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THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PETER.
A high destiny for scattered refugees.
COMMENTARY
BACKGROUND
MAIN THEMES
1 HIGH DESTINY
2 WORTHY LIFESTYLE
3 BE PREPARED FOR SUFFERING
4 STRATEGY FOR A PERSECUTED CHURCH
PARAPHRASE.
BACKGROUND.
In July AD64 fire broke out in Rome, devastating the city. Some months later, Emperor Nero began the greatest persecution of Christians yet experienced, beginning in Rome and spreading through the Empire. According to the historian Tacitus, Nero blamed the Christians for starting the fire. They were already unpopular; so it was convenient to accuse them.
The events reported at the start of the persecution could not have happened in winter; so the probable date for it is the Spring of AD65.
This actually proved to be the beginning of a persecution which lasted more than two centuries. All over the Empire, Christians could be executed for refusing to burn incense to Caesar and say “Caesar is Lord.” But the executions could not keep up with the conversions and by the end of it, the Church was stronger than the Empire. (Jesus had said, “I send you out as sheep among wolves.”) The Gospel spread and grew. Friendly pagan neighbours hid Christians to protect them from Roman officials. Some became Christians themselves.
Peter’s letter was a strength to the churches through the persecution. Like all the Epistles, it was copied wherever it went, and copies distributed.
It was sent out from Rome, just before the storm broke - probably in or about February AD65 (Bishop Robinson’s dating). Its contents show that Peter knew trouble was coming but did not yet know how severe it would be. It is a letter to prepare people for approaching persecution.
It was carried out of Rome by Silas (Silvanus) St Paul’s right-hand-man. It is very interesting that at this point, just before the persecution began, Peter and Paul had come together. If there had ever been rumours in the church of a rift between them, this letter from Peter, carried by Silas, would have put a stop to them.
The scattered and isolated churches (to whom the persecution actually came a little later) were prepared by this joint communication from the two great Apostles - written by Peter but clearly approved by Paul to the extent of sending Silas to deliver it.
Silas got out of Rome, just in time. He took it to the churches outside, while the church in Rome was suffering the first blast of the “fiery ordeal” that would soon come to them all.
(Some have suggested that Silas helped to write it - Peter’s Greek being that of a Galilean fisherman. It is also possible Peter was helped by his usual assistant, Mark, who according to church history translated for Peter in his early missions to Greeks. But Peter had had thirty years to improve his Greek and may not have needed help. At any rate, whether from Mark or Silas, help was available if he needed it; so the good Greek of the letter in no way suggests any other authorship.)
MAIN THEMES.
In preparing the Christians to face great suffering, Peter tells them:
1. Destiny
Know your own identity, high destiny and eternal inheritance.
2. Lifestyle.
Live worthy of your high destiny.
3. Suffering.
Suffering will come, expect it and be prepared. Identify with Christ’s sufferings and rejoice in the privilege of sharing them. Live in the light of the approaching climax.
4. Strategy.
Make sure you give your persecutors no valid cause to accuse you. Then the persecution will be shown up for what it is.
5. And finally an old man’s advice for church and living, including an appeal for humility in relationships between old and young in chapter 5.
The first four themes are woven into the letter as a whole. Peter keeps coming back, especially, to the subject of our high destiny. In the course of this teaching he also covers in brief, a wide range of Christian Truth. Isolated suffering churches who had a copy of this letter would find in it a summary of all the basic teaching they needed.
Like all New Testament documents Peter’s letter was copied and re-copied by hand in all the churches it went to. Some copies were kept by those who made them, others sent around to other churches. Thus one letter brought strength, hope, courage and sound teaching to many throughout the long period of difficulty that they faced.
FIRST THEME - KNOW YOUR HIGH DESTINY.
The people to whom Peter was writing might be homeless, stateless, unemployed and rejected by society because of their faith in Christ, but he assures them they are:-
Chosen by God the Father, according to His foreknowledge (1:1). God knew who would come to Him for salvation and He chose each one for eternal purposes beyond their dreams. All we choose when we come to Christ is to ask His forgiveness. The high destiny we then discover is God’s idea not ours.
