1 Peter 5:9

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Whom {G3739} resist {G436} stedfast {G4731} in the faith {G4102}, knowing {G1492} that the same {G846} afflictions {G3804} are accomplished {G2005} in your {G5216} brethren {G81} that are in {G1722} the world {G2889}.

Stand against him, firm in your trust, knowing that your brothers throughout the world are going through the same kinds of suffering.

Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.

1 Peter 5:9 KJV serves as a powerful call to spiritual vigilance and perseverance, encouraging believers to stand firm against the devil's attacks.

Context

This verse follows directly from 1 Peter 5:8, where Peter warns believers to be sober and vigilant because their "adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." The letter of 1 Peter itself is largely addressed to scattered Christians facing various forms of persecution and suffering, providing comfort and instruction on how to live faithfully amidst trials.

Key Themes

  • Resisting the Adversary: Peter commands believers to actively "resist" the devil. This isn't passive endurance but an active standing against spiritual evil. It implies a need for spiritual strength and discernment to identify and counter the enemy's schemes.
  • Steadfastness in Faith: The resistance must be "stedfast in the faith." This emphasizes an unyielding commitment to Christian doctrine and trust in God's power. It means holding firmly to the truth of the Gospel, which serves as a shield against doubt and temptation. This concept of standing firm is echoed in other New Testament passages, such as Paul's exhortation to put on the full armor of God to stand against the wiles of the devil.
  • Solidarity in Suffering: The knowledge that "the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" provides a crucial source of encouragement. Believers are not alone in their struggles; suffering for Christ is a universal experience among God's people. This awareness fosters a sense of global Christian community and empathy, reminding us that trials are a common part of the Christian walk, as seen in Jesus' words about tribulation in the world.

Linguistic Insights

The word "stedfast" comes from the Greek stereos (στερεός), meaning firm, solid, or unyielding. It conveys the idea of an immovable foundation, emphasizing the strength and stability required in one's faith to withstand spiritual attacks.

The term "afflictions" is from the Greek pathemata (παθήματα), which broadly refers to sufferings, trials, or experiences of hardship. It encompasses a wide range of difficulties that believers might face, reinforcing the idea that these are common experiences for Christians globally.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, 1 Peter 5:9 offers several vital lessons:

  • Active Resistance: We are called to actively resist temptation, false teachings, and the influences of evil in the world by drawing strength from our faith in Christ. This involves prayer, Scripture study, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
  • Unwavering Faith: Our faith must be robust and unwavering. In times of difficulty, it is our firm conviction in God's truth and promises that enables us to stand strong.
  • Community and Empathy: The verse reminds us that suffering is a shared experience among Christians worldwide. This fosters empathy, encourages mutual support, and strengthens our sense of belonging to a global family of faith. Knowing that others have faced similar or greater trials can provide immense encouragement and perspective.

Ultimately, this verse is an exhortation to perseverance and trust in God's sovereign plan, even when facing opposition.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 4:7

    Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

  • Acts 14:22

    Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

  • Ephesians 6:11

    Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

  • Ephesians 6:13

    Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

  • 1 Peter 2:21

    For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13

    There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

  • 2 Timothy 3:12

    Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
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