I Peter 1:6-7, "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."

Peter understood what it meant to have your faith tested. Three times he denied his Lord and three times Jesus asked him, "Do you love me?" However, it was the persecution he suffered that prompted his message to the Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire.

The book of I Peter was penned by the apostle in approximately 63 or 64 A.D. to the church on the eve of Nero's persecution. The persecution which followed spread throughout the known world reaching the Christians scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

I Peter 5:4, "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

Through the words of I Peter we are reminded that the trial of our faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Though we have not seen Him, yet believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory knowing that a crown of glory, that will not fade away, awaits us at His appearing.

Through Peter's words we are reminded of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, through His sufferings, was intended for the glory of God through Jesus Christ our Lord for all those who believe in His name.