Like James, this book is again addressed to the exiles of the dispersion who had been scattered, by persecution, across modern day Turkey. They may have been “strangers in the world” (v1) but, as far as God was concerned, they had been specially chosen. Do you feel lonely and isolated as a Christian? then 1 Peter brings a message that your faith is precious, you have something special.
GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE
In fact, all the persons in the Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit were wonderfully active (v2) to bring about their obedience to Jesus Christ. Some have taken those words “chosen and destined” to mean that God chooses some and not others? I understand the powerful argument that, being human, our sinful nature would never choose to seek God but, on the other hand, we know God, in His great love, wants everyone to be saved. A view I believe is worth consideration is that He gives us enough freewill to make the decision to love Him and we are chosen in the sense that God chose the way of salvation; for everyone who decides to repent and follow him. It is encouraging to see that Peter’s gospel is completely consistent with Paul; that gospel of the Fathers limitless grace and mercy (v2,3) and our new birth through the resurrection of Jesus. Grace I believe to be the undeserved love of Jesus and He gives us the power to live a life of faith, with it’s hope of a special heavenly inheritance (v5).
PRECIOUS FAITH
The exiles rejoiced in their salvation, even though they were suffering various trials (v6). There are a number of “precious” things mentioned in Peter and this is the first, their genuine tested faith which was more precious than gold (v7). A loving faith in God can be something special and precious and it brought them “indescribable and glorious joy” (v8). The old testament prophets, inspired by the Spirit, foresaw the “grace” that was theirs (v10) ; the suffering of Christ and the glory that came from it. This was now the time when that great gospel message had been preached; inspired by the Holy Spirit. We should (v13) prepare our minds for action, discipline ourselves and set our hope on God’s final act of grace when he returns again. Like James, Peter encourages us not to be conformed to evil desires within us but to be holy as the Lord is holy (v14-16)-see Leviticus 11v45.
PRECIOUS BLOOD
They should live in what Peter calls “reverent fear” (v17) because of the second precious thing which had ransomed them from the empty way of life passed on by their ancestors. It was that “precious” and perfect blood of Jesus Christ (v19) which had been planned from the foundation of the world (v20).
THE RESULT OF OBEDIENCE
Through obedience to the truth we are purified in a way that enables us to love one another deeply from the heart (v22). It is through the “living” word of God that we have been born anew (v23).
JESUS THE PRECIOUS FOUNDATION STONE
Peter encourages those who have tasted that the Lord is good to grow in their salvation and rid themselves of things that are wrong, to feed on the pure spiritual milk and come to Jesus, the living stone (2 1-4). This stone is “precious” in Father’s sight and is, in fact, the cornerstone, the foundation stone, of a house; a special house where we are the other “living stones” and holy priests making acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. To us believers, as well as the Father, he is precious (v7). In fact this house is also called a (v9) “chosen race”, a “royal priesthood, “a holy nation”, “God’s own people.” What we are talking about is the kingdom of God; a people proclaiming the mighty acts of God. A people on whom God had mercy (v10).
HONOUR AND LOVE OTHERS
It is a life to be worked out before unbelievers where we should act honourably, respecting the authority of human institutions, even the emperor (v13). We should honour and respect everyone but expect to love the family of believers (v17). Slaves should submit to their masters even if they are harsh and they had God’s approval if they suffered for doing right (v20). You see there is something more powerful than rebellion and that is the path that Jesus took when he did not return abuse; in fact, by his suffering, by his wounds we have been healed (v24).
BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT IS PRECIOUS IN GOD’S SIGHT
This submission to authority also applies to other situations; a wife should submit to the authority of her husband. It is the “lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” which is very precious in God’s sight (v4). Our precious faith in Christ leads to a precious way of life. The husband in turn should honour his wife, otherwise his prayers would be hindered (v7). Our way of life should (v8) show a unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart and a humble mind. Neither will it repay evil for evil, abuse for abuse; but on the contrary repay with a blessing. If we do so, we will inherit a blessing, for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayer (v12).
SUFFERING
So in the face of suffering we should not fight back or be intimidated (v14) and if asked, defend our beliefs; even that defence should be done with gentleness and reverence. Jesus suffered for us, was put to death in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit (v18) to bring us to God. Baptism (like Noah was saved out of the water) is an appeal to God for a clean conscience (v21); made possible through Christ’s resurrection. So who are the spirits in prison who Christ made a proclamation to after his resurrection (v19, 20). It is very possible that this refers to the wicked angels who slept with human women and gave birth to a race of giants, the Nephilim (Genesis 6v4). God had spiritually imprisoned them because of the damage they were causing. The fact that they were dead makes no difference because God will, one day, judge the living and the dead (4v5). In Noah’s time (Genesis 6v13) God said “I am going to make an end of all flesh”; here Peter talks about “The end of all things is near” (v7). He is probably referring to the coming calamity of AD70 when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and temple worship with it.
In difficult times, the same principles apply as usual; be serious about the way you live and pray, love one another, be hospitable to one another, serve each other with our spiritual gifts (incidentally, also gifts of grace). Words spoken should be from God himself (v11) and whoever serves must use God’s strength. All to glorify God. Suffering is nothing unusual for the Christian and in a spiritual sense we share Christ’s sufferings and the spirit of glory, God’s Spirit, will rest upon us (v14). In a time of suffering we should entrust ourselves to our faithful creator while continuing to do good (v19).
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
Peter elevates the role of elder by calling himself an elder (5v1). In chapter 5 Peter, like Paul, recognises the role of church elders who tend the flock of God, exercising oversight. Eldership is entered willingly (v2), not for money and not to lord it over people; it is a position of humility and the flock should willingly submit. Humility is so important and if we humble ourselves, God can then one day exalt us in due time (v6).
LOVE AND SERVE EACH OTHER
In the context of suffering Peter says “cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” (v7). Watch for the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion (v8) and by being steadfast in the faith we resist him (v9). They would suffer for a little while (v10) but God would restore, support, strengthen and establish them. The historian Josephus confirms there was a Jewish community in Babylon (see v13) and there is no reason why a church should not be based there. John Mark was a convert of Peter, a son in the faith, just like Timothy and Titus were sons of Paul. Mark was the writer of the gospel that bears his name.