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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Peter 1:6–9. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The first word, wherein, refers to the apostle's foregoing discourse about the excellency of their present state, and their grand expectations for the future. "In this condition you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, or a little while, if need be, you are made sorrowful through manifold temptations," Pe1 1:6.
I.The apostle grants they were in great affliction, and propounds several things in mitigation of their sorrows.
1.Every sound Christian has always something wherein he may greatly rejoice. Great rejoicing contains more than an inward placid serenity of mind or sensation of comfort; it will show itself in the countenance and conduct, but especially in praise and gratitude.
2.The chief joy of a good Christian arises from things spiritual and heavenly, from his relation to God and to heaven. In these every sound Christian greatly rejoices; his joy arises from his treasure, which consists of matters of great value, and the title to them is sure.
3.The best Christians, those who have reason greatly to rejoice, may yet be in great heaviness through manifold temptations. All sorts of adversities are temptations, or trials of faith, patience, and constancy. These seldom go singly, but are manifold, and come from different quarters, the effect of all which is great heaviness. As men, we are subject to sorrows, personal and domestic. As Christians, our duty to God obliges us to frequent sorrow: and our compassion towards the miserable, the dishonour done to God, the calamities of his church, and the destruction of mankind, from their own folly and from divine vengeance, raise, in a generous and pious mind, almost continual sorrow. I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart, Rom 9:2.
4.The afflictions and sorrows of good people are but for a little while, they are but for a season; though they may be smart, they are but short. Life itself is but for a little while, and the sorrows of it cannot survive it; the shortness of any affliction does much abate the heaviness of it.
5.Great heaviness is often necessary to a Christian's good: If need be, you are in heaviness. God does not afflict his people willingly, but acts with judgment, in proportion to our needs. There is a conveniency and fitness, nay, an absolute necessity in the case, for so the expression signifies: it must be; therefore no man should be moved by these afflictions. For yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto, Th1 3:3. These troubles, that lie heavy, never come upon us but when we have need, and never stay any longer than needs must.
II.He expresses the end of their afflictions and the ground of their joy under them, Pe1 1:7.
The end of good people's afflictions is the trial of their faith. As to the nature of this trial, it is much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire. The effect of the trial is this, it will be found unto praise, honour, and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Note,
1.The afflictions of serious Christians are designed for the trial of their faith. God's design in afflicting his people is their probation, not their destruction; their advantage, not their ruin: a trial, as the word signifies, is an experiment or search made upon a man, by some affliction, to prove the value and strength of his faith. This trial is made upon faith principally, rather than any other grace, because the trial of this is, in effect, the trial of all that is good in us. Our Christianity depends upon our faith; if this be wanting, there is nothing else that is spiritually good in us. Christ prays for this apostle, that his faith might not fail; if that be supported, all the rest will stand firm; the faith of good people is tried, that they themselves may have the comfort of it, God the glory of it, and others the benefit of it.
2.A tried faith is much more precious than tried gold. Here is a double comparison of faith and gold, and the trial of the one with the trial of the other. Gold is the most valuable, pure, useful, and durable, of all the metals; so is faith among the Christian virtues; it lasts till it brings the soul to heaven, and then it issues in the glorious fruition of God for ever. The trial of faith is much more precious than the trial of gold; in both there is a purification, a separation of the dross, and a discovery of the soundness and goodness of the things. Gold does not increase and multiply by trial in the fire, it rather grows less; but faith is established, improved, and multiplied, by the oppositions and afflictions that it meets with. Gold must perish at last - gold that perisheth; but faith never will. I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not, Luk 22:32. The trial of faith will be found to praise, and honour, and glory. Honour is properly that esteem and value which one has with another, and so God and man will honour the saints. Praise is the expression or declaration of that esteem; so Christ will commend his people in the great day, Come, you blessed of my Father, etc. Glory is that lustre wherewith a person, so honoured and praised, shines in heaven. Glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, Rom 2:10. If a tried faith be found to praise, honour, and glory, let this recommend faith to you, as much more precious than gold, though it be assaulted and tried by afflictions. If you make your estimate either from present use or the final event of both, this will be found true, however the world may take it for an incredible paradox. 4. Jesus Christ will appear again in glory, and, when he does so, the saints will appear with him, and their graces will appear illustrious; and the more they have been tried the more bright they will then appear. The trial will soon be over, but the glory, honour, and praise will last to eternity. This should reconcile you to your present afflictions: they work for you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
III.He particularly commends the faith of these primitive Christians upon two accounts: -
1.The excellency of its object, the unseen Jesus. The apostle had seen our Lord in the flesh, but these dispersed Jews never did, and yet they believed in him, Pe1 1:8. It is one thing to believe God, or Christ (so the devils believe), and another thing to believe in him, which denotes subjection, reliance, and expectation of all promised good from him.
