1 Peter 5:9

Resist. Gr. anthistemi, “to withstand,” rather than “to resist,” for which another verb is used in v. 5. Compare comment on Acts 18:6; Rom. 13:2, where anthistemi is translated “to oppose,” “to resist.” Peter admonishes the believer to make a firm stand against the devil, not allowing the adversary to gain the victory (cf. on James 4:7).

Steadfast. Gr. stereoi, “solid [ones],” “hard [ones],” “firm [ones]” (see on 2 Tim. 2:19). The apostle wants us to present a solid, rocklike front against the devil’s attacks on our faith. A cowardly attitude will not bring victory, but a courageous stand will turn back the enemy.

In the faith. The Greek may also be translated, “firm in your faith.” For the concept of “faith” as a body of beliefs compare on Acts 6:7; Rom. 1:5. Another possible interpretation is “by the faith,” that is, in harmony with the faith Peter’s readers have already displayed (cf. 1 Peter 1:5, 7, 9, 21). The two interpretations may be combined in the thought that the faithful Christian, if grounded in his beliefs, is well equipped to withstand the devil’s onslaughts.

Knowing that. Or, “knowing how.”

The same afflictions. Literally, “the same things of sufferings.” The exact meaning may be, “the same tax of suffering is being paid.”

Accomplished. Gr. epiteled, translated “to perfect” in 2 Cor. 7:1, but used in classical Greek in the sense of “to pay in full,” which sense may well be intended here.

Brethren. Rather, “brotherhood,” as in ch. 2:17.

In the world. This must mean, “in other parts of the world,” since Peter’s readers were themselves also living in the same hostile world as their brethren. For comment on “world” (kosmos) see on 1 John 2:15. The complete passage, “knowing that ... in the world,” bristles with grammatical difficulties, but two interpretations are possible: (1) knowing that the same tax of suffering is being paid by the brotherhood in other parts of the world, or (2) knowing how to pay the same tax of suffering as the brotherhood in other parts of the world.