Sanctified - made holy by God’s Spirit (1:2). “Holy” implies both specially set apart for God and also made fit for Him.
Sprinkled - Identified by Christ’s blood (1:2). The imagery is taken from the Old Testament sacrifices in which blood is always “shown” to God (on doorposts, on the horns of the alter, on the golden mercyseat, even poured on the ground in an open field) and God’s response is forgiveness, atonement, acceptance of sinners because sacrifice has been made for them.
The New Testament picture is of people who, because they have received forgiveness by Christ’s sacrifice for their sins, are seen from God’s point of view in a different light. Looking down from Heaven, He sees forgiven sinners. They look very different from unforgiven sinners.
Begotten - God the Father has become our Father giving us a new identity (1:3).
An assured destiny. Sure and certain hope guaranteed by Christ’s resurrection (1:3). You may not know where the next meal is coming from or whether you will be arrested tomorrow; but you know where you are going - Heaven.
Peter’s own sure and certain hope looked back to his experience of meeting Christ, risen from the dead, and knowing he was forgiven and recommissioned after his great failure when he denied his Lord. Confidently he can assure others that the resurrection means an assured destiny, even to those who fail the Lord.
Heirs to an inheritance (1:4) reserved in Heaven specifically for you - once again the identity is stressed. Your identity is known in Heaven and your inheritance is clearly marked as your own. This inheritance cannot be spoilt or lose its value - no doubt Peter was remembering how Jesus told them to lay up treasure in Heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt and thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20).
Peter adds that not only is the inheritance reserved for you but you are being guarded and kept for the climax of the age when you will receive it. The inheritance and your protection are cause for great rejoicing even when times on earth are hard.
Experiencing Salvation which the prophets foretold, only understanding it partly themselves (1:9) and which angels long to look into (1:12 lit. bend down and take a peep into - the word used when the disciples stooped down to look into the empty tomb).
You (scattered refugees, persecuted minority, unwanted on earth) know the greatest mystery of all time, you actually experience Salvation. What is more the knowledge of it was brought to you by people who had to have the Holy Spirit sent down from Heaven and living in them - or they could never have brought you that news (1:12).
Born of Incorruptible Seed (1.23) - Peter comes back to the subject of our identity as God’s children, our life and nature is no longer merely created by God but is now inherited from Him. The human race was first created in God’s image, but those who receive Him are also His progeny - consider the difference between a picture which an artist paints and his own child. The picture contains his inspiration and skill and creative art - but the child contains his genes. All humans are products of God’s creative art and power, but people He has saved are more than that, they have His inherited life in them and it is eternally their new identity.
Born by God’s Word (1:23-25). - Isaiah’s poetic comparison is quoted, people are gone like withered grass but God’s Word lasts for ever. Born of that Word, we too are permanent.
A chosen genus, a royal priesthood, a holy race of special people whose role is to demonstrate the excellence of the One who has called you (2:9).
Peter was writing to people who seemed on earth to have no special identity or role, unwanted outcasts. Again and again he contrasts that with what they really are to God.
Priests had been appointed to represent people to God and represent God to people.
This downtrodden minority of Christians under persecution were to be the means of God’s blessing to the rest - to the people who persecuted them as well as to the silent majority who looked on. The prayers of God’s royal priesthood would bring many to receive God’s forgiveness and blessing, and their character would be a demonstration of God’s life.
SECOND THEME - A WORTHY LIFESTYLE.
Thinking.
It is interesting that the first quality Peter mentions as befitting God’s people is workmanlike thinking (1:13). Skilled craftsmen have to think clearly about their tasks and we should be just as careful to think clearly about God’s Truth.
Slovenly thinking is a curse at any time and particularly rife in present-day Western culture with its emphasis on feelings rather than thought. In every age, clear thinkers are dangerous to those who who want to impose their ideas, whatever particular ideas they may be.
Tenacity, Obedience, Holiness, Reverent fear.
Hope to the end (1:13). The hard-pressed church never gave up hope. That was why the Roman Empire could not destroy it.
Obey your Heavenly Father (1:14) - disobedience may give people a feeling of being independent and in control of themselves, but it is short-lived. It is those who obey God who express their true identity as His children.
God is holy, He has set you apart for Himself; so live like that (1:15-16). - The One you have come to know and love as Father, is also the judge of the world. Our relationship with Him has both the intimate love of a child to a good father and the reverent fear that comes from realising His Godhood.
Clean Burning Love (1:22). - Human relationships can be spoiled by two things. One is lack of love. The other is impure love. The Holy Spirit in God’s people enables them to love one another with both purity and burning intensity at the same time.
Throw out the rubbish (2:1) - Malice, trickery, pretence, jealousy, cruel gossip - these are the rubbish to throw out of our lives. They are not worthy of our high destiny.
Hold back from physical lust (2:11) - Whether for luxury, comfort or sex, the desires of the body are at war with the true personality, the soul. Even in earthly human affairs, those who let their bodies rule them will be under-achievers in work or sport or conflict. In spiritual life the body must be servant not master.
THIRD THEME - BE PREPARED FOR SUFFERING.
Peter had no idea how great the coming wave of persecution would be, but it was obvious that it was coming. And Christians always need to be prepared for suffering because it is part of the normal testing of our faith.
“- - - joy even when distressed by all kinds of necessary, though temporary troubles. Gold has to be refined by fire and your faith is worth more than gold. If it has been tested by trouble and so proved to be real, your faith will bring praise and honour and glory when Jesus Christ appears,” (1:6-7).
More specifically in chapter 4. “ - - -we have a fiery ordeal to face very soon. Don’t be surprised by it. Don’t think it abnormal. Rejoice that you have the privilege of sharing Christ’s suffering - you will be glad you did not miss it when His glory is revealed. If they abuse you, God’s glorious Spirit rests upon you as you glorify the One they malign,” (4:12-14).
We are called to the privilege of sharing Christ’s suffering, and live for the coming finale when we shall have no regrets.
FOURTH THEME - STRATEGY FOR A PERSECUTED CHURCH.
Much of the epistle is devoted to this issue. We are to make sure there is no valid reason why we should be persecuted for our conduct. Obey those in authority whether rulers, employers (or slave owners). Christian wives should give non-Christian husbands every cause to value them.
When the only possible ground for persecution is the fact of following Christ, then the real character of the persecution is demonstrated to all. That brings honour to Christ.
These statements are not (as some have tried to use them) justifications for rulers, employers or husbands to behave as harsh masters. In God’s order there has to be leadership and it has to be accepted but it is humble and gentle and given as a service to bless those who are led. That is the order in the kingdom of heaven; but this letter is guidance for living on earth, living under what was at that time an evil regime. The Roman empire, the harsh rule of slave masters and the wrongful tyranny of the husbands of those days were all to be met with gentleness. Jesus had said, “Do not resist evil but overcome evil with good” and Peter is restating that principle.
Verses 3 & 4 of Chapter 3 have sometimes been misinterpreted to imply that Christian women should not pay attention to their appearance. That is not what Peter is saying. He is describing an inner beauty which supersedes physical appearance - I remember a young non-Christian man asking me why Christian women were more beautiful than others - he was observing inner beauty without really understanding it.
Verse 7 warns Christian husbands that their prayers - not only when praying together with their wives but all their prayers - will be hindered if their marriage is not right. Maybe Peter was remembering that Jesus told them to be reconciled to one another before coming to God with worship. The women have been told how to treat non-Christian husbands, winning them over by reverent submission and inner attractiveness. But the men must know that they have no right to be the dominant and uncaring kind of husbands many non-Christians were at that time. (Peter was a married man himself - Mark 1:30).
PARAPHRASE
Chapter One.
GREETINGS TO YOU VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE -
1. From Peter - Apostle of Jesus Christ; to the scattered refugees in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia-minor and Bithynia.
Charis! Shalom! (Greek and Hebrew greetings - “Grace & Peace”.)
2. Scattered refugees you may be, but God the Father has chosen you in advance because He knew all about you in advance. God’s Spirit has made you into holy people, to be obedient to Jesus Christ. Remember how in Moses’ time God’s people were marked out and identified with the blood of a sacrifice, showing they were right with God - well you are marked out and identified with the blood of Jesus Christ.