2.On account of two notable productions or effects of their faith, love and joy, and this joy so great as to be above description: You rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. Learn,
(1.)The faith of a Christian is properly conversant about things revealed, but not seen. Sense converses with things sensible and present; reason is a higher guide, which by sure deductions can infer the operation of causes, and the certainty of events; but faith ascends further still, and assures us of abundance of particulars that sense and reason could never have found out, upon the credit of revelation; it is the evidence of things not seen.
(2.)True faith is never alone, but produces a strong love to Jesus Christ. True Christians have a sincere love to Jesus, because they believe in him. This love discovers itself in the highest esteem for him, affectionate desires after him, willingness to be dissolved to be with him, delightful thoughts, cheerful services and sufferings, etc.
(3.)Where there are true faith and love to Christ there is, or may be, joy unspeakable and full of glory. This joy is inexpressible, it cannot be described by words; the best discovery is by an experimental taste of it; it is full of glory, full of heaven. There is much of heaven and the future glory in the present joys of improved Christians; their faith removes the causes of sorrow, and affords the best reasons for joy. Though good people sometimes walk in darkness, it is often owing to their own mistakes and ignorance, or to a fearful or melancholy disposition, or to some late sinful conduct, or perhaps to some sad occurrence of providence, that sinks their comfort for the present, yet they have reason to rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of their salvation, Hab 3:18. Well might these primitive Christians rejoice with the joy unspeakable, since they were every day receiving the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls, Pe1 1:9. Note,
[1.]The blessing they were receiving: The salvation of their souls (the more noble part being put for the whole man), which salvation is here called the end of their faith, the end wherein faith terminates: faith helps to save the soul, then it has done its work, and ceases for ever.
[2.]He speaks of the present time: You are now actually receiving the end of your faith, etc.
[3.]The word used alludes to the games at which the conqueror received or bore away from the judge of the contest a crown or reward, which he carried about in triumph; so the salvation of the soul was the prize these Christians sought for, the crown they laboured for, the end they aimed at, which came nearer and more within their reach every day. Learn, First, Every faithful Christian is daily receiving the salvation of his soul; salvation is one permanent thing, begun in this life, not interrupted by death, and continued to all eternity. These believers had the beginnings of heaven in the possession of holiness and a heavenly mind, in their duties and communion with God, in the earnest of the inheritance, and the witness of the divine Spirit. This was properly urged to these distressed people; they were on the losing side in the world, but the apostle puts them in the mind of what they were receiving; if they lost an inferior good, they were all the while receiving the salvation of their souls. Secondly, It is lawful for a Christian to make the salvation of his soul his end; the glory of God and our own felicity are so connected that if we regularly seek the one we must attain the other.
Historical interpretation
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For as gold is tested by fire, and thus becomes useful, so are you tested who dwell in it. Those, therefore, who continue stedfast, and are put through the fire, will be purified by means of it. For as gold casts away its dross, so also will ye cast away all sadness and straitness, and will be made pure so as to fit into the building of the tower.
Because the saints saw that the divine fire would cleanse them and benefit them, they did not shrink back from or get discouraged by the trials which they faced. Rather than being hurt by what they went through, they grew and were made better, shining like gold that has been refined in a fire.
