It also tells the response of a believer to that death (see Rom. began and soon spread throughout the Roman empire, touching places north of the Baptism does not save merely by removing the outward filth from the body, but it saves because it was an evidence of inner faith and repentance by the believer. Some have seen this verse as speaking of the offering of the gospel to some who were in a state of physical death when they heard the gospel. [60]The most complete discussion of this passage is in Selwyn, pp. But even if this happens, we should be glad. The person who accepts what God ordains will leave the resolution of these anxieties to God. What should be the Christian’s attitude to secular Conclusion (5:10-14). His use of this analogy here may well reflect John 13 where Christ, about to wash the feet of his disciples, tied a towel about his waist as he performed this humble duty. this letter as the work of Peter. The suffering which the Christian is to undertake is a co-crucifixion with Christ or a dying to self. Thus, a vicious persecution against Christians The material in this Peter’s reference here may have been based on his sleeping in the Garden of Gethsemane and also on his subsequent compromise (see Mark 14:37-40, 66-72). When Jesus Andrew, Peter’s brother, brought him … To sanctify Christ the Lord is a reference to reverencing or respecting him as Lord. Dictation Detractors were spitefully abusing the behavior of the Christians, and Peter wants his readers to silence these accusations by good conduct. The “chaste” behavior of the wife is not limited merely to sexual purity, but it describes her actions as pure, simple, and sincere. strangers in a hostile, Satan-energized world. Now in this this verse, Peter urges Christians to demonstrate love by offering hospitality without grumbling. Jesus then gave Peter the name of Cephas – John 1:40-42. Apostle Peter is the author of 1 Peter however, is certain. _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); The Greek word translated as "deeply," "earnestly," or "fervently" is ektenē, used to describe the muscles of an athlete straining to win a race. See 1 Peter 2:9 (printed above under question #4) Our Christian calling is further described as the calling to “display the virtues of him who called you.” That is to say, by the grace of God we are called to live a Christ-like life and in so doing we will be reflecting and exhibiting the very virtues of God Himself. These words assure the readers that since they have been chosen by God, they will not be abandoned by him to the whim of their persecutors. Christ by Paul and his associates, and established on Paul’s teachings, needed its intended readers. By patience and fortitude in suffering, by dependence on the promises of God, and keeping to the word the Holy Spirit hath revealed, the Holy Spirit is glorified; but by the contempt and reproaches cast upon believers, he is evil spoken of, and is blasphemed. Though they be sharp and fiery, yet they are designed only to try, not to ruin them, to try their sincerity, strength, patience, and trust in God. 9:27). 1 Peter 2:4-8 New International Version (NIV) The Living Stone and a Chosen People 4 As you come to him, the living Stone —rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house [ a ] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Here the term Babylon is likely a symbolic reference to Rome. 34 They are, in Paul’s words, the “true Israel of God” (Gal. 4:13), could not have written in sophisticated Greek, especially in light of the Their effort is to discredit the church and Men and women are seen as joint heirs before God, and there is no distinction between them in the sphere of salvation (see Gal. [64]Bigg, pp. So Peter, under the God loves without limit. In 3:15 Peter takes language referring to Jehovah in Isa. 1 Peter 2:4-8 New International Version (NIV) The Living Stone and a Chosen People 4 As you come to him, the living Stone —rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house [ a ] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to … God’s judgment begins with the suffering or chastisement of his disciples (see Heb. with God for them (2:5-9)? A.D. 64-65. CONCLUSION. Assurance for faithful servants, Divine recognition for leaders serving unselfishly (5:1-4), Divine encouragement for all Christians enduring in humility (5:5-9), Conclusion (5:10-14). [79]Best, p. 174. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_79").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_79", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); Even though Peter has earlier seen these afflictions as in the will of God (3:17; 4:19; 5:6), he still sees Satan as involved in them. impacted the Christians, who Peter call “aliens”. Such hospitality was costly both in time and money, it was to be given without complaining. echo of the Lord’s girding Himself with a towel and washing the disciples’ feet Through persecution the glory of God breaks in upon the church. In 3:5 the “holy” women are those Old Testament women who belonged to God’s holy people and who preferred interior to exterior adornments. The explanation of the salvation, 1 Peter 1:3b c. The nature of the salvation, 1 Peter 1:3c-4 ... 1 Peter 2:4-8 a. word, Babylon”, which aptly fit because of the city’s idolatry (compare Rev. Their bitter resentment was severe, so Nero realized that he had to redirect the to destroy its credibility and integrity. of Rome. 25 - Fall 1982, Salutation (1:1-2). The description of the husband as one who did not obey the word means that he is not a believer. The man wanting to live this type of life must surrender those words which are malicious or calculated to harm and those which are deceitful or calculated to deceive. What does 1 Peter 4:8 mean? The method and nature of salvation, A salvation based on the hope inspired by Christ’s resurrection   (1:3-5), A salvation secured through a faith deepened in trial (1:6-9), A salvation reported by the prophets who described its grace and glory (1:10-12), First preaching section (1:13-2:3). Doxologies frequently appear in Scripture as an expression of   the author’s awe and   devotion   after some statement or outburst concerning the majesty of God or Christ. The word “spirit” here is a reference to a human attitude. In the light of Christ’s return Peter makes some practical demands of discipleship in 4:7-11. Peter quotes Psa. also explained (5:12), that he wrote this letter “through Silvanus”, also known (John 13:3-5). The crown itself is a participation in the glory to be revealed at the coming of Christ (5:1). The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Christians are not to do in their present period of life the things characteristic of the former period. Through the Holy Spirit, God gives us His gift of joy as part of the process of spiritual completion. The readers of 1 Peter, then, have in some sense replaced the house of Israel as God’s new people. [54]Best, p. 129. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_54").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_54", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); Peter provides advice in 3:9 for facing the evil and the malicious. probably Gentiles, for the most part (1:14, 18; 2:9-10; 4:3), possibly led to Author – Date: The opening verse of the epistle claims it was written by Peter, who was clearly the leader among Christ’s apostles. It is frequently true that no one will harm the righteous, but occasionally evil people take glee in making life wretched for the upright. Thus the Apostle Peter, Stone," used in 2:1-8 is the Greek noun lithos, which is used to describe stones of various kinds -- building stones, precious stones and jewels, millstones, stones used to close graves, etc. Heaven is their real home. The death of Christ occurred in the realm of the flesh, the earthly. 1 Peter 5 – For Shepherds and Sheep A. This had great religious implications because it made them believe Peter was married and had a home in Capernaum. The one who performs a ministry of kindness is to do it without any conceit in personal powers or abilities so that God may be glorified. formal, rabbinical training in the Scriptures. Christians had set the fires. The Christian faced with persecution must not hide his goodness or sink into a position of merely avoiding evil. Peter advised these Christians to love each other (1 Peter 4:8). The term “happy” or ‘blessed” reminds one of Jesus’ promises to the persecuted in Matt. 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 5:8. The passive voice may lend weight to this view (see discussion in Kistemaker, p. 140). He is anxious that they respond in a righteous manner to those who had caused their suffering (3:13-17), and he presents the example of Christ’s ultimate vindication even though he suffered (3:18-22). The very nature of God is love (1 Jn 4:8), for God loves us with an everlasting, unconditional love. The readers of this epistle would have considered that evil angels and powers lay behind their persecution. If 1 Peter was written later still, as many Bible scholars suggest, then the Temple would have already been destroyed at the time of writing, and the words in 1 Peter 2:4-10 would have had even greater significance to the original recipients. with animosity? we all relate to better than to most. Andrew, Peter’s brother, brought him to Christ (John 1:40-42). Peter, before categories of truth. Beyond these evidences of Peter’s ability in Greek, Peter walked on the water. Nero spread the word quickly that the section. Be sober “Sober” literally signifies to abstain from wine. [61]Best, p. 140. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_61").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_61", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); When did this preaching occur? Apparently during this same time Jesus also preached a message of salvation to the faithful dead in Abraham’s Bosom (Luke 16:22) who anticipated the work of the Messiah for them. Where did this event take place? That they should not think them strange, nor be surprised at them, as if some unexpected event befel them; for,(1.) The result of the death of this righteous one was to bring believers to God. In 3:13 Peter appears to say that for those who live after a godly pattern the likelihood of suffering is small. Gifts related to speaking and serving are mentioned in 4:11. “Sensuality” and “lusts” describe sexual sins. The only significant doubt to be raised about Peter’s The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: The world tells us (1) to conform and (2) that sin won't hurt us. Appeals and Promises to the Persecuted. and what it means to know Christ, Peter mentions one privilege and blessing hostile world (compare 1:14; 2:1, 12, 15; 3:1-6, 13-17; 4:2; 5:8-9). (Mark 1:16-17), and was later appointed to apostleship (Matt. 1 Peter 5 – For Shepherds and Sheep A. meaning “stone” or “rock” (John 1:42). Peter using his spiritual gifts. Peter’s statement in 4:6 provides a reason for the utterance in 4:5 that Christ will judge all men. 197-203, 314-362. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_60").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_60", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); The phrase “by which” or “in whom,” which begins 3:19, refers to the state in which Christ did his preaching. the same time. evidences, it is noteworthy that the early Christians universally recognized Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-10273872-2']); A knowledge of the return of Christ provides an incentive for devoted, watchful action (4:7-11), and a knowledge of the future glory for believers provides a basis for joy and commitment to do God’s will (4:12-19). (2:11) Read 1 Peter 2:11 carefully. Some see this as Jesus’ offering a time of repentance to deluded sinners who had not had a fair chance of repentance initially. (1 Peter 4:8) “Above all else,” writes Peter, “maintain a fervent love for each other.” The thing that is of greatest importance is the practice of Christian love. Such love manifests itself in unlimited sacrifice for others. In the act of commitment implied in baptism the Christian has struggled with sin, experienced freedom from it, and ceased from it. He also felt that he loved the Lord more than was true. 2) Abstaining from our lusts (1 Peter 4:3-6) 3 "For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. They have suffered the judgment which comes on all men, physical death (see Rom. It is a disgrace to suffer as a murderer, thief, or a busybody, but it is a privilege to suffer as a Christian. and secretaries often could aid with syntax and grammar. So, the And we should praise God that we are Christians (1 Peter 4:12-19). Through Jesus’ own words, then later through both Paul and Peter, we are called to love (John 13:34, 1 Corinthians 13:13, 1 Peter 4:8). 6:16).. In a time when traveling Christians had few roadside locations for lodging, hospitality among Christians was a necessity (4:9). [14] Bigg, p. 101. [49]Best, p. 124. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_49").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_49", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); In 3:1, 2 Peter portrays the role of the woman in living with a husband who shows strong opposition to the gospel. Title: The letter has always been identified (as are most general epistles, like James, John and Jude), with the name of the author, Peter. Taurus mountains, like Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia (1:1), and Peter’s statement in 3:19 seems to suggest that it took place in the interval of time between Christ’s death and resurrection. 34:12-16 in 3:10-12 to give a reason for his command to vss. The Romans were totally devastated. Suffering for Jesus 1 Peter 4:1-6 Introduction- Turn to 1 Peter 4:1-6 Good morning- Last week I asked you if you realized that your attitude plays a big factor in what you receive during the service. Appeals and promises to the persecuted, An appeal for commitment to meet suffering righteously (3:13-17), A promise derived from Christ’s exaltation (3:18-22), An appeal to live in the will of God, not in the lusts of men (4:1-6), Some promises and appeals because of Christ’s return (4:7-11), Some appeals for suffering righteously (4:12-19), Third preaching section (5:1-9). We might suffer because we are Christians. 1. 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. (function() { They would thus fully share in their destruction. 22:13. [73]Ibid., p. 182. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_73").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_73", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); Peter pens a concluding section on Christian suffering in 4:12-19. 16:20. See 1 Peter 4:8 (printed below) Above all else, maintain a fervent love for each other, because love covers a multitude of sins. “Care” comes from a root meaning to divide, and it pictures a believer beset with fear and fright which hinders his service. Since, however, they have received the gospel, they can live spiritually so that after physical death they can enter into life eternal. Peter may have used peace here because he used grace in 5:12. burned up. In addition to these internal 1 Peter 4:12-13. (2:7-8; Acts 4:10-11), and that Christ is no respecter of persons (1:17; Acts Author – Date: His advice to them, relating to their sufferings, which is,1. He speaks of the power of God, what it can do for us, and what it helps us to do for God.. Roman outpost in northern Egypt was named Babylon; but the place was too VIII. Christians are to be like-minded, sharing together in feelings of sorrow and joy. Author: 1 Peter 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of 1 Peter as the apostle Peter. The passive voice may lend weight to this view (see discussion in Kistemaker, p. 140). How should a Christian lady Serving God in Everything (1 Peter 4:1-11) by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson Audio. [71]Best, p. 153. jQuery("#footnote_plugin_tooltip_71").tooltip({ tip: "#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_71", tipClass: "footnote_tooltip", effect: "fade", fadeOutSpeed: 100, predelay: 400, position: "top right", relative: true, offset: [10, 10] }); These sins would suggest that the readers came from a pagan background. 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