In this chapter, St. Peter addresses the issue of sufferings. 1. Sufferings and forsaking lusts: verses 1-4 2. Sufferings and the judgment: verses: 5-11 3. Sufferings and the glories:verses: 12-19 1. SUFFERINGS AND FORSAKING LUSTS70 “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (v. 1). The beginning of man’s fall was his desire to be independent from God, to be liberated from God’s will; thus, his thoughts live in the spirit of darkness and in the flesh. When man started to submit to the lust of the flesh, he lowered his head, so he could not see heavenly matters, but only earthly matters as if he will live forever here on earth. The Lord Jesus suffered for us in the flesh, offering us His cross to put out sin living in the flesh, to put to death our inner corruption and to restore health to our bodies; therefore, we can say, “How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Knowing this that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with...” (Rom. 6:2,6). “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God” (v. 2). The lusts of the flesh are put out; thus, we live the rest of our sojourn according to the will of God, according to His power and not according to the lusts of the world. “He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:15). St. Clement of Alexandria said: “The cross of our Lord became a fort, a refuge against our former sins. 70 Book of “Divine Love”: “Christ was crucified for me.” 79 Therefore, since we are renewed, let us be steadfast in the cross, in the truth, and 80 restore our sanctification71.” “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in licentiousness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries” (v. 3). St. Peter rebukes us in gentleness so that the days of our sojourning are few. We have lost enough time because of our evil conduct in doing the will of the Gentiles. Instead of the human nature with all its thoughts and lusts, we have the Crucified Christ working in us; therefore, through Him, we become victorious over these lusts. “In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (v.4). Pagans are perplexed how we, the believers, can take off the old man, whereby we are no longer attracted to the dissipation in which they lived. In their confusion, they blaspheme by saying that this is due to the suppression, deprivation and ignorance of the believers without realizing how much happiness the beleiver experiences. A lustful man convinces himself that no one can live in purity; thus, he sees the human race very weak, and if he sees any pure man, he thinks that he is hypocrite. In the same manner, the struggling believer, who is attached to the Lord’s cross, is astonished by the fact that others cannot taste the sweetness of the pure and holy life. After St. Peter talked about the effect of the sufferings of the Lord in the life of the believer, he encourages him to endure sufferings by lifting his sight to the Day of Judgment. 2. SUFFERINGS AND THE JUDGMENT “For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit” (v. 6). St. Peter proclaims to those who are suffering that the Lord is ready to judge. Judgment is drawing near. How can we possibly not endure suffering joyfully 71 Instructor 3 : 12. 81 or fear those who blaspheme against us? He judges the 82 living and the dead, that is He judges the saints living by the Spirit as well as the dead who died in sin. He also judges the living who have not yet departed to His Second Coming, for in a moment they will be transformed. He does not forget those who preceded and slept in the flesh. Everyone, whether young or old, since the creation, receives his reward. For this reason, the Judge, the Lord Jesus, preached to the dead. Who are the dead? 1. Perhaps he meant those who departed from this world that carried their sufferings for the sake of the faith, those whom people have judged according to the flesh and condemned as deserving death, eventhough, in God’s eyes they are alive. 2. The Judge has preached to the dead in the Spirit (Matt. 8:22& John 5:25), that is sinners, so they may repent and live according to the Spirit. St. Augustine said: “St. Peter does not mean to describe only what happens in Hades, for the Gospel is now preached to the dead, that is, the evil unbelievers. So whenever they believe, they are judged by many tribulations and mortifying of the flesh itself. Then, they live for God according to the Spirit, where their spirits were dead when they were enslaved in their unbelief and evil doings72.” What are the fruits of our continuous meditation in the Lord’s Second Coming? The early church, especially among monks, used to practice three exercises, which were considered basic for the life of a believer. 1. Visiting cemeteries. 2. Practicing the prayer, “Lord Jesus, have mercy upon me”, or the continuous prayer, which St. Augustine called the directed prayer because it is directed against the devil who is defeated by the arrows of prayer. 