The righteous suffer so that they may be crowned with glory, but sinners suffer in order to bring judgment on their sins. But not all sinners pay the price of their sins in this life, but await the resurrection. And not all the righteous suffer now, lest you think that evil is to be praised and you come to hate the good.
The glory of the redeemed will never fade after they have been raised from the dead, for it will have withstood the fire of temptation, whereas the gold of this world is said to rust.
Syncletica said, ‘All must endure great travail and conflict when they are first converted to the Lord but later they have unspeakable joy. They are like people trying to light a fire, the smoke gets in their eyes, their eyes begin to water, but they succeed in what they want. It is written, “Our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29), and so we must kindle divine fire with tears and trouble.’
Found unto praise and glory, etc. The proof of faith is found unto praise when the Judge, praising it, will say: I was hungry and you gave me food, etc. (Matt. XXV). It is found unto glory when, glorifying it, He introduces it: Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Ibid.). It is found unto honor when, with the wicked cast into eternal punishment, the just will go into eternal life (Ibid.). Of this, He Himself says: If anyone serves me, my Father will honor him (John XII).
That the proof of your faith may be much more precious than gold, etc. And the book of Wisdom compares the sufferings of the saints to gold that is tested by fire, saying of the Lord: As gold in the furnace he has tried them, and received them as a burnt offering (Wis. III). Indeed, those whom He has found faithful in the furnace of tribulation, these He will take up in the joy of reward as a pleasing sacrifice to Himself. And well is the patience of the saints likened to gold, for just as among metals there is nothing more precious than gold, so this is most worthy of praise before God. Hence it is written: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (Psalm CXV). For as gold enclosed in the furnace is tested by fire, but when brought out it will show what brilliance it has, so the constancy of the faithful appears contemptible and foolish among the oppressions of the unfaithful; but when the time of retribution comes, after the contest of tribulations is ended, then it is shown how much glory and progress in the flames of passion their virtue has acquired. Hence it is aptly added:
In an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance, and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. In which you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found in praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy, inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
If there is an inheritance in heaven, the restoration of things is magnificent in a thousand years.
"In which you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary." This is the order: affected by sorrow now, if necessary, that is, if this also should be (for not all saints are afflicted) at the end of time you will rejoice, for the present is accepted for the future. Or even through the present, as is declared in the following.
"In praise, honor." It signifies the reason why the righteous are afflicted through these things, while also comforting them, because through afflictions they become more manifest: and making them more diligent by adding:
at the revelation of Jesus Christ, at that time, through the demonstration of sufferings, a great nobility will be added to those who have competed. Moreover, he adds another thing that attracts to the endurance of afflictions. What is that?
"whom having not seen, you love." For if, when you do not see him with bodily eyes, you love him solely by hearing, he says, consider how great a love you will show when you see him, and that when he is manifested in glory: for if his passion has so attracted you, how much will his manifestation affect you with incredible splendor, when he will even grant you the salvation of souls as a reward? Therefore, in order that you may be known in such a way, also receiving such glory, show the briefest endurance in time, and you will have the highest goal of your purpose.
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Summary
First Peter 1:7 articulates the profound purpose and ultimate value of the trials and sufferings experienced by believers. It posits that the testing of faith, far surpassing the transient worth of gold refined by fire, is designed by God to yield praise, honor, and glory for the believer at the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ, thereby placing present hardship within the grand scope of divine redemptive history and future eschatological vindication.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is intricately woven into the opening tapestry of Peter's first epistle, which addresses Christians scattered across Asia Minor facing various forms of persecution and social ostracism. Immediately preceding this verse, Peter has established the bedrock of Christian hope: a "living hope" through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, an "inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven" (1 Peter 1:3-4). He then assures them that they are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Peter 1:5). Verse 6 acknowledges that despite this glorious hope, they "are in heaviness through manifold temptations" (1 Peter 1:6). Thus, 1 Peter 1:7 serves as the crucial explanation for why these trials occur, linking them directly to the refinement of faith and the ultimate manifestation of Christ's glory. It shifts the perspective from the pain of the present to the promise of future vindication and reward.