3. Blessings upon our God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who by His great mercy has become our Father too. By raising up Jesus Christ from death He has given us a living certainty of our own destiny.
- WITH A HIGH DESTINY.
4. We are heirs to an inheritance - one which knows no depreciation, no contamination and no deterioration. It is there in Heaven with your name on it - reserved for you. What is more, you are reserved for it, being guarded by God’s power. You are heading towards the finally completed rescue which is waiting to be unveiled on the last page of time.
6. This is what fills you with joy even when distressed by all kinds of necessary, though temporary troubles.
THERE IS TROUBLE AHEAD - BUT YOU CAN TAKE IT.
7. Gold has to be refined by fire and your faith is worth more than gold. If it has been tested by trouble and so proved to be real, your faith will bring praise and honour and glory when Jesus Christ appears. You have not seen Him yet but you love Him, and He thrills you with joy too glorious for words.
9. You are already experiencing the rescue of your true inner selves, and this is what your faith is all about. Why, the prophets searched and searched to know about this rescue! They told of God’s goodwill towards you. The Spirit of Christ in them was telling them about Christ’s suffering and the glory that would follow it. They searched to know what sort of time or occasion it would be.
12. Their prophecy was a service given not to themselves but to us. The things they prophesied have now been declared to you. The Holy Spirit sent down from Heaven was in those people who brought you the good news. Angels long to look into it.
LIVE WORTHY OF YOUR HIGH DESTINY.
13. So dress your minds in their working clothes ready for action and think soberly. Hope to the end in the free gift of God which Jesus Christ is revealing to you. Be those whose character and identity is expressed in obedience to God, not those who make for themselves an artificial character and identity by doing whatever they want.
15. He who is in you is holy; so let your behaviour be holy - as God said through Moses “Be holy for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:45). You call on the Father who judges each person’s work fairly; so spend the time of your temporary stay on earth with reverent fear. Know for sure that perishable things like gold and silver could never have bought you back from the empty lifestyle you were brought up with. It took something more valuable - Jesus Christ had to shed His blood.
20. Remember how the old sacrifices required a lamb in perfect condition - well Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God and gave Himself as a faultless sacrifice, planned before the ages began but made public in these last times. And it was all for your sake - you who through Him trust God who raised Him gloriously from death. Because of Him you can really put your faith and confidence in God.
22. By His Spirit you have obeyed the Truth and it has cleaned your souls. Now you can know what genuine brotherly love really is. Love each other, then, with burning love from clean hearts.
23. You have a new set of genes now - inherited from your new Father, God, and not biodegradable.
Your new life has come to you by God’s living Word of Truth which lasts through all ages. Didn’t Isaiah say,
“Humankind is like grass,
its glory like flowers.
God’s wind blows,
grass withers,
flowers fade,
people are gone.
But God’s Word stands for ever.”
Chapter Two.
1. So get rid of everything like malice, trickery, pretence, jealousy and cruel gossip. Like new-born babies wanting to be fed, cry out for genuine milk, God’s word by which you grow. You have already tasted it; so you know that the Lord is good.
A BUILDING OF LIVING STONES ON A LIVING FOUNDATION.
4. You have come to Him and found that He is a solid reliable foundation stone, a stone that is alive. People threw away that precious stone, but God chose Him. You too are living stones, being built into a spiritual house where you are a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices which God accepts through Jesus Christ.
6. It was prophesied, “Behold I set in place in Zion a corner stone, chosen, tested and valuable. Those who trust Him will not trip over or have anything to be ashamed of,” (Isaiah 28:16).
7. To you who do trust Him, He is that precious stone, but for those who disobey there is another quote, “The stone which the builders discarded has become the chief corner stone - and a stumbling block that trips them up,” (Psalm 118:22). Those who disobey are doomed to trip over it and fall.
9. You are a chosen genus, a royal priesthood, a holy race of special people whose role is to demonstrate the excellence of the One who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.
In you, Hosea’s prophesy is fulfilled;
“Once you had no identity as a people
Now you are my own people
Once unloved, now you are loved,”
(Hosea 2:23).
