Category Archives: 1 Peter

In the beginning of his first letter, Peter has encouraged his readers by telling them of the many blessings they have because of their faith in Christ Jesus. He has also reminded them of the great value of salvation. But God’s wonderful blessings also place some obligations on those who receive them. As Jesus said, “…To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48) In 1:13-16 Peter writes: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ—as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance, 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.””

Peter is writing to people who are suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. When we suffer, when we are facing pressure on every side, it is easy to become overwhelmed by a feeling of helplessness. Anxiety and indecision can paralyze us so that we passively watch while trouble overtakes us. But because of God’s blessings and the costly salvation that has been given to them, the followers of Jesus should not respond like this to trouble. Instead Peter tells them that they should “prepare your minds for action.” In Luke 12:36 Jesus instructs His disciples: “Be like men watching for their lord, when he returns from the marriage feast; that, when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him.” The Christian should always hold himself ready to do whatever task his Master asks of him. He needs to clear his mind of the problems and troubles he faces, and to think about how he can accomplish his Master’s will.

Peter says that the follower of Christ is to “be sober”. The actual meaning of the Greek word that Peter uses is “free from the influence of intoxicants”. One of the reasons people drink liquor or take drugs is to escape reality. They imagine that by getting intoxicated they won’t have to face their troubles. But, the troubles only get worse and the person who tries to escape them by getting drunk or “high” cannot think clearly in order to deal with them. This is not for Christians. The Christian is not to try to escape his problems, but rather to look beyond and through them with the eyes of hope. “…set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” (verse 13) The Apostle Paul expands this thought when he writes in Romans 5:2-5, “…We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

In the very beginning of his letter, Peter referred to God as the ‘Father’. He did so because the scriptures say that God adopts as His children all of those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. As we saw in an earlier program, Romans 8:16-17 says, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ…” But Peter points out that along with the priceless privilege of being God’s child comes a responsibility. He writes: “as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance.” (verse 14)

When Peter speaks of ignorance, he is not referring to how much education a person has. The Apostle Peter himself was an uneducated fisherman. Acts 4:13 records: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.” In contrast, the Apostle Paul was highly educated. In Acts 22:3 he says he was, “brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict tradition of the law of our fathers…” And in Galatians 1:14 he says, “I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.” What Peter and Paul had in common was that they both met Jesus and came to love Him. The question is not how many academic degrees we have but instead, how well do we know Jesus? The kind of ignorance that Peter is talking about is spiritual ignorance.

There are two kinds of spiritual ignorance. The first kind is not knowing about God and the salvation from sin that He offers through Jesus Christ. Acts 17:29-30 says: “Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man. The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent,”

The second kind of spiritual ignorance is more serious. It results from hearing about God, but deliberately hardening one’s heart to the message. The Apostle Paul writes: “…you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts.” (Ephesians 4:17-18) From this passage we see that hardening one’s heart leads to ignorance which in turn separates one from a godly life. This is why Peter stresses that we must be obedient.

Peter says that our obedience will be demonstrated by our holiness. But we do not achieve holiness by our own efforts. Colossians 1:21-22 reminds us: “You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and blameless before him,” Our holiness is measured by the degree to which we surrender our wills to Christ Jesus and accept His holiness. Have we surrendered to Christ, or are we still clinging to our own wills?

When things are going well for us and there are no great difficulties in our lives, we human beings tend to take our blessings for granted. But when we are suffering, especially when the suffering has come upon us as a result of our faith, then we sometimes ask ourselves whether it is worth the cost. When this happens we need to be reminded how valuable our faith is.

In writing to some of the followers of Jesus who were suffering as a result of their faith the Apostle Peter describes the great value of the salvation that God gives through faith in Jesus. In verses 10-12 of chapter one in his first letter Peter writes:

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them. To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.”

We assign value to things by how much they cost. From this point of view how much is salvation worth? It is worth so much that Jesus was willing to suffer mistreatment and to give up His life in order to make our salvation possible. In chapter 2:24 Peter reminds us that: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” If our salvation was that valuable to Jesus, shouldn’t we consider it valuable also? In verses 18-19 of this very chapter Peter writes that Jesus, “…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.”

Salvation alone is precious and valuable enough that we should be willing to endure anything in order to obtain it. But God, in his love and mercy, has much more in store for the Christian. In verse 7 Peter has already told his readers that they will receive praise, glory and honor when Christ returns, but he reminds them that even Christ had to suffer before he was glorified. Hebrews 12:2-3 says: “looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.” Surely the glory that awaits the Christian is worth any suffering we may have to endure in this life!

Peter emphasizes the value of salvation to us as people. But the glories that await us Christians affect far more than just us. In Romans 8:18-21 the Apostle Paul writes: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.” This too is a reason to patiently endure whatever suffering may come upon us because of our faith in Jesus.

Peter gives an indication of how valuable salvation is and how much we are worth in God’s sight when he writes concerning the prophets, “To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things…” (verse 12) We rightly consider the prophets great men of God. Yet they humbly gave themselves in service to those who would put their faith in Jesus. The follower of Christ is truly privileged even though he may have to suffer for his faith! Each Christian should be encouraged, and yet humbled when he recognizes the great honor that God has given him.

Here it is appropriate to say a few words about service. The world judges how important someone is by how many people serve him. But in Christ it is different. The scriptures teach that those who are truly great are the ones who serve the most. Mark 10:42-45 says: “Jesus summoned them, and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”” The Apostle John records how Jesus demonstrated this teaching: He “…arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him… So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”” (John 13:4-5, 12-15) Peter has told us how Christ and the prophets have served us. We too should follow their example by humbly devoting ourselves to serve others.

Peter gives one more example of how valuable salvation is. He writes: “…which things angels desire to look into.” (verse12) We can only speculate why the angels are concerned about our salvation. We do know from scripture however, that angels are capable of sinning. Is it possible that the salvation of mankind is interrelated with the judgment or salvation of the angels?

In the first nine verses of his first letter, the Apostle Peter encourages his readers by reminding them of the many blessings that they have because of their faith in Jesus Christ. The greatest of these blessings is that they are receiving the salvation of their souls. In verses ten through twelve, Peter writes:

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them. To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.”

Today we are blessed in that we have access to God’s completed revelation. It is easy to forget that this was not always so. In previous ages only a small portion of God’s will was revealed to His people. For God revealed His plan only gradually and slowly over a period of thousands of years. God reveals Himself to a certain extent through creation. As the Apostle Paul points out: “For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity…” (Romans 1:20) But while we can learn certain things about God from studying the creation, by itself it is not enough to teach us God’s will. For that, language is needed. And so, through the centuries God disclosed His word through prophets. Sometimes God revealed His word to the prophets through dreams, sometimes through visions, sometimes by means of angels and sometimes He spoke to them face to face. But whatever method God used, Peter tells us a very important fact. The Spirit of Christ was in them. This is very appropriate because one of Christ’s names is the Word. When we read the prophets, we are in fact reading a message from Christ. The words that God sent to the prophets have been collected and are available to us in the Bible. Now, instead of being able to see only a small portion of God’s plan like each of the prophets, we have the privilege of viewing all that He has revealed. We can see how God’s message to each prophet points to the salvation that God was preparing through Jesus Christ.

Notice that Peter refers to the Spirit of Christ by the name ‘Holy Spirit’ as well. In chapter 4, verse 14, Peter also uses the terms ‘Spirit of glory’ and ‘Spirit of God.’ In the beginning of his letter Peter mentioned the roles of the various personalities of God, “…chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood.” (1:2 NIV) But here, by the use of different titles for the Spirit, Peter demonstrates the unity of God. The Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of God are one and the same as the Spirit of glory and the Holy Spirit. This gives us a very valuable test to apply to men’s actions. Through the centuries and up to the present time, many things have been done in the name of Christ. We can say with assurance however, that if an action is not holy; if it is not a reflection of or if it is not an addition to God’s glory, then it is not from Christ regardless of the claims of men. For the Spirit of Christ is holy, and is the Spirit of glory. It is this same glorious Holy Spirit of Christ that motivated the prophets to speak of the salvation that God was bringing to mankind.

Peter says that the prophets “…sought and searched diligently…” when trying to find out more about the salvation that God was predicting through them. From this we can see that the prophets greatly valued the message that was given to them. If it was important to them, it should be important to us as well. Scripture says: “Don’t quench the Spirit. Don’t despise prophesies.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20) If we reject the words of the prophets we are in fact rejecting Christ. Revelation 19:10 says, “…for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.”

