THE NINE LITTLE LETTERS - PART 2: First & Second Peter

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If you are starting the Lakeland Sunday Night Bible  Blog (Lakeland SNBB) with First and Second Peter, you may not know this is Part 2 of a three-part study entiutled  "The Nine Little Letters"  of the New Testament.  If you would prefer to do the entire study and want to start with Part 1 (1, 2 & 3 John, Jude & Philemon), click Here.   If you would rather do Part 3 first, click Here for James and Titus.  See the General Introduction for these studies immediately below.

The letters of 1 John and 1 Peter were two of the last additions to the Scripture Canaan prior to  367 AD at the agreements between the Church of the West and the East.  After that time the Nine Little Letters of 1-2-3 John, Jude, Philemon, 1-2 Peter,  James and Titus were all a part of the Scriptural Canon,     Click Here to select studies in First Peter.

The penman of this epistle appears plainly to be the same who wrote the foregoing; and, whatever difference some learned men apprehend they discern in the style of this epistle from that of the former, this cannot be a sufficient argument to assert that it was written by Simon who succeeded the apostle James in the church at Jerusalem, inasmuch as he who wrote this epistle calls himself Simon Peter, and an apostle (v. 1), and says that he was one of the three apostles that were present at Christ's transfiguration (v. 18), and says expressly that he had written a former epistle to them, ch. 3:1. The design of this second epistle is the same with that of the former, as is evident from the first verse of the third chapter, whence observe that, in the things of God, we have need of precept upon precept, and line upon line, and all little enough to keep them in remembrance; and yet these are the things which should be most faithfully recorded and frequently remembered by us.   Click Here for studies in Second Peter.

Author, Title, Date

The book of 1 Peter is historically and traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter, the Great Fisherman and leader of the faith after Jesus ascended. . The title “1 Peter” reflects its position as the first of two epistles attributed to Peter in the New Testament. The opening verse affirms his authorship.  The book of 1 Peter is historically and traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter, the Great Fisherman and leader of the faith after Jesus ascended. . The title “1 Peter” reflects its position as the first of two epistles attributed to Peter in the New Testament. The opening verse affirms his authorship. Scholars uphold Peter’s authorship, emphasizing his firsthand experience with Christ and his leadership role in the early church.  1 Peter was written in the early 60s.

Purpose

Peter's first epistle was written to encourage and strengthen early Christians to remain faithful in the midst of Rome's severe persecution knowing that the redemption promised by Our Lord was certain to follow.  

Audience

The two letters were written to the dispersed believers  (1 Peter 1:1).  These were likely the people in the dozens of churches Paul had planted encouraged.  These were more likely Gentile believers rather than Jewish believers.  

Importance of This Letter

The Christian movement was believed by the Jewish religious leaders to be doomed to failure as soon as they murdered Jesus of Nazareth.  Acts 9 tells us that Saul of Tarsus was permitted by the Sanhedrin to expand his geographical area for persecuting Christians outside Judea and into Asia.  Saul was converted on the way to Damascus of Syria and became known as Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ.  The hope that Christianity offered was far superior to the persecution of the Jews and Romans, and provided for strong belief for the thousands who faced death for their belief.

Part 2 of the Nine Little Letters is First Peter.  These studies  are scheduled to start on September 13 and run for five weeks to end on October 11.

Peter’s Salutation (1 Peter 1:1-2, NASB95) 

After the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles are the numerous letters written by Paul and then seven, non-Pauline letters: James; 1, 2 & 3 John; 1 & 2 Peter; and Jude. Our study for this next thirteen sessions will be the latter three of these. First Peter was written about 46 AD with church tradition attributing its writing to the Apostle and Great Fisherman, Peter. The setting was Rome, and the environment was amid severe persecution of the Christian church. Recall when we were studying the Acts of the Apostle, that Paul was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go into parts of Asia Minor (Acts 16:6). It was there that Peter had his ministry. The persecution was at a fever pitch. The Roman Emperor, Nero, was burning Christians along city streets, blaming them for a fire in Rome which Roman’s started and carrying the persecution into areas controlled by Rome. 

As is the practice of most letters written to various people for a myriad of purposes, writers generally identified themselves and identified to whom the letter is written early in the document.  Peter identifies himself as, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ” (vs. 1).  The identity of the writer for 1 & 2 Peter has not come into challenge over the centuries.  Immediately after stating he was the author, Peter says this first letter is written “to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen” (vs. 2).  In the KJV, verse 2 starts by saying the letter is written to the “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” Some try to take this beautiful truth and suggest that God predetermines who will be saved and who will be lost (condemned) before any were born, and we must maintain that destiny regardless of whether we accept the Gospel of Christ or not.  Space does not permit a thorough proof of that fallacy here, but three verses should reveal God’s will on this subject, and He does not change. Read John 3:16 knowing that the word “world” there is the Greek Cosmos, which mean the universe of all people, 2 Peter 3:9 knowing He is not willing that any should perish and 1 Timothy 2:4 knowing that God our Savior will have all men to be saved. Romans 10:9-10 tells us that we get the gift by believing with our hearts and confessing with our mouths. 

The Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3-9, NASB95)

Peter goes into the praise of God and the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ (vs. 3).  He talks of the Father’s great mercy (grace, or unmerited gift) in giving us the unmerited gift of the rebirth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  In verse 4 Peter says that this living hope includes “an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled and will not fade away.”  Further, this inheritance is “reserved in Heaven for us.”  And even beyond that, “we are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”  It is an inheritance which is perfect and fully guaranteed not to fade away.  It is laid up for us in Heaven, which is greater than Fort Knox.  Not only is it protected by the Creator of the Universe, but we are personally protected by the power of God.  There is no power greater than the power of God and that level of power is the level of power by which this verse secures what God holds for us. 

