1 Peter 1:5
who through faith are shielded by God's power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
who through faith
The phrase "through faith" emphasizes the means by which believers are protected. The Greek word for faith, "pistis," implies trust and reliance on God. In the context of 1 Peter, faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, abiding trust in God's promises and character. Historically, faith has been the cornerstone of the Christian life, as seen in the lives of early Christians who faced persecution. Their faith was not passive but active, demonstrating a living relationship with God.

are shielded
The term "shielded" comes from the Greek word "phroureo," which means to guard or protect. This military term suggests a vigilant defense, akin to a garrison protecting a city. In the spiritual sense, believers are under the constant protection of God, who acts as a divine sentinel. This assurance would have been particularly comforting to the early Christians facing trials, reminding them that God's protection is both powerful and personal.

by God’s power
The phrase "by God’s power" highlights the source of the believer's protection. The Greek word for power, "dunamis," indicates dynamic strength and ability. This is not a passive power but an active, sustaining force. Throughout Scripture, God's power is demonstrated in creation, miracles, and the resurrection of Christ. For believers, this power is a present reality, ensuring that no earthly or spiritual force can thwart God's purposes for them.

for the salvation
"Salvation" in this context refers to the full realization of deliverance that believers will experience. The Greek word "soteria" encompasses rescue, safety, and preservation. While salvation begins at conversion, it is also a future hope, culminating in eternal life with God. This dual aspect of salvation—already and not yet—encourages believers to persevere, knowing that their ultimate deliverance is assured.

that is ready
The phrase "that is ready" indicates the immediacy and certainty of God's plan. The Greek word "hetoimos" suggests preparedness and readiness. This readiness is not dependent on human actions but on God's sovereign will. Historically, this assurance would have provided hope to early Christians, affirming that God's redemptive plan is unfolding according to His perfect timing.

to be revealed
"To be revealed" speaks to the future unveiling of God's salvation. The Greek word "apokalypto" means to uncover or disclose. This revelation is eschatological, pointing to the end times when Christ will return, and God's kingdom will be fully established. For believers, this promise of revelation is a source of hope and motivation to live faithfully in the present.

in the last time
The phrase "in the last time" situates the promise of salvation within an eschatological framework. The Greek term "eschatos" refers to the final period of history. This concept of the "last time" is prevalent in the New Testament, emphasizing the urgency and importance of living in light of Christ's imminent return. For the early church, this eschatological perspective provided a lens through which to view their sufferings, knowing that their present trials were temporary compared to the eternal glory to come.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle of Jesus Christ, traditionally believed to be the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers facing trials.

2. Believers
The recipients of Peter's letter, likely Gentile Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, who are experiencing persecution and need reassurance of their faith.

3. God
The divine protector and source of power who shields believers through their faith.

4. Salvation
The ultimate deliverance and eternal life promised to believers, which will be fully revealed in the last time.

5. The Last Time
Refers to the eschatological future when God's final plans for salvation and judgment will be unveiled.
Teaching Points
Faith as a Shield
Faith is not just belief but a protective force that guards our hearts and minds against spiritual attacks.

God’s Power in Our Lives
Recognize that it is God's power, not our own strength, that sustains and protects us through life's trials.

The Assurance of Salvation
Our salvation is secure and will be fully realized in God's perfect timing, providing hope and encouragement in difficult times.

Living with an Eternal Perspective
Focus on the eternal promises of God rather than temporary struggles, knowing that our ultimate salvation is assured.

Active Faith in Daily Life
Engage in practices that strengthen faith, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and fellowship, to experience God's shielding power.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that we are "shielded by God’s power" impact the way you face daily challenges?

2. In what ways can you actively strengthen your faith to experience more of God's protection?

3. How does the assurance of future salvation influence your current priorities and decisions?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to maintain an eternal perspective in your daily life?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to rely on God's power and promises during times of trial?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 2:8-9
This passage emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, aligning with the idea that believers are shielded through faith.

Philippians 1:6
Paul speaks of the confidence that God, who began a good work in believers, will carry it on to completion, similar to the assurance of salvation in 1 Peter 1:5.

