Peter could have been written as early as 44 AD. Like James, Peter’s primary audience could be
Jewish believers. After all, he was Apostle to the Circumcision, yet he
application of the letter would still work for all believers.
1Pet 1:1 (NKJV) “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and
Bithynia,”
"Diaspora" is the Greek
word for scattering, and took on a kind of technical meaning for the Jews who were
scattered among the nations. Peter and
James (1.1) uses the word in the beginning of their letters. James clearly is addressing Jews. For Jews, originally, the Diaspora was the
result of Divine judgment, yet in the book of Acts, it could be for persecution,
as what happened in Jerusalem, Acts 8.1, 11.19.
The scattering due to persecution in Acts 8.1 and 11.19 only speaks of
Judea, Samaria and Phoenicia, Antioch, and Cyprus.
The scattering reference would make it seem Peter has Jews primarily in mind,
since Peter addresses those in Roman Provinces of then Asia Minor, and these
places are home to gentiles. (Provinces are administrative districts under a
governor like Judea was under Felix).
In a broader application sense, it can speak of the reality that all
believers are really not at home in this world.
We are all temporarily residing in this world.
This reality can help a believer to have a proper perspective in this life,
especially during difficulties of life.
We want a comfortable, settled existence, but this world is affected by
sin, and we can suffer with it.
1Pet 1:2 (NKJV) : “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,
in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of
Jesus Christ:”
These “pilgrims” (sojourners,
strangers, exiles, aliens, settlers, temporarily residing—the various
translations), are identified as “elect” (or “chosen”) –the word comes before
"pilgrims” in the Greek.
God foreknew a people for his purpose.
Paul spoke of God's people whom he foreknew in Romans 11.2.
Election, or this choosing, is for service--a job to do for God. Consider Psalm 105.5-6; Isaiah 44.1-2; 45.4
Now His elect are all believers in Christ, called the "church."
Their election and the difficulty are according to the divine plan and
purpose. Their election is unto service
to God.
There are 3 prepositional phrases in verse 2. Its difficult to know which the first one
modifies, noun or adjective, in verse one.
The first one is “according to the foreknowledge of God.”
The difficulty is evident in the variation of translations. Does it modify “elect,” which is an adjective
or Dispersion/ scattering, which is a noun?
It’s location would seem to suggest “elect,” because adjective
prepositional phrase immediately follow the noun they modify, while an adverb
prepositional phrases can appear anywhere.
Adjectives answer which ones or how many, while adverbs are how, why, or
to which extent.
The placing of “elect” before
“pilgrims” is in the Greek, and the ESV, NIV, YLT, show this, while “elect” is
placed before the prepositional phrase in the KJV, NKJ, NET, NAS, and again in
NIV. The NIV places it twice, showing
the difficulty.
I’m going with the view that hey are “elect” in the sense of being God’s
people for his purpose, the why and how.
The prepositional phrase “in sanctification of the Spirit” may also modify
“elect.”
Believers are set apart by the Spirit of God. I believe this is through the
new birth—the “how” of election, and the new birth is the means by which we
become children of God and have a new nature by which we can have holy lives,
even in our trials of life—compare this to Ephesians 1.-4: “He chose us in
Him…to be holy…”
The prepositional phrase “for obedience and sprinkling of the blood…” The “why” of election is “for
obedience.” Obedience requires us to
walk by faith in God, believing his word, that he cares for us and will provide
all we really need. It involves us being the people he wants us to be, by being
transformed by the renewing of the mind in the word as Romans 12.1-2 says.
The “sprinkling of blood of Christ” is a curious reference. The sprinkling of blood in the Old
Testament sacrifices were for a cleansing.
I’m thinking of the practical affect the death of Christ has on our
conscience as we remind ourselves of its significance. Peter makes a connection with the memory of
Christ’s work and certain virtues in the life of a believer in 2 Peter 1:8-9.
“Grace to you and peace be multiplied.”
In Verse 2, the “you” are these “pilgrims of the Dispersion,” and to them
Peter says grace and peace multiplied.
Grace is given to live the life they are called to (2 Peter 1.3), and
there is a peace even in the difficulties of life for those who cast their
cares on Him, (1 Peter 5:7).
“3 Blessed [be] the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us
again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead, 4
to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade
away, reserved in heaven for you, “
Verse 3 – 4. The new birth is God’s
mercy. The Greek isn’t exactly the same
as in John 3, but it is the new birth, also called regeneration. Titus 3.5 says we are saved by mercy through
the washing of regeneration.
The new birth here is born anew, a new life. It is the guarantee of the hope that awaits
us. It’s a living hope. Its this hope by which one can have courage
to live faithfully in the life of trials.
Tis hope is the believer’s resurrection and inheritance.
Why make a connection with the resurrection here? The resurrection of
Christ is evidence of this hope and evidence of our salvation from sin—He was
who he claimed to be, and what he promised was true.