Many Christians have to make real choices between living or dying for their faith. Peter quantifies it this way in verse 6: we can rejoice greatly in what God has given us, but for a while, we have real reason for distress because of those various trials. All of us know of this problem even if at a much different level than the original addressees.  They were facing loss of homes, loss of possessions, loss of family, loss of a lifetime of savings. The absolute power of Rome means that they could take anything from them with little or no explanation. 

In verse 7, Peter tries to quantify the great value and source of personal peace and power that can be found in Christ regardless of the trials and tribulation of daily struggles. So, even while we are tested by fire, we can receive some relief knowing that no matter what level of power the enemy has, our God has greater. Therefore, no matter the hurt the enemy might inflict upon us in this life, we can have peace knowing the enemy cannot reach those things guaranteed by our God.  And the enemy cannot have those things God guarantees us. Verses 8 and 9 acknowledge that while we cannot physically see God, we love Him, believe what He tells us and find great joy in knowing the day is coming when our faith will result in salvation from this world and victory over it. 

The Sure Salvation (1 Peter 1:10-16, NASB95))  

Now, Peter wants to identify the great advantages of this salvation he is talking about.  He starts out by pointing to the specific salvation they were discussing from the saying, “As to this salvation.” Peter identifies the prophets who had prophesied of grace, or unmerited gift, that would come to them.  The ones who described that grace began to search and inquire as to what person or time the Spirit of Christ was revealing for the suffering of Christ, he mentioned and what would be the glories they mentioned as being ahead of them.  So, verses 10 and 11 are asking when the prophecies for the coming sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow would occur.  They wanted to know questioned who that coming Spirit of Christ might be, what are the glories that would follow and when would they occur. Verse 12 posts the answers to that inquiry.  It says the prophecies referring to the “sufferings of the Spirit of Christ and the glories to follow” were not prophecies for their time.  The prophecy of the suffering of Christ was for an earlier time and were fulfilled in the sufferings of Jesus of Nazareth some thirty years prior to the writing of this letter.  

The “glories to follow” started with the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  That resurrection proved that God had accepted the sacrifice Jesus offered for the penalty of the sin of all mankind, and that the debt had been paid in full (Greek tetelestai in John 19:30).  That news was so great that even the angels in glory were seeking to be a part of it.  Many glories would take place because of Jesus’ final payment for sin.  Not just for leaders but for all the church’s saints!

Jesus would also leave gifts for mankind when He went to the Father 40 days after He was resurrected.  Peter sets our sight on the actions required to deliver Jesus’ redemption to this world. First, Peter describes the holiness needed in terms of rejecting the lusts of the past which no longer have dominion over them. Jesus’ payment for sin was for all time. As Jesus submitted to death, the multi-layered veil separating the Holiest place in the Temple from the Holiest of Holies where the Arc of the Covenant was stored, was ripped in half signifying the removal of any barrier between God’s holiness and that of humankind under His Holy Spirit,  Peter started at Holiness!. 

As Newborn Babes (1 Peter 2:1-3, NASB95)   

Peter establishes his common understanding of the great need of these people by simply stating (in effect), “Let’s focus.”  He recognized that they were feeling the great pressures from the Jewish leaders, the Greco-Roman culture, the Romans and even other Christians grow quickly.  It came out looking like malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and all slander to Peter.  He knew very well if the newborn Christian were to stand alone against these well organized and time-tested masters, they would individually fall away in frustration.  He had to find a way to bring them together.

Below the surface, all of us who have had time to study the truth and to get that self-assurance and confidence of personal proof had the power to stand firm, but many of those in Asia Minor were just too new in the faith to do battle – they were still at the survival level.  And, we also know that the enemy will exploit those weaknesses to mislead and confuse the newer Christians.  That is why those of today’s Christian deviant faiths and cults send people to our homes when our family leadership is working.  If they can plant the smallest seed of doubt in our faith, they can lead the newer Christians or maybe their weaker family members away. Verse 1 says we simply need to put those kinds of thoughts away for a later time.

Verse 2 says we need to recognize that responding to these tests requires deeper study, or we might be misled on those areas.  The cult members are-trained to induce doubt or confusion into our Bible study or church practices.  Peter says our very nature as new believers is to long for a better understanding and may open us to “a new word” to plant deceit or confusion.  Our longing to study the Word and get its power and understanding is a very normal drive, just like a new baby wants to get more of that pure milk. Paul admonishes us as he does Timothy, the preacher he led to Jesus Christ, “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15, NLT).  Verse 3 simply says this ought to be true if you are in the faith.

As Living Stones (1 Peter 2:4-12, NASB95)  

1 Peter 2:4-8 sets up the vocabulary for integrating Scripture from both testaments regarding the topic of “living stones.”  His starting place is to remind us that Jesus was the “living stone, rejected of men, but accepted as the cornerstone by God” (Psa 118:22, 1 Pet 2:4-5). The metaphor is fulfilled as Christians serve as living stones become the foundational cornerstones for spreading the Gospel of Christ, not as lifeless stones but as living stones. Then Peter tells us in verse 2:6 that we are about to look at a quotation from Isaiah 28:16 (KJV) saying, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” Peter continues that this precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner” (Ps 118:22, KVJ) and, “A stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to both the word, and to this doom they were appointed. 

