have noted that while the author has portrayed suffering as the result of human agency throughout 1 Peter 1:1–5:7, 3 the reader encounters an “unexpected” climax in 1 Peter 5:8 when the author traces the origin of this suffering to a singular entity, namely, “your adversary, the devil” (ὁ ἀντίδικος ὑμῶν διάβολος).4 After solemnly

JETS 65:3 (September 2022) p. 536

warning his reader with dual imperatives to be on guard against this entity, the author embeds his description of this adversary in the lang...