1 Peter 1:6-9

2. Worthy of Trials and An Affliction 1:6-9

1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials.

Expanded Translation

In which salvation you rejoice exceedingly within yourselves, even though presently, if it be necessary (and in this case, since it IS needful), you have been grieved and pained by all sorts of trials and testings.

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Wherein ye greatly rejoice

The phrase could be imperativewherein greatly rejoice! The word agalliao, used here, is rendered in 1 Peter 4:13 with exceeding joy.

though now for a little while

That is, a short while. Even several years of suffering here will seem as nothing in eternity!

if need be

The word if shows contingency. However, many here give the Greek word ei the meaning since, rendering the clause since it is necessary.

ye have been put to grief in manifold trials

Contained in the word manifold, (poikilos) according to Souter, is both the idea of many in number and diversity of kind, (Compare James 1:2.)

Trials (peirasmos) originally had reference to an experiment, attempt, trial or experience. In the Scriptures it is often used of an enticement to sin, and is, in those passages, properly rendered temptation, (Matthew 6:13; Matthew 26:41; Luke 8:13, etc.) Here the reference is to adversities, afflictions or trials which God allows to come upon us to test our faith, holiness, and character. It is His hope that they shall have a refining and purifying influence upon our Christian character.

1 Peter 1:7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:

Expanded Translation

in order that your tested faiththe faith that has gone through the trial and emerged victoriousbeing of much more value and worth than gold which is perishable though it is tested with fire, may be found, in the end, deserving of praise and glory and honor at the (second) coming of Jesus Christ.

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that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth

In the noun proof (dokimion) lies the notion of proving a thing to see if it be worthy to be received or not. When the ancients tried metals, for example, they did not do so except in the expectation and belief that, whatever of dross may be found mingled with it, yet it is not all dross, but that some good metal, and better now than before, will come forth from the fiery trial. It is ever so with the proof to which He who sits as a Refiner in His Church submits His own; His intention in these being ever, not indeed to find His saints pure gold (for this He knows they are not), but to make them such; to purge out their dross, never to make evident that they are all dross. See Isaiah 1:24-26 and especially Job 23:10.

That which is more precious (polutimoteron, comparative form of polutinos, literally, of great price, more costly) in God's sight is the faith which has been proved and, bearing up under the test, stands approved. It has shown itself to be that real, solid, genuine faith that does not succumb under adverse circumstances.

may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ

all of which rewards which belong only to those who have such faith as overcomes the world (1 John 5:4). Here again we see Peter's ever-present purpose: to encourage those being persecuted and tried. It is the faith that is tested, tried, proven, and approved that shall receive such a reward. And when shall that reward be given? In the end, when Christ returns, if He will find you true!

The analogy of the refining process might be outlined as follows:

I.

Refining process.

1.

Gold: proved by fire.

2.

Christian's faith: given trials and testings.

II.

Product produced from process.

Gold: pure gold remains after admixtures, alloys and dross removed.
2. Christian's faith: more precious than gold.

III.

Time of existence.

1.

Gold: perisheth.

2.

Christian's faith: abides till the revelation of Jesus Christwhen it will become sight!

IV.

Reward.

1.

Gold: greatly admired by man because of its fine quality.

2.

Christian: receives praise, honor, and glory from God.

1 Peter 1:8-9 whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Expanded Translation

(Christ) whom having not seen you love, in which person, though at present you do not see Him, yet believing, you exult and rejoice exceedingly with a joy to which human words are inadequate and which is clothed with splendor, receiving for yourselves the final reward of a life of faiththe salvation of your souls.

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whom not having seen ye love

They had not viewed the Saviour: (1) Because of the place in which they lived, (See 1 Peter 1:1-2.) (2) Because of the time in which they livedthough this might have been possible for some of the older ones. We see Christ, not with the physical or bodily eye, but the eye of faith. See John 20:29, Romans 8:24-25. Compare 1 John 4:20. Some have said Paul's emphasis was upon faith versus works, James-' was upon works versus faith alone, and Peter's was upon faith versus sight. Hence the title, The Apostle of Hope.

How could they love such an One? Because of what He had done and was doing for them (Romans 5:5-11, 1 John 4:19), and for what He was and is.

rejoice greatly

Agalliao, See on 1 Peter 1:6 (greatly rejoice).

with joy unspeakable

The latter word is an excellent representation of the original, for the word is composed of the alpha negative plus ekout, out of, and laleoto speak. Hence, that which cannot be spoken out, uttered, or divulged. Vine puts it, unable to be told out. Surely here the poet was right, The heart has reasons which the tongue cannot express.

and full of glory

It is made glorious, clothed with splendor and rendered excellent, because the heavenly joy surpasses all others! In the sight of the worldling, the joy of the Christian is an enigma. To us it is glorious, but not altogether capable of description.

receiving the end of your faith

The word end, telos, is rendered finally in 1 Peter 3:8 and end in 1 Peter 4:7. It here refers to that by which a thing is finished, its close, issue (as in Matthew 26:58), hence final lot, culmination, outcome. In this present life, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), and eternal life will be ours, if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel which ye heard. (Colossians 1:23). However, it is possible for us to lose or renounce our faith (1 Timothy 1:18-20), and fall away from a state of trust and consecration (Galatians 5:4). Peter specifies here that our salvation shall come when our faith shall have gained its end result, that is, at the end of a life of faithfulness, salvation shall be our reward.