This discussion of the stone, foundation stone, corner stone, rock of offense are all references to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Christ was rejected as “He came to His own, and his own received Him not.  But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:11-12). So, to those who believed Christ, were granted the privilege of Sonship forever. 

Peter continues in his message to the Christian communities of Asia Minor: “To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood” (1 Pet 1:2). So, these are the born-again of Jesus Christ in this area, and Peter wants to encourage them to act in ways which would encourage new believers in the church or associated movement.  Peter said they were, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession” (vs. 9).  As Peter assisted the exiled Christians, leading them in study of God’s word, they were becoming those “living stones.” 

Honor Authority (1 Peter 2:13-20, NASB95),    

Here is another opportunity for establishing a distinction for Christianity. Rather than an integration of labor and religion, Christianity holds the institutions separately but applies the Christian attitudes and approaches consistently across all endeavors.  That means that Christians submit themselves to the leadership of the organization or agency because that is how Christianity works.  Christians give allegiance to their secular and governmental leaders because being an outstanding employee or countryman brings glory to our God.  “Submitting ourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right” (vs. 13). The idea here is that performing one’s work in an extraordinary way is the objective of the Christian employee or worker.  The kind of work, or the managers above that work, matters not.  What matters is that the Christian can get glory for God out of the way they approach the work. 

Verse 14 expands just a little to drive the point home. Peter says it is the unmitigated will of the Lord to silence ignorant and foolish people by doing the assignment correctly regardless of the surrounding circumstances. It matters not whether the work is governmental, commercial, scholastic, competitive or voluntary, the Christian will do the best work because they are Christian and the Christian goal is to have the one for whom the work is done, glorify God because of the level of labor the Christian provided.  Further, while Christians are in the process of doing the work, they will act as free men and women (vs. 16).  That simply means that they will not be watching the clock or wasting the time until the required hours are counted.  They will do what it takes to get the work done to the full satisfaction of the person for whom the work was required.  The verse means that Christians will not use the cloak of Christianity to excuse our performance or get false credit for the work.  Christians will achieve excellence because God demands it; not because some manager asks for it. Peter sums the idea by saying, “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God and honor the king” (vs.17). He sums in verse 20that there is little to gain in suffering when it is due; rut much to gain when suffering when it is not due.

Wives with Their Husbands (1 Peter 3:1-7, NASB95)

Verse 1 of Chapter 3 forces a look back to find out what the wives are exhorted to do “in the same way as.” Peter had already talked about how subjects ought to submit to their sovereigns and servants to masters in Chapter 2:13-25, now he picks up with wives submission to their own husbands just as Paul did in Ephesians 5:22-6:9. The consistences in these lists almost liens toward some kind of master list to which both had access.  Nevertheless, it is good that both apostles are leading in the same directions on interpersonal relationships. The “sumission to their own husbands” seems to have a dual meaning in that they are to submit to the husbands but only to their own husbands. That statement seems to stress behavior inside the marriage while also limiting behavior to inside the marriage. This statement also follows Paul admonitions for the behaviors in order to evangelize the mate. This is a common thought, and it is often the case that a converted mate can reach the spouse better than anyone else. The sinserity of the conversion experience would be most obvious to the spouse. Verse 3 admonishes the women to be modest in dress and adornment (jewery, hairstyle and such). The influencing of the mate should be through that medium only closely seen by the spouse; the behaviors of the heart and deeper feelings, “the imperrishable quality of a gentile and quiet spirit” (vs. 4). 

Verse 5 lauds this way of influence and states that it has been working for years in the past. Verse six goes back as far as Abraham and Sarah as examples of such. Peter states that Sarah called Abraham lord. He suggested the reader might become very much like her (as children) if they can do such without fear or fright (vs. 6). 

Then, again much like Paul’s Ephesian 5 model) the husband in the same way must live with their wives in an understanding way, as someone weaker since she is a woman (vs. 7). Further, the husband should honor her as a fellow heir of the grace of life. In this way, the prayers of the husband would not be hindered or withheld. The emphasis is in the positive influences of each.

The More General View (1 Petere 3:8-12)  

Here, Peter advertises he is going to “sum up” (vs. 8a). He says all of us need to be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted and humble in spirit (vs 8b). In addition to not exhibiting some of the baser behaviors, we should also refrain from showing the following responses: returning evil for evil, or engaging in insult for insult battles but rather, giving a blessing instead. This alone is a steep hill to climb for many!

So, Peter quotes from the Old Testament at Psalms 34:12-16. King David started this passage by saying, “Come, ye children, hearken to me:  I will teach you the fear of the Lord” (vs 34:11). The lesson from David is that, the person who loves life, enjoys love and good days must learn to control his tongue and his lips to steer them away from evil and deceit. Likewise, he must turn his entire being away from evil and do good work instead. Last, he must look for peace and continuously chase after it. If he will do these things, the eyes of the Lord will be turned toward him because the Lord is continuously seeking after righteousness and hears their prayers, that is enjoys fellowship with them. The opposite is true for those who do evil. The face of the Lord is against them (vs. 34:16). 

How should a believer react to words of advice like these of David or any other contributor to Scripture? The primary understanding must be that we are not looking to the actual facial characteristics of God’s face as He reacts to these things.  Rather, we are listening to the “man who is after God’s own heart” as he lists for us those things he has found that please the Lord and those things that do not. Heeding the advice of such a person is wise in general but recall that our view of the Scripture is that it is “God inspired and God breathed.” In other words, the Scripture can be trusted fully for doctrine to live by. The Apostle Paul said to his mentee, “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim 3:16-17). The Scriptures are where we find the “words of life,” i.e., how we should live. 

