Ed Urzi

“By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand” (1 Peter 5:12).

Silvanus (also known as Silas) was a well-known minister within the early Christian community. For instance, Acts 15:22 identifies him as a “leading man” among the members of the first-century church in Jerusalem. Acts 15:32 further identifies him as a prophet, and 2 Corinthians 1:19 recognized him as a preacher as well.

Interestingly, it seems that Peter (along with Paul the Apostle) preferred to use the name Silvanus (the Roman form of his name) instead of “Silas” as he is known throughout the Biblical book of Acts (see Acts 17:1-9). Like Paul, Silvanus was a Roman citizen, and may have used that citizenship to a similar advantage.

It appears that Silvanus spent several years with the Apostle Paul during a missionary journey that is chronicled for us in Acts chapter sixteen. It also seems clear that Paul and Silvanus enjoyed a close relationship. For instance, we know that Paul and Silvanus traveled to the city of Antioch together (Acts 15). They were also imprisoned together in the town of Philippi (Acts 16:19-24). Finally, Paul and Silvanus were caught up together in a riot that occurred in the city of Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9).

With these things in mind, it should not be surprising to learn that Peter acknowledged Silvanus as someone “…who is, in my opinion, a very faithful brother” (TLB). But how did Silvanus end up assisting Peter after so many years of ministry with the Apostle Paul? One commentary offers a potential answer: “It has been supposed that Paul, then a prisoner at Rome, had sent Silvanus to Peter.” ₍₁₎

Another commentator directs our attention to an important lesson from Silvanus’ life and ministry…

“Silvanus was one of those men the Church can never do without. He was content to take the second place and to serve almost in the background so long as God’s work was done. It was enough for him that he was Paul’s assistant, even if Paul for ever overshadowed him. It was enough for him to be Peter’s penman, even if it meant only a bare mention of his name at the end of the letter… The Church always has need of people like Silvanus and many who cannot be Peters or Pauls can still assist the Peters and Pauls to do their work.” ₍₂₎

(1) Johnson, B. W., The People’s New Testament [1 Peter 5:12-14]. Public Domain https://ccel.org/ccel/johnson_bw/pnt/pnt.pnt2105.html

(2) Barclay, William. William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible, “A Faithful Henchman Of The Apostles (1Pe_5:12).”

“To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:11).

The Apostle Peter has already covered a range of subjects in rapid succession throughout the closing chapter of this epistle. He first exhorted church leaders to shepherd those who were entrusted to their care. He then encouraged younger generations to show respect and deference by submitting to their elders. Following this, Peter touched on three important topics: a call to humility, an essential reminder concerning the devil, and an encouraging look at God’s response to those who endure suffering for His sake.

Now, as Peter approaches the end of this letter, he will close with a benediction for his beloved audience. The word “benediction” is derived from two ancient Latin words: bene (or “well”) and dicere (“to speak”). A contemporary form of benediction consists of a brief invocation that typically concludes a worship service or public ceremony. Much like our text from 1 Peter 5:11, a benediction serves to exalt God, and typically seeks His blessing upon a church fellowship, a newly married couple, or a general assembly of people.

As we might expect, this benedictory reference to “dominion” conveys the attributes of force, strength, and “manifested power.” ₍₁₎ This passage thus reminds us that God empowers us to accomplish the work He has given us to do. Therefore, we should ensure that He receives the honor for anything we might accomplish in life and ministry.

That brings us to the word that concludes this verse: “amen.” Despite some common misconceptions, the word “amen” does not mean “my prayer has now concluded.” Instead, this word means “surely, absolutely, or ‘so be it.’” In this way, “amen” serves as an affirmation of agreement and support, for it is through Christ that God has called us to His eternal glory.

“Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it” (1 Peter 5:12 NET).

This passage likely implies one of two possibilities. The first is that Silvanus transcribed this letter as Peter dictated it to him. The other possibility is that Silvanus carried this letter to its various destinations. In the first instance, Silvanus may have fulfilled the role of secretary, or amanuensis. If that was the case, then verse twelve likely functioned as a brief postscript in Peter’s own handwriting to validate his message. In the second instance, Peter entrusted Silvanus with the safe delivery of this letter to its intended audience.