This hope includes an inheritance.
Unlike an inheritance in this life which is temporal, this inheritance
is eternal. It is reserved by God and is
for all believers. There is an
inheritance that awaits all believers.
It includes that glory that awaits us that will surpass this life’
afflictions, Romans 8:18.
It is knowing and believing these things that God is able to work through
us in this world, to save our lives practically now and impact those around us.
3-9 Salvation is often understood to
have three phases, past, present, and future.
I believe all three are represented in First Peter One. The first phase is in regeneration—“begotten
again”, and the final phase is the salvation to be revealed at the last time.
I believe the references to be kept by God’s power through faith and having
an approved faith correspond to the present phase of salvation. An approved faith in trials is the
“salvation of your souls” –the “end” of faith in verse 9.
Verse 3 speaks of the new birth, saying born “again” using the Greek “ana”
with “gennesas” –not exactly the same as in John 3, where the Greek word could
be translated “from above.”
This new birth is to a living hope.
This hope is the inheritance of verse 4.
The new birth is phase one and makes phase three possible. Phase three is our inheritance, and unlike
earthly inheritances, this one does not deteriorate with time and is
secure.
There is a future inheritance that all believers have that is a sure future
thing which is life with God in the kingdom of God.
Peter says this is through the resurrection of Christ. Two things come to mind with this
connection. The resurrection is proof of
what Christ accomplished, and it is an inseparable part of the hope.
The first and third phase impacts the second phase, for the first provides
means and the third motivation. The
third will also be impacted by phase two.
Verse 5 says we are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation to
be revealed.
The present phase is this being kept by God but it involves faith as
well. I don’t think this is talking
about security or “perseverance of the saints.”
The ability of God to keep us is by
means of faith. God can keep us from
falling, but we must continue by faith in him—this is a matter of trust in the
difficulties and trials and temptations of life, which Peter addresses in the
text of verses 6 and 7.
The genuineness of faith here is not about whether you are really saved to
begin with, but about an approved faith, one that is tested and endures in
trials (genuineness and tested are close to the same Greek word).
But what exactly is this approved faith?
Will God provide everything? Or
is it one than depends on God resulting in a right character? He will meet what you really need—strength or
courage in difficulty.
Such a faith will impact your life now and have praise at the coming of
Christ.
In this way, an approved faith is more precious than gold. Just as the inheritance does not fade away,
the outcome of an approved faith will in some way impact that inheritance, and
therefore continue.
Verse 9, the end of faith, is the aim or goal of faith, being the
“salvation of your souls.” Here I
believe this salvation is the phase two, but will carry over to phase three
where it will get recognition at the Coming of Christ.
Phase two is salvation of the soul in that you have a life that was not
wasted, one that had an enduring, approved faith revealed in your conduct. This is a fulfilled life in service to God.
This is the purpose for god’s people as his “elect.” God is able to see us through if we continue
in the faith, steadfast.
Jude 1.24 says he is able (dunamis-power) to keep us from stumbling
(falling) and present us faultless before his presence in glory with joy.
3-9
Salvation has 3 aspects. Verses 3
and 4 have the first, being the new birth, and the third, being the future hope
and inheritance in the kingdom (which flesh and blood can not inherit).
Verse 5, I believe, isn’t about eternal security—once save always save, but
the second aspect of salvation, being that sanctification of life with view to
its final realization at the revelation of Christ.
Here’s why…it speaks of God’s ability (power: dunamis) to keep (guard)
through faith. This statement is synergistic
(a working together). God is able to
keep but through faith. This relates to
the believer’s perseverance in trust and obedience to God, particularly during
life’s various trials (vs 6)—not just about persecution.
This statement is very similar to Jude 24: “Now to Him who is able to keep
you from stumbling, And to present [you]
faultless Before the presence of His
glory with exceeding joy,”
The work “power” and “able” are from the same Greek word. Both references speak of a keeping, though
not the same Greek word. I would suggest
that both words speak of a “how its done,” that is, to present you faultless at
the Coming of Christ.
One keeping is through faith and the other is from stumbling or failure.
They speak of the same thing, the one is what is needed, and the other what
shouldn’t happen. The realization of
this is in the third aspect—the “salvation ready to be revealed in the last
time.”
The keeping through faith is guarded by faith, one that trusts God that he
will give you the strength and comfort you need to keep you from failing.
Verse 6 speaks of “various trials.”
More than persecution is in view.
Life comes with trials. The
believer’s life is one of great expectation and yet there can be the grief of
life’s difficulties.
“A little while” may recognize that
they are temporary, and “if need be” meaning “if necessary” as in the
inescapable consequence of being faithful, though it could be for your good.
The words “genuineness” and “testing” come from the same Greek words in
verse 7. The word “proved” could be
used in both places: Your faith is
proved by “fire” (trials) and found proven or approved.
