Luke 22:31

Analysis & Commentary

Jesus warns Peter: 'And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.' Jesus addresses him as 'Simon, Simon' (Σίμων, Σίμων, Simōn, Simōn)—repetition indicates solemnity and affection. The warning: 'Satan hath desired to have you' (ὁ Σατανᾶς ἐξῃτήσατο ὑμᾶς, ho Satanas exētēsato hymas, Satan demanded you). The verb indicates Satan requested permission to test Peter (and likely all the disciples—'you' is plural). The purpose: 'that he may sift you as wheat' (τοῦ σινιάσαι ὡς τὸν σῖτον, tou siniasai hōs ton siton). Sifting wheat separates grain from chaff through violent shaking. Satan wanted to prove the disciples' faith was superficial chaff, not genuine grain. This echoes Job's testing—Satan attacks believers only by divine permission, and God limits the test.

Historical Context

This statement reveals spiritual warfare's reality. Satan actively seeks to destroy believers' faith through trials and temptations. The imagery of sifting wheat involves violent shaking to separate what's valuable from what's worthless. Satan hoped Peter's denial would prove his faith was mere profession. But Jesus' intercessory prayer (v. 32) ensured Peter's faith, though tested, wouldn't fail ultimately. Peter would deny Christ three times (vv. 54-62) but would repent and be restored. This teaches that genuine faith survives testing—not because it's strong in itself but because Christ sustains it through intercession. The pattern applies to all believers: Satan seeks to destroy our faith, but Christ intercedes to preserve it (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 2:1).

Questions for Reflection

• What does this passage teach about Satan's role and limits in attacking believers?
• How does Christ's intercession ensure that genuine faith survives even severe testing?
• What comfort should believers find in knowing Christ prays for their faith not to fail?