Also notice that the message concerning the coming salvation was not revealed to only one prophet. It was revealed to many, living in different places and in different centuries. But in spite of this, all of the messages agree. There is no contradiction in any of them. And all are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

The careful and intent search of the prophets should be a source of assurance to us. Because of their care we can have confidence that the message given to the prophets was preserved. Many people have made the claim that in the passage of time, God’s message has somehow been changed. But, because the prophets valued what was revealed to them so highly, we can be sure that the message we have today was carefully preserved and is the same as that which was given to them.

Peter writes that the prophets tried to find out in “who or what kind of time” the salvation that God promised would come to pass. In one sense God’s plan of salvation has always been in effect. For example, Ephesians 1:4 says, “…he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love.” On the other hand, God waited until just the right moment to put His plan into effect. Galatians 4:4-5 says, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children.” And Romans 5:6 says, “For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” The prophets who predicted that God would send a savior could only look forward in faith and in hope. We should be very grateful that we have the privilege of knowing that the savior has already come to redeem us from the power of sin. The question is, will we accept the salvation that God freely offers us? Or, will we reject the message that the prophets so carefully preserved and investigated?

In chapter one, verses 6-9 of his first letter, the Apostle Peter writes:

“Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ—whom not having known [NIV, “though you have not seen him”] you love; in whom, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory—receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Peter compares the faith of a Christian to gold. “… your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire…” (1:7) In some ways faith and gold are similar. Both are precious, though Peter points out that of the two faith is the more valuable. Gold is a measure of material wealth, while faith is a measure of spiritual wealth. There are also differences between faith and gold. Only a few posses gold. Faith is available to everyone. Someone can steal your gold, but no one can steal your faith. This is one reason that faith is more valuable than gold.

The worth of both gold and faith is determined by how pure or genuine they are. Gold is refined by fire. Peter indicates that one of the purposes of suffering is to refine our faith or to prove whether our faith is genuine. This refining or proving of faith is one reason that a Christian can praise God in the midst of suffering. How tragic it would be for someone to live all of his life without realizing that his faith was not genuine! But God allows the Christian to suffer so that he can prove the quality of his own faith; to see where it is weak and where it needs to be strengthened.

Peter writes that our faith will “…result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” (1:7) We normally think of giving praise, glory and honor only to God. But Peter makes it clear to the people to whom he is writing that they also will receive praise, glory and honor when Jesus returns. The writer of the book of Hebrews likens the life of a Christian to a race that takes place before a vast audience. “Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.” (Hebrews 12:1-3) Though the Christian may have to suffer like Jesus in this life, he can also look forward to the same kind of reward that Jesus received.

Christianity is unique among religions in that it is not based on rules, but rather on a person’s relationship to Christ. The apostle Paul writes about the futility of any system based on rules. In Colossians 2:20-23 he says, “If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances, “Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch” (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren’t of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.” On the other hand, Peter tells us the basis for Christian morality when he writes, “Though you have not seen him, you love him…” (1:8, NIV) The more we understand what Jesus has done, and is doing for us, the greater our love for Him will become. The Apostle John wrote, “We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) It is this love, rather than a set of rules, which compels a Christian to do what is right. As the Apostle Paul points out in Romans 13:9-10, “For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not give false testimony,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.” Each one of us needs to ask ourselves whether we act righteously because we are trying to keep a set of rules, or whether we are motivated by love for Christ.

In his next phrase Peter writes, “…though now you don’t see him, yet believing…” (1:8) With these words Peter recalls the words that Jesus spoke to the Apostle Thomas, “…Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.” (John 20:29) No, we cannot see Jesus because He is with God in heaven. But if we believe in Him, we are blessed even though we may have to suffer grief. Peter’s words also look toward the future. We cannot see Jesus now, but a time is coming when we will see Him. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 says, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

It is because of this belief, Peter says to all those who follow Christ, that you “…rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory—receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1:9) Only love for, and faith in Jesus Christ will bring this joy.

In the first nine verses of his first letter Peter has told us why the followers of Christ can rejoice even while suffering. It is because of God’s mercy, the living hope He gives, the new birth Christians have received, the inheritance that is waiting for them, salvation, that they are protected by faith, that suffering lasts only a little while, that their faith is being proved genuine and that their faith will result in praise, glory and honor. Peter goes on to discuss how the prophets investigated God’s promises.

Is it possible to rejoice while going through grief and suffering? For those who follow Jesus Christ it is not only possible, but something they should do! In verses 3-5 of his first letter, the Apostle Peter has told those to whom he is writing why this is so. The one who follows Christ can give praise for God’s mercy, for the living hope God has given him and for the new birth he has received.

A fourth thing Peter says we can praise God for is that He has given the followers of Christ an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is based on the fact that God adopts those who follow Christ as His spiritual children. The Scripture says: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God. For you didn’t receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:14-17) The Bible only gives glimpses what those who follow Christ will inherit. From the passage that was just read, however, it seems that the inheritance may be Christ’s glory. As the Apostle John writes: “ Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is.” (1 John 3:2)

Those who follow Christ can praise God for a fifth thing; that is salvation. When we think about salvation we normally think about being forgiven for our past sins. For example it says in Ephesians 2:4-5, “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).” However, salvation not only looks to the past, but also to the present. The Christian has not only been saved, he is being saved. We can see this from passages like 1 Corinthians 1:18. It says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (NIV) The Apostle Peter, however, looks toward the future. In verse 5 he mentions “…a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” From these passages we can see that while, in one sense, salvation is already an accomplished fact, it is also a process that is ongoing in the life of a believer. This process will have its completion at the end of time. And so, the follower of Christ should not only thank God for what He has done, but also for what He is doing and what He will do in the future.

The sixth thing that Peter mentions that every follower of Christ should praise God for is that they are protected by faith. In Ephesians 6:16 the Apostle Paul explains the purpose of this protection: “ above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.” It is faith which defeats every attack and temptation of Satan. But Peter makes it very clear that we cannot defeat Satan by our own strength. He writes, “who by the power of God are guarded through faith…” (Verse 5) It is God working through our faith who blunts Satan’s attacks.

Before continuing with Peter’s message there is a very important question that we all need to consider. The people Peter is writing to are suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Though their suffering has resulted from their faith, the blessings about which Peter writes to them also result from their faith. These blessings are not available to those who do not follow Christ. We all want salvation. We all want an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. We all want to be protected by God’s power. We all want to live our lives in hope. But, are we willing to follow Jesus so that these blessings can be ours?

Peter continues his letter:

“Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ—whom not having known [NIV, “Though you have not seen him”] you love; in whom, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory—receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:6-9)

The first thing to notice about suffering is that it is for “a little while.” Even if someone should have to suffer his whole lifetime for following Christ, it is still “a little while” when compared to the eternal joy he will experience. The Apostle Paul writes: “Therefore we don’t faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) In the same epistle, Paul describes what his “light affliction, which is for the moment” was: “in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been a night and a day in the deep. I have been in travels often, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from my countrymen, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the wilderness, perils in the sea, perils among false brothers; in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness.” (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) Both Paul and Peter are telling us that suffering, no matter how severe, is well worth the eternal reward that God has in store for those who are faithful to Christ.

Peter addresses his first letter “…to the chosen ones… that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood…” What does Peter mean when he tells his readers that they are chosen for sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ? The answer lies in understanding the purpose for Jesus’ death. Hebrews 9:19-23 explains: “For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” Moreover he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry in the same way with the blood. According to the law, nearly everything is cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission. It was necessary therefore that the copies of the things in the heavens should be cleansed with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.” Hebrews 10:3-7 continues: “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. Therefore when he comes into the world, he says, “Sacrifice and offering you didn’t desire, but you prepared a body for me; You had no pleasure in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come (in the scroll of the book it is written of me) to do your will, O God.’” The meaning of these verses is plain. Jesus Christ offered His sinless life as a sacrifice on our behalf so that our sins can be forgiven. As it is written in Romans 8:3, “For what the law couldn’t do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh…” If we will accept Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, we are chosen. On the other hand, “…if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26-27)

Peter closes his greeting with this beautiful blessing: “Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” The word “grace” conveys the idea of “free gift” or “God’s favor.” Peter wants those he is writing to, to experience more than the usual amount of God’s blessings.

The word “peace” as it is used in the Bible, means more than a lack of trouble, persecution or war. It points instead to the inner calm that Jesus gives even in the midst of trouble. Jesus told His disciples, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.” (John 14:27) Christ can give peace because He has faced every kind of trial and has been victorious. He said, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) If we are one of God’s chosen, then we too can share in Christ’s peace, even though we are going through trouble.

The next section of Peter’s letter gives praise to God. But Peter is writing to people who are suffering for their faith in Jesus Christ. It is possible that at least some of them had been driven from their homes and were refugees. In these circumstances one would think that Peter would begin his letter with words of sympathy expressing sorrow for the plight in which his readers found themselves. Instead, Peter praises God! When we read his words we discover that a follower of Jesus Christ truly does have much to be thankful for even in the midst of trouble and persecution. Peter writes:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy became our father again [NIV, “has given us new birth”] to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)

One thing to praise God for is His great mercy. Whatever trouble a Christian finds himself in, he always needs to remember that God has rescued him from something far worse – that is, the punishment for sin. Psalm 103:10 says, “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us for our iniquities.” The apostle Paul illustrates God’s mercy in more detail in his letter to Titus, chapter 3, verses 3-5: “For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us…”

A second reason to praise God is for the living hope that he gives to all who follow Christ. The Christian can look beyond the present suffering and see the glory and peace that God has promised to all who submit to Christ. The book of Hebrews reminds us: “Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” (Hebrews 10:35-36)

A third reason that Peter gives for praising God is that He has given us, that is the followers of Jesus, a new birth. This refers to a new spiritual life. Colossians 2:13 says, “You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” As the apostle Paul reminds us 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) Notice that Peter says that God’s mercy, the Christian’s living hope and the new birth, all three, come through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is essential to understand this point. Without the resurrection it is impossible for anyone to obtain these blessings. The Apostle Paul writes, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. Then they also who are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-19)

The Apostle Peter addresses his first letter: “to the chosen ones [NIV, “elect”] who are living as foreigners in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood…”

Though this greeting is very short, it contains some profound truths. Notice first of all that Peter makes mention of God the Father, the Spirit and Jesus Christ. Because the Bible uses words for the Father, Spirit and Jesus that can only be used for deity, Christians are sometimes accused of worshiping three gods, or making someone else equal with God. This is a serious misunderstanding. There is only one God, and Christians worship Him alone. But although there is only one God, He discloses different aspects of His nature and personality through the terms Father, Jesus Christ (who is also known as the Son) and Spirit. It should not be surprising that there are different aspects to God’s character. God created man in His own image. When we try to describe ourselves we use words like body, soul and spirit. Should the Creator be less complex than the creature He has made?

Even though Scripture tells us that we are made in God’s image it is impossible for man to fully comprehend the nature of God. How can what is created ever understand the One who created him? So when Peter writes about the foreknowledge of God it can be difficult to grasp what he is saying. God is not bound by time. To Him all things are present. He knows everything that will happen in the future. Because of this, some people have concluded that God causes all things to happen. But this is not true. He has given mankind a free will. Each person is free to choose whether he will do what is right or wrong. But because God knows ahead of time what each person will choose, He can also predetermine what the results will be. In Romans 8:29-30 the Apostle Paul writes: “For whom he [that is, God] 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. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.” When Peter writes to those who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God, he is reminding them of the glory that God has already determined will be theirs. Though they may be despised and rejected in this world, in God’s eyes they are glorified.

In his greeting Peter introduces the main themes of his letter by briefly mentioning the roles of the personalities of God.

Peter tells the people he is writing to, that God the Father has chosen them. This means that in God’s sight they are very special. They are God’s people and the relationship is so close that later on in his letter Peter refers to them as God’s children. (1 Peter 1:14) The prophet Hosea had predicted this. He writes, “…in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” (Hosea 1:10) But how does God choose? Because God is our Creator He is justified in using any method of selecting who His people will be. The Apostle Paul writes, “You will say then to me, “Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?” But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?” Or hasn’t the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor?” (Romans 9:19-21) Though God’s choice may at first look arbitrary to us, Peter tells us that God, in fact, chooses on the basis of His foreknowledge. God’s chosen ones are already determined from eternity because He has known from eternity what we will do. The Apostle Paul writes: “…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…” (Romans 2:7-8) The factors involved in God’s choice are the things that Peter lists: the sanctifying work of the Spirit, obedience and the sprinkling of Christ’s blood.

The work of the Spirit is to sanctify. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 corroborates Peter’s statement. It says: “…God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth…” The basic meaning of the Greek word that is translated ‘sanctify’ is “to set something apart for special use.” The Spirit separates us from evil and sets us apart for God’s use. The Spirit not only separates us from evil, but builds the qualities into our lives that are pleasing to God. The Scripture says: “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23) Many people make the mistake of trying to do the Spirit’s work by themselves. It is only when we surrender and admit that we cannot become righteous by our own efforts that the Spirit will be able to sanctify us. If we will not submit, the Spirit cannot sanctify. And if we are not sanctified, then we are not chosen. In view of this we all need to ask ourselves whether we are allowing God’s Spirit to work freely in us. Scripture instructs us, “Don’t quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

Peter writes that we are chosen to be obedient. Jesus said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) But obedience means far more than just doing the right things. It involves not only our actions, but gladly submitting our will to God also. Jesus said, “…If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) The point is that we cannot truly serve God without submitting to His will. If we will not serve, we are not chosen.

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ…” With these words Peter begins his first letter to the followers of Jesus. In these few words, the author identifies who he is and his authority to write what he is going to say.

Who was Peter? Peter’s birth name was Simon. He was one of the very first disciples of Jesus and it was Jesus who changed his name. The Gospel of John 1:41-42 tells the story: “He [that is, Andrew] first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is, being interpreted, Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter).” The name Peter means ‘rock.’ We can only guess why Jesus called Simon a ‘rock.’ Some people have the mistaken idea that he was called a rock because Jesus was going to build his church on him. They get this idea from Matthew 16:15-18. Jesus asked the question, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly [that is, the church], and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” But from the original Greek, it is clear that Jesus was not going to build his church on Peter the ‘rock,’ but rather on the ‘boulder’ of truth that Peter had expressed about Jesus. And in this very letter in chapter 2, verses 4 through 8, Peter himself makes it clear that it is Jesus who is the cornerstone that the church is built upon. So why did Jesus call Simon the ‘rock?’ Perhaps Jesus was looking towards the future when Simon would become someone that could be relied upon, and a source of strength to the whole church. Jesus once said to him, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat, but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32)

Peter writes that he is “an apostle of Jesus Christ.” The title of ‘Apostle’ was given to him by Jesus. In Luke’s gospel it says: “It happened in these days, that he [that is , Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and he continued all night in prayer to God. When it was day, he called his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles…” (Luke 6:12-13) There are four separate lists in Acripture of the twelve men that Jesus chose. In all four lists, Peter’s name is first. This is an indication of the high regard that Jesus and the church had of Peter. Mark tells us what the purpose of appointing the apostles was: “…that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach, and to have authority to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons.” (Mark 3:14-15) Jesus gave these twelve men special power and training so that they would be able to carry on His work. The basic meaning of the word ‘apostle’ is “one who is sent.” But there is another aspect to the role that Jesus was asking these men to perform. After His resurrection and shortly before he ascended to heaven, Jesus told the Apostles: “…You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The Greek word that is translated ‘witness’ can also mean ‘martyr.’ One of the convincing proofs that Jesus rose from the dead is that Peter, who before the crucifixion denied Jesus, later became willing to die for his risen Lord. One of the themes of Peter’s letter is the Christian response to suffering. This is very appropriate because the church was entering a time of persecution during which Peter himself would die, just as Jesus had told him he would: ““Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don’t want to go.” Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God…” (John 21:18-19) From the historical evidence that is available it is very probable that Peter was crucified in Rome about 69 AD.

Peter addresses his letter, “…to the chosen ones who are living as foreigners in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,” These names are names of provinces in the Roman empire. All of them were within the country we know today as Turkey.

Peter calls the people he is writing to, “foreigners” (NIV, “strangers”). This word can have two meanings. The first refers to people who are living outside of their own country. It is very probable that the people Peter is writing to had been driven out of their homes because of their faith in Jesus Christ. They had been forced out of their own country and were now living as refugees. The second meaning of the word “stranger” is a spiritual one and it applies to all Christians. It is a reminder that a follower of Christ does not give his true allegiance to this present world. Philippians 3:20 says, “For our citizenship is in heaven…” A ‘stranger’ in the sense that Peter uses the word, is a person who is living by faith. As an example, the book of Hebrews 11:13-16 says: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return. But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” In chapter two of his letter Peter also tells his readers that they are a “holy nation.” Though they are physically scattered throughout the world and sometimes may not even be able to call themselves citizens of any country, God views them as citizens of a spiritual country. All those who choose to follow Christ have a permanent heavenly home. Though they may be outcasts in this world, they have a place in God’s family.