3. Remembering the day of judgment and the Second Coming of the Lord. St. Peter says: “Be serious and watchful in prayer” (v. 7). Remembering the day of judgment subdues our carnal lusts; thus, one should live alert, that is, submitted to his spiritual mind and not 72 Letter 164 ch. 7 83 to his carnal lusts. St. Anthony defines the alert as: “Those whose souls 84 are alert, can discern between good and evil, heed wisely to what is good and for edification, and practice it with great thanksgiving to God73.” Let us be serious and watchful, so we do not end up with those whom Hermas74 saw as lazy, old and unable to move. When asked about the reason, he replied, “because your spirits are old, you lost your power because of your weakness and doubts. You became like old people who lost hope in renewing their strength and do not expect except to sleep their last sleep. Thus, you weakened because of the worldly cares and surrendered yourselves to idleness and did not cast your cares upon Him (I Peter 5:7).” “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’” (v. 8). Our goal in worship is to attain continuous prayer and to be continuously in the bosom of God; however, this is of no use if it is not supported by fervent love for our brothers, love which stems from the depth of the inner heart. Love covers the sins of others; hence, God covers our sins and forgives us and makes us enjoy quiet prayers75 acceptable to Him. Thus, our unity with God abounds. St. Clement of Rome said: “Love unites us with God, for love covers a multitude of sins76.” This love stems from reflecting on the Day of Judgment. God never forgets a labor of love, even a cup of cold water, and He does not forget its reward. When we lift our eyes to the Day of Judgment, we desire to see, even those who trouble us as angels of God, participating in praising and glorifying God. This creates in us a deep spiritual love. “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (v. 9). Reflect on the Lord’s Second Coming, on being called by name, on being in fellowship with Him, and on His eternally accepting us joyfully into His bosom. This should drive us to open our hearts and houses to our brothers, even if they are strangers; thus, we invite them to our houses without grumbling and with great joy. 73 Filokalia p. 19 74 The Pastor Book 1 vision 4. 75 Refer to the interpretation of St. James 5:20 & article of Fr. Isaac in Kassian letters p. 210. 76 St. Clement bishop of Rome, p. 40. 85 Because our fathers the monks heeded the call to be hospitable to strangers, they sometimes would take a break during their fasting hours for the sake 86 of the strangers. They did not bar themselves from offering a sacrifice of love to God. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever, Amen” (v.10 & 11). The more a believer directs his vision toward eternity, the more he stirs up the gift(s) which he has received from God. Here, we notice the following: 1. St. Peter said, “As each one”, which means that there is none in the church who does not have a gift from God, whether a child or an old man, whether male or female, whether a priest or a lay man, whether a celibate, married or widowed, for we are all members in the mysterious Body of Christ, and there cannot be an idle member without a function in that Body. 2. “Has received a gift”, which means that no member deserves credit in whatever gifts he has. St. John Chrysostom said: “God distributes His gifts with the measure that is fit for our salvation.” God gives one person fewer gifts that someone else, not because He does not love him as much, but because He known he cannot use more than that gift. If God offers him more gifts, he will become negligent. God offers another person more gifts than the other, not because he is better than his brother, but because God knows that that person can work with that many gifts, and without all of those gifts, he will fail in his job. Hence, God does everything that is good for our salvation. 3. “As good steward of the manifold grace of God”, meaning that these gifts were given from God’s hand, not for vain glory but for the ministry of the church and all entire human race. St. John Chrysostom said: “There are different members in the church, some are more honorable than others, for example, some celibates, some widows, 87 some married and all compliment one another. One’s gift may be less than the other’s, but it may be indispensable, so if that member is delayed from his job, many other jobs will be delayed77.” 4. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” As the preacher allows himself to diminsih so that the Word of God can clearly manifest, anyone who is granted a gift from God also has to know that he cannot use it unless God gives him the power to implement it. The word “Amen”means “let it be so!” Thus, the Father is glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and dominion. 3. THE SUFFERINGS AND THE GLORIES: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (v.12 & 13). This statement reveals the severe persecution, which the church had to go through in Asia. It is for this reason that he calls it “the fiery trial”. Temptations and sufferings are essential in the believer’s life. Even though they are fiery trials, they are beneficial for two reasons: 1. To try them: a student during exams stays up late at night studying, but he joyfully does it for the success to come. Gold and silver are purified in the crucible to burn the impurities, so they will have a more brilliant shine. St. Cyprian the Martyr79 encouraged the people of Thibares to embrace martyrdom when he said: “The apostle is teaching us the same 77 Brotherly Love, p. 423 – 424. 