1 Peter 5:10-11 10And the God of all grace, the one who has called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered, he himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish. 11To him be the sovereignty forever and ever. Amen.
Peter gives a simple benediction as a blessing and promise. It is a statement of assurance and an example of the type of faith and confidence about which he has written in this letter. He returns to the topic of suffering, which has been a steady theme throughout the letter. The early believers in Asia Minor faced many challenges because of their faith in Jesus, even reaching the point of life-threatening persecution. Trials and tribulation bring temptations to give up or turn away from the difficult situation by conforming to social pressures to avoid shame and rejection. Believers might find themselves isolated and feeling like they cannot stand on their own, which they cannot. Human strength usually fails as the pressure increases.
Peter reminds his readers to look to God as the resource to help them through their troubles. He describes God in several significant ways that provide assurance to suffering Christians.
The first description of God of all grace reminds the readers of God’s salvation in Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life. In this short letter, the word “grace” (charis) occurs eight times (1:2, 10, 13; 3:7; 4:10; 5:5, 10, 12). God’s grace does not run out and never be exhausted but is endlessly available. Peter lists four examples using future tense verbs of how suffering and humble (5:5) believers experience grace. The words are similar in meaning and build intensity and emphasis about God’s resources to help Christians. Restore (katartisei) means to put something back together, to make it function well, to mend or fix, or to get something ready to be used again. God restores our broken lives and gives us hope for a better future. Confirm (stērixei) is related to the English word “strengthen” and means to setup, establish, and give purpose. From our brokenness and lostness, God gives us a clear reason to live and serve. Strengthen (sthenōsei) occurs only here in the New Testament and has a similar meaning of making a person strong. Establish (themeliōsei) gives the image of laying a strong foundation and firm basis. Each of these emphasize how God will supply all we need according to his riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Second, God is the one who calls. Because God is gracious, we have hope for a better future. Since this world is not our final destiny, whatever happens to us in this lifetime is not permanent. The greatest faith is to hope for an existence beyond death. Without hope of resurrection, we might as well eat, drink, and be merry (Ecclesiastes 8:15; 1 Corinthians 15:32), but those are difficult to do when persecuted. Even the best the world offers is usually not an option for those suffering.
Third, Peter reminds his readers of God’s sovereignty (kratos), power, and might. Since God is in control, we need not fear what people can do to us. We will be vindicated in the end. God’s power is available to us in Christ and experienced through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Faith is the essential key that enables us to persevere through life and ultimately emerge victorious. That does not mean we will not have scars or have a healthy and carefree existence. We may have to face trials of many kinds, but God will help us through them. These verses echo the thoughts of chapter 1. Our faith may be tried through fire and trouble, but it will come out purer when we put our faith in God.