What’s this mean? What is really
motivating you, and are you really trusting God to provide what you really
need? How one responds in difficulty is evidence of an approved faith.
This faith that is approved is more precious than gold because it carries
into the final aspect of salvation—may be found to praise, honor and
glory. Gold will perish—and you can’t
take it with you, but an approved faith has recognition at the Revelation of
Christ.
Verse 8 reminds the believer that you love Him whom haven’t seen. And even though he hasn’t been seen, through
believing, there is a unspeakable joy and glory (magnifying of God). I believe this is when persevering through trials.
Godliness is responding to trials in a conduct becoming a Christian
way. This requires persevering faith.
A faith that perseveres in right conduct during a trial results verse 9’s
“salvation of your soul.” Ok, here is
another second aspect of salvation. The
soul here speaks of your life, and its salvation here speaks of the affect on
you by a faith that perseveres in obedience.
It affects your life now, but also has a realization at the revelation
of Christ.
The unspeakable joy and glorying of God is in this salvation in which your
life has a sense of accomplishment for God and not one wasted.
Consider what Jesus said in Matthew 16:24-27. And consider that the word soul and life here
are the same Greek word. Consider that
whoever “loses his soul for Christ’s sake will find it.” That is, his life is not wasted but is
approved and will be to the praise of God at his coming.
Verses 10-12
This Salvation is that “salvation of your souls” which really is involved
in all three aspects of salvation.
This salvation was prophesied as it relates to the sufferings and glories
of Christ. This is the “grace” that was
to come. Salvation was by faith before
Christ, but the basis of that salvation was in the coming of Christ and what he
did. Being on the fulfilled side of it
has a greater impact, as we have Christ as both our guarantee (he was raised
from the dead) and our example—he was faithful in suffering.
The prophets spoke and wrote of these things to come in Christ. They had
the Spirit revealing concerning Christ (“Spirit of Christ) They could only seek the revelation, and they
ministered to those who are on the fulfilled side by the revelation they
received. Those on the fulfilled side
know how the sufferings and glories were fulfilled in time, while the prophets
could only search the revelation they received.
Just as Christ suffered and entered into His glory, and he has a future
glory to be manifested on earth at His revelation, we experience salvation of
our lives by suffering with him and the glory that will come.
This salvation in connection with the sufferings and glories and how it
works in us is something angels desire to look into. Its not how it is for them. People who that are changed by the salvation
of God and how it works out in their lives is something of interest for both men
and angels.
Jewish Talmud, 200 to 500 AD, being discussions and commentary on Jewish
history, law, customs, and culture, said, “All the prophets prophesied only for
the days of the Messiah. The world was
not created but only for the Messiah.”
Matt 21:42 (NKJV) Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the
Scriptures:
`The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the Lord's doing,
And it is marvelous in our eyes'?
Psal 118:21 - 22 The stone
[which] the builders
rejected Has become the chief
cornerstone. 23 This was the Lord's doing; It [is] marvelous in our eyes.
Medieval French Jewish scholar Rashi, 11th century, said, “there is no
doubt this speaks of Messiah, the Son of David.”
Mica 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem
Ephrathah, [Though] you are little among
the thousands of Judah, [Yet] out of you
shall come forth to Me The One to be
Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth
[are] from of old, From
everlasting."
Rashi, says that Micah 5:2, “talking about the Messiah who will be the
ruler of Israel and must be born in Bethlehem.”
Peter writes to them with respect to them suffering for their faith in
Christ. Salvation is not only what was
initially worked in us by God, but an experiential transformation due to
obedience to God especially in the “various trials” of life. This
transformation will be recognized and completed at the Revelation of Christ.
This “salvation” is in connection with the Person and works of Christ. Peter writes from the fulfilled side of this
salvation and grace. One could be saved
by faith in the prophecies, but we have the benefit of the fulfillment of
Christ, and we have the example of Christ that suffering is the way to glory.
In relation to God (1:13-21)
1) through obedience to
God (13-16)
--by a proper focus
This “gird up the loins” speaks of lifting up your robe or skirt and
securing it so it doesn’t hinder you in the activity you are to persuing. Applying it to the mind means gathering in
the wandering thoughts that distract from our objective. We should have an eternal mindset in light of
Christ’s coming (the “grace” to come; 1:10 the grace was his first coming). Strong’s has one definition for “sober” as
“watch.” Watching involves being obedient…
--by your conduct (be holy)
The “lusts” of the flesh still exist.
Those inordinate desires, outside the moral will of God, should not be
fulfilled in us. The “former lusts”
speak of those things that preoccupied us before salvation, which may still
seek to occupy our affections.
Admittedly, it’s hard to draw lines and to avoid the demands our
temporal obligations might put on us.
Our “lusts” can be subtle and occupy us.
A transformed life comes through an
eternal mindset and walking by faith by which God is able to keep us, 1:5.
2) through fear of God (17-21)
--knowing we are accountable to him
If we call on God in time of need, know also that he is the impartial judge
of our works and rewards accordingly.
God is not just our personal
genie. Yes he cares for us, and
we can come to him with our cares, but know we are also accountable to him, and
that should affect how we live our lives.
--knowing the cost of our redemption
Our redemption from sin was by the blood of Christ. The death of Christ should remind us of the
seriousness of sin to God. Peter again
references gold (1:7) but including silver.
These are precious metals with intrinsic value, but they are of temporal
value, and of less value than approved faith and the sacrifice of Christ.
Its interesting that Peter speaks of what redemption was from here. It’s not from the consequences of sin here,
but the “aimless conduct received from tradition.” Christ’s sacrifices delivers us from the
eternal consequences of sin, but it also has bearing on what is worthwhile as
to tradition or ritual before God. There
are religious activities that people do, thinking they have some eternal value
before God, but they do not. One example would be asceticism. The book of Colossians addresses this, see
2:20-23.
Christ was “foreordained” before the foundation of the world. His redemptive work was planned by God before
creation but now manifested in time.
The believer in Christ can have faith and hope in God because of Christ’s
resurrection and glory. Christ is our
guarantee and our example in suffering and salvation.
Verse 17: “Conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in
fear” -- I should live my life in
obedience to God with an eternal perspective, knowing my accountability to God
and the cost and the aim of my redemption.
This is salvation of the soul, a transformed life.
Through the new birth, we become children of God. And by that new birth, we can share in the
divine nature. By setting our minds on
eternal things and renewing our minds in our redemption (the means and the
effect), we put on the character of the new nature, and experience salvation of
the soul. These have to do with our
relation with God.
The next verses concern our relation with the brethren.
Just as the new birth brings us into a parent and child relationship with
God, it also brings us into brother to brother, sister to sister relationship,
Ephesians 2.19: “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners,
but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household
of God.”
Our soul needs salvation in this area too.
Salvation of the soul in relation to the brethren (fellow believers). 22-25
Verse 22:
--“purified”:
The soul is purified by the new
birth regeneration. Regeneration of the
soul is necessary to experience salvation.
This word “purify” speaks of making clean.
1 Cor 6.11 says we were “washed.”
Titus 3:5 says we were washed by regeneration. Jesus said we were born of “water” in John
3:5.
The “soul” is that part of us that experiences life, it’s joys and
sorrows. It can refer to our person,
identity, who I am. The “new man” is
that new creation through regeneration.
Col 3.9-10: 9 “Do not lie to one another, since you have
put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and
have put on the new [ man ] who is renewed in knowledge according
to the image of Him who created him,”
This new birth give us new identity and ability (if “renewed”), but we still
have the inclination of the old man.
-- “obeying the truth”:
By which this purification came.
This obedience is believing the word concerning salvation.
2 Thes 1.8: “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those
who do not know God, and on those who do not
obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ.”
“Through the Spirit,” if it belongs here, recognizes the role of the Spirit
in assisting one to believe the truth.
The assisting is not the new birth itself, but in believing the truth by
which the “purifying” happens. I believe
in the principle of “to him who has, more will be given.”
--“love of brethren”:
A particular aim of purifying here is to love the brethren sincerely. The word “sincere” means without hypocrisy,
and this is repeated in the next phrase with “a pure heart.” This is to be done “fervently” or
“constantly.” This can only be done
through a transformed life but it is also salvation of your soul. A disobedient believer cannot experience this
salvation if they avoid the assembling with believers.
My attitude towards believers changed after I became a believer. Before salvation, they seemed kinda odd. But afterwards, we had common ground and
values, and we were of a greater family.
Believers can actually be closer than family members. I have the benefit of friends who are
believers too. There was more fellowship
and interaction with believers around the word of God when I was younger. It seems when we are older, we have become
more divided and too tired to do this.
Verses 23-25
--“having been born again”:
This was the means of purifying the soul.
Again, Peter makes reference to the new birth or regeneration; same word
as verse 3 in Greek.
--“incorruptible seed”:
1 John 3.9 speaks of the new birth and having God’s “seed.” John has the Greek word “sperma” while
Peter’s is “spora”—the word Jesus used for the word of God in the parable of
the sower by which salvation came. John
surely has in view the seed of the new nature, the nature of the new man, which
does not sin. Peter either has the new
nature in view or the word of God. An argument could be made for either. I tend towards the word of God here.
The “incorruptible” speaks of being “imperishable.” The new nature is “incorruptible” and this
fits with the purifying nature of the new birth, but it speaks of being
imperishable, in line with the words that follow concerning the word of God
being forever.
The new birth is by the word of God which is imperishable. Isaiah 40:6-8 is quoted here to make a contrast. The contrast is between the flesh and the
word of God. Its not an
equal-thing-contrast. But it is saying
that our existence and its glory is temporal, but God’s word is
everlasting.
And the salvation that is proclaimed through it, by the gospel, is
everlasting. And we could acknowledge
that the fruit of the word is everlasting, as compared to the flesh. That which is done in the spirit is
everlasting, but that done in the flesh will fade away.
Through obeying the word of God, we have purified our souls. And the aim
and ability of this purifying is sincere
love of the brethren. And though not
exactly spelled out this way, we can experience salvation of our souls. It’s living out that salvation in your life’s
experience. This doesn’t happen in
isolation (unless you are physically or mentally disabled).
Regeneration relates us to other
believers and has as an aim to love one another. This love is salvation of the soul.
as it is not being conformed to this world but being transformed. Love is not the things Peter lists in chapter
2, malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy.
2:1-3
“laying aside”
These things are inconsistent with love.
Lay aside like clothing that is out of style. We are not to be conformed
to this world.
“As newborn babes”
Not that they are new believers, but
like newborns, they should desire the spiritual or the word like milk. A newborn doesn’t indulge in such
sophisticated things as malice, deceit, envy, or slander, but demands milk.
Growth, transformation, is only through spiritual truth. Believers need to come together for this; the
works of the flesh will impede growth through the ministry of the word.
“If you have tasted”
Since you have tasted God’s goodness through the salvation in Christ, there
should be desire for divine truth.
4 – 10: The new Collective
The salvation of our souls through our relationship with other believers is
the plan of God. Peter goes into how
that connection with other believers is through Christ.
--The “Living Stone”
Verse 4 speaks of Christ as a “living stone.” Verses 6 and 7 quote OT scripture that speaks
of him as the stone which the builders rejected and the chief cornerstone. As 4 and 7 reveal, he was rejected by men but
chosen by God and precious.
--“living stones” and a “spiritual house”
Christ is the Stone which other believers are joined like living stones to
create this spiritual building. The
building grows as people are saved.
--“a holy priesthood … nation”
Verse 5: this identity described here and in verses 9 and 10 demonstrate
that the people of God for His purpose are believers in Christ, and that they
are looked at in a collective sense though they may be dispersed
geographically.
Some may argue this is how the OT prophesies concerning Israel have been
fulfilled. The salvation and present
status of believers in Christ are similar to Israel in the Millennial
kingdom. Israel role is postponed while
present believers fulfill it, though as a spiritual house and not
geographically and physically blessed.
Jesus to the believing Jew and Gentile is precious, and such will be
honored by God, but to the Jew who does not believe, he is an offense and cause
of failure to obtain what they were seeking.
Romans 1.7: “Israel failed to receive what it was seeking.” Israel pursued righteousness but failed to
obtain it because they sought it by the law and not faith: Romans 9.31-33.
This failure for the unbelieving Jew was a result of disobedience to the
word, Verse 8. Their disobedience to
the word resulted in their appointment to failure. As Jesus said, if they “believed Moses,”
they "would believe me.” John 5.46
This spiritual house and holy priesthood is manifested in local
assemblies. All believers are like
priests who offer up spiritual sacrifices, being their service to God in
ministry and praises. And like Christ,
though you may be rejected by the world, you are chosen and precious and will
be honored (“not put to shame”).
Salvation of the Soul -- In relation to the World
Verses 11-22
--Lust wars
Succumbing to a sensual, worldly life will result in a calamitous defeat
for your soul, being robbed of what is eternally valuable and to be taken
captive.
--conduct becoming (before Gentiles as non-believers)
A holy life is lived to triumph over criticism by the unsaved with the aim
they will glorify God. The day of
visitation could be Divine accounting;
the Greek word is for “overseer,” and Jesus used it in Luke 19.44 for the time
of his ministry, being time of divine accounting. They speak evil of your good (your moral
stands), but this will glorify God in the accounting, as they had a witness and
evidence before them.
Verses 13-17 --Submit to authority
Abstinence from lusts makes submission to earthly authority easier.
Peter’s view of government is similar to Paul’s in Romans 13 as punishers
of evil and rewarders of good. Of
course, this is the primary role of government but not always the case.
Our primary calling is not a social revolutionary. I think its difficult where to draw the line
on our involvement in social and governmental related issues, because of the
unique nature of our government.
By submission to authority, we are doing God’s will, and its His way of
silencing those who are hostile to the faith.
Some Christians in the past have broke the law on issues they disagree
with, but issues that were not a compromise of their faith.
Not all believers can draw the line in the same place on issues, and we
have to respect their consciences. As
much as possible, we need to obey the law.
We need to be respectful of those in government though we disagree with
them. Submission makes you less of a
threat; religious people are often perceived as a threat and the cause of wars. Live peaceably as much as depends on you,
Romans 12.18.
