The Prayers of the Apostles - Booklet Four - 1 Peter 5,10, 11

Extract

The Prayers of the Apostles – Booklet Four
A. W. Pink

1 Peter 5:10, 11

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” 1 Peter 5:10, 11.

There are seven things which we propose to consider regarding this prayer. First, the supplicant, for there is an intimate and striking relation between the experiences of Peter and the terms of his prayer. Second, its setting, for it is closely connected with the context, particularly with verses 6-9. Third, its Object, namely “the God of all grace”—a title extra dear to His people, and especially appropriate here. Fourth, its plea, for so we regard the clause, “who hath called us unto His eternal glory.” Fifth, its petition: “make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” Sixth, its qualification: “after that ye have suffered a while,” for though that clause precedes the petition, yet when treating the verse homiletically, it logically follows it. Seventh, its doxology: “to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” The prayer as a whole is a very sublime one. Its contents are remarkably full, and richly repay a careful study of and devout meditation upon it. Our present task will be rendered the easier, for we purpose making considerable use of Thomas Goodwin’s (1600-1680) excellent and exhaustive exposition of the passage, since we feel he was favoured with much light from it, and wish to share with our readers what has been of no little help and blessing to us personally.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (verse 10). In those words the apostle appealed unto Him who is the Fountain of grace, and with such a One to look unto the chief of sinners need not despair. Next, he mentioned that which gave proof unto all …