The Virtuous Excellence – Part 4

Concerning "The virtue", by and large, it's marked by the character quality of courage. By
definition, classically, virtue is – courage/fortitude or manliness. Hence Peter's imperative command to
the Saints scattered across the Roman colonies (I Pet. 1v1 c.f. II Pet. 3v1) to "supply" – v5; he is asking
of the followers of Christ identified as "Aliens" to furnish besides or alongside their faith – "courage".
The outworking of it must flow by and by; over and above – in the face of relentless opposition. Now,
considering the historical context of the native recipients of the epistle, their prevailing religious and
political situations under emperor Nero was unconceivably critical and trying. However, it was in context
that their salvific faith needed to manifest with courage (I Peter. 3v15). It was; as it should be a great
privilege and honor to suffer on the account of the Lord's Name (Matt. 5v11 – 16). Our motivation to
persevere, is and must always be "the glory of our Father who is in heaven".