We have a freedom, but it should not be used as a covering for evil (in how
we respond to those we disagree with)
but service to God. Paul says something similar in Galatians 5. We win people more thru submission and
respect and love.
Verses 18-20 --Submission in suffering
Slavery is not an issue for us today.
There is still the principle of enduring mistreatment in an appropriate
manner. I suppose that it reveals to the
one who mistreats you that you are not a threat to them, and they may later see
in you what lacks in them. The believer
endures by comitting the mistreatment to
God who will judge and avenge. He may do this others or at the
Revelation.
Verses 21-25 --Jesus as the example
of suffering
The believer’s calling includes sufferinge Phil 1.29. Of course, its part of the conflict of this
world against God. Jesus is an example
of suffering and how to respond to it, vss 22-23.
Jesus entrusted himself to God to judge righteously. There was both a motivation and a purpose for
his suffering.
Christ suffered ultimately because of our sins, to save us eternally and
practically, the latter is addressed here, being that we die to sins and live
for righteousness, vs 24. The death of
Christ is a means and motivation to live a godly life.
Suffering involves dying to sin, the flesh and its desires, and living for
righteousness. The motive and purose to
suffer patiently when undeserved is to win over non-believers.
There is salvation of the soul when
God is glorified in our lives by submission and suffering through obedience and
trust in God, a life not wasted but to the praise of God. This is "Salvation of the soul."
Peter is adressing the conduct of the believer *in relation to the world* in 2:11 thru 3:7.
2:13 thru 3:7 deals with submission to authority. Authority for society is the will of
God. You may not like the particulr
person in authority, but respecting the authority is the issue, and they have
an accountability as well.
The less social power a person has in society, the greater chance he or she
will suffer.
The believers Peter addresses here as a dispersed minority group made them
recipients of suffering. Peter writes
them on how to live in a way that will further the gospel, even when treated
unjustly. Christ is given as the
example.
First, they are addressed to submit to the authorities, not troublemakers,
a threat, or revolutionaries. Slaves are
to submit to their masters. Christ is
given as an example, His aims in suffering as being instructive. The next is to wives to be in submission to
their husbands.
Peter devotes more attention to wives than to husbands. Our culture today might see what he writes as
Misoginy (Miso=hate, gune=women), but it shows his concern for women,
particular Christian wives, in a less ideal world, how to live in it with the
aim of having the greatest impact with the gospel. They had culture to deal with, and being a
Christian woman and wife, in a home that might not include a husband who was a
believer or obedient to the word.
3.1-6: The word "submission"
is the same here as previous uses. It
speaks of subjection. This is not just a
cultural thing but a Divine order. Its
not about inferiority but Divinely appointed roles.
Even if the husband is disobedient to the word of God or an unbeliever, the
wife is to respect/ honor her husband.
And it is by her conduct more than her words that she may win her
husband. This is not easy. Criticism and complaint are not very
persuasive.
A husband can see a conduct that is motivated by a fear of God.
Vss 3-4. Peter's point is that it is
character over outward appearance. Of
course men are attracted to the outward appearance, but they are won over by
the conduct. Nothing wrong with wanting
to look nice. But a gentle and quiet
spirit is what pleases God.
Vss 5-6: Sarah as the grandmother of
the Nation of Israel (Isaac) is given as an example. Maybe this supports a primary
Jewish-Christian audience. She was
submissive in being respectful to her husband.
The calling him "lord" was being respectful. The lord part is cultural, but the point is
an address of respect. They are sarah's
daughters if they do what is good and not afraid to do so. You may suffer for
it somehow, but like Jesus in the previous references, entrust your
circumstances to God, and do what is good and right.
Of course, if a husband is hopelessly abusive, it would be advisable to get
out of that environment or relationship.
Vs 7 - Peter only briefly addresses
the husbands, but appropriately in light of the context concerning those most
likely to suffer in society.
Paul said husbands are to love their wives, and surely dwelling with them
with understanding (ginosko=knowledge) is essential.
The "weaker vessel" is debated as to exactly what it
involves. Is it physically or emotionally? Both of these are generally true. In context, she is more vulnerable than men
concerning abuse and suffering. the
husband is to "honor" her as the weaker vessel.
Your marriage relationship impacts your walk with God. It s a criteria in church leadership. A marriage in turmoil impedes having an
impact. Husband and wife are heirs
together, and so an equality spiritually but with differing roles.
We need wisdom as strangers (geographically,
culturally, philosophically, religiously) as how to conduct ourselves, not only
according to God's moral will as revealed in Scripture but in light of our
culture and how we will have the greatest impact--and doing so without
violation of conscience. Cultures can
be more restrictive as in Asian lands, and even though we have been redeemed
from vain traditions (1Pe1.17-19), we need wisdom on how we should live.
The wife's
relationship with her husband and husband to wife does involve their
relationship to the world. It involves
a witness to the unsaved, both to the spouse and those around you.
