The First Letter of Peter
The recipients of this letter had been suffering various trials and afflictions, and the possibility of greater and more sever difficulties was very real. This letter is addressed to Christians who were scattered throughout the Roman world. In fact, the readers were called "aliens."
The author identifies himself as the apostle Peter, and the contents and character of the letter supports his authorship. Moreover, the letter reflects the history and terminology of the Gospels and Acts, notably Peter's speeches. The book was written about A.D. 64.
1 Peter touches on various doctrines and has much to say about Christian life and duties. It has been characterized as a letter of separation, of suffering and oersecution, of suffering and glory, of hope, of pilgrimmage, of courage, and as a letter dealing with the grace of God. The letter is composed also of a series of exhortations focusing on the call to holy living, especially in anticipation of the end times.
I. Greetings (1:1-2)
II. Praise for God's Grace and Salvation (1:3-12)
III. Holy Living (1:13-5:11)
IV. The Purpose of the Letter (5:12)
V. Closing Greetings (5:13-14)
II. Praise for God's Grace and Salvation (1:3-12)
III. Holy Living (1:13-5:11)
IV. The Purpose of the Letter (5:12)
V. Closing Greetings (5:13-14)
Chapters 1-2, Peter addresses the issue that believers are to live a life of personal holiness as God’s people, even during times of suffering and persecution. He teaches that all Christians are to expect suffering; it is normal and Scriptural for Christians to suffer persecution and even imprisonment and death. Peter explains that our salvation in Christ is secure and that He took our sin on the cross and, “for by His wounds you were
healed” (2:24).
healed” (2:24).
In chapters 3-5, Peter explains that in living holy lives the believer is to, “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (3:15). A part of living a holy life is obeying the commands of Christ and Peter claimed that we are obligated to preach the “Hope that is in you”.
REMEMBER: As a new creation in Christ, we obey the commands by resting in His will. Christ came to fulfill the law. It is impossible for us to keep the law without Christ. For without Christ we are sinners and with Christ we are saints.
He expounds that believers should not be surprised when persecution comes upon them, “be on the alert” because Satan is continuously, “seeking whom he may devour” (5:8). In addition, if the believer does suffer persecution, they are to glorify God and entrust their souls to Him.
continue to 2 Peter...
REMEMBER: As a new creation in Christ, we obey the commands by resting in His will. Christ came to fulfill the law. It is impossible for us to keep the law without Christ. For without Christ we are sinners and with Christ we are saints.
He expounds that believers should not be surprised when persecution comes upon them, “be on the alert” because Satan is continuously, “seeking whom he may devour” (5:8). In addition, if the believer does suffer persecution, they are to glorify God and entrust their souls to Him.
continue to 2 Peter...