Sanctify Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3:13-17)  

Now we see Peter turning to response on what he has forwarded to us from the words of the Lord. He starts, “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?” (vs. 13). Anyone who criticizes a person for doing what God has commanded is simply one who does not have a relationship with God. Nevertheless, God is still over them. Peter suggests that “even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed” (vs. 14a, Matt 5:10). 

Matthew Henry (renowned author of Bible Commentaries) makes three observations: 1) To follow always that which is good, is the best course we can take to keep out of harm’s way,  2) To suffer for righteousness sake is the honor and happiness of a Christian, and  3) Christians have no reason to be afraid of the threats or rage of any of their enemies. 

Matthew Henries’ comments are, of course, valid as they stand, but Christian wisdom, knowledge and focus need to be added to his considerations. All twelve Apostles (Judas excluded but Paul included) led hundreds, if not thousands, of people to Jesus Christ before they were martyred for the cause of Christ. They took their stands and were persecuted vigorously and eventually killed by the organized religion of the time (Judaism) as well as the Roman Empire. We need to ask God for His specific guidance when to stand and die for today or elude and live to keep our message for Christ alive for tomorrow. That does not mean we ever compromise or dilute the message of Christ wherever God has sent us, it does mean that we should never give our lives up cheaply. Once we are killed or otherwise have our messages neutralized, that tremendous influence for Christ  is quieted and Satan is the winner. 

On the other hand, severe attack may be God’s message that our ministry might be more useful in a different place or position. Recall that Paul had to skip entire countries during his missionary journeys, yet he continued to establish new church all over the known world. Many of those places could not have been reached for Christ had he been captured or killed earlier. Remember that your ministry is God’s to use and He will not allow you to be taken out until He knows you are finished.

Christ Suffered to End Sin (1 Peter 4:1-6, NASB95)

Christian Commentary author, Matthew Henry is correct in his summary, “The work of a Christian is twofold doing the will of God and suffering his pleasure. This chapter directs us in both” (Commentary of 1 Peter 4). In fact, the first sentence of this chapter suggests we look again at the description of Christ’s suffering provided in the previous chapter. Peter states that it is because of Christ’s sufferings, as described, we should prepare ourselves to face the same or similar trials. Not only that but we need understand that Jesus died physically for us, that is, in our places, so we can have that death for ourselves. Verse 1 into verse 2 says that “He who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” This is a part of the amazing fact of Jesus’ substitutionary death for us. The time for exercising all lust of men like “sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries” is already past (vs. 3). As a matter of fact, in all this, those who are given to them are surprised that we no longer associate with them as they continue to live in such things (vs. 4a). For us (verse 4 continues), these excesses are now inconsistent with who we are. Paul states the new truth for us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (KJV). And this change in us is not acted out by us in our own power but is accomplished by the Holy Spirit within us. When He comes to live inside us, we simply no longer find comfort in these things. Quite the opposite, we experience discomfort taking part in them. 

Verse 5 adds that those who do take part in these things will certainly be required to give account to the Lord who is ready to judge the quick (living) and the dead. This is not intended as some kind of guilt trip or fear tactic, rather, it is reporting the truth of what happens to us when we experience the rebirth. The flesh (the source of lust) is dead, even as Satan tries to resurrect it, because it no longer holds power of us.  We live in the spirit according to the will of God (vs. 6). 

Keep Fervent in Your Love (1 Petere 4:7-11)

Peter says to think of it like this, “The end of all things is near, therefore, be of sound judgement and sober spirit for the purpose of answered prayer” (vs. 7). I know, as soon as anyone begins to talk about the end being near, we think of religious fanatics carrying signs of repentance while he is dressed in sackcloth and covered with ashes. That is certainly not what is intended. In today’s culture, the announcement that the end is near would be a call to sin more while you still could. No, the admonition is to understand that the day of reckoning is rapidly approaching (Rev 20:11-15). There is an eternity ahead after that reckoning and there will be no changes once one enters in (Luke 16:19-31). Once the rich man and Lazareth were assigned their destiny, there were no changes forthcoming. Lazareth was “comforted in the bosom of Abraham” while the rich man was burned but not devoured. Peter says it is much better to maintain sound judgement and sober spirit for the purpose of getting prayers answered. We have so many friends and neighbors who need our prayers and will not make the right decisions without them. I recall when a doctor stood before me when I was only 21 years old. My wife was in the delivery room, and because of a complication, he might have to make a choice between saving the baby or saving my wife. After I reluctantly gave him my answer, even though I was an atheist then, I prayed, “Oh God in Heaven, please don’t hurt my family because of what I have become.” No atheists there! Both came through the delivery, and my daughter is now 59 years old with three of her own children. 

No, instead of some comedy, the end is deadly serious. Peter tells us to pray fervently for one another as the time approaches. To love one another because love changes things and can cover a multitude of sin by bringing people together and changing attitudes. He continues that we need to be hospitable to each other without complaint (vs. 9). Care for the visitors and strangers who need local help. Anyone who has been given special gifts, it is the time to use them for others. We need to take our time remaining to talk of the great things God has done and implore those who do not know Him to come to His saving arms for saving grace. Speak the words of God’s immeasurable love and compassion. Our blessings glorify the Father through His Son, Jesus. 

