Year of the Bible: Part Eleven of TwelveSample

Encouragement in the Face of Death

Peter encouraged Christians who were mistreated and persecuted for their faith. Scattered among five Roman provinces in modern-day Turkey, these Christians were probably hiding from Nero, who often burned Christians alive and confiscated their property. In Peter’s greeting, he brought up a few things to encourage the believers there.

1. They are chosen and destined by God the Father: Even though God loves the whole world and gave His son for those who believe in Him, the Father uniquely knows them. He sees them in their trials and knows them by name. Their destiny lies not in what is happening to them but in what God has prepared for them for all eternity.

2. The sanctification of the Holy Spirit: The word “sanctify” means to be set apart for a specific purpose, to be holy or unique. Here, Peter pointed out the believers’ obedience to Jesus and how they are known for their submission in these challenging times.

3. The sprinkling of Jesus’s blood: Jesus’s blood represented the sealing of a covenant or promise to the people. It is by the blood of Jesus that we have direct access to the presence of God in a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19–22). By saying this, Peter reminded the believers that they have direct access to God and the victory of Jesus over sin and death; therefore, they are not alone.

4. Grace and peace be multiplied: Peter asked that the believers’ ability to bear difficulty be increased and that they be at peace through their circumstances—not only in ways they need but in abundance, having more than they need.

Question: How can you practically encourage Christians who are currently persecuted for their faith and may face death?

Prayer: Pray for the persecuted church and ask God how you can be an encouragement. (To discover more ways to pray and help, google “VOM global prayer guide.”)