Peter's time
devoted to Christian wives shows his concern for them in light of culture and
having a witness to it. The truth of
Christianity can lead one to break from the traditions of culture, especially
those common in middle east.
What follows
is conduct with other believers. Such
requires alignment with and by the word of God.
How we conduct ourselves is a salvation of the soul, being that value of
an approved character.
3:8-12
What is
written here is pretty straight forward.
As strangers, believers need one another and to get along and be
supportive. They share a common faith
and calling. The calling here seems to
be to blessing: our relations with others determine the character of our lives
("make me a blessing" and thus receive blessing).
As they
assemble, they need to treat one another well.
They are to be in agreement as opposed to in conflict in the things that
matter.
Doing good
over evil is always more beneficial for quality of life. Especial in the things we say. Also set your attention on pursuing
peace. Seek peace as much as depends on
you without compromising the truth or conscience (Rom12.17-18). Study to have discernment in this area. Be a peacemaker.
A proper
conduct will bring blessing from God in protection (his seeing) and provision
(his hearing).
1
Peter 3.13-14 -- Peter expects life is better if you do what is good (or is he
looking to the final judgment?) In 2.14, he says kings, governors punish evil
doers and praise good work doers. (The
focus is still on how believers as strangers should live.) However, he also recognizes that the
believer's good my be spoken evil of.
(He's covered this before) This is
life in this world. God's values are not
this world's values. It depends on how
far society has departed from God. But
you do what's right, and even if you suffer, you are blessed, for you will be
God's witness that God's will was knowable and and obtainable.
Vs
15 -- This verse should not be isolated, but seen with respect to not being
afraid when threatened.
"Sanctify" the Lord in your heart. This word means to set apart. The believer's accountability to and trust/
refuge in God needs to be settle in his heart.
Fear and trust God--to not be intimidated in the face of threatening
persecution, and to give a defence/answer (apologia) when you are questioned or
challenged as to your behavior. Read Isaiah 8.11-17 The hope of the believer includes the God
who will judge righteously, 2:23, and the exaltation as with Christ over angels
and evil, 3:19,20,22. Do not be arrogant
in your response, and consider the setting.
Vss
16-17 -- Conscience was referenced in 2.19.
We obey the word of God according to conscience--where we "draw the
line" on what we do or don't do.
People may call you an evil doer, but let it be for doing the will of
God or your conscience. The shame will
then fall to them, in this life or in the judgment.
Vss
18-20 -- Luther: "This is as strange a text and enigmatic a saying as
there is anywhere in the NT."
Christ is again set forth as an example, who suffered for a purpose, the
same point made earlier in chapter 2.
Peter uses this part of Christ's life to bring up the significance of
the events of Noah's day concerning the response of the unbelieving to the spirit of Christ
through Noah, the judgment of God, and
baptism. The reference to baptism may be due to a fear of persecution if they
partake of it, but Peter sets forth a sanctifying affect for the
participants--it is a Divine appointed ritual of disassociation (a washing) and
starting anew, just as the Noahic circumstances and flood. Failure to be baptized will weaken your
resolve to be faithful during persecution.
4.1-2 Christ
is our example in suffering. We are to
be "armed" as furnished with a weapon, but here it is a like mind, a
mind-set. We are done (ceased) with sin.
Christ died for sin to save us from it eternally and experientially.
The
suffering here must be because of how you are treated because you choose not to
participate in the immoral acts of the unsaved around you. This is good
suffering, when you are evil spoken of or ostracised because you will not
participate in the immoral deeds of others.
We've probably all experienced the difficulty
and maybe akwardness of declining to participate in what others are doing. This is what gets children in trouble in
school, afraid to back away.
Do not live
your life for the lusts of men but the will of God. Here's another one of those "where do
you draw the line" issues? Surely,
when it comes to moral issues, it should be the will of God over the immoral
activities and that is what the next verse reveals to us.
Vss 3,4,
This is why some believe Peter's audience was gentiles, because Jews would not
be doing these things. But are we sure
about that with Jews living among the gentiles, and Peter includes himself? Verse 4 reveals that the evil speaking
against them is because they don't do these things, while today, the evil
speaking is often because of a stand on social policy.
Vs 5, These
who speak evil will give an account.
This reminds us of Peter's earlier statement of the day of
visitation--there is a day of accounting, and we are to settle in our minds
that we are accountable to God: we should both fear him and take our refuge in
him. 2:15-16 comes to mind again. I can remember how my friends treated me when
I refused to do as they did, but one asked me why, and I spent the night
discussing it with him.
Vs 6, The unsaved are the "dead" in
relationship to God. The gospel is
preached to them, so that they may know and experience their alienation from
God, so they may come under conviction and then believing the promise of the
gospel and be saved.
