Christ (The Example of Suffering)
Category: Endurance in unjust suffering & obedience
Could avoid: Resist arrest, call on angels to defend Him.
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 53:7; Luke 23:34.
Chose: Bore sins on the cross.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 9:28; 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Endured: Suffering for doing good, shame, death.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” (1 Peter 3:18)
Cross-Refs: Romans 5:6–8; Hebrews 12:2.
Why: To bring believers to God.
“…to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)
Cross-Refs: John 14:6; Colossians 1:21–22.
Result: Exalted and seated at God’s right hand.
“Who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” (1 Peter 3:22)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 2:9–11; Hebrews 1:3.
The Believers (Exiles & Sufferers)
Category: Endurance in persecution & holiness
Could avoid: Blend with culture, deny Christ.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you.” (1 Peter 4:12)
Cross-Refs: John 15:20; 2 Timothy 3:12.
Chose: Rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings.
“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:13)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 5:11–12; Romans 8:17–18.
Endured: Insults, suffering, persecution for Christ’s name.
“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed.” (1 Peter 4:14)
Cross-Refs: Acts 5:41; James 1:2–3.
Why: Because they are chosen and set apart.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” (1 Peter 2:9)
Cross-Refs: Exodus 19:6; Revelation 1:6.
Result: Eternal inheritance and glory.
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4)
Cross-Refs: 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10.
Elders (Leaders of the Church)
Category: Endurance in shepherding & humility
Could avoid: Dominate, pursue dishonest gain.
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing.” (1 Peter 5:2)
Cross-Refs: Acts 20:28; Ezekiel 34:2–4.
Chose: Serve willingly and humbly.
“…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 2:3–4; Hebrews 13:17.
Endured: Pressure, responsibility, persecution.
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4)
Cross-Refs: James 1:12; Revelation 3:21.
Why: Because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 3:34; Luke 14:11.
Result: Honour, crown of glory, exaltation.
“You will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4)
Cross-Refs: Revelation 22:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:19.
Christian Endurance (Theological Theme)
Category: Endurance in hope & holiness
Could avoid: Live in fear, return to old ways.
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” (1 Peter 1:14)
Cross-Refs: Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22.
Chose: Live holy and set apart lives.
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15)
Cross-Refs: Leviticus 19:2; Hebrews 12:14.
Endured: Trials refining their faith.
“These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith… may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:7)
Cross-Refs: Malachi 3:3; Job 23:10.
Why: Hope is set fully on Christ’s return.
“Set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (1 Peter 1:13)
Cross-Refs: Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:2–3.
Result: Eternal salvation and glory with Christ.
“…the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 4:17; Revelation 21:4.