Romans 8:31-39
This passage highlights the security of believers in God's love, echoing the protection and power of God mentioned in 1 Peter 1:5.

Hebrews 11:1
Defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, which is foundational to understanding how believers are shielded by faith.

Revelation 21:1-4
Describes the ultimate revelation of salvation and the new creation, which is the culmination of the salvation ready to be revealed.
By, Through, UntoAlexander Maclaren1 Peter 1:5
The Heirs Kept for the InheritanceA. Maclaren 1 Peter 1:5
A Lively Hope Generated by Christ's ResurrectionH. Melvill, B. D.1 Peter 1:3-5
A Right to HopeH. W. Beecher.1 Peter 1:3-5
A Seven-Fold Hymn PraiseE. A. Stuart, M. A.1 Peter 1:3-5
A String of PearlsC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 1:3-5
An Ascription of PraiseJ. J. S. Bird, B. A.1 Peter 1:3-5
An Outburst of PraiseU. R. Thomas.1 Peter 1:3-5
An Outburst of PraiseU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 1:3-5
Begotten to the Heavenly InheritanceW. Arnot.1 Peter 1:3-5
Begotten unto a Living HopeD. Davies.1 Peter 1:3-5
Benedictus DeusBp. Andrewes.1 Peter 1:3-5
By, Through, ForA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:3-5
Christian Hope Well FoundedGeo. MacDonald.1 Peter 1:3-5
Christianity Provides a Future1 Peter 1:3-5
Divine Power and Human FaithD. S. Brunton.1 Peter 1:3-5
Easter HopesCanon Liddon.1 Peter 1:3-5
God's Abundant MercyJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:3-5
God's Mercy ManifoldC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 1:3-5
God's Protecting AgenciesT. G. Selby.1 Peter 1:3-5
Great ExpectationsB. D. Johns.1 Peter 1:3-5
How God Keeps His Saints1 Peter 1:3-5
KeptA. G. Brown.1 Peter 1:3-5
Man Blessing GodN. Byfield.1 Peter 1:3-5
Of PerseveranceT. Watson.1 Peter 1:3-5
Salvation Ready for RevelationA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:3-5
Salvation RemedyEssex Remembrancer1 Peter 1:3-5
Shadows of the FutureF. Binns.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Anthem of the RedeemedHomilist1 Peter 1:3-5
The Apostolic BenedictionW. Arnot.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Christian Salvation Described and AcknowledgedJ. Brown, D. D.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Christian's HopeStanley's Life of Arnold.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Christian's Living Hope and Incorruptible InheritanceE. D. Solomon.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Death Test1 Peter 1:3-5
The Divine KeepingE. A. Stuart, M. A.1 Peter 1:3-5
The End of Salvation Ready to be RevealedJ. C. Jones, D. D.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Heavenly InheritanceJ. C. Jones, D. D.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Inheritance of Moral ManhoodJ. Parker, D. D.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Key-Note of the Epistle - the Believer's HopeC. New 1 Peter 1:3-5
The Last Revelation of SalvationW. Arnot.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Last TimeN. Byfield.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Lively HopeThos. Brookes.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Right View of Christ's ResurrectionH. Marriott.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Risen Lord the Christian's HopeJ. E. H. Meier.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Security of the FaithfulJ. W. Reeve, M. A.1 Peter 1:3-5
The Security of the InheritanceW. Arnot.1 Peter 1:3-5
Salvation in its CompletionR. Finlayson 1 Peter 1:3-12
People
Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus
Topics
Age, Faith, God's, Guarded, Guarding, Kept, Power, Protected, Ready, Revealed, Salvation, Shielded, Stands, Unveiling
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 1:5

     1105   God, power of
     1330   God, the provider
     2324   Christ, as Saviour
     3287   Holy Spirit, sealing of
     5480   protection
     5527   shield
     5698   guardian
     8022   faith, basis of salvation
     8168   way, the
     8329   readiness