Share the Sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:12-16)

Peter walked so closely with Christ during His time on earth and even more closely after His ascension, that he knew His heart and here, He reveals some of the truths that only a man like Peter would know. Verse 12 begins, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.” Mattew tells us, “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust (Matt 5:45). All of us in the faith know that our faith can only grow through the testing God allows into our lives. We have the protection of God’s promise “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13). It helps to understand that every test God allows on us is to help or serve another. The test is designed to give us the wisdom and knowledge to assist someone else with addressing that issue. God is not some frivolous tempter who seeks ways to challenge and/or frustrate us. Rather, He is a caring, loving Savior who is willing to use His holy ones to minister to those all around them. He allows us to show His love to His people as He uses our touches to deliver His compassion. We share in Christ sufferings to save other from the pain. 

In verse 13 Peter enters the familiar topic of “rejoicing through suffering.” The topic is familiar because Paul addresses it, “37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:37-39). James does it in 1:2-4, “2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Trials benefit all involved and serve as a tool through which God can grow His people while helping others feel His loving touch,

Shepherd Your Flock (1 Peter 5:1-4)  

In today’s context, the advice from Peter to the Pastors of the first century Christian churches would seem a little naive. What kind of a person would be a pastor of a church and not know that he was responsible for shepherding the flock? But at least two factors make Peter’s advice very important and timely. Training and standardization of church leaders is always a great idea, especially in light of how quickly the churches were multiplying and growing. Also, the combined threats from the Roman Empire and the leaders of the local Sanhedrin (41 members) and the Great Sanhedrin (71 member) at Jerusalem across the world was having an impact on the longevity of people serving as pastors or elders. Further, upon a detailed look, the training Peter is suggesting speaks more to management style than management execution. 

Using the word “shepherding” as the initial word for describing the position, set a remarkable word picture for the work. Most of the areas where this letter would find itself would recognize that word as requiring a management philosophy full of routine adjustments to overcome unexpected changes in the flock. That is probably why Peter started out saying that he was a partaker of the sufferings of Christ. That was instant credibility for these readers. 

But Peter is making sure the pastors did not see him as “lording his experiences over them” (vs. 3): Notice that he said he wanted the leadership of the Pastors to be one of oversight without compulsion but with voluntarism in accordance with the will of God. Peter was looking for a management style that allowed people to see that it was being carried out through the miraculous power of Christ through the Holy Spirit of God. And when the movement was managed that way, when the Chief Shepherd appears, He will see the perfection of the work and reward those who did that work with the Perpetual Crown of Glory. The timing of the coming of the Chief Shephard is that first return for His saints where He does not personally touch the ground. First Thessalonians 4:13 ff and First Corinthians 15:51 ff describe this event and the great beauty of it.

Younger as Humble Subjects (1 Petere 5:5-7)  

The discussion on the proper behavior of the presbyter covered, it is time to talk to the rest of the congregation. Peter choses to call them “the younger” in contrast the “the elder” or older (vs. 5a & Luke 22:26). Note also that this far in the conversation the addressees are all male. If this was written today, we would acknowledge that there are believing women as well as the believing men. The first admonition is that the younger should be subject or submissive to the elders. This instruction seems intended not just by positional distinction but also by age. Recognition of the potential wisdom available from those who have gone before us is throughout the Scriptures. But Peter is not willing to stop there. He directs that the membership, in general, must be subject to one another and clothe themselves in humility toward (vs. 5b). In Hebrews 13:17, the writer (likely Paul) writes, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (KJV).  

So now, the summary statement for the teaching is ready to be documented, and it starts with imploring us to act humbly toward one another under the mighty hand of God. The Hebrew part of the congregation knows very well what Peter is saying when he says, “under the mighty hand of God.” Hebrews have studied the history of the Scriptures and know very well, that if one will not humble himself as directed, the might hand of God will assist in causing humility. It is like being offered punish by either Mom or Dad; no one prefers punishment under the mighty hand of Dad when the light touch of Mom is a choice.  But notice also that Peter adds the blessing of the Father in that “He may exalt you at the proper time.” Frequently after the punishment is done and the Father (Lord or earthly) sees that the lesson is learned, He (or he) will lift the younger up before the others showing His (or his) pleasure in the new or modified behavior which has resulted from the correction. It is in this feedback from the Lord that we recognize that while we may have drifted away, the Lord wants us back by His side. Knowing we can cast our anxieties on Him.

Keep Fervent in Your Love (1 Peter 5:8-11)  

Now Peter sets about answering the question of how we might show that humility and submissiveness. We can start by having a serious (sober) spirit. That does not mean that we cannot have fun and rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. What it means is that under the surface of our daily living is that constant awareness that there is much more to life than what happens in the open. When Paul tells us to “Pray without ceasing,” He expects those prayers to be taking place under the surface while the life all around us continues (1 Thess 5:17). We can certainly drive our cars, carry on a conversation in the car and also pray blessings on that person in the car. That is prayer without ceasing, and each of us can do it.

Next Peter reminds us of something we have all experienced. He says we need to be alert, or watch out, because “Our advisory, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (vs. 8b). One though to keep in mind is that if you belong to Christ, the devil might oppress you but he cannot possess you. First John 4:4 says, “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” There is no contest if you will believe what the Bible says to us. The devil must retreat at you command under the strength of the Holy Spirit within you. 

See how Peter says we need to “resist him, firm in our faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (vss. 9-10). Being oppressed by the devil is not unique to you or any other individual; it is universal among Christians. Personally, I agree with James when he says we should “count it all joy when we enter into divers temptations,” because a true measure of the harm I am causing the devil is the amount of trouble he sends my way (James 1:3). So, the more effective I am in serving the Lord and winning the lost to Christ and believers to peace in Him, the more the devil will try to hinder my faith, my actions and my walk. “To Him be dominion forever and ever, Amen, ” indeed!!!

