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FIRST PETER
SUPPLEMENT TO THE TEXT -- CH 1:7-8
(v. 7) Peter continues the thought
with a "hina" (Gr. word which means "in order that"). This connects the grieving, because of
the many kinds of trials, with the thought that follows. These trials are happening "in order that" the
trying may produce something precious. The testing of metals by fire not only proved them to be either pure or
impure, it also removed the impurities. It is the refining, the purification and strengthening of faith that is
to be desired from the proving. Though we may miss the distinction in words in the English, Peter uses the word
"dokimion" ("trial") in v. 7, and not "peirasmois" ("temptations"). "Dokimion"
is a word which is commonly used of the testing of metals. It is an expectant word in that it anticipates a result.
The figure of metals being tried by fire is not uncommon in scripture (cf. 1 Cor. 3:12-15). Here it is designed
to convey to us that our lives are made stronger as a consequence of the trials of this life and without the testing;
patience, strength and maturity would never be reached. While it is common for us to pray for convenience and ease,
for a better, comfortable life; it is really best for us to be tried that we may grow stronger. In the same way
that physical strength is built through resistance, the faith of the inner man is also increased by difficult times.
Maybe, it would be better to understand the dangers of our softness and ease and, therefore, pray for a few good
trials. Strength and character are built under adversity.
By comparison, the proving of their faith was more precious than the proving of the priceless metal, gold. This
proving would produce "praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." What a difference
between the corruptible things and the incorruptible (cf. 1:18-19) -- gold perishes; the faithful Christians lives
on into eternity.
(v. 8) "Whom having not seen, ye love..." While
Jesus lived on the earth He was perceived through the eyes of man as a man -- He had a body, He ate, slept, talked,
and acted, generally, as all men do. After His resurrection, it was imperative that eyewitnesses know absolutely
that the body which had been put in the grave had been raised. Jesus had not merely pretended to be dead and fooled
men -- the soldiers made sure that He was dead. The same nail-scared body that went into the tomb came out of the
tomb three days later alive. It was not an apparition. I have never seen Jesus, though others have. "That
which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon,
and our hands have handled, of the word of life," (1 Jno. 1:1).
Thomas saw and believed -- "My Lord and my God," (Jno. 20:28). Jesus said, "Thomas, because thou
hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed," (20:29).
I have never seen Jesus with my eyes, so how can I believe? I have never handled Him, as the apostles had, and
I have never conversed with Him and heard Him speak, so how can I love Him? My faith is not a blind leap into the
dark hoping that, perhaps, Jesus may be real and seeing that desperation leap as the only answer to my dilemma
in this life. My faith is based upon evidence -- evidence, that demands investigation; that invites the honest
heart to come and see.
The Word (Jesus) was in the beginning with God (the Father). That word became flesh and died that man might be
saved (Jno. 1:14; Rom. 5:6-10). But Jesus who died was raised from the dead and SEEN of men. Our faith is in a
living savior. Jesus, Himself said, "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold I am alive for evermore,
Amen," (Rev.1:18). Though He is not seen now, men believe in Him and love Him, because of the evidence in
God's word. Only in this way can we have REAL joy and happiness, (1 Pet. 1:8).
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