11. So - you who are loved - but who are foreigners and travellers while on earth - hold back from physical lust which is at war with the soul. Let your honourable lifestyle give the lie to the slanders that are spoken against you. Then the people who see it will have to glorify God when His inspection-day comes.
EARTHLY AUTHORITIES.
13. The emperor and his governors are humanly created positions, but for the Lord’s sake, accept their authority. They are supposed to be there to punish those who do evil and praise those who do good. God wants you to silence the rubbish that ignorant people talk about you, show them that you are free people who know how to use freedom properly, not as a cover for malice. You are God’s servants.
17. Show that you respect and value everyone. Love your brothers and sisters, reverence God, respect the emperor.
SUBMISSION - THE STRATEGY WHEN SUFFERING FOR DOING GOOD.
18. Servants respect and obey your masters, the crooked rogues as well as the fair and decent ones. Suffering unjustly, because of your conscience before God, demonstrates God’s grace in you. But it’s no big deal to take it patiently when you get what’s coming to you for doing wrong. Your calling is to suffer for doing good, and take it patiently, because that is exactly what Christ did and it is for us to follow and be like him.
22. He never did anything wrong or spoke a cunning word, he didn’t return abuse for abuse, made no threats when he suffered, but handed himself over to the one righteous judge.
24. He was nailed to the cross bearing our sins in his own body, so that we might be dead to those sins but alive to what is good. What crushed him, healed you. You strayed like sheep but have now come back to the shepherd who looks after your souls.
Chapter Three.
THE SAME STRATEGY FOR WIVES OF NON-CHRISTIAN HUSBANDS.
1. Wives whose husbands are disobedient to God’s word should follow the same policy. Accept their leadership, don’t try to talk them into changing, but win them over by your pure and reverent lifestyle. Let them see how really attractive you are - the inner beauty that owes nothing to hairstyle, dress sense or jewellery, but comes from the heart and never grows old; a quiet and gentle spirit which God values highly
5. This is how holy and godly women in the past made themselves attractive, and looked to their husbands for leadership (Sarah even called Abraham “Lord!”) You have their heritage; show it by doing good and not panicking.
AND A NOTE TO CHRISTIAN HUSBANDS.
7. Husbands, give thoughtful and caring attention to how you live with your wives. They may be physically weaker, but you must honour and value them as those who inherit God’s gift of life jointly with you. If your marriage is not right your prayers will suffer.
SINGLE-MINDEDNESS UNDER PRESSURE.
8. Finally, have one mind between you and let it be a mind that is full of sympathy, brotherly love, tender-heartedness and friendliness. Don’t return evil for evil. Don’t return verbal abuse. You are people of blessing; so bless. This is your calling and your heritage.
18
10-12. (quote from Psalm 34:12-16)
“Do you love life and hope to see days, good and many?
Guard your lips from deception and never speak evil to any.
Turn your back upon sin and escape it and do what is right.
Go for peace and determinedly seek it with all of your might.
God watches the righteous and listens to hear what they say
But opposes the wicked and casts all their memory away.”
13. Who will want to hurt you if you live like that? And if any one does, then you have the honour of suffering for doing good. Don’t fear as they fear. Don’t be disturbed. With the Lord God Himself and all His awesome holiness in your hearts you can always be ready to explain to anyone anytime why you are full of hope. Let your explanations be gentle and courteous and your consciences clear so that none of the mud they throw at you will stick (none of their accusations be believed.) Christlike lifestyle will make your accusers ashamed.
17. It is better to suffer for doing good (if that is God’s will) than for doing wrong.
CHRIST’S EXAMPLE.
18. This is what happened to Christ. Once and for ever he suffered for sins, the innocent for the guilty; so that He might bring us to God.
18 & 21b-22. In His human body He was killed, by the Spirit He was made alive - and by the Spirit He went and preached to the spirits in prison, after which He rose from death to rescue us, then took His place in Heaven at God’s right hand with angels under Him, and Authorities, and forces.