Author, Title, Date

The book of 1 Peter is historically and traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter, the Great Fisherman and leader of the faith after Jesus ascended. . The title “1 Peter” reflects its position as the first of two epistles attributed to Peter in the New Testament. The opening verse affirms his authorship. Scholars uphold Peter’s authorship, emphasizing his firsthand experience with Christ and his leadership role in the early church.  1 Peter was written in the early 60s.

2 Peter followed between 65-68 AD warning of severe persecution by the Roman Empire against the Christian Church.   The title of Peter for both books represents internal evidence that the books were written by the Apostle Peter.Scholars uphold Peter’s authorship, emphasizing his firsthand experience with Christ and his leadership role in the early church.  1 Peter was written in the early 60s.

Purpose

2 Peter provides added warnings against false teachers and their deceptive practices to the incoutragements and strengthenings of First Peter.

Audience

Both letters were written to the dispersed believers  (1 Peter 1:1).  These were likely the people in the dozens of churches Paul had planted encouraged.  These were more likely Gentile believers rather than Jewish believers, but there was certainly a mix of both..  

Importance of This Letter

The Christian movement was believed by the Jewish religious leaders to be doomed to failure as soon as they murdered Jesus of Nazareth.  Acts 9 tells us that Saul of Tarsus was permitted by the Sanhedrin to expand his geographical area for persecuting Christians outside Judea and into Asia.  Saul was converted on the way to Damascus of Syria and became known as Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ.  The hope that Christianity offered was far superior to the persecution of the Jews and Romans, and provided for strong belief for the thousands who faced death for their belief.

Second Peter picks up on October 18 with Christian Virtue Witnessed followed by False Prophets Coming on October 25 and Second Coming and All is New on November 1.

Christian Virtue Starts (2 Peter 1:1-4)  

Verse 1-4 serve as the introduction or preface into a teaching of materials substantially brought by the apostle for the benefit of the others in ministry to the early faith of Christianity. The reading of the material, and understanding that Peter, Andrew, James and John were all professional fishermen, makes it obvious that letter is written under the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Part of the evidence that this letter and its former were written by the same author is that nearly everything in these introductory words are the same as the first rendition. Here we have the writer described as Simon Peter, the servant and the apostles listed as the names and/or traits of the writer. Peter ends up being the most frequent name used in this letter. It was given to him by the Master as he confessed Jesus as the Christ and the Son of the Living God.  The name Simon is almost entirely missing in the first letter; it is used extensively in this second one. This is the name also given him at his circumcision which should be the favorite of those most familiar with the Law of Moses. Peter names himself a servant here along with being an apostle of Christ.

The greeting of “grace and peace being multiplied in knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” is a common but very warm greeting throughout the various letters between the leaders of the faith. Peter is saying that those who have received faith of the same kind as his, have received His (Jesus’) divine power which has granted us all that we need for life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  Further, Peter is saying that Christians of faith have the full sufficiency of supernatural power through the Holy Spirit of God indwelling them through a sincere commitment to Christ (Rom 10:9-10, 2 Pet 11-3).  

In verse 4, Peter says God has granted to us “His precious and magnificent promises.”  This is a fulfillment of God’s promise as stated by John the Baptist who came baptizing with water, but One coming who will baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit.  With that Holy Spirit, we become partakers in His divine nature and live in His power rather than power of the human flesh.  

Exhortation for Groth (2 Peter 1:5-11)  

In 2 Peter, Chapter 1:5-8, Peter describes a bit of a Christian chain reaction.  He says that applying moral excellence to our faith, knowledge to our moral excellence, self-control to our knowledge, perseverance to out self-control, godliness to our perseverance, brotherly love to our godliness and kindness to our love is God’s way of it fulfilling the Christian mission through us.  What is also interesting about this list is that it is the same thought process as demonstrated by Paul and James in their descriptions of how Christ, through the Holy Spirit within us, will cause us to grow and advance in the Christian faith (1 Cor 13:4-7 and James 1:2-4). Mathew Henry says that, “Without giving all diligence, there is no gaining any ground in the work of holiness; those who are slothful in the business of religion will make nothing of it; we must strive if we enter in at the Strait Gate (Luke 13:24)” (M. Henry on 2 Peter 1.5).  

Peter talks to each of these attributes to be built upon build upon each before, and birth still another.  And the very strange thing is that the reborn need not expend any personal energy to make any part of this chain-reaction to take place.  It is ignited and propagated through and by the God who initiated it.  It is entirely internal to the reborn; not requiring any additional push or power from the outside. Verse 8 finishes the God-initiated thrust of our power by saying that as a reborn Christian, the only limit on our power under God is our belief that these qualities are already present in us and lay waiting for us to generate the personal faith to use them (vs. 8).

Verses 9-11 reminds us of the sobering statements of God’s faith in us through our Lord Jesus Christ, and His indwelling Holy Spirit. Verse 9 states that the truth has been spoken and the only thing preventing us from using all of what God has given us is our personal blindness and shortsightedness of the facts that He has rendered us purified from all past sin. Because of this, God tells us we can never stumble or fail as long as we are operating in those things He has called us to do. In other words, if we are doing His will; nothing can stop us. And verse 11 sums that this is the entrance into the eternal kingdom of Christ, knowing that we are abundantly supplied.

