Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Peter 1:6

"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials," — 1 Peter 1:6 (ASV)

Wherein you greatly rejoice. This refers to the hope of salvation. The idea is that the prospect they had of the future inheritance was a source of the highest joy for them, even in the midst of their many sufferings and trials. On the general grounds for rejoicing, see the notes on Romans 5:1, Romans 5:2; Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4; and 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

See also the notes on 1 Peter 1:8.

The particular meaning here is that the hope they had of their future inheritance enabled them to rejoice even in the midst of persecutions and trials. It not only sustained them but also made them happy. That must be a valuable religion which will make people happy in the midst of persecutions and heavy calamities.

Though now for a season. This means a short period—oligon. It would be, in fact, only for a brief period, even if it should continue through the whole of life (compare 2 Corinthians 4:17: Our light affliction, which is but for a moment). It is possible, however, that Peter supposed that the trials they then experienced would soon pass over. They may have been suffering persecutions which he hoped would not long continue.

If need be. This phrase seems to have been included here to suggest that there was a necessity for their afflictions, or that there was "need" for them to pass through these trials. Some good was to be accomplished by them, which made it desirable and proper that they should be afflicted in this way.

The sense is, "since there is need;" though the apostle expresses it more delicately by suggesting the possibility that there might be a need for it, instead of stating absolutely that there was. It is the kind of language we would use regarding someone greatly afflicted, by suggesting to them in the most tender manner that there might be things in their character which God designed to correct by trials, instead of saying roughly and bluntly that such was undoubtedly the case.

We would not say to such a person, "You certainly needed this affliction to lead you to amend your life;" but rather, "It may be that there is something in your character which makes it desirable, or that God intends some good results to come from it that will show it was wisely ordered."

You are in heaviness. In Greek, "You are sorrowing," luphyentev; you are sad or grieved (Matthew 14:9; Matthew 17:23).

Through manifold temptations. This means through many kinds of trials—for so the word translated temptation (peirasmov) means (James 1:2, 12; see also the notes on Matthew 4:1 and Matthew 6:13).

The meaning here is that they now endured many things which were designed to try or test their faith. These trials might have consisted of poverty, persecution, sickness, or the efforts of others to lead them to renounce their religion and return to their former state of unbelief. Any one or all of these would try them and would show whether their religion was genuine.

On the various ways God tries His people, see the notes on Isaiah 28:23 and following.