Translated by Qwen.
1 Peter 1:3–9 – Commentary by Cardinal Cajetan
[1 Pet 1:3] BLESSED BE THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO ACCORDING TO HIS GREAT MERCY
“For much” [magnam] – undoubtedly it acts effectively, that is, it is the productive cause of many [blessings].
[1 Pet 1:3] HE HAS REGENERATED US UNTO A LIVING HOPE
By analogy with the difference between living water and dead water, he says “unto a living hope” to distinguish it from a dead hope. And he speaks here of baptismal regeneration. For through baptism we are reborn with a living hope, a hope that ever bubbles forth.
And from where this living hope arises, he adds: THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD.
For if Christ has not risen, as Paul says, our hope is vain (1 Cor 15:14).
[1 Pet 1:4] UNTO AN INHERITANCE INCORRUPTIBLE
He explains the object of our hope as “the inheritance.” And this refers back to what he said, “He has regenerated us,” for an inheritance is owed to children. And he says “incorruptible” to signify that it will never come to an end.
[1 Pet 1:4] AND UNDEFILED
For it admits no defilement whatsoever, and therefore no defiled person will receive it.
[1 Pet 1:4] AND THAT FADETH NOT
So that we may understand “incorruptible” with regard to its substance, but “fades not” (immarcescibilem) with regard to its perfection.
[1 Pet 1:4] RESERVED IN HEAVEN FOR YOU
“IN VOBIS” [in you] is read in place of “IN VOS” [for you]. The inheritance of the elect is preserved not on earth but in heaven, namely eternal beatitude. But it is preserved “in vos” [for you], the elect; that is, it is not kept in heaven idly or absolutely like hidden treasures, but is destined to be transferred to you. And he significantly says “for you,” not “into your power,” so that we may understand that this inheritance will ultimately be within ourselves.
[1 Pet 1:5] WHO ARE KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH FAITH
He weighs the condition of the elect: that through faith in the soul they are kept from the evils of the soul, not by their own power but by the power of God.
[1 Pet 1:5] UNTO SALVATION READY
[Marginal note: to be revealed] TO BE REVEALED IN THE LAST TIME.
Full salvation is in a manner hidden until the time of the universal judgment, but then it will be revealed. Even now it is prepared so that it may be revealed when the salvation of souls and of immortal, glorious bodies will be manifest to all.
[1 Pet 1:6] IN WHICH YOU SHALL REJOICE
“pro exultatis” [for you rejoice] or rather “exultate” [rejoice]. For the Greek word is ambiguous between “exultatis” [you exult] or “exultate” [rejoice] with a subjunctive mood; however, the imperative “exultate” fits better. For he admonishes that they should exult now in the hope of that last time.
[1 Pet 1:6] YET NOW FOR A SEASON, IF NEED BE, YOU HAVE BEEN HEAVILY BESIEGED WITH DIVERSE TEMPTATIONS
The admonition “rejoice in the hope of the last time” corresponds well with “for a little while now, if need be, you are afflicted with various temptations.” He touches upon the reason for rejoicing in the hope of future, perpetual happiness, from the fact that “for a little while now,” which encompasses the whole span of the present life, you will be afflicted with various afflictions if need be. And why it is needful, he adds:
[1 Pet 1:7] THAT THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH, BEING MUCH MORE PRECIOUS THAN OF GOLD THAT PERISHETH, THOUGH IT BE TRIED WITH FIRE
[Textual note] The word “fit” [is made] is superfluous, and three words are missing. It should be read: “which perishes, and yet is tried by fire.” And since it lacks a verb, it must be joined to: MIGHT BE FOUND UNTO PRAISE AND HONOR AND GLORY.
[1 Pet 1:7] MIGHT BE FOUND UNTO PRAISE AND HONOR AND GLORY AT THE APPEARING OF JESUS CHRIST
A clear reason is given why we are now afflicted with various temptations: so that proven faith may be found much more precious than gold, worthy of praise, worthy of glory, and worthy of honor. And an argument from the lesser is inserted: if gold, which perishes, is tested by fire, faith, which remains, must be tested all the more. Understand, however, that faith remains with regard to its effect, namely eternal salvation.
[1 Pet 1:7] AT THE APPEARING OF JESUS CHRIST
The time is described when proven faith will be found in honor and glory, namely when Jesus Christ will be revealed, who is now hidden from us as by a veil of heaven.
[1 Pet 1:8] WHOM HAVING NOT SEEN, YE LOVE; IN WHOM, THOUGH NOW YE SEE HIM NOT, YET BELIEVING, YE REJOICE
“pro in quem nunc non videntes credentes tamen exultatis” [instead of: in whom, though now not seeing, yet believing, you exult]. He affirms not only loving, but also believing and exulting without sight. Experience in perfect men testifies to these acts.
[1 Pet 1:8] WITH JOY UNSPEAKABLE AND FULL OF GLORY
[Marginal: Of the more perfect] The inner joy of the perfect in Christ is an unspeakable joy, which no one knows except the one who receives it. It is also in Christ and glorified: both on the part of its matter, because it concerns the glorified Jesus, and on the part of its form, because it is a certain participation of glorious joy.
[1 Pet 1:9] RECEIVING THE END OF YOUR FAITH, EVEN THE SALVATION OF YOUR SOULS.
By believing, loving, and exulting in Christ, you receive the fruit of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
CONTINUE
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