Bible Commentaries

Like the letter of James, the purpose of this was to establish those who were passing through a period of suffering and testing. In his introduction the apostle used the name Jesus had given him, "Peter." He described those to whom he wrote as "elect . . . according to the foreknowledge of God," and "in sanctification of the Spirit." He approached the subject of the testing of their faith by reminding them of the heavenly nature of their vocation. The final issue thereof is an inheritance, all the characteristics of which are in direct contrast to the inheritances of earth.

Approaching the actual fact of their trials, the apostle turned the light of the great hope on them. Joy should be theirs in the consciousness that the issue of the testing would be the vindication of their faith at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

This wonderful salvation had been the subject of inquiries and research by the prophets of old, and angels desired to look into the matter. Having set the testing of their confidence in relation to its purpose, the apostle proceeded to practical exhortation, and dealt, first, with individual responsibility, and afterward with relative responsibility. The personal attitude is described as girding up the loins of the mind, with hope perfectly set on assured consummation. The strongest argument is then used. It is that they have been redeemed, brought from slavery into the liberty of children. That redemption was provided at infinite cost. The apostle then passes to relative injunctions, and the first calls them to the maintenance of unfeigned love of the brethren.