1 Peter 1:8

whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory;

Dummelow thought there was a "generous touch"[23] on Peter's part in this. The apostle who has seen, admires, and appreciates the love and joy of the brethren who have not seen(!) reminds us of the words of Jesus, "Blessed are they that have not seen, yet have believed" (John 20:29). Despite the unobtrusive nature of it, there is here a positive implication that the writer of the epistle had indeed seen the Lord, by these words recalling that second meeting with the Lord after his resurrection, in that upper room.

The Greeks had three words for love, these being [@agape], [@eros], and [@fileo]. It is the first of these that Peter used here; and Kelcy has an excellent word on the meaning of it:

It indicates an intelligent and purposeful love, the love which recognizes its object for what it is; it is the love of consideration and care, the love of good will, and the love which desires to serve and promote the best interests of its object.[24]

How can such unspeakable joy and rejoicing exist in the hearts of those whose hearts are burdened with manifold trials and temptations? The answer to this is thundered in the next verse.

[23] J. R. Dummelow, op. cit., p. 1041.

[24] Raymond C. Kelcy, op. cit., p. 26.