1 Peter 5:10

KJV

¶ 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].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
First Peter 5:10 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers, serving as a powerful benediction that highlights God's sovereign and gracious work amidst suffering. It reminds the struggling Christian community that their temporary afflictions are part of God's divine plan to perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle them in their faith, ultimately bringing them into His eternal glory through Christ Jesus. This verse encapsulates the epistle's overarching message of hope and perseverance in the face of persecution, grounding the believer's future security in the steadfast character and redemptive purpose of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as a climactic benediction and prayer at the close of Peter's first epistle. It immediately follows Peter's final exhortations to the elders regarding humble leadership and to the younger members concerning submission, as well as a general call to humility, vigilance against the devil, and casting anxieties upon God ([1 Peter 5:1-9](/1_peter/5-1-9 "1 Peter 5:1-9 - Exhortations to Elders and the Flock")). The preceding verses emphasize the reality of spiritual warfare and the temporary nature of suffering, positioning this benediction as a powerful theological anchor that assures believers of God's ultimate triumph and their secure standing in Him, despite present trials. It is a divine promise that undergirds all the practical advice given throughout the letter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's letter was addressed to scattered Christians in Asia Minor (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia), who were facing various forms of social ostracism, slander, and official persecution for their faith. This was likely pre-Neronian, but the pressure was significant enough to cause distress. Believers were often misunderstood, accused of disloyalty to the Roman state, and marginalized for their refusal to participate in pagan rituals. In this context, Peter's emphasis on suffering "for a while" ([1 Peter 1:6](/1_peter/1-6 "1 Peter 1:6 - Trials for a Season")) and the promise of God's perfecting work would have been incredibly encouraging, offering a divine perspective that transcended their immediate painful circumstances. The concept of "glory" would have resonated with both Jewish messianic hopes and the Roman imperial ideal, but Peter redefines it through the lens of Christ's suffering and resurrection.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes woven throughout 1 Peter. Firstly, the **sovereignty and character of God** are central, particularly His identity as "the God of all grace," highlighting His boundless favor and enabling power that sustains believers through trials. Secondly, the theme of **divine calling and eternal destiny** is prominent, as believers are reminded of their ultimate purpose: "called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus." This underscores the eschatological hope that permeates the epistle, contrasting present suffering with future glory ([1 Peter 1:3-9](/1_peter/1-3-9 "1 Peter 1:3-9 - A Living Hope")). Thirdly, the **purposeful nature of suffering** is emphasized; it is not meaningless but a temporary passage ("after that ye have suffered a while") that God uses for refinement and spiritual growth, leading to a deeper faith and character ([1 Peter 4:12-19](/1_peter/4-12-19 "1 Peter 4:12-19 - Suffering for Christ")). Finally, the verse highlights God's active, **transformative work** in the lives of believers, using four powerful verbs to describe His commitment to their spiritual maturity and stability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** From χαίρω (chairo), meaning "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)." In 1 Peter 5:10, "the God of all grace" emphasizes God's boundless, unmerited favor and divine enabling power that is sufficient for every circumstance, particularly in the context of suffering. It is the source of the believer's calling, sustenance, and ultimate glorification.
* **Suffered (Greek, _páschō'_):** Apparently a primary verb; "to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)." This word directly acknowledges the reality of the trials and persecutions faced by the recipients of Peter's letter. The phrase "suffered a while" underscores the temporary nature of these painful experiences, contrasting them with the eternal glory that awaits. It implies a passive endurance, yet within God's sovereign plan.
* **Perfect (Greek, _katartízō'_):** From κατά (kata) and a derivative of ἄρτιος (artios); "to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust." This verb implies a process of mending, equipping, restoring, or making complete, bringing something to its proper, intended state. In this context, God is actively working to restore believers to spiritual wholeness and fitness for His purpose, much like mending a broken net or setting a dislocated bone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the God of all grace,"**: This opening phrase immediately shifts the focus from the believer's responsibility and the devil's schemes (as in the preceding verses) to God's character and power. He is presented as the ultimate source of all unmerited favor, strength, and divine influence, capable of sustaining His people through any trial.
* **"who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus,"**: This clause defines the divine initiative and the ultimate purpose of God's interaction with humanity. God Himself has issued a sovereign call, inviting believers into a future state of "eternal glory"—a perpetual, unending participation in His own splendor and honor. This glorious destiny is made possible exclusively "by Christ Jesus," emphasizing His mediatorial role in salvation and sanctification.
* **"after that ye have suffered a while,"**: This acknowledges the present reality of hardship and persecution for believers. The phrase "a while" (Greek, _olígos'_) highlights the temporary and limited duration of their suffering in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits. It frames trials not as an end, but as a transitional phase within God's larger redemptive plan.
* **"make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you]."**: These four powerful, active verbs describe God's comprehensive and ongoing work in the lives of those who endure suffering. He will **perfect** (καταρτίζω, _katartízō'_) them, restoring them to completeness; He will **stablish** (στηρίζω, _stērízō'_) them, making them firm and unwavering; He will **strengthen** (σθενόω, _sthenóō'_) them, imparting inner vigor and resilience; and He will **settle** (θεμελιόω, _themelióō'_) them, grounding them deeply and securely, like a building on a solid foundation. This quartet of verbs assures believers of God's active commitment to their spiritual maturity and stability.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs several impactful literary devices in this benediction. The most prominent is **Polysyndeton**, the repetitive use of conjunctions (implied "and" between the four verbs: "perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle"). This creates a sense of cumulative power and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's work in the believer's life, suggesting a continuous, multifaceted process of divine intervention. There is also a strong sense of **Contrast** between the temporary suffering ("suffered a while") and the eternal glory, highlighting the disproportionate nature of the present affliction compared to the future reward. The verse functions as a **Benediction**, a formal blessing or prayer, which typically invokes divine favor and protection, serving as a comforting and authoritative close to the letter. Finally, the phrase "God of all grace" is a powerful **Epithet**, defining God's essential character and linking His actions directly to His nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, particularly the theme of suffering leading to glory, echoing the pattern of Christ's own life. It underscores the active, sovereign role of God in the believer's sanctification, assuring them that even in their weakest moments, divine power is at work to bring them to spiritual maturity and stability. The "eternal glory" is not merely a future reward but the culmination of God's gracious call and transformative work, a participation in the very life and honor of God Himself, mediated through Christ. This theological bedrock provides an unshakeable foundation for enduring trials, knowing that God's ultimate purpose for His people is their complete restoration and glorification.

* [Romans 8:17-18](/romans/8-17-18 "Romans 8:17-18 - Suffering and Glory")
* [2 Corinthians 4:16-18](/2_corinthians/4-16-18 "2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Light and Momentary Troubles")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Perfecting Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 5:10 offers immense encouragement and a vital perspective for anyone navigating the challenges of life, especially those experiencing hardship or persecution for their faith. It shifts our gaze from the immediate pain of suffering to the ultimate purpose and power of God. We are reminded that our trials, though real and often intense, are temporary ("a while") and are not meaningless. Instead, they are sovereignly permitted and actively utilized by the "God of all grace" to refine, equip, and deepen our faith. This means that even in our brokenness, God is at work to "perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle" us, making us whole, firm, resilient, and deeply rooted in Him. This truth invites us to embrace a posture of hopeful endurance, trusting that God is not abandoning us in our suffering but is faithfully bringing us to His eternal glory. Our present struggles are merely the prelude to an everlasting inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "the God of all grace" change your perspective on current or past sufferings?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced God "perfecting, stablishing, strengthening, or settling" you after a period of difficulty?**
* **How can the promise of "eternal glory by Christ Jesus" motivate you to persevere when trials feel overwhelming?**
* **What practical steps can you take to actively lean into God's perfecting work during seasons of suffering, rather than becoming discouraged?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God will "perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle" us?**

Answer: These four verbs describe God's comprehensive and active work in the lives of believers, especially after they have endured suffering. To "perfect" (Greek, _katartízō'_) means to restore, mend, or make complete, bringing something to its intended state. To "stablish" (Greek, _stērízō'_) means to make firm or set fast, providing a solid foundation. To "strengthen" (Greek, _sthenóō'_) means to impart inner vigor and resilience. To "settle" (Greek, _themelióō'_) means to lay a deep foundation, grounding one securely. Together, they assure us that God is committed to making us spiritually whole, stable, strong, and deeply rooted in our faith, ensuring our maturity and steadfastness through and beyond trials. This divine work is not passive but an active, ongoing process that transforms us.

**Is suffering a necessary part of the Christian life according to this verse?**

Answer: While the verse states "after that ye have suffered a while," it doesn't explicitly say suffering is *always* necessary for *every* believer to be perfected. However, the New Testament consistently teaches that suffering is often an inevitable part of following Christ in a fallen world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). Peter himself emphasizes that believers should not be surprised by "fiery trials" ([1 Peter 4:12](/1_peter/4-12 "1 Peter 4:12 - Do Not Be Surprised by Fiery Trials")). This verse assures us that when suffering does come, God uses it purposefully to bring about spiritual growth and stability, ultimately leading to our eternal glory. It transforms suffering from a meaningless ordeal into a divinely purposed pathway to deeper faith and maturity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 5:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Christ Jesus. The "God of all grace" is revealed most fully in His Son, who is "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Our calling "unto his eternal glory" is entirely "by Christ Jesus," for He is the one who, through His own suffering, entered into glory ([Luke 24:26](/luke/24-26 "Luke 24:26 - Christ's Suffering and Glory")). Christ Himself was "made perfect through suffering" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus Perfected Through Suffering")), setting the pattern for His followers. It is through His atoning sacrifice that we are reconciled to God and granted access to this eternal glory, and it is by His indwelling Spirit that we are "perfected, stablished, strengthened, [and] settled." The four verbs describing God's work in us are a reflection of Christ's ongoing priestly ministry, interceding for us and conforming us to His image ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")). Thus, the promise of 1 Peter 5:10 is not merely a general divine assurance but a specific, Christ-centered reality, secured by His past work, sustained by His present intercession, and culminating in our future glorification with Him ([Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 4:17

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

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

1 Peter 1:6

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

1 Peter 1:7

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

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

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

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.