WHO WAS THE ROARING LION? :

WHO WAS THE ROARING LION? :

*[[1Pe 5:8]] KJ2000* Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

When scripture is not read in its proper context, taking into consideration the audience and the background story, it can easily be interpreted to mean what the writer never intended.

Our opening scripture is one of those verses that have suffered misinterpretation. The word "devil" has for many centuries, been presented to us as a cosmic being. But is that what Peter meant?

To understand this we need to know the background story. The introduction to the epistle gives us what was happening then.

*[[1Pe 1:1]] KJ2000* Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the exiles scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

The epistles of Peter were written between 65AD and 67AD. At that time the early Christians were being persecuted. So some of them were dispersed throughout Rome. They were being persecuted for being Christian ...
*[[1Pe 4:16]] KJ2000* Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

They had become unpopular during the time of Nero. Nero falsely accused them of starting a fire in Rome. Due to this, the Christians were branded evil doers.

*[[1Pe 2:12]] WMTH-JM* Live honourable lives among the Gentiles, in order that, although they now speak against you as evil-doers, they may yet witness your good conduct, and may glorify God on the day of reward and retribution.

It was against this background that Peter wrote to them to encourage them and to advise them on how to conduct themselves among the gentiles.

*[[1Pe 2:17]] KJV* Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

The Greek word translated "devil" is "diabolos" which also means 'a false accuser' or 'a man who opposes the things of God'. It is usually used metaphorically. Seeing that Nero accused the Christians falsely, Peter referred to him as the 'diabolos' (accuser).

"So Brother Afriyie, how about the roaring lion?" I am glad you asked. The term 'roar of a lion' is a figure of speech that refers to the anger or wrath of a king or ruler.

*[[Pro 20:2]] NET* The king’s terrifying anger is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him sins against himself.

*[[Pro 19:12]] KJ2000* The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favor is as dew upon the grass.

Peter was therefore telling them something to this effect, "Be extra careful where you are because Nero, your sworn enemy, the one who falsely accused you is angry with you. He is determined to annihilate the Christians. In the face of these trials don't renounce the faith. Remain strong and steadfast in the Lord for He is coming soon."

Beloved, this is the context in which the term 'devil' was used in the opening scripture. It was a man who lived during their time not a cosmic being. Peter was talking to a particular audience who understood the literary devices he was using not you who is living 2000yrs after the letter (epistle) was written. Shalom!!!

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