“But may the God of all grace, who called [b]us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).
The observations made by the following commentator shed valuable light on the periods of suffering that God may ordain for our lives: “The word “called” in its Greek usage means more than an invitation. It is a divine summons.” (1) Thus, it is often easier to endure a period of suffering if we acknowledge God’s call in that circumstance or situation.
Nevertheless, the focus of this passage is not on the transitory suffering we may experience as part of God’s plan for us, but the glorious destiny that lies ahead. This is the eighth and final reference to the word “glory” here in 1 Peter, a recurring theme that weaves through several chapters in this epistle.
As mentioned in our look at the opening chapter of this epistle, the New Testament often links the word “glory” with the concept of dignity. It also refers to a positive opinion that brings recognition and honor to the individual in question. (2) A contemporary definition of “glory” continues in a similar vein: “very great praise, honor, or distinction bestowed by common consent; renown.” (3)
In keeping with those definitions, our author highlights four positive actions that God will undertake for us after we “have borne these sufferings a very little while” (Phillips)…
- Perfect. “[This] brings the double thought of providing all that is needful to get them through the trials and of repairing the damage received in action.” (4)
- Establish. This word conveys the idea of something that is steadfast, much like the mortar that anchors a series of bricks.
- Strengthen. Just as the application of heat tempers a piece of steel to enhance its strength, the trials of life strengthen our resilience and fortify us for the glory that lies ahead.
- Settle. “This verb is related to the word ‘foundation’ in the original. God wants every believer to be firmly planted in a secure place in His Son and in His word” (5)
One source reinforces those elements with the following insight…
“Suffering of body and sorrow of heart do one of two things to a man. They either make him collapse or they leave him with a solidity of character which he could never have gained anywhere else. If he meets them with continuing trust in Christ, he emerges like toughened steel that has been tempered in the fire.” (6)
(1) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (1 Peter 5:10) Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
(2) G1391 doxa https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1391/kjv/tr/0-1/
(3) “Glory” Dictionary.com, Retrieved 1 June 2020 from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/glory
(4) New International Bible Commentary general editor G. C. D. Howley, consulting editors F. F. Bruce, H. L. Ellison. Copyright© 1979 by Pickering &Inglis Ltd [p. 1562].
(5) William Macdonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary Edited by Arthur Farstad, Thomas Nelson Publishers [1 Peter 5:10]
(6) Barclay, William. William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible, “The Laws Of The Christian Life (2) (1Pe_5:6-11 continued).”