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The "Be" Commentary
Be Hopeful (1 Peter): How to Make the Best of Times Out of Your Worst of Times
"Hope is not a sedative; it is a shot of adrenaline, a blood transfusion." Through clever word pictures like this, best-selling author and former pastor Warren Wiersbe preaches the same message Peter preached so long ago. Turning each enlightening page, believers gain increasing confidence in true Hope, a God in whom they don't just wish for eternal life. In Scripture, hope means the promise of salvation for those who have accepted Him and His Son's death and resurrection. Christians who possess this hope and live as though they possess it will learn godly submission, holy living, and harmony with other believers. These qualities will prepare them for what Peter paints in his epistle as inevitable-suffering and persecution. Though Peter is writing to warn a people who would soon be under the tyranny of a heathen Roman emperor, some level of suffering will always be a part of the believers' journey. A time is soon coming when living the "comfortable" Christian life will be far more costly than the life willing to give up all.
176 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1981
261 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
Warren W. Wiersbe
662 books412 followersWarren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 15, 2018
I loved reading this with my husband. It’s been so useful and helpful these past few months. ❤️
October 27, 2014
Trials are coming but Be Hopeful, where there is Christ, there is hope. 1 Peter is a tough book since many Christians are going through trials. Peter wrote to them because he knew "fiery trials" we're about to begin regarding the Christian faith that Paul defended (which he was arrested and released.) But he was arrested again by deranged Emperor Nero who accused Paul and the Christians for the fire in Rome. Both Peter and Paul were slained by Nero. Peters letters were tremendously helpful for Christians who suffered during the reigns of Trajan (98--117), Hadrian (117--138), and Diocletian (284--305). Christians today can learn the value of Peter's letters when they encounter their own "fiery trials."
Be encouraged --we have God's grace and salvation. More to come . . .
Be encouraged --we have God's grace and salvation. More to come . . .
October 31, 2018
Peter wrote this book to Christians who were being persecuted. As such, it give us today hope in the face of any persecutions we may be facing now or in the future.
Mr. Wiersbe did a great job of explaining how everything that Peter said applied to Christians today. He explained, from the Greek words used, exactly what the meaning of the more difficult words meant.
I recommend this book of 1 Peter as an excellent study for today in the face of possible persecution to come. I also recommend Mr. Wiersbe's book as a resourse to gain more valuable insight into Peter's book.
Mr. Wiersbe did a great job of explaining how everything that Peter said applied to Christians today. He explained, from the Greek words used, exactly what the meaning of the more difficult words meant.
I recommend this book of 1 Peter as an excellent study for today in the face of possible persecution to come. I also recommend Mr. Wiersbe's book as a resourse to gain more valuable insight into Peter's book.
December 20, 2022
Nice guide into 1 Peter, broken into 12 sections and read over a 12 week period. Each section had a reading of 1 Peter, about a 10 page discussion of those specifics verses and then roughly 10 discussion questions with some answers coming from the that prior discussion, some asking about your thoughts on the verses, and some relating to application to your life. I thought this structure was helpful and well done.
June 4, 2020
Really helpful guide to the study of 1 Peter. This is part of a great series. Brings out lots of really good points and tackles things well.
July 1, 2009
Be Hopeful by Warren W. Wiersbe is part of his renowned and wonderful Be series digging deeply into each book of the Bible. Be Hopeful focuses on the book of 1 Peter. The book offers historical and spiritual insight while going through the book verse by verse and really breaking it down for readers. Each chapter ends with study questions for further reflection. Peter's message in this book was one of hope, despite the coming persecution he foresaw for followers of Christ, and every word of it is still relevant for believers today. It's an excellent study, and I hope to read more of the series.
July 1, 2009
Another great bible study in the "Be" series. Mr. Wiersbe is a great commentarian and has written some excellent devotionals. This one on First Peter is welcome. That book of the bible is so full of rules and references about submission and suffering that it can be quite daunting to find the hope. This bible study definitely helps to clarify many points in the book. I liked how it went verse by verse and then had the overview of the chapter at the end of each study section rather than taking one theme and picking and choosing the verse. This is definitely a study/commentary about 1 Peter alone. It is a good study for individual or small groups.
I have the 2009 edition
I have the 2009 edition
May 13, 2017
The letter of I Peter in the New Testament only takes 10 minutes to read. It is so rich with great hope and advice, a person can never truly deplete its wonderful message, no matter how often it is read. Even then, much will be missed by the casual reading, and that’s when Dr. Warren Wiersbe’s book “Be Hopeful” is so beneficial. While Dr. Wiersbe is obviously a very educated man, he writes in a style that is easy to understand. The examples and extra stories make for a very interesting, inspiring, and enjoyable reading. Plus, Dr. Wiersbe’s commentaries are very affordable in paperback, and sometimes free as ebooks.
