“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:19).
Most of us are familiar with the concept of trust, a word we can define as the “assured reliance on the character, strength, or truth of someone or something.” (1) However, this passage makes use of a related word: “entrust.” This conveys the idea of an active investment or commitment to something as a trust. (2) These definitions reflect the exhortation given to us in the closing verse of 1 Peter chapter four.
Much like a valuable asset that has been entrusted to a respected financial institution for safekeeping, this portion of Scripture encourages us to actively maintain our assured reliance on our faithful Creator. Nevertheless, our souls are far more valuable than any financial resource, and our faithful Creator is far more trustworthy than any bank vault.
As mentioned earlier, the soul is that which constitutes a human being as an individual personality. The soul represents the “you” inside your body. This is the element that distinguishes one human being from every other human being who has ever lived, or ever will live. In the words of one source, “If men could be relied on to guard possessions, much more can God be depended on to protect the souls of His people.” (3)
Finally, the act of doing good is a characteristic that goes hand-in-hand with this active, assured reliance. This might encompass the characteristic qualities of virtue, integrity, and similar attributes that honor God, especially in the midst of adversity. Thus, we can find encouragement knowing that God looks upon us with favor as we honor Him amidst the trials of life. This should inspire us to continue to entrust ourselves to a faithful Creator who never fails to honor His commitments.
The following commentator brings our look at this chapter to a close with a brief review…
“Peter brought together four reasons for suffering in this section. First, God allows us to suffer to demonstrate our character (v. 12). Second, those who identify themselves with Jesus Christ will share in the sufferings of our Savior (v. 13; cf. Phil. 3:10). Third, our sufferings will be an occasion of God blessing us (v. 14). In addition, fourth, our suffering will glorify God (v. 16).
Peter then redirected our perspective on suffering by reminding us of the time and intensity of our sufferings, compared with that of unbelievers (vv. 17-18). Finally, he concluded with an exhortation to trust God and do right (v. 19). Peter thus encouraged his readers by revealing God’s perspective on their sufferings.” (4)
(1) “Trust.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Copyright © 2001 by Merriam-Webster, Inc.
(2) See “Entrust” Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Copyright © 2001 by Merriam-Webster, Inc.
(3) 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. 1561].
(4) Constable, Thomas. DD, Notes on 1 Peter 2023 Edition “2. Suffering as Christians 4:15-19” [4:19] https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/1peter/1peter.htm