Dealing with Suffering Biblically – Context

Yesterday we began to look at a Biblical view of suffering.  The conclusion was that all that Peter addresses in his letter is under the umbrella of the foreknowledge of God.

Moving on.

Consider the actions of the Father cataloged by Peter in 1:1 – 9 (here @ Bible Gateway):

• We are chosen (1:1) (here @ Bible Gateway)
• We are caused to be born again (1:3) (here @ Bible Gateway)
• We are protected (1:5) (here @ Bible Gateway)

Then consider the purpose of the Father’s actions:

• We are to obey Jesus Christ (1:1) (here @ Bible Gateway)
• We are to be sprinkled with Christ’s blood (1:1) (here @ Bible Gateway)
• We have a living hope (1:3) (here @ Bible Gateway)
• We have an imperishable inheritance (1:4) (here @ Bible Gateway)
• We have salvation (1:5) (here @ Bible Gateway)

Peter then notes that our response to these realities is that we greatly rejoice (1:6) (here @ Bible Gateway).  However, in the same sentence he, for the first time, brings up the topic of suffering.  He brings it up in a conditional clause.  The original is treated differently in the various English translations.  Note, that when you see differing treatments of a verse, it is a clue that you need to dig deeper into what the text says.

In many of the versions the text is rendered “if necessary,” this may be a bit weak.  The construction is a first-class conditional sentence which means that for the sake of argument it is assumed that what is stated is true.  So, Peter is assuming that they are going to be experiencing suffering.  The further context of the letter would seem to support that conclusion.

That is enough today, consider in 1 – 9  (here @ Bible Gateway) what is it that Peter suggests is the anchor to persevere well through suffering.  We will, perhaps, finish this tomorrow.