1 Peter 1:3-5

     1355   providence
     5292   defence, divine
     5705   inheritance, spiritual
     8106   assurance, nature of
     9122   eternity, and God
     9615   hope, results of

1 Peter 1:3-6

     8289   joy, of church
     8665   praise, reasons

1 Peter 1:5-7

     8743   faithlessness, nature of

Library
November 8 Morning
Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.--I THES. 5:8. Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.--Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Sojourners of the Dispersion
'Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered ...'--1 Peter i. 1. The words rendered 'strangers scattered' are literally 'sojourners of the Dispersion,' and are so rendered in the Revised Version. The Dispersion was the recognised name for the Jews dwelling in Gentile countries; as, for instance, it is employed in John's Gospel, when the people in Jerusalem say, 'Whither will this man go that we shall not find Him? Will he go to the Dispersion amongst the Greeks?' Obviously, therefore
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Hope Perfectly
'Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.'--1 Peter i. 13. Christianity has transformed hope, and given it a new importance, by opening to it a new world to move in, and supplying to it new guarantees to rest on. There is something very remarkable in the prominence given to hope in the New Testament, and in the power ascribed to it to order a noble life. Paul goes so far as to say that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Family Likeness
'As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy, in all manner of conversation.'--1 Peter i. 15. That is the sum of religion--an all-comprehensive precept which includes a great deal more than the world's morality, and which changes the coldness of that into something blessed, by referring all our purity to the Lord that called us. One may well wonder where a Galilean fisherman got the impulse that lifted him to such a height; one may well wonder that he ventured to address such wide, absolute
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Father and Judge
'If ye call on Him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.'--1 Peter i. 17. 'If ye call on Him as Father,' when ye pray, say, 'Our Father which art in heaven.' One can scarcely help supposing that the Apostle is here, as in several other places in his letter, alluding to words that are stamped ineffaceably upon his memory, because they had dropped from Christ's lips. At all events, whether there is here a distinct
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Purifying the Soul
'... ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren.'--1 Peter i. 22. Note these three subsidiary clauses introduced respectively by 'in,' 'through,' 'unto.' They give the means, the Bestower, and the issue of the purity of soul. The Revised Version, following good authorities, omits the clause, 'through the Spirit.' It may possibly be originally a marginal gloss of some scribe who was nervous about Peter's orthodoxy, which finally found its
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

By, Through, Unto
'... Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.'--1 Peter i. 5. The Revised Version substitutes 'guarded' for 'kept,' and the alteration, though slight, is important, for it not only more accurately preserves the meaning of the word employed, but it retains the military metaphor which is in it. The force of the expression will appear if I refer, in a sentence, to other cases in which it is employed in the New Testament. For instance, we read that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Sorrowful, yet Always Rejoicing
'Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.'--1 Peter i. 6. You will remember the great saying of our Lord's in the Sermon on the Mount, in which He makes the last of the beatitudes, that which He pronounces upon His disciples, when men shall revile them and persecute them, and speak all manner of evil falsely against them for His sake, and bids them rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is their reward in Heaven. Now it
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The True Gold and Its Testing
'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 honour and glory ...'--1 Peter i. 7. The Apostle is fond of that word 'precious.' In both his letters he uses it as an epithet for diverse things. According to one translation, he speaks of Christ as 'precious to you which believe.' He certainly speaks of 'the precious blood of Christ,' and of 'exceeding great and precious promises,' and here in my text,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Joy in Believing
'In Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.'--1 Peter i. 8. The Apostle has just previously been speaking about the great and glorious things which are to come to Christians on the appearing of Jesus Christ, and that naturally suggests to him the thought of the condition of believing souls during the period of the Lord's absence and comparative concealment. Having lifted his readers' hopes to that great Future, when they would attain to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Christ and his Cross the Centre of the Universe
'Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently ... the things which are now reported unto you ... which things the angels desire to look into.'--1 Peter i. 10, 11, 12. I have detached these three clauses from their surroundings, not because I desire to treat them fragmentarily, but because we thereby throw into stronger relief the writer's purpose to bring out the identity of the Old and the New Revelation, the fact that Christ and His sufferings are the centre of the world's
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

