The Portrait of the Epistle of Peter

When Peter wrote this epistle he was under persecution and he was aware of the upcoming great persecution that was just about to begin to the Christians in the known world.  So he wrote a letter to encourage and bring hope to a people that were discouraged because of the trials they were going through.  His verse found in 1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; [13] but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. This verse expressed a deep and rich truth to al that would except it by faith.  He was drawing a portrait with words.  His picture was appearing as trials and temptations occurring in the personalities and lives of the Body of Christ.  The uniqueness of this portrait of words was that there is a joy on the face of the personalities going through certain circumstances that were hard to handle.  When Paul wrote to the Philippians he wrote this – Philip. 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. When the Lord is standing guard there is no reason to despair.  As we pull back the pages in the Word of God we are also reminded of the Letter to the Corinthians.  Where Paul wrote this — 1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. So as we learn this important lesson of encouragement and hope let us never forget that we should not be surprised nor should we worry because we have the peace of God guarding us.  Lastly and certainly not of any less importance we have the surety of God making a way of escape from negative circumstances that could cause discouragement and hopelessness.  Be encouraged and rejoice always for the Lord brings growth through it all! He is faithful to us at all times. Even when our faith faith fails His does not! (2 Timothy 2:13)

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Dennis