1 Peter 5:8

Sober. Gr. nepho (see on 1 Thess. 5:6; 1 Peter 1:13; cf. on 1 Peter 4:7, where a different Greek verb is used).

Vigilant. Gr. gregored (see on 1 Thess. 5:6, where the word is translated “watch”). The seriousness of the times and the difficulties that abounded led Peter to urge strict self-discipline upon every Christian.

Adversary. Gr. antidikos, “an opponent in a lawsuit,” hence, “an enemy.” The Greek employs the definite article, implying that the identity of the Christian’s enemy is well known — he is the adversary.

Devil. Gr. diabolos (see on Matt. 4:1; Eph. 4:27). Behind all the persecution from which his readers were suffering, Peter sees the archenemy, Satan (cf. Job 1:7).

As a roaring lion. Literally, “as a lion roaring,” that is, as a hungry lion roaring to frighten and to catch its prey — an apt figure of the devil, who, through persecution, was seeking to frighten the Christians, and thus to force them into apostasy.

Walketh about. That is, seeking various means to corner his prey. Peter may have been thinking of Job 1:7, where Satan is depicted as “walking up and down” in the earth.

Seeking. No lion waits for the prey to come into its lair, neither does Satan merely wait for his victims to fall into his snares. He roams at large to find and hunt down those whom he wishes to catch.

Devour. Literally, “gulp down,” “swallow down.” As a lion bolts the flesh of its prey, so the devil would tear his victims from the bosom of the church and swallow them up.