(1) G2904 kratos Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/ved/d/dominion.html

“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).”

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10 ESV).

Although it may be unpleasant to contemplate, this passage reminds us that God may sometimes orchestrate a season of hardship within our lives. In other words, God may call us to endure a period of suffering that is likely to be painful or discomforting. Those seasons may prove challenging for those who struggle to understand why a benevolent God would permit His followers to endure these periods of difficulty.

For instance, some might say, “If  God is good, then why has  He allowed me to suffer through a painful experience?” In considering that response, it’s important to recognize it begins with a faulty assumption. You see, that response wrongly assumes that all pain is inherently bad. Hebrews 12:11 serves as a case in point, for that passage alerts us to one of God’s objectives in allowing painful events to enter our lives…

“Now obviously no ‘chastening’ seems pleasant at the time: it is in fact most unpleasant. Yet when it is all over we can see that is has quietly produced the fruit of real goodness in the characters of those who have accepted it in the right spirit” (Phillips).

While it is sometimes difficult to understand why God permits suffering in our lives, we can make some general observations. We considered several of those possibilities in our earlier look at 1 Peter chapter four and they bear repeating here.

For example, God might allow such things to strengthen us (2 Corinthians 12:10) or build our trust in Him (Psalm 50:14-15). God may also use suffering as a tool to establish patience and endurance in our lives (Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 10:35-38). He might use those trials as a model for others, showing them the right way to navigate through the challenges and hardships of life (2 Thessalonians 1:4). Furthermore, suffering can act as a catalyst that leads us into a deeper relationship with God (Hebrews 5:7-8).

While these hardships are undoubtedly painful, they also play a role in cultivating humility (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). In addition, they create a shared foundation for ministry to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Finally, suffering can deepen our understanding and our gratitude for Jesus’ sacrificial death on our behalf (Philippians 3:10).

So those who journey through a period of suffering can take comfort in knowing that it will not continue indefinitely. God will ultimately restore us and strengthen us, just as we are told here in 1 Peter 5:10.

“Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:9).

The word “resist” carries a variety of meanings. For instance, this word can mean…

• “to set one’s self against.”
• “to withstand.”
• “to oppose.” ₍₁₎

Contrary to the beliefs of some, we do not resist our spiritual adversary through the use of a prayer formula or specialized sequence of words. The Scriptures record the experience of one group of individuals who took that sort of approach with disastrous results…

“Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, ‘In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.’ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

One day the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?’ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor” (Acts 19:13-17 NIV).

With this in mind, let’s consider Jesus’ characterization of the devil once again…

“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).

This offers some additional insight into Peter’s admonition from earlier in this epistle: “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters” (1 Peter 4:15). We cannot resist the devil if we choose to replicate his behavior patterns. Instead, we can effectively resist the devil when we adopt the honorable qualities of belief in God and adherence to His Word (John 5:24), truth (Colossians 3:9), righteousness (1 John 3:10), and integrity (Titus 2:7-8).

Finally, Jesus offered an A-B comparison that presents us with a stark contrast as we seek to resist this dangerous spiritual adversary…

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

(1) G436 anthistemi Thayer’s Greek Definitions https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g436/kjv/tr/0-1/

“Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 GW).

An apex predator (also known as an alpha predator), is an animal that occupies the highest position in a food chain. As a result, these dangerous animals have few, if any, predators of their own. To a limited extent, we might also view the devil, our spiritual adversary, as a type of apex predator who possesses no other enemies, except One. This passage thus utilizes the imagery of a roaring lion to illustrate the violent, aggressive nature of this foe.

While the devil may employ various strategies (like stealth, camouflage, or entrapment) to achieve his objectives, 1 Peter 5:8 portrays this formidable enemy in his natural state: a ferocious, predatory animal that seeks to terrorize potential victims with a fearsome roar. With this in mind, it’s interesting to note that the Scriptures also link Satan to another formidable creature…

“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:9).

When taken together, these images portray a vicious, savage adversary that seeks to devour potential victims. Thus, we have Jesus’ characterization of the devil from John 8:44: “…He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

However, this menacing enemy has an opponent who is even greater in power. The Biblical epistle of 1 John identifies that adversary and highlights His objective…

“For this purpose the Son of God was revealed: to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8 NET).

