As Peter wraps up this last section of his letter, and before his closing remarks, he inserts a brief doxology. Take a look at it in 1 Peter 5:10-11.

This brief exhortation of praise is typical throughout the New Testament, and is used frequently, especially in Paul’s letters. Peter follows suit here and offers a brief doxology, and gives some final encouragement to his readers while doing so.

In this brief statement, Peter revisits three of his central themes, those of grace, salvation and suffering.

First, Peter calls God the “God of all grace.” This is in keeping with his theme of the grace of God that runs through this entire letter. Peter continually emphasizes God’s grace over and over to his readers, and has done so in places like 1:2, 1:10, 3:7, 4:10, and 5:5, just to name a few.

Second, Peter again emphasizes that God has called his readers to new life, a thought he has addressed in 1:2, 1:15, 2:9 and 3:9.

And third, Peter reminds his readers that they will experience suffering for their faith, such as in 1:6, 3:8, 4:1, and 4:12.

You might ask why he reminds his readers of these things after writing a whole letter talking about them. He gives his answer to that question in the next phrase. Christ will restore them, and us, and make them strong, firm and steadfast. God will hold us close, and reward faithfulness in the face of suffering for his sake.

What better place to be than safe in the arms of God? When we suffer for his sake, the promises of care, of strength, of restoration can help us remain steadfast and persevere.

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

Question: What does this promise do for you? Does it encourage and strengthen you to know that God will one day bring about the restoration we so long for? How does this help you? You can leave a comment by clicking here.