In
conclusion, on a physical level, life is prospered and lengthened by holiness,
but on a spiritual level, even in suffering, life is blessed, when it is lived
in the spirit to the will of God.
4.7-19: Conduct of the believer in light of the end
of the ages.
Vs7: the end of all things near: the word "end"means "the end
of some act or state", a completion.
The period
has been extended to over 1900 years, but the NT identifies the time of
Christ's appearing as the "last days," and this period extends to the
time of his second coming, cp. Acts 2.17; 2Tim3.1; He1.2; Ja5.3; 2Pe3.3. Now the activities spoken of in the last days
could be at it's beginning or near it's end.
Peter is looking to the end of the age with the return of Christ, as
James says "the Lord is at hand," Ja5.8. But I wonder if Peter was looking beyond the
Millennial kingdom to the new creation, for just as one's conduct is set forth
in the words to follow-- in light of the end of the age, it is to be in light
of the new creation, 2Pe3.11-13
In light of
the end, completion, your conduct should
be, as believers...
serious,
watchful in prayers--I would say in reference to your Christian walk, and those
believers you associate with or who come to mind.
Vss 8-9
speak of our care for one another, getting along, assembling together, and as
Hebrews says, "as we see the day approaching," 10.24-25
Vss 10-11,
these things are the purpose for our assembling--you can't do these things in
isolation. All gifts are to minister to
believers to build up. Two categories
are given, speaking and ministry. I
think all gifts could be identified as one or the other but the essence of all gifts
is either in communicating truth and grace or helping others in some physical
way--both do by the ability God gives.
Vss
12-16: These believers have already
suffered, but Peter seems to anticipate it to get worse, and such is the
anticipation near the coming of Christ.
Peter says it should be an expectation, and they should rejoice in it
from the perspective they identify with Christ, and it will turn out as both a
blessing and glorifying to God--you suffered for righteousness and not evil.
Vss
17-19: Persecution of the believer is a
kind of judgment that both purifies and vindicates and makes a case against the
unsaved, but the believer will be delivered at the coming of Christ because of
Christ's sacrifice, but the nonbeliever will not be delivered at the coming of
Christ. See 2 The 1.4-8.
The believer
is to trust God and do right, knowing the day of vindication is coming.
Mounce:
"Committing oneself to God ... involves active well-doing. While believers
will certainly endure hostility of an unbelieving world, there is no place for
a martyrdom mentality. Suffer in silence
but get on with the job of living an active life of good deeds. Christians should be known for what they do
and not for what they suffer. Fixation
upon the difficulties of life robs the believer of the opportunity to display
his concern for the welfare of others."
Peter has
addressed in his letter how believers are to conduct themselves, doing what is
right even when suffering for it. They
are strangers, if not from their homes, then in this world. Live obediently to and trust God, and it will
be salvation of your soul (1.9)--your life worthwhile, fulfilled ("he who
loses his life for my sake will find it").
Look to Christ's example(2.21), and settle in your mind that to God you
are accountable. Be ready to give an
answer (3.15) to those who may question this devotion while suffering for
righteousness. And in expectation of the
end of the age (4.7), associate with believers for building one another up.
This
building up involves each believer fulfilling their roles in the assembly, and
so, the issue of leadership and submission are also addressed.
5.1-7: Peter
turns to those in leadership, the elders, and he exhorts them on how they are
to fulfill their role.
Peter
identifies as an elder and seems to establish his authority. I like this text because it uses words that
all relate to the role of elder.
"Shepherding" and "oversight" are verb forms of
Pastor and Bishop.
They are to
exercise oversight willingly, which I believe coresponds with the qualification
of desire, 1Tim3.1, to have that role, and not for dishonest financial
gain. And by example and not as a
tyrant. They are accountable to Christ,
whose reward is with him (Re22.12).
The younger
are to submit to the elders--this is a respect of leadership (elders are
assumed older). Interesting that the
pastor could be younger than the children of the elders.
Submission
to whom it is due is required, but submission is required in all relationships
at some points, and this requires humility.
This requires submission to authority and trust in God who resists the
proud and give grace to the humble. I
believe Pastors sometimes have to submit to the elders in certain matters. Hebrews 13.7,17,24 all speak of those who
rule over in ecclesiastical sense. This
submission may be hard, but cast your cares on God. A servant role is more valued by God than
power and control.
5:8-11 The devil is our enemy, he wants to disable
you. If he can get you to fail,
compromise, and lose your testimony.
Resist him in the faith (renewed in truth and speaking it), and set your
mind on the fact that others are suffering too--you're not alone Elijah. Peter may be looking to God's faithfulness to
the believer to be strengthen after a while into a particular trial.
12-14, This letter was written by Peter through
Silas, who was Paul's companion. The aim
of this letter was to encourage to stand fast in the grace of God in
suffering. This will be the salvation of
their souls: a meaningful, worthwhile life for the Lord.
