“Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
My Notes
What Does 1 Peter 5:9 Mean?
"Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." Peter instructs believers to resist the devil (verse 8) with two resources: steadfast faith and the knowledge that other believers suffer the same things. You're not alone in this. The affliction you face is the same affliction your brothers and sisters face worldwide.
The word "accomplished" (epiteleo — to complete, to carry out, to undergo) describes afflictions being performed or carried out — not random events but assignments being executed. The sufferings are accomplished — worked through, completed — as if they're a curriculum that every believer goes through.
The phrase "in the world" (en to kosmo — in the world, throughout the world) globalizes the suffering: this isn't local. Your brothers in Asia suffer the same. Your sisters in Africa endure the same. The affliction isn't unique to your geography, your era, or your community. It's universal.
Reflection Questions
- 1.How does knowing others suffer the same afflictions change your experience of suffering?
- 2.What does 'accomplished' — not just experienced but carried out — teach about suffering's purpose?
- 3.How does global solidarity in suffering combat the isolation suffering produces?
- 4.What brother or sister across the world is enduring the same thing you are right now?
Devotional
You're not the only one suffering. Your brothers and sisters around the world are going through the same afflictions. The suffering you think is uniquely yours is actually universally shared.
Peter offers the most practical form of comfort for suffering: solidarity. Not explanation. Not rescue. Solidarity. You're not alone in this. The same difficulties being accomplished in you are being accomplished in believers across the world. Your affliction has company.
The word 'accomplished' treats the afflictions as something being worked through — a curriculum that produces something when completed. The suffering isn't random. It's being accomplished — carried out, performed, executed — as if it has a purpose that unfolds through the enduring. The affliction is going somewhere.
The global scope — 'in the world' — means your suffering connects you to a community you've never met. The believer enduring persecution in another country. The sister facing loss on another continent. The brother carrying grief in another language. The same afflictions. The same faith. The same devil being resisted by the same steadfastness across every border.
Suffering isolates. It makes you feel like you're the only one. Peter breaks the isolation: you're part of a global company of the afflicted. The suffering that makes you feel alone actually connects you to the widest community imaginable — every believer, everywhere, undergoing the same thing.
You are not alone. The same afflictions are being accomplished across the world.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Whom resist,.... By no means give way to him, by indulging any sin, or yielding to any temptation, but oppose him, and…
Whom resist - See the notes at Jam 4:7. You are in no instance to yield to him, but are in all forms to stand up and…
Whom resist - Stand against him, αντιστητε. Though invulnerable, he is not unconquerable: the weakest follower of God…
Here the apostle does three things: -
I. He shows them their danger from an enemy more cruel and restless than even the…
whom resist stedfast in the faith The word for "resist" is the same as that used in the parallel passage of Jas 4:7.…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture