TRV
Translation
King James Version
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Complete Jewish Bible
Stand against him, firm in your trust, knowing that your brothers throughout the world are going through the same kinds of suffering.
Berean Standard Bible
Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
American Standard Version
whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.
World English Bible Messianic
Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren which are in the world.
Young's Literal Translation
whom resist, stedfast in the faith, having known the same sufferings to your brotherhood in the world to be accomplished.
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In the KJVVerse 30,475 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Peter 5 verses 8–9
8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points
Here the apostle does three things: -
I. He shows them their danger from an enemy more cruel and restless than even the worst of men, whom he describes,
1.By his characters and names. (1.) He is an adversary: "That adversary of yours; not a common adversary, but an enemy that impleads you, and litigates against you in your grand depending cause, and aims at your very souls." (2.) The devil, the grand accuser of all the brethren; this title is derived from a word which signifies to strike through, or to stab. He would strike malignity into our natures and poison into our souls. If he could have struck these people with passion and murmuring in their sufferings, perhaps he might have drawn them to apostasy and ruin. (3.) He is a roaring lion, hungry, fierce, strong, and cruel, the fierce and greedy pursuer of souls.
2.By his business: He walks about, seeking whom he may devour; his whole design is to devour and destroy souls. To this end he is unwearied and restless in his malicious endeavours; for he always, night and day, goes about studying and contriving whom he may ensnare to their eternal ruin.
II. Hence he infers that it is their duty, 1. To be sober, and to govern both the outward and the inward man by the rules of temperance, modesty, and mortification. 2. To be vigilant; not secure or careless, but rather suspicious of constant danger from this spiritual enemy, and, under that apprehension, to be watchful and diligent to prevent his designs and save our souls. 3. To resist him stedfast in the faith. It was the faith of these people that Satan aimed at; if he could overturn their faith, and draw them into apostasy, then he knew he should gain his point, and ruin their souls; therefore, to destroy their faith, he raises bitter persecutions, and sets the grand potentates of the world against them. This strong trial and temptation they must resist, by being well-grounded, resolute, and stedfast in the faith: to encourage them to this,
III. He tells them that their care was not singular, for they knew that the like afflictions befell their brethren in all parts of the world, and that all the people of God were their fellow-soldiers in this warfare. Learn, 1. All the great persecutions that ever were in the world were raised, spirited up, and conducted, by the devil; he is the grand persecutor, as well as the deceiver and accuser, of the brethren; men are his willing spiteful instruments, but he is the chief adversary that wars against Christ and his people, Gen 3:15; Rev 12:12. 2. The design of Satan in raising persecutions against the faithful servants of God is to bring them to apostasy, by reason of their sufferings, and so to destroy their souls. 3. Sobriety and watchfulness are necessary virtues at all times, but especially in times of suffering and persecution. "You must moderate your affection to worldly things, or else Satan will soon overcome you." 4. "If you would overcome Satan, as a tempter, an accuser, or a persecutor, you must resist him stedfast in the faith; if your faith give way, you are gone; therefore, above all, take the shield of faith," Eph 6:16. 5. The consideration of what others suffer is proper to encourage us to bear our own share in any affliction: The same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–9. Public domain.
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Hilary of ArlesAD 449
INTRODUCTORY COMMENTARY ON 1 PETER
There is a world of difference between God and the devil. If you resist God, he will destroy you, but if you resist the devil, you will destroy him.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on the Catholic Epistles
Resist strong in faith, etc. Be (he says) so much stronger in faith, have so much more patience to overcome the deceits of the devil, as it is certain that you are not tempted alone, but the same passion that wearies you is common to the Church of Christ which is throughout the whole world, that is to say, to your brotherhood. And because the righteous have always suffered since the foundation of the world, let it shame you to be unable to endure alone above all others.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on 1 Peter
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
It is added, "In time." For it refers to the exaltation in the future age, which is the only true exaltation, as unchangeable and everlasting, since the present exaltation is neither secure nor firm, but rather contributes to a perpetual humiliation, so that it may be humbled more quickly than it was exalted. Furthermore, the Lord Himself is suitable to reconcile humiliation with exaltation. For He says: "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Matt. 18:4) And: "Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be the last of all." (Matt. 20:27) And speaking at that time, he indicated, as we said, that in the future, the exaltation promised would arise from humiliation. For there will be a time of unchangeable things in the future and in the incorruptible age. For the incorruptible has nothing mortal or perishable. Then, removing the fear that would arise from humiliation (for perhaps he saw some fearing that by humbling themselves in this present life, they would suffer some evil), he said: "Do not be afraid, casting all your anxiety on the Lord, when you have entrusted yourself to him who will take careful and diligent care of you."
"because he cares for you," or concern is placed upon him regarding all these things.
"Be sober-minded; be watchful." On those who are spiritually asleep (this, however, is to aspire to vain things) and from this, the watchfulness of souls is weighed down, the evil and most savage beast of despair is accustomed to leap upon them. Therefore, Christ's disciple, strengthening us (Matt. 13:24), exhorts us to always be vigilant and to watch over him who sows tares, lest in any way, while we are asleep, or living carelessly and sluggishly, he secretly sows wicked thoughts and drives us away from true life.
