The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Peter — Section 48

sin ; in cum r,nssion to the human race he came to save; in achieving the redemption which it was his aim and mission to effect. The humiliation, the cross of our Saviour, were endured for the highest purpose; they give no countenance to the ascetic notion that pain is in itseH a 11:ood; but they show us how it may be the means, under the moral government of God, of good of the very highest order. II. 'l'HE GLORY OF CHRIST FOLLOWING UPON HIS SUFFERINGS. 1. This glory was partly personal to our Lord himself. So viewed, the reference is to bis resurrecLion and ascension. The glory which he bad before the world was, by the events which swiftly followed the Crucifixion was enhanced. 2. Glory accrued to Jesus in the establishment of his Church. The Holy Spirit descended, and the signs which accompanied the Word were the incidents of a triumphal progress. The Conqueror, the King, appeared, and a kingdom was set up excelling in majesty and splendour all the powers of the world, and even the empire itself. 3. The world itself became the scene of the Saviour's glory. A new moral principle was introduced into our humanity ; it was seen that weakness and suffering might lead to moral dominion. The very conception of glory itself was glorified through the cross. Spiritual glory was shown to excel all beside. III. 'l'HE CONNECTION BETWEEN CHBIST'B BUFFERINGB AND GLORY. 1. It was a connection predicted in Old Testament Scripture, e.g. in passages in Isaiah and in Daniel. 2. It was a connection foreseen and expected by Christ himself. It is notice- able that, in announcing beforehand the events about to happen to himself, Jesus associated his crucifixion and resurrection as parts of one purposed whole. 3. Though the sufferings and the glory were in striking contrast, the former were the means to which the latter was the end. The one made the other possible, and indeed brought it about. The crown of thorns blossomed into a crown of empire and of majesty -J. R. T. Ver. 13.-Practical Cltristianity. The apostle has been speaking of the loftiest and most cekstial themes-of faith, love, and joy; of revelation and salvation: of prophets and angels; of Christ and of God himself. But he would not have his readers lest in thoughts so sublime; he recalls their attention to the plain and practical duties of this earthly life. He shows that every true Christian is called to be- I. SOBER AS TO LIF~'s PLEASURES. As a reasonable man and a wise teacher, he does not take the attitude of the ascetic. He does not say, "Denounce pleasures! despise pleasures! abstain from and abjure pleasures!" but" Be sober!" Not only in food and drink, but in the various enjoyments and pursuits of life, it behoves the follower of Jesus to practise moderation, self-restraint, and prudence. He should not lie down, stretching himself by the stream, and taking his fill of the waters of enjoyment; he should be satisfied to quaff the refreshing draught as from the hollow of his hand. II. DILIGENT AB TO LIFE'S DuTms. Flowing garments nre all very well for times of ease and festivity; but they must be girded when a journey is to be undertaken, when a work is to be performed, when a warfare is to be waged. If this precaufr>n be not taken, the raiment may be trodden upon, soiled, and tom, and the wearer may stumble and be hindered. So the Christian is bidden to look upon his life as some- thing serious and earnest. He must gird up the loins of his mind, and set about the business to which his Lord has called him. What his hand findeth to do, he is required to do with his might. III. HOPEFUL AS TO LIFE'S AIM:. Peter has been cnlled the apostle of hope, so great is the stress he lays upon this Christian virtue. 1. 'l'he obfect of hope is grace, i.e. a free gift of God. He who comes for streams of refreshment and blessing brings with him nothing but his thirst. 2. The occasion of the satisfaction and fulfil me 1 L of this hope. '!'his is the expected and promised revelation of Jesus Christ. 3. The guality of this hope. The expression is a remarkable one, "Set your hope perfectly." The hope recommended is sure, enduring, joyful, purifying. And as the hope is well grounded, it may fairly be expected to possess this quality, and to exercise accordingly an elevating and purifying power. Such a hope lends cheerfulness to toil. Work.without hope draws water in a sieve, .Alld hope withoui an objeot cannot live.n J. R. T.  THE FIRST EPISTLE GENERAL OF Plll'l'ER. [ou. 1, 1-25.