1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

But {G1161} the God {G2316} of all {G3956} grace {G5485}, who {G3588} hath called {G2564} us {G2248} unto {G1519} his {G846} eternal {G166} glory {G1391} by {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}, after that ye have suffered {G3958} a while {G3641},{G846} make {G2675} you {G5209} perfect {G2675}, stablish {G4741}, strengthen {G4599}, settle {G2311} you.

You will have to suffer only a little while; after that, God, who is full of grace, the one who called you to his eternal glory in union with the Messiah, will himself restore, establish and strengthen you and make you firm.

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.

And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.

Commentary

1 Peter 5:10 (KJV) offers profound comfort and assurance to believers, especially those enduring trials. It serves as a benediction and a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness amidst suffering.

Context

This verse concludes Peter's practical exhortations to the elders and younger members of the early Christian communities, as well as a general call to humility and vigilance against the devil. The recipients of Peter's letter were scattered across various regions of Asia Minor and were facing significant persecution and suffering for their faith. Throughout the epistle, Peter consistently encourages them to persevere, reminding them that their suffering is temporary and purposeful. This verse, therefore, acts as a climactic prayer and promise, affirming God's ultimate work in their lives after their temporary afflictions.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of God: Peter begins by identifying God as "the God of all grace," emphasizing His boundless favor, mercy, and enabling power. This attribute is foundational to His interaction with humanity.
  • Divine Calling and Purpose: Believers are reminded that God "hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus." This highlights the divine initiative in salvation and the ultimate destination of the Christian life – not earthly comfort, but eternal glory through Christ.
  • Suffering as a Temporary Passage: The phrase "after that ye have suffered a while" acknowledges the reality and inevitability of hardship for believers, but crucially frames it as a temporary phase. Peter consistently points to the brief nature of trials compared to the eternal reward, as seen in 1 Peter 1:6.
  • God's Perfecting Work: The four powerful verbs – "perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle" – describe God's comprehensive work in the lives of those who endure. This isn't merely passive endurance, but an active transformation by God's hand.

Linguistic Insights

The four Greek verbs Peter uses to describe God's work are rich in meaning:

  • Perfect (katartizō - καταρτίζω): This means to mend, equip, restore, or make complete. It implies bringing something to its proper, intended state, like mending a net or setting a bone. God restores and equips us for His purpose.
  • Stablish (stērizō - στηρίζω): To make firm, to set fast, to confirm. It speaks of providing a solid foundation and unwavering steadfastness, ensuring we are not easily shaken.
  • Strengthen (sthenoō - σθενόω): To impart strength, to empower. This refers to an inner vigor and resilience, enabling believers to stand firm against adversity.
  • Settle (themeliōō - θεμελιόω): To lay a foundation, to ground firmly. This emphasizes a deep, secure rooting, like building a house on a solid foundation, ensuring stability and permanence.

Together, these words convey God's comprehensive and active work of making believers whole, stable, strong, and deeply rooted in their faith, especially after periods of suffering.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense encouragement. It teaches us that:

  1. God's Grace is Sufficient: Whatever trials we face, the "God of all grace" is with us, providing the necessary strength and comfort.
  2. Suffering Has a Purpose: Our difficulties are not meaningless. They are temporary and are used by God to refine, equip, and deepen our faith, ultimately drawing us closer to His eternal glory. This perspective helps us to endure even fiery trials.
  3. God is Actively Working: We are not left to our own devices after suffering. God Himself is committed to perfecting, establishing, strengthening, and settling us, ensuring our spiritual maturity and stability.
  4. Our Ultimate Hope is Eternal: The focus is on "eternal glory," reminding us that our present struggles are light and momentary compared to the weight of glory that awaits.

Therefore, even in the midst of hardship, believers can rest in the assurance that God is sovereign, gracious, and actively working to bring them to their ultimate, glorious destination.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17 (111 votes)

    For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (81 votes)

    But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep [you] from evil.

  • 1 Peter 1:6 (70 votes)

    ¶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

  • 1 Peter 1:7 (70 votes)

    That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

  • Jude 1:24 (69 votes)

    Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

  • Psalms 138:7 (64 votes)

    Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

  • 1 Timothy 6:12 (47 votes)

    Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.