The apostle Peter experienced many things after coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Peter was able to experience the ministry of Jesus firsthand for approximately three years. Additionally, he experienced the suffering of Jesus and the early days of church persecution.[1] These experiences changed the way Peter viewed himself by not lording over others his position but seeing himself alongside others in Christ. In other words, in time, Peter would model for others what the Lord had taught him (see Matthew 20:25-28).
"As an apostle he could have ordered them to follow his instruction, but he did not take this approach. His appeal is based on the fact that he was one of them and thus understood their problems."[2]
While Peter knew suffering firsthand, he also knew and shared in the hope that all Christians have. In 1 Peter 5:1, Peter states that he would also be a partaker of Christ's glory when He returned. The word partaker (koinōnós) means to be a partner or companion in something. Although Peter observed Jesus’ transfiguration firsthand, he knew that all believers would experience Jesus in His glory one day.[3]
“A partaker – soon the glory will dawn, Christ will appear, and we shall appear with Him in glory.”[4]
While we can only read of Jesus’ ministry and the early church’s sufferings, like Peter, we too will be partakers of the Lord's future glory. One day, all Christians will experience the glory of Jesus when He returns. All the trials, sufferings, and heartaches that we experience in this life will be forgotten on that glorious day.
“When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:4 NASB 95
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] See Acts 3:15, 5:41, and 10:39.
[2] Louis A. Barbieri, First and Second Peter, pp. 82-83.
[3] The Transfiguration provides a preview of Jesus' future glory (see Mark 9:1-8). See also 1 Peter 4:13 and 5:4.
[4] Believer's Bible Commentary, pg. 2374.