Great Advantage Accrued (2 Peter 1:12-17)  

Here Peter is making a personal commitment to those who follow him, even us. He says that he will always be ready to remind us of these things even though he knows we know them very well (vs. 12). He is saying that he will be a constant reminder of the power and blessing we already carry as we walk with him. He says it is a personal duty God gave him to be a source of empowerment and encouragement to remember and use the power Christ has put in us for the good of all those God has placed in our lives. In verse 13, Peter says he will do these things in all the limited time he is in this earthly body. He adds that he knows his time is limited, but he also knows that laying aside his earthly body will not end his influence among the saints. There is no one in any denomination I know of that does not acknowledge the name of the Great Fisherman and Apostle, Peter. 

In verse 14, Peter says he knows that the time is near for him to leave his earthy body but that Jesus has made it clear to him that any time after his departure the people will be able to recall his teachings as they come immediately back into the minds of the saints. Peter has long since departed for Heaven but look at us this very night as we teach and recall his words and his accomplishments. We are accomplishing what Peter asked us to do hundreds and thousands of years ago; we are bringing alive his words again in 2026. 

Verse 16 assures us that they were not following some cleverly devised tales when they told us of the power and coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead, these words were told us by people who saw the majesty of Jesus Christ. They were there when He received the words from the Heavens saying, “This is my Son with whom I am well-pleased.” (vs 17). But it was Peter, James and John again who were with Him at the Jesus’ Transfiguration on a high mountain with Moses and Elijah in their presence (Matt 16:28-17:9 & Mark 9:1-9).  In both references that Jesus prophesizes, and said unto them, “Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come” (Mark 9:1).  They saw!

The Rise of False Prophets (2 Peter 2:1-3)

The Apostle Peter, having encouraged Christians to go forward to advance the Christian race in his first letter, now tries to do away with any obstacle that might exist to prevent them from complying with his direction. Here, he warns them of false prophets and false teachers and gives them information by which to prevent their interference. After Acts 2, false prophets differ very little from false teachers. That is, New Testament prophets are “forth tellers” rather than “fore-tellers.” The Spiritual Gift of prophecy is one of powerfully delivering the Word of God in a way that is supernaturally strong and easy to understand. It is not developing new information about future events. The false prophet is one who delivers descriptive information deceptively concocted to accomplish his cause, not to further God’s cause. The false teacher is one who interprets the information in God’s Word to instruct the learners on what is contained therein for the purpose of leading them away from the truth of the Word to some cultish version of non-Christian religion. Both gifts are valuable and necessary to the Church under God’s direction, but only when they are used in specific line with the truth of the Word. 

Peter says these kinds of people have crept into the ranks of the Christian Church to purposely sway the church members away from the orthodox faith and the supernatural power which such teaching and prophesying delivers. Further, false prophecy and teaching will always divide the church, and the divided church will not have the power to overcome the persecution and punishment of the Emperor, the Sanhedrin and the Synagogue. Their teachings are the destructive heresies mentioned in verse 1. Verse 2 emphasizes the results of such misleading activity and its impact on the Church. Some of the division of denominationalism comes from false teachers and prophets. They are expert at introducing small differences that will be accepted by many as Scripturally accurate and others as Scripturally deviant theology. That is division. We must always listen closely for those differences and test them against the Word of God (2 Tim 2:15). Half truths are whole lies. When hearing prophecy or teaching, do so with God’s Word open. 

End Like Fallen Angels (2 Peter 2:4-10a)

Now, Peter describes what happens to people who are a part of false teaching or false prophecy. He sets up several examples of very well known people and events to make the point of his warning about heretic teaching. I find it uncanny that false teaching in our churches is so destructive and yet, one of our country’s primary problems today is the false teaching being forced on our children aof all ages. While we are expected to trust the teachers put in front of our children, regularly falling rankings in English, mathematics and science compared with other countries is proof positive that the required trust might be misplaced. 

So, Peter uses examples of how God dealt with the fallen angels (vs. 4), the sin of Noah’s world (vs. 5), and the gross immorality of Sodom and Gomorrah (vs. 6) to show how He dealt severely with people who did not honor the information they were being taught and how their churches, cities and families paid the price of God’s judgement. In the examples God placed here, Peter reminded us that God sent the fallen angels to everlasting Hell (Lake of Fire), He flooded the entire world except for eight people in Noah’s time, and He burned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to the ground and everything around them. 

In contrast, verses 7-10a contains examples of how he saved His chosen few from the judgements of death assigned for all the others. God rescued Lot and his family out of Sodom before He destroyed it (vss. 7-8).  He rescued the godly from temptation while He kept the guilty for day of God’s judgement. The obvious contrast between God’s judgement and punishment of those who trespassed against His laws and those who were saved for a later and evidently more severe and lasting punishment shows the grace of God on the one hand and His just punishment on the other. 

He shows a special plan for those trapped in active practice of the sins of the flesh and yielding to still more fleshly desires. The habit of doing so is both a state of current bondage and a future quest for more of the same. Peter closes with the judgement of those who despise the authority God has set over them. It is both disobedience of God’s law and contempt of His authority.

Daring, Self-Willed, Brave (2 Peter 2:10b-16)

This slide begins with the second half of verse 10, or simply 10b. Recall we were addressing those who the Lord was reserving for punishment and “especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority” (vs 10a). Verse 10b says it is these who are daring, self-willed and weaker beings bringing charges (reviling) judgement against them to the Lord. They are, in fact, acting like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have insufficient knowledge to understand that their destructive actions will result in their own destruction (vs. 12). They cannot see they are being justly punished as they are “receiving wrong for doing wrong” (vs. 13). Regardless, they feel justified in doing their errors in plain sight so all can see. So completely unaware that they seem to celebrate their error in the brightest light of the day. Commentator and author Matthew Henry sums, “Those whose hearts are not established with grace are easily turned into the way of sin, or else such sensual wretches would not be able to prevail upon them, for these are not only riotous and lascivious, but covetous also, and these practices their hearts are exercised with” (Commentary on 2 Peter 2:13-14). 

