“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:”
King James Version (KJV)
1:6 Wherein - That is, in being so kept. Ye even now greatly rejoice, though now for a little while - Such is our whole life, compared to eternity. If need be - For it is not always needful. If God sees it to be the best means for your spiritual profit. Ye are in heaviness - Or sorrow; but not in darkness; for they still retained both faith, #1Pe 1:5|, hope, and love; yea, at this very time were rejoicing with joy unspeakable, #1Pe 1:8|.
1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice. In this glorious hope you rejoice. Though now for a season. This implies that a persecution was in progress, or threatened. Manifold temptations. Trials which put faith and patience to the test.