Read 1 PETER 5:10–14

The Birth Hotel in Amsterdam offers men the opportunity to experience something previously reserved for women: the labor pains of giving birth. The birth-simulation machine uses electrical impulses to cause the abdominal muscles to contract. One man who went through this simulated labor process said, “The pain . . . is all-consuming, searing, and intense. I’m exhausted by the sheer effort of enduring it. It’s as though I’m no longer myself: my body’s sole purpose is to cope with wave after wave of agony as the contractions come thick and fast.”

Why would women endure such pain? Because the reward is worth it! The joy of holding a newborn baby puts the experience of suffering into perspective. A lifetime of parenthood is worth the hours of labor. In a similar way, Peter wants to remind believers that the suffering they endure is worth it. They will share eternal glory with Christ, and God will restore them and make all things right (v. 10).

To have the right perspective on suffering requires having the right perspective of God. Notice all the theology that Peter packs into just two verses! Who is God? He is the Giver of grace and the Source of all power. He calls us, restores us, and strengthens us. This God of grace and power can be trusted to deliver us to “eternal glory.”

Peter closes this letter with a final exhortation and personal testimony. He could instruct these believers in Asia Minor to remain faithful to God because he himself had experienced the grace of God (v. 12). The phrase “she who is in Babylon” almost certainly refers to the community of Christians where Peter was, probably in Rome, (v. 13). These Christians were not alone—and they needed to encourage one another in love and faith.

APPLY THE WORD

Review our study on 1 Peter. How have you been encouraged to live as a Christian, especially where your values might be countercultural? How have you been challenged to be a member of your church, practicing love, humility, and faithfulness? Has your perspective been shaped to think about who God is and what He has done for you?

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