Peter explains suffering's sanctifying purpose. "That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God" (eis to mēketi anthrōpōn epithymiais alla thelēmati theou ton epiloipon en sarki biōsai chronon). Purpose of suffering: liberation from "lusts of men" (anthrōpōn epithymiais)—sinful desires characterizing unregenerate humanity. Alternative: living "to the will of God" (thelēmati theou)—God's purposes governing life. "Rest of his time in the flesh" (ton epiloipon en sarki chronon) acknowledges remaining earthly life is brief. Peter urges: don't waste remaining time serving fleshly lusts; live for God's will. Suffering reorients priorities, clarifies what matters.
Historical Context
Persecution forced Christians to evaluate priorities—comfort or Christ? Suffering refined faith, burned away worldly attachments, focused attention on eternal realities. Peter encourages: use suffering redemptively—let it liberate from sin's pull, reorient toward God's will. Early church testimony shows persecution often deepened faith, purified motives, intensified devotion. Tertullian noted: "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church." Persecution paradoxically strengthened Christianity by eliminating half-hearted adherents while purifying committed believers. Modern application: suffering (persecution, illness, loss) can sanctify if we submit to God's will rather than resenting hardship.
Questions for Reflection
How have trials or suffering in your experience helped break the power of specific sinful desires or worldly attachments?
What does it mean practically to live remaining earthly time 'to the will of God' rather than 'lusts of men'?
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter explains suffering's sanctifying purpose. "That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God" (eis to mēketi anthrōpōn epithymiais alla thelēmati theou ton epiloipon en sarki biōsai chronon). Purpose of suffering: liberation from "lusts of men" (anthrōpōn epithymiais)—sinful desires characterizing unregenerate humanity. Alternative: living "to the will of God" (thelēmati theou)—God's purposes governing life. "Rest of his time in the flesh" (ton epiloipon en sarki chronon) acknowledges remaining earthly life is brief. Peter urges: don't waste remaining time serving fleshly lusts; live for God's will. Suffering reorients priorities, clarifies what matters.