First Peter - Lorin

The short rather distinctive wording of this doxology lies behind
most of the variations in wording that have surfaced over the centuries
of copying this text, as was discussed above under External
History. Most copyists felt the expression was too short and needed
expansion to “fit” the pattern of 4:11 and the longer expressions typically
found elsewhere in the New Testament (cf. footnote 15).
Literary Context. The literary setting for 5:10-11 is reflected
in the chart. It stands as the final statements of the unit on “Proper
Conduct” in 5:1-11. As such it brings this emphasis on facing persecution
with the right behavior to a climax. Additionally it signals the
end of the discussion on persecution begun in 3:13, and, as well,
functions to bring the letter body to a close (1:13-5:11). Thus Peter’s
over arching message to his readers is a word of praise to God for
taking care of His people during the times of their suffering under
persecution. Such is indeed a fitting climax to this lengthy discussion.
Additionally, then the doxology in 5:11 in particular signals a
transition into the letter Conclusio in 5:12-14. With this word of praise
to God we sense, as did those first listeners to the reading of this
letter, that the letter is almost concluded.
Literary Structure. The block diagram of the Greek text
below in English highlights the unusual grammar constructions in
the two sentences that complete the unit of 5:1-11.
5.10 And
the God...
of all grace
who called you
into His eternal glory
in Christ,
after you have suffered for a while
77 --- Himself will restore
78 --- ------- will support
79 --- ------- will strengthen
80 --- ------- will establish you.
81 5.11 To Him (be) power
for ever and ever;
Amen.
Outline of Contents
in First Peter:
Praescriptio: 1:1-2
• Superscriptio, 1:1a
• Adscriptio, 1:1b-2a
• Salutatio, 1:2b
Proem: 1:3-12
• Core, 1:3a
• Expansion, 1:3b-12
Body: 1:13-5:11
• Holy living 1:13-2:10
• Ideals 1:13-25
• Privileges 2:1-10
• Obligations 2:11-3:12
• Civic 2:11-17
• Haustafeln 2:18-3:7
• Social 3:8-12
• Persecution 3:13-5:11
• Encouragement 3:13-4:11
• Explanation 4:12-19
• Proper Conduct 5:1-11
Conclusio: 5:12-14
• Sender Verification, 5:12
• Greetings, 5:13-14a
• Benedictio, 5:14b
Clearly the text falls into two divisions with the two sentences in the Greek text. The first sentence in verse
10 contains a series of future tense verb expressions (#s 77-80) with God as the subject of all of them. The
focus re-emphasizes the affirmations of vv. 6-7. 18 The language here establishes a close link with the beginning
exposition of Prov. 3:34 in vv. 6-7, as well as picks up key terminology in the proverb with the promise to
(Exod. 15:18), psalms (Ps. 146:10), and prayers (Matt. 6:13), where they possibly served as group responses to solo singing or
recitation. Doxologies conclude four of the five divisions of the psalter (Ps. 41:13; 72:19; 89:52; 106:48), with Ps. 150 serving as
a sort of doxology to the entire collection. Doxologies also occur at or near the end of several NT books (Rom. 16:27; Phil. 4:20;
1 Tim. 6:16; 2 Tim. 4:18; Heb. 13:21; 1 Pet. 5:11; 2 Pet. 3:18; Jude 25) and figure prominently in the Revelation (1:6; 4:8; 5:13;
7:12).” [Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England et al., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible
Publishers, 2003), 441. S.V., “Doxology,” by David W. Music.]
18NRSV. “6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your
anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”
6 Ταπεινώθητε οὖν ὑπὸ τὴν κραταιὰν χεῖρα τοῦ θεοῦ, ἵνα ὑμᾶς ὑψώσῃ ἐν καιρῷ, 7 πᾶσαν τὴν μέριμναν ὑμῶν ἐπιρίψαντες ἐπʼ
αὐτόν, ὅτι αὐτῷ μέλει περὶ ὑμῶν.
Bible Study: Page 291