1 Peter 1:8
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
Though you have not seen Him
This phrase emphasizes the faith of the early Christians, who believed in Jesus Christ without having physically seen Him. The Greek word for "seen" is "eidō," which implies not just physical sight but also understanding and perception. This highlights the depth of their faith, which transcends physical evidence. Historically, this reflects the early church's reliance on the testimony of the apostles and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which enabled believers to love and trust in Christ despite the absence of physical sight.

you love Him
The Greek word for "love" here is "agapaō," which denotes a selfless, sacrificial love. This is the same type of love that God shows humanity, and it is significant that Peter acknowledges this love in believers who have not seen Christ. This love is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, producing a genuine affection and commitment to Jesus that is not based on physical presence but on spiritual reality and truth.

and though you do not see Him now
This reiterates the current state of the believers' experience. The repetition underscores the ongoing nature of their faith journey. The phrase "do not see" again uses the Greek "eidō," reinforcing the idea of understanding and perception. This speaks to the Christian experience of living by faith and not by sight, as Paul also articulates in 2 Corinthians 5:7. It is a call to trust in the promises of God and the reality of Christ's presence, even when it is not visible.

you believe in Him
The Greek word for "believe" is "pisteuō," which means to have faith or trust. This belief is not a mere intellectual assent but a deep, personal trust in Jesus Christ. It reflects a relationship built on the conviction of His resurrection and lordship. Historically, this belief was the foundation of the early church's strength and resilience in the face of persecution and trials, as they held firmly to the truth of the Gospel.

and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy
The word "rejoice" comes from the Greek "agalliaō," which means to exult or be exceedingly glad. This joy is described as "inexpressible," indicating that it transcends human language and understanding. It is a joy rooted in the spiritual realities of salvation and the hope of eternal life. The term "glorious" suggests a divine quality to this joy, reflecting the glory of God Himself. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit and a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of believers. It is a joy that sustains and empowers Christians, even amidst suffering and trials, as they look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises.

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

2. Jesus Christ
The central figure of Christianity, whom the recipients of the letter love and believe in, despite not having seen Him.

3. Recipients of the Epistle
Early Christians scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are experiencing persecution and trials.
Teaching Points
Faith Beyond Sight
True faith does not rely on physical sight but on spiritual conviction. Believers are called to trust in Christ's presence and promises, even when He is not visible to the eye.

Love for Christ
The love for Jesus is a defining characteristic of a believer's life. This love is cultivated through a relationship with Him, nurtured by prayer, worship, and obedience to His teachings.

Joy in Belief
The joy described is "inexpressible and glorious," indicating a deep, spiritual joy that transcends circumstances. This joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a testimony to the world of the believer's hope in Christ.

Endurance Through Trials
The context of Peter's letter is one of suffering and persecution. Believers are encouraged to endure by focusing on their love and faith in Christ, which produces joy and hope.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to love and believe in Christ, providing the joy and strength needed to persevere in faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we cultivate a love for Christ in our daily lives, even though we have not seen Him physically?

2. In what ways does our faith in the unseen Christ impact our response to trials and challenges?

3. How can we experience the "inexpressible and glorious joy" mentioned in 1 Peter 1:8 in our current circumstances?

4. What are some practical ways to demonstrate our belief in Christ to those around us?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Hebrews 11:1 and John 20:29, enhance our understanding of faith and belief in the unseen?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 20:29
Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing, which parallels the faith of the recipients of Peter's letter.

Hebrews 11:1
Faith is described as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, reinforcing the unseen belief mentioned in 1 Peter 1:8.

Romans 8:24-25
Discusses hope in what is not seen, similar to the unseen love and belief in Christ.

Philippians 4:4
Encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, aligning with the joy mentioned in 1 Peter 1:8.
Faith, Love, and JoyJ.R. Thomson 1 Peter 1:8
Joy in BelievingAlexander Maclaren1 Peter 1:8
Love - Trust - JoyU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 1:8
The Unique Love to an Unseen SaviorA. Maclaren 1 Peter 1:8
Salvation in its CompletionR. Finlayson 1 Peter 1:3-12
Afflictions a Test of FaithJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:6-9
Believers RejoicingW. Jay.1 Peter 1:6-9
Burnt InJ. C. Jones, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
Christ, Though Invisible, the Object of Devout AffectionJ. Foster.1 Peter 1:6-9
Christian JoyJ. Trapp.1 Peter 1:6-9
Christian JoyE. L. Hull, B. A.1 Peter 1:6-9
Deep JoysT. De Witt Talmage.1 Peter 1:6-9
Genuine Faith More Precious than GoldHomilist1 Peter 1:6-9
Glorified JoysJ. Trapp.1 Peter 1:6-9
Glorious EnjoymentTinling's Illustrations1 Peter 1:6-9
Gratitude to ChristT. Somerville, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
Heart JoysT. De Witt Talmage.1 Peter 1:6-9
Heaven's Discipline of the GoodHomilist1 Peter 1:6-9
Joy and Trial in the Christian's LifeJ. Henry Burn, B. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
Joy in HeavinessF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 1:6-9
Joy UnspeakableT. Leighton.1 Peter 1:6-9
Love a Way to FaithJ. Leckie, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
Love of ChristA. M. Fairbairn, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
Love to an Unseen SaviourS. Hayward.1 Peter 1:6-9
Love to an Unseen SaviourF. Ferguson, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
Love to an Unseen SaviourJ. Hubbard.1 Peter 1:6-9
Love to ChristR. Burns, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
Love to the Unseen ChristJames Cranbrook.1 Peter 1:6-9
Needful AfflictionsW. Swinnock.1 Peter 1:6-9
Perfect SalvationR. W Dale, LL. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
Peter's List of ValuablesA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
Rejoicing Indicates StrengthT. De Witt Talmage.1 Peter 1:6-9
Salvation -- its Subjective ElementsJ. C. Jones, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
Salvation as it is Now ReceivedC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 1:6-9
Salvation the End of FaithAmerican National Preacher1 Peter 1:6-9
Seeing is not Believing, But Believing is SeeingC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 1:6-9
Soul SalvationU. R. Thomas.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Believer's Joyful LoveN. C. Locke, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Christian's Heaviness and RejoicingC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Christian's Joy and the Christian's SufferingsW. Jay.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Duality of Christian LifeJ. P. Lunge.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Duty and Discipline of Christian JoyA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Godly, by Faith, Do Even Here Enjoy SalvationJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Greatness of Salvation1 Peter 1:6-9
The Highest Christian ExperienceU. R. Thomas.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Needs BeJ. Trapp.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Reign of Christ in ChristendomBp. Alexander.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Saints' Joy Notwithstanding HeavinessC. New 1 Peter 1:6-9
The Sweetest Joys Learned in Trial1 Peter 1:6-9
The Testing of Religious FaithU. R. Thomas.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Theology of SufferingsJ. C. Jones, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Trial of FaithThornley Smith.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Trial of FaithR. Watson.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Trial of FaithJ. H. Evans, M. A.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Trial of FaithM. Henry.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Trial of Faith PreciousW. Arnot.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Trial of Our FaithH. S. Brown.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Trial of Your FaithC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 1:6-9
The Use of Trials1 Peter 1:6-9
The Uses of GriefC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 1:6-9
Trial as FireF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 1:6-9
TrialsW. H. Ridley, M. A.1 Peter 1:6-9
TrialsJ. M. Chanter, M. A.1 Peter 1:6-9
Trials and GloryJ. Spencer.1 Peter 1:6-9
Trials are TestsJonathan Edwards.1 Peter 1:6-9
Tried Faith More Precious than GoldJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:6-9
Triumph of the Soul Over TrialJ. Lillie, D. D.1 Peter 1:6-9
Variableness of Christian MoodsH. W. Beecher.1 Peter 1:6-9
Why the Godly Must Undergo Many TroublesJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:6-9
Your Personal SalvationC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 1:6-9
Christian JoyA. Maclaren 1 Peter 1:8, 9
People
Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus
Topics
Believe, Believing, Crowned, Exalted, Exult, Faith, Filled, Full, Gives, Glad, Glorified, Glorious, Glory, Glory-, Greater, Greatly, Inexpressible, Joy, Love, Nevertheless, Present, Rejoice, Seeing, Though, Triumph, Trust, Unspeakable, Unutterable, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 1:8

     5841   ecstasy
     8117   discipleship, benefits
     8296   love, nature of
     8297   love, for God
     8797   persecution, attitudes

1 Peter 1:8-9

     4942   fulness
     8020   faith
     8289   joy, of church

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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