Still, this Simon Peter was, in the end, willing to bear the reproach of Christ, even to martyrdom if need be. He became rock solid in his confession and in courage. Peter is himself therefore a living testimony of the power of grace and what it can make of a man. Grace has a way of making boasters meek, to the astonishment of all, and making of the most timid souls men and women of remarkable conviction and strength. They are Spirit possessed.
Grace puts brute strength to shame time and again.
Now we must notice to whom Peter addresses this epistle, namely, the elect sojourners or strangers. In the interests of smoothness of translation the King James has had to sacrifice something of the power of the original. Reformed pulpits, silent on the truth of God's electing love, assure us it cannot be preached, it has no real practical value. Election is one of those great mysteries best left to God, it has no relevancy to the Christian faith and life. How simpleminded the apostle was, not to have known this.