Historical & Cultural Context
Peter writes to a diverse group of early Christians, many of whom were Gentiles, residing in provinces like Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. These believers were often marginalized, misunderstood, and subjected to various forms of social and, increasingly, official persecution. They lived in a Roman-dominated world where allegiance to Christ was seen as disloyalty to the emperor and traditional gods. The imagery of "gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire" would have resonated deeply with Peter's audience. Metallurgy, particularly the refining of precious metals, was a common and well-understood process in the ancient world. Refiners would heat gold to extremely high temperatures to burn off impurities, leaving behind pure, unadulterated metal. This process was not only familiar but also served as a powerful metaphor for purification and authenticity, a concept often used in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought to describe the testing of character or truth.
Key Themes
The overarching themes in 1 Peter that 1 Peter 1:7 significantly contributes to include the sovereignty of God over suffering, presenting trials not as arbitrary misfortunes but as divinely ordained processes for spiritual growth. It underscores the supremacy of faith as a spiritual treasure far exceeding any earthly possession, even gold, which is inherently perishable. The epistle consistently emphasizes eschatological hope – the future glory and salvation that await believers at the return of Christ, which serves as the ultimate motivation for perseverance in the present. Furthermore, the theme of holiness and purification is prominent, with suffering serving as a means to conform believers more closely to the character of Christ. This verse encapsulates how God uses present afflictions to prepare His people for future glory, highlighting the transformative power of trials when viewed through an eternal lens, as further explored in passages like 1 Peter 4:12-13.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term signifies a 'testing' or 'proving' process. It is not merely an adversity but an examination designed to reveal the genuine quality or authenticity of something. In this context, it refers to the process by which the true nature and strength of one's faith are demonstrated and refined, much like an assay tests the purity of metal. It implies a positive outcome, a demonstration of trustworthiness.
Meaning "to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively." This word emphasizes the transient, decaying, and ultimately destructible nature of gold and all earthly possessions. It stands in stark contrast to the enduring, imperishable nature of genuine faith, highlighting the temporal versus the eternal.
This word denotes 'glory' as something very apparent, encompassing dignity, honor, and praise. In the context of the appearing of Jesus Christ, it refers to the divine splendor and majesty that will be revealed, and into which believers will be brought. It also signifies the commendation and high esteem that God will bestow upon those whose faith has endured and been proven genuine.
Verse Breakdown
"That the trial of your faith,"
This clause introduces the subject of the verse: the testing or proving of the believers' faith. The Greek word "hina" (G2443, "that") indicates purpose, signifying that the trials are not random but serve a specific, divine objective. The "trial" (dokímion) is the process by which faith is examined for its genuineness and purity.
"being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,"
Here, Peter establishes a powerful contrast. He compares faith to gold, a universally recognized symbol of value, but immediately qualifies gold as "perisheth" (apóllymi), highlighting its temporary and destructible nature. Faith, however, is "much more precious" (polýs tímios), possessing an enduring, eternal value that far exceeds any material wealth. This underscores the spiritual reality that spiritual assets are superior to temporal ones.
"though it be tried with fire,"
This phrase employs a vivid metaphor from metallurgy. Just as gold is purified by intense heat to remove dross and reveal its true quality, so too is faith refined through trials and afflictions. The "fire" (pŷr) represents the intense suffering and hardships believers endure. This process is painful but necessary for purification and strengthening.
"might be found unto praise and honour and glory"
This clause reveals the intended outcome of the refining process. The purpose of the trials is that, at the end, the tested faith will be revealed as genuine and will result in "praise and honour and glory." This is not merely human commendation but divine approbation, a public acknowledgment of the believer's steadfastness and the authenticity of their faith by God Himself.
"at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
This final phrase anchors the entire process in an eschatological reality. The ultimate vindication and reward for enduring faith will occur at the "appearing" (apokálypsis) or revelation of Jesus Christ. This refers to His Second Coming, when His glory will be fully manifested, and believers will share in that glory, receiving their full inheritance and commendation.