(INCIDENTALLY
19-21a. Those spirits Jesus preached to were disobedient once. Back in the days when Noah was building the ark, God was waiting patiently for them. But when it came to the flood, only eight people were actually rescued. There is a picture here. They went through water and were saved, as we go through baptism and are saved - not just washing off the dirt from outside us, but the response to God that comes from knowing Him in us.)
Chapter Four.
CHRIST’S SUFFERING IS OUR STARTING-POINT.
1. Christ suffered for us in His physical body. Get that fact straight as a starting point, then make His attitude your own. Let it be your equipment for life. That suffering was to get rid of sin - so live no more for what people desire, but for God’s will.
3. Time gone by was time enough for living the way others want us to - in shameless lust, drunken revelling and forbidden idolatries (occult practices). Your refusal to go on wildly disintegrating with them has them puzzled. They slander you, but in the end they will have to answer to the One who will be judge of living and dead.
6. Because there is a judgment to face it was necessary for the Good News to be told to people who have since died - so that they might live in spirit to God even though as humans they are judged.
LIVE WITH THE FINALE IN VIEW.
7. All things are heading up to their approaching climax. So keep your minds sober and controlled, your prayers vigilant and above all your love for one another, intense. “Love covers a multitude of sins.” Welcome each other hospitably, without grumbling.
10. Any gifts you may have - use them to serve. Be good trustees of the multi-coloured, many-sided, effective-for-anything grace of God.
11. If you speak, be God’s mouthpiece; if you serve; do so with God’s own competence; so that in everything, God may get the glory through Jesus Christ, to whom is glory and dominion through timeless ages.
THE APPROACHING WAVE OF PERSECUTION.
12. Now Friends, we have a fiery ordeal to face very soon. Don’t be surprised by it. Don’t think it abnormal. Rejoice that you have the privilege of sharing Christ’s suffering - you will be glad you did not miss it when His glory is revealed. If they abuse you, God’s glorious Spirit rests upon you as you glorify the One they malign.
15. Just make sure you don’t have some other reason for suffering - as a criminal, a thief, a murderer or as a busybody. If you suffer as a Christian, that is nothing to be ashamed of, it glorifies God.
17. Remember that, “Judgment begins at the House of God.” - It is time for God to deal with His own people before judging others. If we have to face God’s scrutiny, how will it be for those who have refused to obey the Good News? And if the righteous have a tough time of it before they are rescued, where will the ungodly sinners be? So if you suffer by God’s will, trust yourselves to Him as a faithful Creator and keep on doing good.
Chapter Five.
TO THE OLDER ONES AMONG YOU.
1. Now a serious word to those of my own age-group. I am your fellow elder, I personally witnessed Christ’s sufferings and I share in the glory which will be revealed.
Take care of the younger Christians among you; shepherd God’s flock; oversee them, not as an irksome duty but willingly and not for anything you can get out of it for yourselves. Don’t be bossy or treat the flock as your property but set them a good example. When the Chief Shepherd appears you will receive your unfading crown of glory.
TO THE YOUNGER ONES.
5. Similarly you younger ones, accept the older ones’ leadership and indeed each others’. (If I told the older ones not to be bossy, how much more does that apply to you?) Dress yourselves in humility because;
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble,” (Proverbs 3:34). So humble yourselves under God’s strong hand and in His own time He will raise you up.
7. Throw your worries onto Him because He cares about you.
8. Be alert and sober because your opponent the Devil goes around like a roaring lion looking for people to devour. Resist him, firm in faith. You are not alone in your suffering. Your brothers and sisters round the world are sharing it. They also share what it achieves.
10. But the God of all grace (free ungrudging open-hearted open-handed goodwill) has called you to age-long glory in Christ Jesus. After your short-lived sufferings, may He make you fully complete - totally fitted for your high destiny - set up strong on a firm foundation. To Him be glory and dominion for timeless ages.
CLOSING NOTES.
12. This letter is being delivered by Silas whom I count as a thoroughly trustworthy brother. It is a short letter to re-affirm the true grace of God in which you stand and to call you to go on standing firm in it. Your sister-church here in “Babylon” (code name for Rome), chosen together with you, sends greetings. Give each other a kiss for me. Peace with you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.