1 Peter 5:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

NIV: To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

NASB: To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

CSB: To him be dominion forever. Amen.

NLT: All power to him forever! Amen.

KJV: To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

NKJV: To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Before officially signing off in the following few verses, Peter concludes the substance of his letter with a benediction. This is a type of blessing which often comes at the end of a service or sermon. In this case, the blessing is offered to "the God of all grace" mentioned in the previous verse.

In addition to blessing God, Peter's benediction reflects a simple fact: all of the power and dominion in the universe belong to God, both now and forever more. He will not fail. He will not yield. He will accomplish every purpose according to His own will and in His own time.

For those facing persecution for their faith in Christ, that fact alone offers enormous comfort. The previous verse promised that the God of all grace will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us following this life of suffering. Here, the statement that He will always have the power to follow through on that promise is an anchor for every hurting believer. It is the reminder we need to stay firm in our faith in Him during hard days.

1 Peter 5:1–11 gives specific instructions to elders about how to lead the flock of God willingly, eagerly, and by their own example. All of us must live in humility toward each other and toward God, who opposes the proud. In humility, we cast our anxieties on the Father who cares for us. In alertness, we are to remain clear-minded, looking out for our enemy the devil who seeks to destroy us. We resist him by focusing on staying firm in our faith and trusting God to keep His promises.

Peter concludes his letter to the scattered Christians in Asia Minor with specific instructions. Primarily, these are targeted at those in the role of elder, about how to lead. He also provides counsel for all believers on living in humility toward each other and toward God. In humility, we wait and trust God to exalt us in His time. In humility, we cast our cares on Him. But we’re also called to remain alert, watching out for the devil and resisting him by focusing on staying firm in our faith. After this brief life of suffering, our God will bring our suffering to an end and make us strong forever.

Thus far, Peter has affirmed that Christians have been chosen by God and set aside for His purposes. We should not be surprised by suffering, and we should not respond to persecution by rebelling against our human authorities. Our suffering in both cases points the world to our hope in Christ and allows us to follow in Jesus’ steps. Peter here concludes his letter with instructions to the elders, teaching on humility, and a final warning to be sober-minded and alert.

Some 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are facing greater persecution for their faith. How should they respond? How should we respond to suffering today? The apostle Peter writes this letter both to comfort believers and to encourage them to stay strong. He urges them to put all their hope in their perfect future with Christ, and to obey and trust Him in the present, even in their suffering. Christ suffered greatly; now the Christ-followers have the opportunity to follow Him even in this, showing His grace and power in their hopefulness, obedience, and faith.

Accessed 11/21/2024 12:04:27 PM