Literary Devices
Peter masterfully employs several literary devices in 1 Peter 1:7 to convey his profound message. The most prominent is Metaphor, specifically the refiner's fire. The imagery of gold being "tried with fire" is a powerful and universally understood metaphor for purification and testing. Just as fire removes impurities from raw gold, leaving behind a pure, valuable metal, so too do trials and tribulations serve to purge the dross from a believer's faith, revealing its genuine and enduring quality. This metaphor emphasizes the transformative, rather than destructive, nature of suffering. Closely related is Contrast, as Peter starkly juxtaposes the imperishable nature of true faith with the perishable nature of gold. This highlights the eternal spiritual value over transient material worth, shifting the reader's perspective from earthly concerns to heavenly realities. Furthermore, there is an element of Anticipation or Eschatological Hope, as the verse explicitly points to the "appearing of Jesus Christ." This forward-looking perspective provides the ultimate motivation for endurance, promising future vindication and glory that far outweighs any present suffering.
Theological and Thematic Connections
First Peter 1:7 is a cornerstone for understanding the Christian perspective on suffering. It fundamentally reframes trials not as punitive or meaningless, but as purposeful instruments in God's sovereign hand for the sanctification and ultimate glorification of His people. The theological implications are profound: God is actively at work in our difficulties, refining our faith to make it more genuine and resilient. This process ensures that our faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deeply rooted trust that endures under pressure, proving its authenticity. The verse also underscores the immense value God places on true faith, positioning it as infinitely more precious than any earthly treasure. This divine valuation culminates in the eschatological hope of Christ's return, where the tested faith will be publicly honored and glorified, affirming God's faithfulness to those who persevere.
Reflection and Application
For the modern believer, 1 Peter 1:7 offers immense comfort, profound perspective, and a powerful call to endurance amidst life's inevitable challenges. In a world that often measures worth by material possessions and seeks to avoid discomfort at all costs, this verse radically reorients our values. It reminds us that our deepest treasure is not what we accumulate, but the faith we possess—a faith that is proven and purified through the very difficulties we face. When trials come, whether they be financial hardship, relational strife, health crises, or spiritual struggles, we are invited to view them not as arbitrary misfortunes, but as divine opportunities for our faith to be strengthened and revealed as genuine. This perspective fosters resilience, shifting our focus from the pain of the present to the promised glory of the future. It encourages us to lean into God's refining work, trusting that He is perfecting us for His praise, honor, and glory at the glorious appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our perseverance in faith, forged in the fires of affliction, is a testament to God's power and a preparation for eternal commendation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does God allow believers to suffer if He loves them?
God allows believers to suffer not because He is indifferent or cruel, but because suffering serves a divine purpose in His redemptive plan. As 1 Peter 1:7 explains, trials are a "testing" or "proving" of faith, much like a refiner's fire purifies gold. This process removes impurities, strengthens character, deepens reliance on God, and demonstrates the genuineness of one's faith. It's a means of spiritual growth and sanctification, ultimately preparing believers for greater glory and commendation at the return of Jesus Christ. This perspective aligns with other biblical teachings, such as Romans 8:28, which assures us that "all things work together for good to them that love God."
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The refining of faith described in 1 Peter 1:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Christ Himself is the perfect embodiment of tested faith, having endured unimaginable suffering and temptation without sin, thereby proving His absolute faithfulness to the Father, even "unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8). His suffering was not for His own purification, but for our redemption, becoming the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Second, He is the object and perfecter of our faith; as Hebrews 12:2 declares, we are to look "unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Our faith is not merely a human endeavor but a divine gift, initiated and sustained by Him. Finally, the "appearing of Jesus Christ" is the glorious culmination of this refining process. At His Second Coming, He will not only receive "praise and honour and glory" Himself, but He will also bestow it upon those whose faith has been proven genuine through Him. Our future commendation is inextricably linked to His glorious return, where we will be transformed and share in His eternal glory, fulfilling the promise that "when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). Thus, Christ is both the pattern for our suffering, the source of our enduring faith, and the ultimate destination of our hope and glory.