The God of all grace

Read 1 Peter 5:10-11

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In this closing benediction Peter uses a title unique to this verse: “the God of all grace” (10). It describes beautifully the God who lavishes saving grace upon us in Jesus (Jn.1:16-17; Eph.1:7; 2:7-8; Tit.3:7). Concerning that salvation, “the prophets spoke of the grace that was to come” (1:10), and Peter’s readers have been urged, “set your hope fully on the grace to be given you” when Jesus returns (1:13).

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Once again Peter refers to their suffering (the 18th time the word is used in this letter). It’s God’s grace which enables us to be strong in all our trials (2 Cor.12:9-10). By grace he has called us to be his people (1:15; 2:9) which carries with it a call to share in his sufferings but also in his eternal glory (4:13; 5:1,4; Rom.8:17-18).

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Grace is not only the basis of our future hope but also of our present help (Heb.4:16). God’s help in trials is promised in four ways – he will restore them and make them strong, firm and steadfast. As Christians, we need to “stand firm in the faith” (9) but we are enabled to do that by standing in God’s grace (12; Rom.5:2). It’s by grace that he keeps us strong to the end (1 Cor.1:4,8). So to him be all the praise and glory (11; 4:11).