In verses 15 and 16, Peter provides sufficient information to prove these are accursed children, even so covetous persons as to do those very things the Lord abhors. Henry cites Numbers 22:25 as even Balaam’s donkey knew he was going the wrong way and crushed his foot against the wall to stop him. The donkey’s reward for trying to save its master was another beating under Balaam’s rod, but the donkey refused to let its master go the wrong way until he saw the angel of the Lord and then knew his donkey was right. It is a sad day indeed when the wisdom of a donkey is proven to exceed that of its owner and prophet! (Henry comments that “Balaam was included as a prophet of the Lord just as Judas was included an Apostle of the Lord.”) 

There are two sets of people we are examining here: the false prophet or teacher and the hearer of the same. It is difficult to determine which is the greater fool: the one who teaches error and knows it will certainly find Hell as his home (James 3:1) or the one who accepts it (2 Tim 2:15). 

Purpose of the Letter (2 Peter 3:1-2)

Peter is coming to the end of his two-letter, doctrinal offering to the newly converted believers from the Jewish faith.  He reminds them that this certainly is the second of the two letters, and further, that the purpose of the letters is to “stir up their sincere minds by way of reminder” (vs. 1). He will mention later that he is also aware of coming scoffers who will ridicule the apostles, elders and others of the church for believing in Jesus separated from Judaism. Peter has two references for the words he is passing to the church: the first is the Old Testament consisting of the Torah, the Law and the Prophets. But secondly, and many would say primarily, he has the experience of walking side-by-side with the Messiah for more than three years. Peter is about to author a third and final chapter of his second letter. It will be a study of the end times or technically known as, eschatology. 

Peter wisely reminds the readers that he strongly advises them to recall what they learned from Judaism through the holy prophets and the commandments of the Lord often called, “The Law and the Prophets.” Peter had none of today’s error in disregarding the Old Testament because of the New Testament, to the contrary, he calls these references to their minds as he explains his intensions for this writing (vs. 2). In that sentence, he includes a second reference of the ministry of Jesus, the Christ and Messiah. 

Jesus was not silent on eschatology. Recall in John 14 where He said, “1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (KJV). So, Jesus will return for His own and take them with Him to Heaven (See also 1 Thess 4:13-18 & 1 Cor 15:51-57). The words require “the rest of the story” because not all were taken. We know the rest of the story is in the Second Coming plus the earlier Rapture of the Saints.

Coming Day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:3-9)  

He addresses the mockers (or scoffers) mentioned earlier, in the first sentence. He mentions that in the last days (i.e., when the end is near) there would be people who would mock the idea of the Lord’s Second Coming (vs. 3). Their mocking statement suggested that they thought is had been so long since the promise was given that it would likely never be fulfilled (vs. 4). Their statement is humorous in that it sounds a lot like a comment from the “instant-on/instant-off,” microwave oven generation of today. They were evidently expecting the Lord to return in their generation. This was not an uncommon error; recall that Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians partially because of their misunderstanding his words in his first letter (or visit) regarding the coming of the Lord. They believed that he said it had already occurred and that they were all left behind. In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul lists some events that must take place before the Rapture of the Saints, so they would understand the time was not right. These new converts were writing before 64 AD (when Peter was martyred) and already thought the Lord was late! 

The mocker’s idea was that nothing had changed since the original creation, so it probably would not change then. Peter stated that the earth was formed out of the water and by water God destroyed the earth again, reserving it for a future destruction by fire (vs. 7). He assured them that the quick response would also bring a rapid judgement and condemnation of all ungodly men. That probably made them think a little harder before insisting on a sooner date for His coming.

Peter responded to them that God has a different time accounting system than we do. He said, “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (vs. 8, KJV).  While we have a date and time for everything, God counts a different way. That is not to say that God is not accurate; recall that Daniel 9:25 said the time between the issuing of the commandment to restore Jerusalem and the coming of the Messiah was 173,880 days and, sure enough, the command was given to Neamiah in 2:6 and Jesus rode the donkey in 32 AD. Peter closes with God’s unwillingness for any to perish so, He is waiting. 

New Heaven & Earth (2 Peter 3:10-13)  

The “but” beginning this sentence introduces a contrast with something said earlier. Recall that Peter had begun answering the question from mockers in verses 3-9. He said the Lord’s timing was different than ours, and God was delaying because He was not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance (vs. 9). But here, He assures them that God’s timing will come when least expected. He said His return would be like a thief in the night. No one can predict when a thief will break into their home. If they knew, they would be prepared to stop him. Likewise, the Lord will certainly return when least expected. And when He returns, it will be accompanied by the heavens rolling away with a great roar and the element will be destroyed with the intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up (vs. 10). Considering all this, what kind of people should we be and what kind of attitude should we have?

Well, Peter’s description of the total destruction looming over us until that time would make most people have second thoughts about imploring the Lord to hasten His return. At a very minimum, Peter’s warnings should demand a self-inspection to see if we are ready for it. Peter suggests that maybe we should be looking at our conduct to see whether we have that holy conduct and godliness we would expect God to be looking for in us. Peter reminds us in verse 13 that God promises us a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 

Four decades later, the Apostle John would answer Peter’s question like this, “1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev 21:1-4).  God wants us there!