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The Acts of the Apostles
In the later years of his ministry, Peter was inspired to write to
the believers “scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia,
and Bithynia.” His letters were the means of reviving the courage and
strengthening the faith of those who were enduring trial and affliction,
and of renewing to good works those who through manifold tempta-
tions were in danger of losing their hold upon God. These letters bear
the impress of having been written by one in whom the sufferings of
Christ and also His consolation had been made to abound; one whose
entire being had been transformed by grace, and whose hope of eternal
life was sure and steadfast.
At the very beginning of his first letter the aged servant of God
ascribed to his Lord a tribute of praise and thanksgiving. “Blessed be
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he exclaimed, “which
according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively
hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in
heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
In this hope of a sure inheritance in the earth made new, the early
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Christians rejoiced, even in times of severe trial and affliction. “Ye
greatly rejoice,” Peter wrote, “though now for a season, if need be, ye
are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your
faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though
it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory
at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in
whom, though now ye see Him not, ... ye rejoice with joy unspeakable
and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of
your souls.”
The apostle’s words were written for the instruction of believers in
every age, and they have a special significance for those who live at
the time when “the end of all things is at hand.” His exhortations and
warnings, and his words of faith and courage, are needed by every soul
who would maintain his faith “steadfast unto the end.”
Hebrews 3:14
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The apostle sought to teach the believers how important it is to keep
the mind from wandering to forbidden themes or from spending its
energies on trifling subjects. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s
devices, must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid
reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts.