Category Archives: 1 Peter

It is very easy for us humans to find fault and to criticize someone else’s family. It is harder for us to take an honest look at our own. The fact is that all of us who follow Jesus need to make sure that we are treating our families in a way that pleases God. After saying that servants should respectfully submit to their masters, the Apostle Peter in the first 6 verses of chapter 3 of his first letter, writes these words to wives: “In the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word; seeing your pure behavior in fear. Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing; but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious. For this is how the holy women before, who hoped in God also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands: as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.”

In this passage Peter gives two goals for which every Christian wife should strive. The first is to win her husband. In an ideal world, every husband would be a committed follower of Christ and would be the spiritual leader of his home. But the sad truth is that even among those who wear the name of Christ, many husbands are unbelievers. In these circumstances it falls to the wife to provide spiritual direction in the family. But how can this be done? How can a wife turn her husband’s heart toward God? Peter clearly says that she cannot do it with words. No man likes to be lectured, particularly by his wife. When a man’s pride is involved he will often turn away from what he knows is right rather than admit that he is wrong. If a woman is to win her husband she must do it by her actions and her example. This takes a great deal of humility but the Christian wife should always keep in mind what her object is. Her purpose is not to prove her husband wrong or to tear him down, but to save him. In order to do this a Christian wife will be submissive. In verse 6 Peter uses the example of Sarah to illustrate what this means. A submissive wife will obey her husband. In this way she shows that she respects his judgment and gives more value to his desires than to her own. Also, though she might not call her husband “lord” as Sarah did, she will show by her attitude and actions that she recognizes the authority God has given to her husband as the head of the household.

Another thing a Christian wife will do in order to turn her husband toward God is to live a pure life. It will achieve nothing for a wife to tell her husband that he should live a holy life if she is unwilling to do so herself. Purity also brings contentment and when a husband sees it in his wife he will begin to wonder how he can share in that contentment.

The second goal that every Christian wife should have is to develop her inner self. To make this point Peter contrasts two standards of beauty. One type of beauty comes from external things such as clothing, jewelry and hair style. This type of beauty appeals to man’s physical desires but if this is the only kind of beauty a woman has, it will soon fade. Then, when her physical beauty is gone, the attraction her husband felt for her will be gone as well. But Peter says that there is a kind of beauty that does not fade. This beauty has its origin in a woman’s character and attitudes. This inner beauty transforms the entire person. The woman who has it will be attractive no matter how she looks physically or what she wears.

Here it would be good to dispel a misunderstanding. Some people have the idea that Peter forbids the wearing of jewelry or nice clothing. This is not true. Adornment is wrong only when it takes precedence over the godly inner qualities which produce true beauty. What Peter is saying is that women should be beautiful because of who they are rather than because of what they wear. Clothing and adornment should never be a substitute for character.

Another misunderstanding that some people have is that by saying a woman should have a gentle and quiet spirit Peter means that she is supposed to be somber, mirthless and dull. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, women who are truly godly are filled with joy, love, hope and confidence. In the first chapter of this very letter Peter writes that the followers of Christ are filled “…joy unspeakable and full of glory…” (1 Peter 1:8) The Apostle Paul writes, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control….” (Galatians 5:22-23) It is these inner qualities that should be the most noticeable characteristic of a Christian wife. It is these inner qualities which make her beautiful and which will attract her husband and draw him to God.

This passage contains one more difficulty that should be cleared up. In verse 2 where Peter is explaining how husbands will be brought to God, this translation says, “…seeing your pure behavior in fear…” But in verse 6 Peter instructs wives to, “… not [be] put in fear by any terror…” While this is a good literal translation it does cause some confusion. Why would Peter tell wives not to fear and at the same time say that it is their fear which will win over their husbands? The key to understanding this is to realize that the word Peter uses can have different connotations. It seems clear that in verse 6 Peter is telling wives not to be afraid of their husbands or of having to suffer because of living holy lives. In verse two it seems that Peter is speaking of the relationship the wife has with God. If this is so, then Peter is saying that a Christian wife will display a reverential fear for God rather than dread. Also keep in mind that in chapter 1, verse 17 Peter writes that all of the followers of Christ should live their lives in fear. And, as we saw, the scripture says, “To fear the LORD is to hate evil…” (Proverbs 8:13 NIV) This passion in his wife to renounce evil and to do what is right will cause an unbelieving husband to seek God.

Our religion should be more than just giving lip-service to a set of beliefs. Our actions in the course of everyday life should be proof of the things we say we believe. In view of this, how should a Christian servant act towards his employer? The Apostle Peter answers this question when he writes, “Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked. For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God. For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God.” (1 Peter 2:18-20)

This translation says that servants should submit to their masters with fear. But the Greek word that Peter uses has several meanings. Here it cannot mean fear because Jesus instructed his followers not to fear men. He said, “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him, who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. [that is, hell] Yes, I tell you, fear him.” (Luke 12:4-5) In view of this, what Peter is saying is that servants should serve their masters with respect or reverence rather than fear.

But some of the masters Peter mentions were cruel and abusive. In such circumstances why should a servant put up with it? Why not leave and take a different job? The answer is that the word Peter uses for servant indicates that at least some of them were slaves. It was impossible for them to leave their situation. But even if a person is not a slave it still may not be possible for him to leave a job where he is abused and mistreated because of economic or other adverse conditions.

Peter gives at least three reasons why a follower of Christ should respectfully submit to an abusive master. The first reason for respectful submission is that a Christian is conscious of God (verse 19). What this means is that a follower of Jesus always keeps in mind who his real master is. Even though he is under the authority of an earthly master, his real master is God. Peter had already instructed his readers in verse 16 to live, “…as bondservants of God.” When a Christian serves he is not merely working for another person, but for God. This agrees with what the Apostle Paul writes about our service to earthly masters. He says, “not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.” (Ephesians 6:6-8) If we can regard our work as service to God, it will be much easier to endure wrong treatment.

Another reason Peter gives for respectfully submitting to an abusive master is that this is commendable with God. To endure unjust suffering is really an act of faith. Instead of trying to get justice by taking revenge by ourselves, we place ourselves in God’s hands. He is the judge, and when we respectfully submit to injustice we are acknowledging that He will do justice.

A third reason to endure unjust suffering at the hands of an abusive master is that when we do so we are following the example of Jesus. In verses 21 through 23 Peter writes, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, who did not sin, “neither was deceit found in his mouth.” Who, when he was cursed, didn’t curse back. When he suffered, didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously.”

Peter says that the Christian servant has been called. Called to what? There are several answers given in Scripture to this question. But all of them can be summarized by saying that God has called each Christian to be like Christ. As it is written, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Whom he predestined, those he also called…” (Romans 8:28-30) In view of this we can say that while a Christian servant has not been called for the purpose of suffering, he has been called to respond like Jesus when unjust suffering occurs.

We tend to think that if someone suffers they must have done something to deserve it. But Peter reminds us that this is not always the case. Jesus suffered more than most of us will ever have to, yet Peter quotes the prophet Isaiah to establish the fact that Jesus was without sin. If we should have to suffer unjustly can we follow Jesus’ example of entrusting ourselves to God who will judge justly?

In chapter 1, verse 19 Peter referred to Jesus as a sacrificial lamb. But in chapter 2, verses 24 and 25 Peter changes the picture. He writes, “who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” With these words Peter brings to mind what Jesus said about himself, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own… Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.” (John 10:11-17) The reason the followers of Jesus, that is His sheep, can face unjust suffering with confidence is that their shepherd knows their situation and has demonstrated His ability to safely guide them through it.

In chapter 2, verses 11 and 12 of his first letter the Apostle Peter gives two principles that should govern Christian behavior. These principles are to abstain from sinful desires, and to live good lives. But it is one thing to give principles and quite another to put them into practice. How do these principles actually apply to our daily lives? In the rest of his letter Peter gives several practical examples of how the followers of Christ should conduct themselves. He begins with how the Christian should act towards the government. In chapter 2, verses 13 through 17 he writes: “Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme; or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do well. For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

Peter writes that the purpose of government is “for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do well” (NIV, “to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right”). But who gives government the authority to do this? Before discussing what the relationship of the followers of Jesus to government should be, it is important to understand the answer to this question. The Apostle Paul clearly writes, “…there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.” (Romans 13:1) And it is for this reason that Peter instructs the followers of Jesus to submit to government. Since it is the function of government to punish wrong and reward good, and since Peter has already established that the follower of Jesus should live a holy and righteous life, the Christian should have no reason to be afraid of government.

Peter says that a follower of Christ should submit to government “for the Lord’s sake.” Even if a ruler or a government is not worthy of respect, the Christian is still to submit because government has received its authority from God. The Apostle Paul writes, “Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same,” (Romans 13:2-3)

But this raises another question. What should the follower of Christ do if a ruler or government abuses its God given authority and power? Throughout history there have been governments and authorities that have even persecuted Christians. What should a follower of Jesus do then? Peter forcefully says that it is God’s will for the Christian to do good. This is the only option a Christian has if he is to be pleasing to God. Some think that if disrespect is shown to them that they, in turn, have the right to be disrespectful; that abuse should be repaid with abuse, and violence with violence. But this kind of behavior has no place in the life of a follower of Jesus. Peter writes that it is by doing good that the ignorant talk of foolish men will be silenced, not by disrespect, hatred or violence. We all need to examine our own actions to see whether we are following God’s will in this matter.

Peter does not specify who he means when he mentions foolish men. But it really doesn’t matter who they are. Their ignorant talk will be silenced by the good that Christians do. Are these foolish men making accusations against the followers of Jesus to the government? If so, it is the responsibility of Christians to disprove the accusation by doing good. Are these foolish men in the government? Even if they are, the Christian must still reply to their foolishness by doing good.

How far should submission to government go? When Peter instructs the followers of Jesus to live “as free” he is clearly saying that they are not slaves of the state. And, in chapter 2, verse 9 he had already said that Christ’s followers are “…a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession…” The implications are clear. The ultimate loyalty of a Christian belongs to God and not to the state. Some might say that since God has appointed or established government that the government can require people to do anything it wishes. But, a government has no right to ask a Christian to do anything that is contrary to God’s will. Should a ruler or a government do so, then the Christian must respectfully refuse.

Just as a government has an obligation not to require anything of a Christian that is in violation of God’s principles, so too the followers of Jesus also have an obligation. Peter writes that they are not to use their freedom as an excuse to do evil. A Christian is to do good regardless of whether the government is good or bad, whether it is wise or foolish, whether it works for the good of Christians or whether it persecutes them.

Though the followers of Christ are free men, Peter says that they are bond-servants of God. They are God’s slaves for at least two reasons. The first is that God has purchased them with Christ’s blood as Peter reminds us in chapter 1, verses 17 through 19. The second reason that a Christian is a slave of God is that Jesus has bound the Christian to himself with cords of love. As Peter wrote in chapter 1, verse 8, “whom not having known you love…” God has enslaved us by his love. And it is this relationship of love for God that motivates a Christian to act in an appropriate way towards others. It is our love for God that will enable us to do what Peter instructs in verse 17, “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” The word Peter uses when he says we should “fear” God carries the idea of reverence.

The Apostle Peter writes his first inspired letter to people who have had to suffer as a result of following Jesus Christ. From the beginning of his letter through chapter 2, verse 10 Peter has encouraged and reassured his readers that the salvation they have received as a result of their faith in Jesus is extremely valuable and that God has given them a very high and honorable position. But the true test of belief is whether we are willing to make changes in the way we live as a result of our beliefs. The person who truly believes in and follows Jesus will have a very different life-style and attitude from the person who does not. Peter gives two principles which should govern Christian behavior in all circumstances. The first is found in chapter 2, verse 11 where he writes, “Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”

The first principle, then, that should govern Christian behavior is to abstain from “fleshly lusts” (NIV, “sinful desires”). What is Peter’s motive for giving such a command? Does he merely wish to prevent people from enjoying themselves? This is not the case at all. Peter addresses those to whom he is writing this command as “beloved.” But this translation does not convey the full meaning of what Peter is saying. The root of the word that Peter uses is the same as the word he used in chapter 1, verse 22 when he instructed the followers of Jesus to love one another with the same kind of love that God has. It is because Peter himself has God’s love for the readers of this letter that he exhorts them to abstain from sinful desires. His purpose is not to prevent people from enjoying themselves, but for them to do what is best for their own well-being.

As the basis for his command Peter points out that the followers of Jesus are “foreigners and pilgrims” (NIV “aliens and strangers”). Peter had already addressed the people he is writing to as foreigners in chapter 1, verse 1. This is a reminder that the followers of Jesus have a heavenly or spiritual home and do not belong to this world. But here Peter uses an even stronger word – alien. For the Christian this world is like a foreign country. While he lives in the world, he does not have citizenship in it. As Peter has already pointed out in chapter 2, verses 9 and 10 the follower of Jesus are a people belonging to God. Just as the culture, customs and traditions in one country are different from those in another, so too the culture, customs and traditions of the heavenly kingdom of Christ are different than those of the world. By urging the followers of Jesus to abstain from sinful desires Peter is telling them to remain true to their own country.

A sinful desire is any desire which if yielded to will cause us to sin . It is worth noting that Peter is not speaking about merely abstaining from sinful acts, but also from the thoughts and attitudes that produce the acts. The Apostle Paul gives a list of some of these acts and attitudes when he writes, “Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these…” (Galatians 5:19-21)

The reason that Peter gives for abstaining from sinful desires is that they war against the soul. The word that he uses pictures an encamped army. Sinful desires lay siege to our souls waiting for any opportunity to attack and destroy us. As followers of Jesus we must not give them that opportunity.

The second principle that Peter gives which should govern the actions of Christ’s followers is to live good lives. In chapter 2, verse 12 he writes, “having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation.” To refrain from doing evil is not enough. To be pleasing to God we must also actively do good. Jesus illustrated this truth this way: He said, “The unclean spirit, when he has gone out of the man, passes through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none, he says, ‘I will turn back to my house from which I came out.’ When he returns, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes, and takes seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that man becomes worse than the first.” (Luke 11:24-26)

The follower of Jesus is not to live an isolated life in the sense of living away from other people in the world. Peter makes it clear that our lives are to be among, and our conduct is to be visible to the nations. But, our lives are to be different. In using the word ‘nations” Peter is drawing a direct contrast to the followers of Jesus whom he had called a holy nation in chapter 2, verse 9. The pagan nations are lost in darkness whereas God’s holy nation has been called into his wonderful light. And, it is because the followers of Jesus live in God’s light that their actions are visible. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

But being in the light carries a price. Peter says that the pagan nation will accuse the followers of Jesus of doing wrong. If the Christian continues to do good however, the pagan nations will, in the end, glorify God because of those deeds. It is important to understand that Peter is not referring to certain deeds that will earn merit. Instead, he is speaking of our conduct in everyday life. When people look at the way we live our lives are they motivated to glorify God?

When Peter writes of the day God visits he is reminding us that God is the ultimate judge. The word translated ‘visitation’ implies an inspection or investigation. The follower of Jesus may be accused of wrongdoing by the pagan nations, but it is God who will decide. And the pagan nations will glorify God when the followers of Jesus are vindicated.

In chapter 2 of his first letter Peter has described the followers of Jesus as living stones which are being built into a spiritual temple, that is the church. Jesus himself is the chief cornerstone upon which this temple is built. Peter continues his discussion of the cornerstone in verses 7 through 8. He writes, “For you who believe therefore is the honor, [“this stone is precious”, NIV] but for those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected, has become the chief cornerstone,” and, “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.”

Those who believe and those who do not believe view the cornerstone, that is Jesus, very differently. Those who believe regard the cornerstone as being of surpassing value. Those who do not believe regard him as a usurper. It is important to recognize that our view of Jesus is no reflection on Him, but rather a statement about the condition of our own hearts. Just as gold remains gold even though someone may mistake it for brass, Jesus retains His position and honor whether we believe in Him or not. But while our actions can never diminish the glory that God has given Jesus, they have a profound effect on our own destiny. Peter quotes from the prophet Isaiah to make the point that if we will not accept Jesus as our savior, He will be the means of our destruction. Jesus himself said, “Therefore I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and will be given to a nation bringing forth its fruit. He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but on whomever it will fall, it will scatter him as dust.” (Matthew 21:43-44) Peter makes it clear that those who stumble over the cornerstone, that is Jesus, do so because they disobey the message. But why do they disobey? It is because Jesus refuses to conform to man’s notions of what He ought to be. The Apostle Paul writes, “For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:22-25)

It is important to understand that when Peter writes that this is “…to which also they were appointed” he is not saying that people are destined to disobey. Instead, once someone has chosen not to obey he is are destined to stumble. In chapter 1, verse 2 and again in chapter 2, verse 9 Peter tells the followers of Jesus that God has chosen them. They have been chosen from eternity because God has known from eternity that they would freely decide to follow Christ. The same principle applies here. God does not cause anyone to disobey. But since He has known from eternity those who will freely choose to disobey the message about Jesus, the cornerstone, God has, from eternity, destined them to stumble.

Peter next contrasts the followers of Jesus with those who do not believe in the cornerstone and who disobey the message. In verses 9 through 10 he writes, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: who in time past were no people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”

The followers of Jesus have been chosen by God. But chosen for what? Peter gives the answer, “…that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you…” All of us who call ourselves Christians need to ask ourselves whether the way we live our lives displays God’s ‘excellence.’ If not, then we need to ask ourselves if we are really among the chosen or whether we are merely wearing the name.

In chapter 2, verse 5 Peter called the followers of Jesus a holy priesthood which emphasizes the character that a Christian should have. But here in verse 9 he calls them a royal priesthood which stresses the allegiance that a Christian should have. The followers of Jesus have been selected to be royal priests of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, and it is to Him that they owe their loyalty.

What does Peter mean when he says that those who follow Jesus are a holy nation? People say that such and such countries are Christian nations. But when one studies the Bible it becomes apparent that Christ’s kingdom cannot be an earthly kingdom or country. The kingdom of Christ does not recognize any earthly boundaries. Jesus himself said, “…My kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36) Also, the basic meaning of the Greek word that Peter uses when he calls the nation ‘holy’ is ‘separated.’ What Peter is saying is that this nation is separated from the world and reserved for God’s use. Christ’s kingdom is a spiritual one.

In verses 9 and 10, Peter says two times that the followers of Jesus are God’s people. This is one reason that Christians are sometimes persecuted. For while the followers of Jesus are loyal and patriotic citizens, their ultimate loyalty is not to the state, but to God. As the Apostle Paul writes, “But our citizenship is in heaven…” (Philippians 3:20) And it is for this reason that the followers of Jesus are often viewed as being disloyal or even subversive because, if necessary, they will disobey the state in order to be obedient to God.

Peter writes that the followers of Jesus have been called out of darkness into God’s light. The Apostle Paul corroborates this when he writes, “…it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Peter also tells the followers of Jesus that they have received mercy. It is only by following Jesus that we can receive God’s mercy. Mercy will not be shown to anyone who rejects Jesus.

The Bible records many names given to Jesus. These names are either titles of honor or are given to Him to describe some aspect of His personality or His position. In chapter one of his first letter, the Apostle Peter has referred to Jesus as the Christ, as Lord, and as a lamb. In chapter two, Peter calls Jesus “a living Stone.” In verses 4-6 he writes, “coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious. You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Because it is contained in Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: He who believes in him will not be disappointed.””

In order to understand what Peter means when he calls Jesus a “living stone” or a “cornerstone” we must first understand what he means when he says that the followers of Jesus are being built into a spiritual house. When we speak of a house, we usually mean one of two things. In one sense we use the word ‘house’ to refer to the members of a family. Secondly, we use the word house to describe the building where a family lives. Peter uses the word in both senses. In chapter one he called the followers of Jesus children of God and brothers. So, when Peter tells his readers that they are being built into a spiritual house he is reminding them that they are part of God’s family. This is in agreement with other Scriptures. For example, in Hebrews 3:5-6 it says, “Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken, but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end.”

But Peter is also referring to a building when he says that the followers of Jesus are being built into a house. He has in mind the temple that was built in Jerusalem. But since Jesus sacrificed His life for the forgiveness of sins and was resurrected, God no longer dwells in a house made of stone, but rather in the hearts of those who follow Jesus. This is why Peter calls them living stones. This living temple is built on faith in Jesus. And this is why Peter calls Jesus the cornerstone. The Apostle Paul explains it this way, “So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22) It is important to note that another name the Bible uses for this temple is ‘church.’ The church is not a physical building but is made up of all those who follow Christ.

Just as the Mosaic Law designated certain people as priests to serve in the temple at Jerusalem, this new living temple also has priests. But there is a major difference. Under the Mosaic Law only people from a certain tribe or family could serve as priests. But Peter says that all of those who follow Christ are priests in the living temple.

Just as the priests under the Mosaic Law had to perform certain duties, so do the priests of the living temple. One of the most important duties of the priest under the Law was to sacrifice animals as a sin offering on behalf of the people. Those sin offerings were ineffective however, for as Hebrews 10:3-4 points out, “ But in those sacrifices there is a yearly reminder of sins. For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.” Sin was not atoned for until Jesus offered His sinless body as the perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 10:11-12 says, “Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins, but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;” It is for this reason that the priests of the living temple do not offer animal sacrifices. Instead, Peter says that they are to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. Peter does not say what these sacrifices should be. From other passages of Scripture however we see that these sacrifices include our love, (Mark 12:33) our bodies, (Romans 12:1) finances, (Philippians 4:18) praise and generosity. (Hebrews 13:15-16)

Here it is important to note another difference between the Old Covenant under the Mosaic Law and the New Covenant that Jesus has brought. Under the Law, the people could not offer their sacrifices themselves. They had to bring them to a priest who would offer the sacrifices on their behalf. But under the New Covenant, everyone who follows Jesus is a priest and therefore has the right to offer sacrifices. In Christ everyone is equal. This does not mean however, that we are not to pray on the behalf of other people. On the contrary, the Christian is instructed to do this. In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 the Apostle Paul writes, “I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.”

Another difference from the Mosaic Law is that no longer must sacrifices be brought to the physical temple in Jerusalem. Now our sacrifices can be offered anywhere we are because we are part of the living temple. Where the Christian is, there the temple is also.

But while every Christian has the right to offer spiritual sacrifices to God, Peter says that they must be offered through Jesus Christ. It is the blood of Jesus that atones for the sins of those who follow Him. And it is on the basis of Jesus’ blood that God accepts our sacrifices and listens to our requests. As it is written, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all…” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

In chapter 1, verse 22 of his first letter the Apostle Peter has instructed the followers of Jesus to love one another with the kind of love that God has. How is this possible? How can people who by nature hate and bear malice love like God? In verse 23 through the third verse of chapter 2, Peter supplies the answer. He writes, “…having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever. For, “All flesh is like grass, and all of man’s glory like the flower in the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls; but the Lord’s word endures forever.” This is the word of Good News which was preached to you. Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious:”

Peter’s reply to the question about how it is possible for people to love like God is that they have been born again. Their basic nature has been changed. What used to be impossible is now part of the Christian’s character. The Apostle Paul expresses it this way, “among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:3-5) And as he says in another place, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

How can such a change take place? Peter says that the new birth takes place by means of God’s word. He compares God’s word to a seed. But this is no ordinary seed. Peter mentions three characteristics that distinguish this seed from all others. First, this seed is incorruptible. Ordinary seed will rot if it is not stored properly and it loses its potency if it is stored too long. But this seed, that is God’s word, can never be destroyed. Through the ages many attacks have been made against God’s word but all have failed. Though kingdoms and empires have come and gone, God’s word still stands. Secondly, the seed, that is God’s word, is living. Normally, when a seed is planted it must die in order to produce a plant. But this seed remains alive even though it has produced new life in all of those who follow Christ. And because it remains alive it continues to work on and transform the life of the believer. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” The third way in which this seed, that is the God’s word, is different from ordinary seed is that it remains forever. But this is not limited to the words of God that are recorded in the Bible. Remember that one of the names for Jesus is ‘Word of God.’ The Bible says that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Jesus never changes. The Jesus who willingly gave up His life 2000 years ago to rescue us from sin is the same Jesus who offers us salvation today and who will welcome those who believe in Him into God’s presence in the future.

A seed produces a plant consistent with its nature. Wheat seed always produces wheat. An apple tree is always grown from an apple seed. In the same way, the seed of God’s word produces fruit that is consistent with its nature in the lives of those who follow Jesus. Just as God’s word is imperishable, so too are those who believe in Jesus. He said, “…I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die…” (John 11:25-26) Just as God’s word is living, so too the followers of Christ are spiritually alive. The Apostle Paul writes, “You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him…” (Colossians 2:13) And, just as God’s word is enduring, so is the person who obeys that word. The Scripture says, “The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever.” (1 John 2:17)

After listing the characteristics of God’s word, Peter quotes from the prophet Isaiah to demonstrate the fact that man cannot survive without God’s word. “All flesh is like grass, and all of man’s glory like the flower in the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls; but the Lord’s word endures forever .” (1:24-25)

A plant always has the nature of the seed from which it came. James writes, “Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs?…” (James 3:12) In the same way the life of a person who is living according to God’s word will demonstrate God’s nature. In chapter 1, verse 22 Peter instructed the followers of Jesus to love one another with same kind of love that God has. Now, in chapter 2, verse 1 he tells his readers to remove from their lives everything that is opposed to God’s nature. He writes, “Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,” (2:1) We all need to ask ourselves what kind of fruit is being displayed in our lives. If we demonstrate any of these five things that Peter mentions, we may be sure that we have not yet obeyed God’s word as we should.

In chapter 1, verse 22 Peter has said that the change in our nature is a result of being born again. But, if a newborn infant does not grow, there is something wrong. Peter writes, “as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby,” (2:2) There are two things which will prevent growth. The first is impure food. Peter stresses that our spiritual food must be pure. This is why it is so important for each of us to carefully study and apply God’s word to our lives rather than rely on the teachings of men. The second thing which will prevent spiritual growth is to live on milk alone. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way, “For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:13-14)

In the first part of his first letter Peter writes about the relationship between God and the followers of Christ. God has redeemed the Christian from sin by the priceless sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In return the Christian has a responsibility to do nothing that would dishonor that great sacrifice. But the sacrifice of Jesus should do more than restore our relationship with God. It should also cause us to have a different view of other people. In verse 22, Peter writes, “Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently:”

Peter says that it is obedience that removes the impurities from our lives. Though it is God’s mercy through the sacrifice of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit that provides the opportunity, Peter points out that we too have a part in being cleansed from sin. We will not be cleansed unless we obey. It is obedience that turns opportunity into reality.

But, the question can be asked, “Obedience to what?” Peter says that we are purified by obedience to the truth. We must not only be careful to obey, but be careful what we obey. This is an extremely important point because truth is one of the foundations of Christianity. The Bible tells us that “…it is impossible for God to lie…” (Hebrews 6:18) Jesus said, “I am… the truth…” (John 14:6) In the light of these statements we can say with assurance that if something is not true, then it is not part of Christianity. This may seem surprising to you. Don’t the followers of Christ have an obligation to spread their religion in any way they can? As it is written, “For if the truth of God through my lie abounded to his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?” (Romans 3:7) Peter has already given the answer to this. Christianity is not so much a religion as it is a relationship. God has adopted the followers of Christ as His children. He wishes His children to have the same nature as He does. As Peter wrote in verses 15-16, “but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy; for I am holy.”” Because truth is a part of God’s nature, it must also be part of ours if we are to be His children. And it is our attitude about truth which makes the difference between whether we will be saved or condemned. As the Apostle Paul wrote about those whom God has rejected, “…those who are being lost, because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” (2 Thessalonians 2:10) On the other hand, Jesus said, “…If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Peter says that obeying the truth not only purifies, it also causes us to love. This is the kind of love that we have for a brother or someone to whom we are related. Just as a child who is born into a family has a natural love for the family, we who are born into God’s family have a natural love for the other family members. This love is sincere. This means that is it not just for show, but is a genuine feeling of affection for those in the family.

But Peter says that we are to go beyond the kind of love we have for family. He writes, “…love one another from the heart fervently:” (verse 22) The word for love that he uses here refers to the kind of love that God has. God’s love does not depend on whether the object of His love is lovely or worthy of His love. It is a one directional love in that God still loves whether the love is returned or not. It is a decision to love no matter what the object of His love does. God’s love does not grasp or exploit. Instead, it causes God to give. As it is written in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.” In describing the kind of love which God has for us the Apostle Paul writes, “Love is patient and is kind; love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) This is the kind of love that Peter instructs the followers of Christ to have for one another.

Before continuing with the rest of Peter’s message we should make note of two more things about the kind of love that Christians are commanded to have. The first thing is that we are not capable of loving like God does from within ourselves. This kind of love results from God’s Holy Spirit working in our lives. As it says in Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love…” If we find it difficult to love others as God does, then perhaps we are preventing the Holy Spirit from working as He wishes in our lives.

The second thing to note is that love is the primary characteristic by which those who do not follow Christ should be able to recognize the Christian. All too often we make the mistake of thinking that we are the followers of Christ because we worship in a certain way, or that we hold a certain doctrine. Worship and doctrine are important, but we cannot truly claim to follow Christ if our lives do not show the inner fruit that should result from being a Christian. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35) If someone claims to follow Jesus then we can ask the question, “How much does he love?” And if we do not love, then we need to ask ourselves whether we really belong to Christ. The Apostle John wrote, “…everyone who loves is born of God, and knows God. He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8)

What is it that makes life worth living? According to the Apostle Peter it is Jesus’ sacrifice of His own life which has redeemed us from the useless way of life handed down to us by our forefathers. In chapter 1 of his first letter, verses 20 through 21 Peter writes about Jesus, “who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of times for your sake, who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.”

In the beginning of his letter Peter wrote that the followers of Christ were chosen through the foreknowledge of God. Here we learn that even before the world was created it was known that Jesus would be our savior. If we reject the savior who has been chosen from eternity, then where else can we turn?

What can we learn from Peter when he says that Jesus was “revealed at the end of times”? One lesson is that just because we cannot always see what God is doing, it does not mean that He is not doing anything. Jesus has been concerned with our salvation from eternity, but until He came to earth as God’s Son His work remained hidden. In John 5:17 it is written, “…Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, so I am working, too.”” We may not always be able to recognize the hand of God working in our situation. But He is at work whether He discloses it or not. Another lesson is that God waits for the right time to reveal His plan. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6) Do we wait patiently until it is “the right time” for God to reveal His works, or do we try to take matters into our own hands?

What does the expression ‘end of times’ mean? When we study the Bible we find that the history of mankind is divided into three periods. The first is known as the Patriarchal Age. During this period God revealed only a few glimpses of His eternal plan. The central message of God’s revelation during this time could be summarized by the words, “A Savior is coming.” And though God is concerned about all people, during this period He chose to work mainly through one family line – that of Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. During the next period God chose an entire nation as His own. This is why we call it the Jewish Age. It was during this period that God gave the Mosaic Law to the Israelites and revealed more of His plan through the prophets. The message during this period was mostly conveyed by type and prophecy. Its main purpose was to teach people about sin, the futility of trying to earn salvation and what the Savior would be like. This why the Mosaic Law has been called a teacher. In Galatians 3:24 Paul writes, “…the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” The third period is called the Christian Age because in it God chose to completely reveal His plan through Jesus Christ. This third period is different from the preceding periods in three important ways. 1) The scope of the message: Before God spoke to only a few people. Now, God’s message of salvation is not restricted to certain families or to one nation. His message is for all people and all nations. As it says in Acts 17:30-31, “The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent, because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.” 2) The focus of the message: While the message in the first two periods looked forward to the coming of the savior, the message of the Christian Age is that the savior has already come. 3) The character of the message: Previously people were told about God. But now, God has shown Himself to us in the form of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-3 says, “God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance…” Jesus himself said, “…He who has seen me has seen the Father…” (John 14:9) and, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30)

In is very appropriate to call the Christian Age the “end of times”. For one thing, there can never be a more complete revelation of God than the one He has already given through Christ. Also, the words of Jesus will never be supplanted or done away. He said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.” (Luke 21:33) Another reason these are the “end of times” is because there will never be another savior. If we reject Jesus as our savior there is nowhere else to turn. There is no other way to be saved. We cannot hope for another revelation. The Scripture says, “There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!” (Acts 4:12)

Peter writes that it is through Jesus that we come to believe in God. While God is the object of our faith, Jesus is the means through which we come to know and have faith in God. This allows us to test the claims of men. If someone claims to know God, we can ask them, “How well do you know Jesus?” If someone is not a follower of Jesus then it is impossible for them to have a complete faith in God. The Apostle John wrote, “Whoever denies the Son, the same doesn’t have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.” (1 John 2:23) Jesus himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.” (John 14:6) This is appropriate, for as we have already seen: “His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power…” (Hebrews 1:3) We all need to ask ourselves whether our faith in God is a complete one. We can do this by asking how strong our faith in Jesus is. Are we truly one of His followers?

In the opening of his first letter, the Apostle Peter has reminded the followers of Jesus Christ of the great blessings they have received because of their faith. These blessings are so great that a Christian can rejoice even though he is suffering as a result of his faith. But while the blessings result from the follower of Jesus’ relationship to Christ, they also place an obligation upon the Christian – that is to be holy. Some people have the idea that because they wear the name of Christ, they are free to do anything they please since God, because of His grace, will overlook it. This is not so. It is not the label that we apply to ourselves that will make us acceptable to God, but rather our relationship to Christ. If, by our actions, we damage that relationship then we will no longer be acceptable. In 1:17 Peter writes: “If you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear:” God is impartial, if we practice evil, God will judge us for it regardless of the name we wear.

The Apostle Paul explains it this way in Romans 2:6-11: God “…“will pay back to everyone according to their works:” to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life; but to those who are self-seeking, and don’t obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation, oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who works evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. But glory, honor, and peace go to every man who works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.”

From these passages it is clear that we cannot use our claim of being a follower of Christ as an excuse for doing evil things. But what does Peter mean when he says that we should live our lives in fear? Some people have the concept that God is an angry tyrant lying in wait to catch us doing something wrong so that He can punish us. In contrast Peter has already emphasized that God is a loving Father and that the followers of Christ are His children. Children who seek to please a loving father have no need to be afraid of him. The Apostle John writes, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who…” (1 John 4:18) What then should we fear? We should fear anything that would hurt or destroy the relationship we have with our loving Father. Proverbs 8:13 says, “To fear the LORD is to hate evil…” (NIV)

Peter reminds us that the relationship we enjoy with God as his children was purchased at a tremendous cost. In 1:18-19 he writes: “knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers, but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ,”

Notice that Peter says that the way of life that was handed down to us from our forefathers was useless. Many people are very proud of their ancestry. But no matter who our ancestors were, what they achieved or how successful they were, our heritage is meaningless without Christ. Jesus asked this very pertinent question: “For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? For what will a man give in exchange for his life?” (Mark 8:36-37) Some people boast about how much they have given up to follow Jesus. They say, “If I weren’t a Christian I would be this, or I would be that.” But this kind of talk is meaningless. What good will wealth or position do us if we are not pleasing to God? No matter how ancient and noble our ancestry and traditions may be, they cannot save us. It is only Jesus Christ who can restore our relationship to God.

When Peter calls Christ “a faultless and pure lamb” he is referring to the sacrifices that were required under the Mosaic Law. In chapter 1, verse 2 Peter reminded his readers that Jesus is the sacrifice for sin. But here Peter makes reference to the sacrifice that was made when the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. In Exodus 12, verses 21 through 24 it says, “Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said to them, “Draw out, and take lambs according to your families, and kill the Passover. You shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning. For Yahweh will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two doorposts, Yahweh will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you. You shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your sons forever.” From this incident came the God-given custom of redeeming the first born. In Exodus 13, verses 13 through 15 it says, “…you shall redeem all the firstborn of man among your sons. It shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall tell him, ‘By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage; and it happened, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that Yahweh killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of animal. Therefore I sacrifice to Yahweh all that opens the womb, being males; but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’” In the same way Jesus is the lamb that was sacrificed to redeem us. In 1 Corinthians 5, verse 7 it says, “…For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.”

The Greek word that is translated ‘redeem’ actually means “to release by paying a ransom.” Through our actions we sold ourselves into the slavery of sin. But Jesus has purchased us back from Satan with His own blood. How much is our salvation worth? Peter reminds us that it is precious, far beyond the worth of silver or gold. Silver and gold will perish for they are part of this creation. But the sacrifice of Jesus will remain effective for all of eternity. The costly salvation that God has provided through Jesus should cause each one of us to love God so much that we will do our best to please Him and avoid anything that will harm our relationship with Him.