For the Devil does not cease, Peter says, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour; to whom you also resist with firm strength of mind. Concerning such sharp snares and the precise deceit of him against us, the holy Justin Martyr also brings forth the case, stating that the Devil did not clearly know the power of his punishment before the coming of the Lord, when the divine prophets had announced it mysteriously: just as Isaiah (14:4), under the persona of the Assyrian, tragically narrates the entire representation of the Devil. But when the Lord had come and had openly said that the eternal fire is reserved and prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41), upon hearing this, he does not cease to lie in wait for the faithful, wanting to have many companions in his defection, lest he be ashamed to cling to this alone, applauding himself with this cold and envious consolation.
"knowing that the same kinds of suffering," as it is likely, those to whom Peter writes were being pressed by many afflictions for the sake of Christ: therefore, both in the preceding and in the following, he brings consolation to this: indeed, by the fact that the enduring become themselves partakers of the afflictions of Christ and heirs of the glory that is to be revealed; here, however, by the fact that they do not suffer alone, but all the faithful who are in the world: moreover, the company of companions lightens the severity.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
First Peter 5:9 serves as a potent exhortation for believers to stand firm against the spiritual attacks of the devil, drawing strength from their unwavering faith and finding solidarity in the shared experience of suffering common to all Christians worldwide. This verse provides both a command for active resistance and a comforting reminder of the universal nature of trials, fostering perseverance and mutual encouragement within the global body of Christ.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Peter employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. The verse uses Imperative Mood ("resist") to issue a direct command, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of the action. The phrase "stedfast in the faith" functions as a Qualifying Adverbial Phrase, specifying the manner and foundation of this resistance. The entire second clause, "knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world," serves as a powerful Motivation or Grounding Clause, providing the theological and communal basis for the command. This also highlights Solidarity and Shared Experience as key themes, reminding the readers that their suffering is not unique but part of a universal pattern among God's people. The implicit connection to the "roaring lion" of 1 Peter 5:8 creates a strong Contextual Linkage, framing the resistance as a direct counter to a specific, identifiable spiritual threat.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to "resist stedfast in the faith" and the comfort derived from the universal nature of suffering are deeply rooted in biblical theology. This verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, a constant struggle against unseen forces of evil, yet it simultaneously empowers believers by reminding them of the strength found in their faith and the unity of the global church. The shared experience of affliction transforms suffering from an isolating burden into a unifying bond, demonstrating that trials are not a sign of God's abandonment but a common pathway for His people, leading to spiritual maturity and a deeper reliance on His grace. It echoes the New Testament's consistent teaching that perseverance through trials is a hallmark of genuine faith and a testament to God's refining work in believers.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For contemporary believers, 1 Peter 5:9 remains a vital call to spiritual vigilance and resilience. We are reminded that the Christian life is not free from opposition, but rather demands active, faith-filled resistance against the subtle and overt schemes of the enemy. This resistance is not a solitary battle; it is empowered by our steadfast trust in God's truth and sustained by the knowledge that we are part of a vast, global family of faith. When facing trials, whether personal struggles, societal pressures, or direct spiritual attacks, this verse encourages us to stand firm, drawing strength from our convictions and finding immense comfort in the shared experience of our brothers and sisters in Christ across the world. Our afflictions, far from being unique burdens, connect us to a larger narrative of God's people enduring and overcoming by faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "resist stedfast in the faith"?
Answer: To "resist stedfast in the faith" means to actively stand against the temptations, deceptions, and attacks of the devil with an unyielding and firm commitment to your Christian beliefs and trust in God. It implies drawing strength from the truth of the Gospel, relying on God's power, and maintaining an unwavering conviction in His promises, rather than giving way to doubt, fear, or compromise. This resistance is not passive but an active, spiritual opposition rooted in a robust and stable faith.
How does the knowledge of "same afflictions" help believers?
Answer: The knowledge that "the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" provides immense comfort and solidarity. It helps believers realize they are not alone in their suffering, fostering a sense of universal community among Christians. This awareness can alleviate feelings of isolation, provide encouragement to persevere, and deepen empathy for others who are also enduring trials. It reminds us that suffering for Christ is a common experience for God's people, as seen throughout the New Testament in passages like John 16:33 and 2 Timothy 3:12.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Peter 5:9 is a direct command to believers, its deepest fulfillment is found in Christ Himself. Jesus perfectly exemplified steadfast resistance against the devil, famously triumphing over temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and ultimately defeating Satan's power through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15). He is the ultimate model of "steadfast in the faith," having perfectly trusted the Father even unto the cross (Hebrews 12:2). Furthermore, Christ Himself endured "the same afflictions" and far greater, identifying with human suffering to the fullest extent, becoming our sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:15). Thus, our ability to resist the devil and endure afflictions is not based on our own strength, but on the victory already secured by Christ, who lives in us and empowers us to stand firm until His glorious return ([Philippians 4:13](/ philippians/4-13 "I Can Do All Things Through Christ")).