November 20, 2014
Wiersbe reminds us that fiery trials will come to all believers. The question is not if but when. This letter is meant to encourage the reader. This epistle of Peters tells the reader that attitude is important. We are to have a patient attitude toward the lost and an expectant attitude toward Christ and a fervent attitude toward the saints. Suffering is mentioned often by Peter. "...suffering does not automatically bring glory to God and blessing to God' people." Christians are kept for Glory and are being prepared for Glory. In the fiery trials believers are to examine their lives.
September 10, 2016
The boys and I used this as our devotional this summer. It took us a while, but Weirsbe guided us through I Peter and helped us to understand this letter in the context of the rest of the Bible. This commentary helped generate some great discussion, and helped us to pray in some specific ways.
September 24, 2016
Weirsbe is such an application friendly guy, which makes him my best friend. Not only does he present the text as understandable, but he also never waters the Scripture down - unadulterated, pure and alive!
November 3, 2013
A commentary of 1 Peter. I really enjoyed breaking down this book of the bible and being really able to study it.
January 4, 2014
Useful commentary
October 1, 2014
A good devotional commentary on the New Testament book of First Peter. Practical for the layman but with insight and outlines for the Sunday School teacher or pastor.
November 7, 2014
A great help when studying 1:st Peter.
July 19, 2015
Great learning tool
The scriptures were helpful and as always Warren Wiersbe has the greatest lessons for you to utilize in your life. I learned quite a bit.
The scriptures were helpful and as always Warren Wiersbe has the greatest lessons for you to utilize in your life. I learned quite a bit.
Read
February 19, 2016Quick solid outline of the book. (#5--a commentary on a book of the Bible)
September 22, 2024
The book of 1 Peter was written to the “elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” by Jesus’ disciple, Peter. Warren Wiersbe shares his commentary on 1 Peter in Be Hopeful (1 Peter): How to Make the Best of Times Out of Your Worst of Times.
The folks Peter wrote to were suffering. “At least fifteen times in this letter, Peter referred to suffering, and he used eight different Greek words to do so” (p. 22, Kindle version).
Peter wanted to encourage these believers in their faith. “We have noted that the theme of suffering runs throughout the letter, but so also does the theme of glory (see 1 Peter 1: 7–8, 11, 21; 2: 12; 4: 11–16; 5: 1, 4, 10–11)” (p. 24).
Wiersbe notes that the word “grace” appears in every chapter of 1 Peter.
Peter reminds his readers that they were “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3), and they have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (verse 4). The “the tested genuineness” of their faith was “more precious than gold” and would “result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (verse 7).
He reminds them of their call to holiness and of the example of Christ in His suffering and submission.
He tells them not to be “be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (4:12-13). “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (4:19).
Along the way, Peter has instructions to servants, husbands, wives, and shepherds—shepherds of God’s flock, His people. He reminds the flock that they need to be submissive to authority and each other.
And, in one of my favorite verses in the book, Peter says, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (5:10).
More of Wiersbe’s comments:
Wiersbe’s ” Be” books are about the same length. So a book like Isaiah, which has 66 chapters, would be discussed in much less detail. 1 Peter only has five chapters, so each chapter of Wiersbe’s only covered a few verses. Most of the epistles are so packed, it’s good to slow down through them.
All of God’s Word is good, important, needful, and helpful all the time, but I think 1 Peter will be especially applicable to us in the postchristian era of our country and in the days ahead.
The folks Peter wrote to were suffering. “At least fifteen times in this letter, Peter referred to suffering, and he used eight different Greek words to do so” (p. 22, Kindle version).
Some of these Christians were suffering because they were living godly lives and doing what was good and right (1 Peter 2: 19–23; 3: 14–18; 4: 1–4, 15–19). Others were suffering reproach for the name of Christ (1 Peter 4: 14) and being railed at by unsaved people (1 Peter 3: 9–10). Peter wrote to encourage them to be good witnesses to their persecutors, and to remember that their suffering would lead to glory (1 Peter 1: 6–7; 4: 13–14; 5: 10). But Peter had another purpose in mind. He knew that a “fiery trial” was about to begin—official persecution from the Roman Empire (1 Peter 4: 12) (p. 22).
