1 Peter: Set ApartНамуна

A Living Hope

1 Peter was written by Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples and the foundational leader of the early church, in the early 60s AD. Peter most likely wrote this letter from Rome for the churches located in Asia Minor. As we will see from the context of the letter, the believers he was writing to were suffering persecution.

As we read through this book, and particularly as we read about Peter’s encouragement in suffering, it’s helpful to know that Peter’s words carry even more weight because he writes as a fellow sufferer. This isn’t someone living a plush life while saying, “I know your life is hard, but look to Jesus and things will be ok!” In fact, Peter would be killed for his faith within about two years of writing this letter.

Peter’s assumption in this letter is that all believers suffer. Even if you are not being persecuted for your faith, you will still suffer in various ways in the midst of life. Following Jesus can sometimes be hard in and of itself. It can be difficult to be gracious and forgiving and to put others’ desires over your own.

Ultimately, Jesus himself is the prime example of unfair suffering, as he gave his life for people who do not deserve it. His disciples not only suffered but were also killed for claiming Jesus rose from the dead.

Without Christ, suffering can and often does destroy people. Suffering is hard enough as it is, and without God, it is even worse. The modern secular assumption is that this life is all there is, so you better do whatever it takes to make yourself happy. But when you’re suffering or depressed, you’re not happy. Your supposed one chance at happiness is being taken away from you. And so you feel even more meaningless.

But Jesus shows us that not only do we matter even in suffering, but that our suffering matters as well. Peter encourages us in his opening words that there is no one and nothing that will not only give you the hope of Jesus. And what’s more his love will not be taken away from us.

In Jesus, we have a living hope that cannot be taken away. In our success and our sorrows. In our joy and in our pain. No matter what we currently face, Jesus offers love and grace and “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.” (1 Peter 1:4)

Today’s reflection

How does knowing that our sufferings today, though they may be great, are only temporary? How does this give you hope and courage to persevere?