Jesus further defined His “seek and destroy” mission with the aid of a parable…

“No one can break into a strong man’s house and take away his belongings unless he first ties up the strong man; then he can plunder his house” (Mark 3:27 GNT).

Satan represents the strong man within that parable, while Jesus represents the one who binds him and seizes his possessions. Jesus began plundering the enemy’s possessions through His earthly ministry and substitutionary death- and He will ultimately conclude that work on a permanent basis (Revelation 20:10).

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV).

The Gospel of Luke records a conversation between Jesus and the Apostle Peter that helps shape our understanding of this passage…

“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22:31-32).

This sifting process describes the use of a sieve-like device that is designed to separate larger objects (or particles) from smaller ones. However, one source offers an ominous definition that aligns more closely with Satan’s actual request: “to try one’s faith to the verge of overthrow by inward agitation.” ₍₁₎

This may account for Peter’s inspired observation here in verse eight, at least in part. As one commentator puts it. “The Saviour himself warned Peter of Satan’s ‘sifting him’; and from this it is clear that Peter got the message.” ₍₂₎ Thus we can say that Peter never made the mistake of underestimating the enemy again.

The Biblical book of Job also sheds light on this passage. After a brief introduction, Job’s narrative begins with an account of Satan’s activities: “One day when the sons of God came to stand in front of the Lord, Satan the Accuser came along with them” (Job 1:6 GW). That led to the following exchange: “‘Where have you come from?’ the Lord asked Satan. Satan answered the Lord, ‘I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on'” (Job 1:7 NLT).

Lest we get the impression that Satan’s activities were merely observational, Peter alerts us to his real agenda: “Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack” (CEV). This warning takes on additional urgency when we consider the origin of the word “devil.” This term is rooted in a word that signifies a false accuser. It also serves to identify one who is prone to slander. ₍₃₎ The name “Satan” means “adversary,” a word that denotes an opponent or enemy. ₍₄₎

These data points lead us to an important summary regarding our spiritual adversary…

“Peter ends his exhortations by placing his readers’ situation in a broader, cosmic perspective. Christians must understand who the real enemy is: the Devil who assaults God indirectly by assaulting his people wherever they are found in the world.” ₍₅₎

(1) G4617 siniazo Thayer’s Greek Definitions https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4617/kjv/tr/0-1/

(2) Coffman, James Burton. “Commentary on 1 Peter 4”. “Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bcc/1-peter-4.html. Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas,

(3) G1228 diabolos Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1228/kjv/tr/0-1/

(4) H7854 satan Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7854/kjv/wlc/0-1/

(5) Kendall, David W. “3. In resisting evil (5:8-11)” In Asbury Bible Commentary. 1196. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 1992.

“Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NET).

Many of us are familiar with wildlife documentaries that explore the lives of untamed animals in their natural habitats. Such films often include sequences that capture the interaction between predatory animals and their unsuspecting prey. These scenes build dramatic tension as each predator carefully stalks its next meal with calculated precision.

1 Peter 5:8 evokes this imagery in comparing our spiritual adversary to a predatory animal who “…prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (NIV). As one commentary reminds us, “Someone besides God has an eye on the Christian’s progress.” ₍₁₎

This metaphor is important for another reason. You see, the devil is commonly portrayed as a comic individual with a red suit, horns, and a pitchfork. However, those who are “sober and alert” know that the Biblical portrait of this enemy is far removed from the caricature of a cartoonish troublemaker. For instance, the Scriptures identify the devil as an intelligent, deceptive, and relentless entity. He can also assume different forms as needed (2 Corinthians 11:14). In fact, 1 John 5:19 tells us,“…the whole world is under the control of the wicked one” (NIV).

In addition, the Biblical Scriptures refer to the devil as…

• “The evil one” (Matthew 6:13).
• “The wicked one” (1 John 2:13).
• “A liar and a murderer” (John 8:44).
• “A deceiver” (Revelation 20:10).
• “The ruler of this world” (John 12:31).

Therefore, this passage encourages us to remain alert, and self controlled. These concepts should not be foreign to us, for a dedicated student, athlete, or business person must often take a similar approach in his or her profession. Those who act in this manner are usually well-positioned for success, and the same idea is true spiritually as well.