79 Epistle 55 (Exford ed. Epistle No. 28) 88 commandments of the Lord and the heavenly teachings. The Lord is encouraging us saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come everlasting life’ (Lk. 18:29,30). He says, ‘Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did it to the prophets’ (Lk. 6:22,23). The Lord wants us to rejoice and leap for joy in tribulations, for where there are persecutions, crowns of faith are granted and the soldiers of Christ are purified and the heaven is opened to the martyrs.” A believer has to go through these tribulations, whether during persecution or during peaceful times, for Satan’s war againstGod’s children is perpetual. The war does not have to be external; it may be against internal sin. St. Cyprian said in his eleventh epistle: “During persecution, man is crowned with a crown of martyrdom. Also, during peaceful times, man is crowned with the crown of a pure conscious80.” 2. “ As you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice...”: The secret of our joy is not just being purified to receive the crown, but to partake in the sufferings of Christ... What great glory when we have a share of His suffering! St. John Chrysostom said: [“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us so our consolation also abounds through Christ.” (2 Cor. 1:5) He elevates our souls, considering our 80 Oxford edition letter # 13 89 sufferings dedicated especially for Him. How great is our joy when we are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, and for His sake, we suffer! 81] “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified” (v.14). As long as the sufferings and the reproaches do not stem from personal enmity or from a mistake that the believer has committed, but instead in the name of Christ, he is blessed. The secret of this blessing is that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of glory, dwells in him for the sake of the Lord. It dwells in him to carry his labor, to support him, and to grant him glory. Thus, the evil person blasphemes against the Holy Spirit in the person of the believer. “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, or evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (v.15 & 16). One may be ashamed if he is punished because of committing crime, murder, robbery or evil doing. However, if he endures sufferings as a Christian, that is, because of his relationship with the Lord Christ, then he glorifies God. As the Lord Jesus told His disciples, “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you... In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 15:20&16:33) 82. However, one may complain by asking: Until when are we going to endure suffering for the sake of glory? St. Peter confirms his answer by saying: 1. The time has come for judgment. 2. Salvation requires strife and perseverance. 3. We are in the hands of the Faithful Creator. 1. The time has come for judgment: “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us 81 Divine Love p. 360 – 361. 82 Refer to article of sufferings in the book of “Divine Love”, p. 355 – 366. 90 first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (v.17). Perhaps St. Peter meant that the Lord has ordered the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s 91 temple because the Jews have rejected the Lord and persecuted His disciples. This is proof that the judgment will come, and there is no need to feel hurried. Therefore, the believer can patiently endure hardships while waiting for eternal glory. 2. Salvation requires strife: “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (v.18). St. Peter is trying to calm those who cannot wait for God’s judgment because of their sufferings. He is telling them that the salvation of one’s soul is not easy, but requires struggle and effort. Since the Lord Jesus said, “...The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent takes it by force” (Matt. 11: 12); therefore, we, the sinners, should patiently endure sufferings for our salvation. He reminds us with the Lord’s saying, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate” (Lk. 13:24). Hence, every vespers we pray saying: “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where shall I the sinner appear. The burden and the heat of the day I could not endure because of the weakness of my humanity, therefore, O merciful God, consider me as one of the eleventh hour... 83” St. Anthony said: ”We cannot say that behaving in righteousness is impossible, but it is not easy. You cannot become wise or good in a moment, but you need to study, practice, and to continuously struggle84.” Therefore, we are required to endure afflictions voluntarily, that is, to crucify our lusts and to offer the sacrifice of voluntary poverty and the labor of piety and sacrifice for the sake of the love of the Lord Jesus. 3. We are in the hands of the Faithful Creator: “Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (v. 19). The Lord Jesus led by example when He cried out on the cross saying, “Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46). Why do you fear sufferings when the Lord has assured us that not one of our hairs can fall without our Heavenly Father’s permission? He is the Beneficent, as the church calls Him in all prayers; therefore, we 83 Agbeya Prayers. 84 Filokalia p.22, 29 92 submit to Him our 93 lives. If He allows temptations, it is for our own good, just as the clay surrenders to the hands of the potter. Even if we enter the oven, it is sufficient that the eyes of the Potter are on us all the time. He knows the right temperature, the correct position inside the oven, and the time needed to prepare us as vessels for honor. When sickness or troubles surround a child, his father and mother show more love to him and give him more attention; likewise, when tribulations surround a believer, God and the church are more compassionate toward him.
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