In this study, we are reading through 1 Peter. This letter was written to give encouragement and hope to those Christians undergoing persecution. Many commentators read this letter as being a baptismal homily that has been placed in the form of a letter. Peter’s exhortation is for his audience to remain firm in their faith in the face of persecution as they recall their baptism. For the background of this study, I am using Luke Timothy Johnson’s The Writings of the New Testament, Ben Witherington’s Letters and Homilies for Hellenized Christians, Vol. II, and Amy-Jill Levine’s The Jewish Annotated New Testament. (Pastor Joshua Sorrows of Harvest Church in Conway led this study.) This summer study is for five weeks.
(Summer 2023)
1 Peter 1 – The Salutation and a Blessing
To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
1 Peter 1 – A Call to Holiness
Peter encourages us that if we truly believe that “we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (v.1:3) then our lives and our manner of living should reflect this truth.
1 Peter 2 – A Royal Priesthood
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. God’s own people.
1 Peter 2 – Obey the Authorities
I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law. – Martin Luther King
1 Peter 3 – We’re WEIRD
When we read the Scriptures we must necessarily be aware of vast cultural difference between its societal and religious paradigms, not only in the household codes but in all things of which Scripture speaks even in such central ideas such as salvation and justification.
1 Peter 3 – Noah
In this passage, Peter is writing about how Christ reverses the curse of Genesis 6 by linking Christian baptism with the story of Noah.
1 Peter 4 – Flesh and Spirit
In these verses Peter tells us what holiness looks like: enduring love, ungrudging hospitality, and service and stewardship in words and deeds.
1 Peter 4 – Suffering and Glory
Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will do right and entrust their souls to a faithful Creator.
1 Peter 5 – Church Leadership
Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.
1 Peter 5 – The Final Words
Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you that are in Christ.