We can implement these important qualities when we seek to read and internalize the Scriptures each day. In addition, we should prayerfully seek to adopt the following attitudes to circumvent the strategies employed by our spiritual adversary…

• Be forgiving: “A further reason for forgiveness is to keep from being outsmarted by Satan, for we know what he is trying to do” (2 Corinthians 2:11 TLB).
• Be humble: “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NLT).
• Exercise self-restraint: “If you get angry, do not sin; do not allow the sun to go down on your anger and do not give an opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27 Mounce).

Image Credit: “Male lion” by Arno Meintjes Wildlife is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

(1) 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].

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Our text from 1 Peter 5:8 contains another familiar portion of this epistle. Much like a military briefing that outlines the objectives of an enemy, this passage alerts us to the tactics employed by our spiritual adversary. For this reason, we will set aside some time to begin a brief mini-series that will allow us to explore this verse in greater detail.

We can start by recognizing that this passage offers more than just some useful information. This portion of Scripture also offers a means of counteracting the enemy’s objectives for those who listen and act upon this verse. The first counteraction involves a sober mindset, a quality that describes someone who is composed and clearheaded.

Just as a hidden trap may readily ensnare an unsuspecting victim, the easiest way to fall prey to an enemy involves underestimating the presence of a threat. To borrow a phrase from the famous author C.S. Lewis, those who underestimate the danger posed by the devil will likely embark on a quiet and comfortable journey to his eternal destination. ₍₁₎

This explains why 1 Peter 5:8 exhorts us to be serious and self-controlled. These characteristics involve the qualities of watchfulness, seriousness, and self-discipline. This marked a notable transformation in Peter’s attitude, especially when we consider the fact that he had earlier fallen asleep at two pivotal moments in Jesus’ life.

The next quality is vigilance. This attribute embodies the characteristics of watchfulness and attention. If we fail to remain spiritually vigilant, we may fall victim to the dangerous enemy described in this passage. Peter has continually stressed the importance of this quality at various points throughout this letter, and it aligns with the teachings given to us in several other New Testament epistles…

“A further reason for forgiveness is to keep from being outsmarted by Satan, for we know what he is trying to do” (2 Corinthians 2:11 TLB).

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NLT).

“If you get angry, do not sin; do not allow the sun to go down on your anger and do not give an opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27 Mounce).

“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6 NIV).

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV).

(1) See C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, Copyright© MCMXC by Barbour and Company, Inc. [pg. 57]

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT).

Most of us probably know someone who is easily distressed. In an age where every potential catastrophe (real or imagined) is echoed and magnified, it is not unusual to encounter those who live in a perpetual state of apprehension. In fact, that mindset fits the very definition of anxiety: “A state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties.” ₍₁₎

When it comes to things like anxiety, it is not unusual to hear others say, “I can’t help the way I feel.” While that is a fair assessment, is it also true to say that human beings have no control over their emotional feelings? In other words, do we control our thoughts, or do we allow our feelings to dictate our thoughts? While it is one thing to devote our attention to a legitimate area of concern, it is something quite different to live in a continual state of anxiety.

In the absence of a diagnosed medical condition that requires a physician’s care, these questions should turn our attention to a portion of Scripture quoted earlier…

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

As we continue to place our focus on God by communicating our anxieties to Him, we are sure to find that they will eventually find their proper place. Since any problem is small in comparison to a God who possesses infinite resources, this should prompt us to recognize that God is greater than our feelings. Thus, He can help us overcome unhealthy emotions like anxiety. In fact, this is precisely what the Scriptures tell us in 1 John 3:20: “…if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”

We can also work to overcome fear, anxiety, and other such emotions by prayerfully reading a portion of God’s Word each day. A daily commitment to reading the Scriptures offers an opportunity for God to speak to us through His Word and address those circumstances that may trigger a sense of anxiety. As we seek God’s help in concentrating on those things we can thank Him for now, we will surely fulfill the important Biblical mandate from Romans 12:2…

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (NIV).

(1) anxiety. (n.d.) American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2011). Retrieved April 17 2024 from https://www.thefreedictionary.com/anxiety