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1 Peter 1:6-9 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
⁶In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved [2] by various trials, ⁷so that the genuineness [3] of your faith, being more valuable than gold, which perishes though tested [4] by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; ⁸though you have not seen him, you love him; though you do not see him now, you believe in him, and you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹obtaining the goal of your faith,[5] the salvation of your souls.

Present Suffering Only for a Little While

Peter is not telling his readers something they do not already know. They understand the reality of the new birth and the implications of their spiritual inheritance. In fact, as they consider their present spiritual status, they greatly rejoice (1:6). However, “the rejoicing is not a continual feeling of hilarity, nor a denial of the reality of pain and suffering, but an anticipatory joy experienced even now, despite the outward circumstances.” In their present circumstance, there is great joy. Alongside this joy is the reality of the suffering they experience now for a little while. But suffering that is for a little while implies two things: suffering is not a normal part of life, and suffering is under the control of God. Peter’s readers are experiencing something that must be endured a short while or briefly. Their future is bright, though Christians may have had to suffer grief (1:6). With this phrase, Peter continues to contrast the present with what will come to pass. This phrase speaks to two distinct periods of time: the present, characterized by grief, and the future, characterized by joy. Peter is not speaking of joy in suffering but rather in an eschatological sense of joy after suffering. The present grief is a necessity. The question remains whether this is physical pain and injury or mental pain and suffering. The next several paragraphs will explain this point.

We do know that what they had to suffer came in all kinds of trials; it was varied and diversified. The trials here refer to a period or process of testing one’s faith. Later in 1 Peter, the same word will be used for painful trial (4:12) or fiery ordeal (NASB).

But why must the Christian suffer? What purpose could it possibly serve? And, in fact, can one even provide an answer to this question? A partial answer begins with the recognition that this topic of various trials is followed by a purpose clause, so that your faith may be proved genuine (1:7). The word genuine is interesting; it means approved after trial or tried. The process of proving faith to be genuine is one similar to the process whereby gold is refined by fire. The refining fire literally destroys any impurities in the gold. If gold is put through this process because of its supposed value, your faith is of greater worth. To demonstrate that faith is genuine faith, it must be tested, and must be understood as coming from the hand of loving Heavenly Father, as the “Three Qualifications of Christian Suffering” chart illustrates.

The testing process results in praise, glory, and honor (1:7). These three results may not be exhibited while in the refining process, but they will be evident when Jesus Christ is revealed. Once again, Peter draws the contrast between the here-and-now with the yet-to-come aspect of Christian life. The future results of God’s merciful plan of begetting a new people (hope, inheritance, salvation) is contrasted with the present (suffering and testing). Peter concludes verse 5 with a reference to “salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time,” a clear reference to the second coming of Christ.

KEY IDEAS

Three Qualifications of Christian Suffering

(1.) Suffering is a potentiality of Christian experience, but suffering is not a necessity.

(2.) Suffering is only a temporary situation; it is not permanent.

(3.) Suffering should be regarded as “various testings” from God, the purpose of which is the testing of one’s faith.

Here in verse 7 is Peter’s second reference to that great event: the revelation of Jesus Christ. The coming of Jesus Christ into our world the first time, known as the incarnation, made God visible to humanity. This was the first advent. Christians live in the now of earthly existence waiting for the yet-to-come of eternal life which will be accomplished by Christ’s return for His Church at the Second Advent. At the Advent, or revelation of Jesus Christ, the now of the present will pass away, and the then of actually gaining our inheritance will become a reality.

Peter continues the contrast between the here-and-now and the yet-to-come aspects of the Christian faith. Although at the present time you have not seen him (1:8), faith is not hampered. Seen indicates physical eyesight. But not seeing Jesus with the physical eye does not diminish affection for Him. While not seeing Him, you love him. The present tense of this verb indicates continual action in the present time. Even though Peter’s readers do not see Jesus, Peter concludes, you believe in him. The combination of love and belief produces an inexpressible and glorious joy. The type of joy Peter is describing is twofold: unspeakable, because it contains a sense of divine mystery, and glorious, because it is glory from above.

The believer experiences this “inexpressible and glorious joy” for a specific reason. They are receiving the goal (1:9). Receiving means obtaining or paying back. Faith has an eternal goal in mind. There is a finish line to which the Christian presses toward. Peter describes it as the salvation of your souls. This covers humanity as a whole.^[1]

By David A. Case and David W. Holdren