Peter wanted to encourage these believers in their faith. “We have noted that the theme of suffering runs throughout the letter, but so also does the theme of glory (see 1 Peter 1: 7–8, 11, 21; 2: 12; 4: 11–16; 5: 1, 4, 10–11)” (p. 24).
Wiersbe notes that the word “grace” appears in every chapter of 1 Peter.
Grace is God’s generous favor to undeserving sinners and needy saints. When we depend on God’s grace, we can endure suffering and turn trials into triumphs. It is grace alone that saves us (Eph. 2: 8–10). God’s grace can give us strength in times of trial (2 Cor. 12: 1–10). Grace enables us to serve God in spite of difficulties (1 Cor. 15: 9–10). Whatever begins with God’s grace will always lead to glory (Ps. 84: 11; 1 Peter 5: 10) (p. 24).
Peter reminds his readers that they were “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3), and they have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (verse 4). The “the tested genuineness” of their faith was “more precious than gold” and would “result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (verse 7).
He reminds them of their call to holiness and of the example of Christ in His suffering and submission.
He tells them not to be “be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (4:12-13). “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (4:19).
Along the way, Peter has instructions to servants, husbands, wives, and shepherds—shepherds of God’s flock, His people. He reminds the flock that they need to be submissive to authority and each other.
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:5-7).
And, in one of my favorite verses in the book, Peter says, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (5:10).
More of Wiersbe’s comments:
Trials produce what he called “heaviness.” The word means “to experience grief or pain.” It is used to describe our Lord in Gethsemane (Matt. 26: 37) and the sorrow of saints at the death of loved ones (1 Thess. 4: 13). To deny that our trials are painful is to make them even worse. Christians must accept the fact that there are difficult experiences in life and not put on a brave front just to appear “more spiritual” (p. 34).
When God permits His children to go through the furnace, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat (p. 34, emphasis mine).
How can we grow in faith during times of testing and suffering? The same way we grow in faith when things seem to be going well: by feeding on the Word of God (Rom. 10: 17). Our fellowship with Christ through His Word not only strengthens our faith, but it also deepens our love. It is a basic principle of Christian living that we spend much time in the Word when God is testing us and Satan is tempting us (p. 36).
We do not study the Bible just to get to know the Bible. We study the Bible that we might get to know God better. Too many earnest Bible students are content with outlines and explanations, and do not really get to know God. It is good to know the Word of God, but this should help us better know the God of the Word (p. 48).
What does it mean to “sanctify Christ as Lord” in our hearts? It means to turn everything over to Him, and to live only to please Him and glorify Him. It means to fear displeasing Him rather than fear what men might do to us. How wonderfully this approach simplifies our lives! It is Matthew 6: 33 and Romans 12: 1–2 combined into a daily attitude of faith that obeys God’s Word in spite of consequences. It means being satisfied with nothing less than the will of God in our lives (John 4: 31–34) (p. 97).
Christ is with us in the furnace of persecution (Isa. 41: 10; 43: 2). When the three Hebrew children were cast into the fiery furnace, they discovered they were not alone (Dan. 3: 23–25). The Lord was with Paul in all of his trials (Acts 23: 11; 27: 21–25; 2 Tim. 4: 9–18), and He promises to be with us “to the end of the age” (Matt. 28: 20 NASB). In fact, when sinners persecute us, they are really persecuting Jesus Christ (Acts 9: 4) (p. 132).
Wiersbe’s ” Be” books are about the same length. So a book like Isaiah, which has 66 chapters, would be discussed in much less detail. 1 Peter only has five chapters, so each chapter of Wiersbe’s only covered a few verses. Most of the epistles are so packed, it’s good to slow down through them.
All of God’s Word is good, important, needful, and helpful all the time, but I think 1 Peter will be especially applicable to us in the postchristian era of our country and in the days ahead.
October 21, 2023
I love this commentary series. It is written for the benefit of preachers, but all believers would benefit from the wise, measured, moderate words of Wiersbe. It’s not that he doesn’t call you to great things or challenge your ideas, it’s just that he approaches the challenges like he’s a beloved dad or grandfather.
He is older (one paragraph starts - “When World War II was being fought, I was a junior high school student.”), so some of the examples aren’t “relevant” but it is still easy to pull out exactly what he means. Although specifics change, the Truth does not.
This is an excellent commentary series for someone who has never studied the Bible academically. It will make Scripture come alive. It adds context and cultural background, draws out application, and ties the whole of Scripture together in a way that is really helpful to everyone.
He is older (one paragraph starts - “When World War II was being fought, I was a junior high school student.”), so some of the examples aren’t “relevant” but it is still easy to pull out exactly what he means. Although specifics change, the Truth does not.