On Perfection
"Let us go on to perfection." Heb. 6:1. The whole sentence runs thus: "Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection: Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God;" which he had just before termed, "the first principles of the oracles of God," and "meat fit for babes," for such as have just tasted that the Lord is gracious. That the doing of this is a point of the utmost importance the Apostle intimates in the next
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Christian's Heaviness and Rejoicing
I would have you this morning, look first of all at the Christian's heaviness: he is "in heaviness through manifold temptations;" and then, in the next place, at the Christian's great rejoicing. I. In the first place, HIS HEAVINESS. This is one of the most unfortunate texts in the Bible. I have heard it quoted ten thousand times for my own comfort, but I never understood it till a day or two ago. On referring to most of the commentaries in my possession, I cannot find that they have a right idea
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The New Nature
In the text there are three points which, I think, will well repay our very serious attention. The apostle evidently speaks of two lives, the one, the life which is natural, born, matured, and perfected only by the flesh; the other, the life which is spiritual, born of the spirit, in antagonism with the flesh, surviving it and triumphantly rising to celestial glory. Now, in speaking of these two lives, the apostle brings out, first of all, a comparison and a contrast between the two births, for each
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Colossians iii. 17
Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. This, like the other general rules of the gospel, is familiar enough to us all in its own words; but we are very apt to forbear making the application of it. In fact, he who were to apply it perfectly would be a perfect Christian: for a life of which every word and deed were said and done in the name of the Lord Jesus, would be a life indeed worthy of the children of God, and such
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

a Condition in Chastisement.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "If need be."--1 PETER i. 6. A Condition in Chastisement. Three gracious words! Not one of all my tears shed for nought! Not one stroke of the rod unheeded, or that might have been spared? Thy heavenly Father loves thee too much, and too tenderly, to bestow harsher correction than thy case requires? Is it loss of health, or loss of wealth, or loss of beloved friends? Be still! there was a need be. We are no judges of what that "need be" is; often through aching
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
"Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow."--1 PETER i. 10, 11. There is a peculiar interest attaching to the writer of this epistle. Although it was probably in old age, when a large experience of labour and sorrow had chastened his spirit,
Knowles King—The Wesleyan Methodist Pulpit in Malvern

Kept by the Power of God
The words from which I speak, you will find in 1 Peter 1:5. The third, fourth and fifth verses are: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which . . . hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible . . . reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." The words of my text are: "Kept by the power of God through faith." There we have two wonderful, blessed truths
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

The Negative Side
What is the relation between the Law and the saint? By the Law we refer to the Ten Commandments engraven upon the tables of stone by the finger of God; by the saint we mean, the believer living in the present dispensation. What, then, is the relation between the Christian living today and the Ten Commandments formally proclaimed in the time of Moses? It is indeed sad that such a question needs to be raised, and that the Divine answer requires to be pressed upon the people of God. There was a time
Arthur W. Pink—The Law and the Saint

The Lord's Supper --Concluded.
We have quoted, noted, collected and compared the words of Scripture that speak of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. We now wish to ask and examine the question: What do these passages taken together and compared with one another teach? Or, in other words, what is the Bible doctrine of the Lord's Supper? Does the Bible teach the doctrine of Transubstantiation, as held and confessed by the Roman Catholic Church? If our investigation of the teachings of the Holy Scriptures convinces us that they
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

Regeneration and Faith.
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."--1 Peter i. 23. There is a possible objection to what has been said above concerning regeneration. It is evident that God's Word, and therefore our symbols of faith, offers a modified representation of these things which, superficially considered, seems to condemn our representation. This representation, which does not consider children, but adults, may thus be stated: Among a
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Perseverance
'Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.' I Pet 1:1. The fifth and last fruit of sanctification, is perseverance in grace. The heavenly inheritance is kept for the saints, and they are kept to the inheritance. I Pet 1:1. The apostle asserts a saint's stability and permanence in grace. The saint's perseverance is much opposed by Papists and Arminians; but it is not the less true because it is opposed. A Christian's main comfort depends upon this doctrine of perseverance. Take
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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