Thus Peter wrote to the believers at a time of peculiar trial to the church. Many had already become partakers of Christ's sufferings, and soon the church was to undergo a period of terrible persecution. Within a few brief years many those who had stood as teachers and leaders in the church were to lay down their lives for the gospel. Soon grievous wolves were to enter in, not sparing the flock. But none of these things were to bring discouragement to those whose hopes were centered in Christ. With words of encouragement and good cheer Peter directed the minds of the believers from present trials and future scenes of suffering "to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away." "The God of all grace," he fervently prayed, "who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

Således skrev Peter til de troende på et tidspunkt, hvor menigheden var udsat for særlige trængsler. Mange havde allerede fået del i Kristi lidelser og snart skulle menigheden gennemgå en tid med frygtelige forfølgelser. I løbet af nogle få korte år skulle mange af dem, der havde virket som lærere og ledere indenfor menigheden, ofre livet for evangeliets skyld. Der ville komme glubske ulve, som ikke sparede hjorden. Men intet af alt dette måtte nedslå håbet hos dem, der stod sammen i Kristus. Med opmuntrende ord og fuld frimodighed rettede Peter de troendes sind fra de nuværende prøvelser og de kommende lidelser "til en uforkrænkelig og ubesmittelig og uvisnelig arv." "Men al nådes Gud," bad han inderligt, "som kaldte jer til sin evige herlighed i Kristus Jesus, han vil, efter at I en kort tid har måttet lide, selv fuldt ud berede, styrke, bekræfte, grundfæste jer! Ham tilhører magten i evighedernes evigheder! Amen."