22:31 22:31

Luke 22:32

22:33 22:33

Bible Versions

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
But {G1161} I {G1473} have prayed {G1189} for {G4012} thee {G4675}, that {G3363} thy {G4675} faith {G4102} fail {G1587} not {G3363}: and {G2532} when {G4218} thou {G4771} art converted {G1994}, strengthen {G4741} thy {G4675} brethren {G80}.
But I prayed for you, Shim‘on, that your trust might not fail. And you, once you have turned back in repentance, strengthen your brothers!”
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
but I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not; and do thou, when once thou hast turned again, establish thy brethren.

Luke 22:32 is a poignant and powerful statement from Jesus to Peter, spoken during the Last Supper, just hours before Jesus' crucifixion. It reveals profound truths about divine intercession, the nature of faith, and the purpose of restoration after failure.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' sobering warning to Peter in Luke 22:31, where He states, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat." Amidst the disciples' dispute about who was the greatest, and knowing the severe trials ahead, Jesus singles out Peter. He foresees Peter's imminent denial but also assures him of His personal prayer and eventual restoration. This conversation sets the stage for Peter's dramatic fall and subsequent powerful leadership in the early church.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Intercessory Prayer: The verse highlights Jesus' active and specific prayer for Peter. This was not a general prayer for all disciples, but a targeted intercession for Simon Peter, demonstrating Jesus' intimate knowledge of Peter's coming trial and His proactive love. It foreshadows Jesus' ongoing role as our great High Priest, who lives to make intercession for us.
  • The Preservation of Faith: Jesus prays "that thy faith fail not." The Greek word for "fail" (ekleipō) means to utterly cease, to be consumed, or to fail completely. While Peter would indeed stumble and deny Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62), Jesus' prayer ensured that his faith, though severely shaken, would not be utterly destroyed. This provides immense comfort, knowing that even in our weakest moments, Christ's intercession can preserve our core faith.
  • Restoration and Purpose: The command "when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" is crucial. The Greek word for "converted" (epistrephō) here means to turn back, to return, or to be restored. It's not about Peter's initial salvation, but his spiritual recovery and renewed commitment after his fall. Jesus anticipates Peter's restoration and immediately assigns him a vital mission: to use his experience of failure and grace to strengthen and encourage other believers. This foreshadows Peter's powerful role in the book of Acts, where he became a cornerstone of the early church, indeed strengthening thousands through his preaching and leadership.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "fail not" (Greek: ekleipō) signifies not just a weakening, but a complete and utter cessation. Jesus' prayer was for Peter's faith not to vanish altogether, even in the face of immense pressure and personal failure.
  • "Converted" (Greek: epistrephō) in this context speaks to a turning back or restoration, rather than an initial conversion experience. Peter was already a follower of Jesus, but he would turn away momentarily and then be restored to his former devotion and calling. This highlights God's grace in bringing us back even after we falter.

Practical Application

Luke 22:32 offers profound encouragement for every believer. It reminds us that:

  • Jesus Intercedes for Us: Even when we face intense spiritual attacks or personal failings, Christ is actively praying for us, preserving our faith. This should bring immense comfort and confidence.
  • Failure is Not Final: Our stumbles or denials do not have to be the end of our spiritual journey. Just as Peter was restored, we can be too, through repentance and God's grace.
  • Our Experiences Can Strengthen Others: Once we are restored, our past weaknesses and the grace that brought us through can become powerful tools to minister to and strengthen others who are struggling. Our testimony of God's faithfulness through our failures can be a beacon of hope. God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others.

This verse beautifully illustrates God's sovereign care, His preserving grace, and His redemptive purpose, turning potential ruin into an opportunity for greater service.

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.

  • John 21:15

    ¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

  • John 21:17

    He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

  • 1 Peter 5:8

    ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

  • 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].

  • John 17:9

    I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

  • John 17:11

    And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].

  • Romans 8:34

    Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
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