This is an excellent commentary series for someone who has never studied the Bible academically. It will make Scripture come alive. It adds context and cultural background, draws out application, and ties the whole of Scripture together in a way that is really helpful to everyone.
August 28, 2025
I appreciated the thorough scholarship and easy-to-read style of this book. I am happy to have discovered Dr. Wiersbe's library of commentaries, and will look forward to reading more in the future. Since reading this book, I feel that I have a much deeper familiarity with I Peter, which was my goal. I would have given this book five stars, except for one thing that bothered me. Occasionally, the author veers off into his own strong opinions, which are presented as fact. One opinion in particular was about the idea of submission to authority. In the book, a situation is presented where a boss is mistreating an employee. This book proposes that in this situation, the employee just has to "take it". I would have appreciated a more complex and balanced look at some of these topics. But overall, excellent work and I will look forward to reading more.
November 26, 2019
Warren W. Wiersbe was a great writer. I believe that he passed away this year or sometime last year. He wrote many commentaries that all begin with the word "Be". This one is "Be Hopeful".
The commentary of I Peter is so insightful and Mr. Wiersbe gives many every day examples plus the book is packed full of other Scripture relevant to the verses in I Peter.
This book would help any Bible student to learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ. I highly recommend this book and others in the "Be" series.
The commentary of I Peter is so insightful and Mr. Wiersbe gives many every day examples plus the book is packed full of other Scripture relevant to the verses in I Peter.
This book would help any Bible student to learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ. I highly recommend this book and others in the "Be" series.
August 10, 2022
Excellent Commentary and Bible Study
Be hopeful is an outstanding commentary that digs into the book of 1 Peter. It goes so deep that it almost goes verse by verse. This book will present 1 Peter in a way that I haven't experienced before. This book makes an excellent study of 1 Peter because of h Wiersbe's use of cross references and examples to illustrate the point he is trying to make. I highly recommend this book and I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Be hopeful is an outstanding commentary that digs into the book of 1 Peter. It goes so deep that it almost goes verse by verse. This book will present 1 Peter in a way that I haven't experienced before. This book makes an excellent study of 1 Peter because of h Wiersbe's use of cross references and examples to illustrate the point he is trying to make. I highly recommend this book and I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did.
February 19, 2025
Absolutely phenomenal.
A book of the Bible I have long struggled to understand. Dr. Wiersbe makes everything so easy to understand and is an absolute joy to read. He is accessible, clever, insightful, and is a Biblical genius. I am blown away every time I have the chance to read one of his commentaries.
This one certainly did not disappoint.
A book of the Bible I have long struggled to understand. Dr. Wiersbe makes everything so easy to understand and is an absolute joy to read. He is accessible, clever, insightful, and is a Biblical genius. I am blown away every time I have the chance to read one of his commentaries.
This one certainly did not disappoint.
August 27, 2018
We all face troubles and difficult times. Peter gives us hope and advice as we move through these troughs. As usual Warren Wiersbe brings out the subtle and historically appropriate wisdom in Peter’s words. A challenging read well worth the effort.
March 13, 2020
Great wonderful commentary, I took notes on this after I did precept study. Loved this book. One of my favorite quotes was, "it doesn't take long to get use to the dark" I absolutely love Warren Weirsbe writing style. All the Be devotionals are worth your time
April 26, 2022
I read this series alphabetically, so basically it's not sequential, but it's also good for we could mixed old and new testaments between read.
The main theme in this book was grace. It's not a deep soteriology, but more on light commentary through the point of each verses or group of verses.
The main theme in this book was grace. It's not a deep soteriology, but more on light commentary through the point of each verses or group of verses.
August 23, 2024
Great Book by Wiersbe (a favorite) on the book of Peter! We did this in my Chronic Pain small group at church and it was really good, with thought provoking questions at the end of each short chapter! This is the 2nd book of this series I have read, and hope to read more!
March 6, 2020
Great work, offering an in-depth study of 1 Peter, making a good connection to other Old and New Testament passages and providing a better understanding of God's character and plan.
July 5, 2020
Descent commentary. I've read a number of Wiersbe's books but I didn't like this one as much as some of the others.
July 13, 2020
Be Hopeful
Dr. Wiersbe is always encouraging and brings the Scriptures to life. Having already done two in-depth studies in this book, I still found more gems to reading this study.
Dr. Wiersbe is always encouraging and brings the Scriptures to life. Having already done two in-depth studies in this book, I still found more gems to reading this study.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews