1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith. The words of 1 Peter 1:6 , "if need be," point to the purpose and end of the temptations. St. Peter proceeds to develop his meaning. The word rendered "trial" ( δοκίμιον or δυκιμεῖον ) means rather "test or proof;" it is explained by Dionysius of Halicarnassus ('Rhet.,' I1) as that at which, when one looks, he is able to form a judgment. Cremer says it is "not only the means of proof itself, e.g. the touchstone, but also the trace of the metal left thereon. Hence here and in James 1:3 τό δοκίμιον τῆς πίστεως is the result of the contact of faith with temptations, that in virtue of which faith is recognized as genuine—the verification of faith." Dr. Heft ('Notes on Select Readings') prefers the reading τὸ δόκιμον , which is given by two of the better cursives. He says, " τὸ δοκίμιον is the instrument of trial, not even the process of trial, much less the thing fried; while it is only the thing tried that can be compared, as here, to gold refined in the fire." Compare the use of the cognate word δοκιμή in 2 Corinthians 2:9 ; Romans 5:4 ; Philippians 2:22 . Being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire; rather, as in the Revised Version, more precious than gold . Gold is the most precious of metals, faith is more precious far; the proof of faith is more momentous beyond all comparison than the proof of gold. Gold perishes; "Consumitur annulus usu," says the poet; "Aurum cummundo perit," says Bengel; but "Now abideth faith, hope, charity," says the apostle. Gold is tried with fire; as by the purifying fire gold is purged of dross ( Isaiah 1:25 ), so by the refining fire of temptations the faithful are cleansed from pride and self-reliance and the pollutions of sin. Might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ; "might be found" at the judgment, in the searching investigation of the great day. Praise; in words, "Well (lone, good and faithful servant." He, our; in the distinctions granted to the faithful—the crown of righteousness, the white robe, the palm. Glory ; the glory which was Christ's before the world was, which he giveth to his chosen ( John 17:22 ). At the appearing; rather, revelation . Now we see him only by faith ; then his elect shall see him as he is—the veil will be withdrawn (see Philippians 2:5 ).