University Avenue Church of Christ

UA-NT-10 Essay on I Peter

Written by Eddie Sharp Wednesday, 10 March 2010

Peter writes from Rome to the people in what is now Turkey who have been chosen by God through the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ. These Trinitarian statements are beautiful. This relationship with God makes these people aliens and strangers in the world. Peter writes to help them deal with the stresses of life on the outside.

Peter celebrates the salvation that comes in Jesus. The living hope comes from the resurrection of Jesus. Suffering for the faith is a part of the walk. Consistent faith will lead to life eternal.

But the Christian life is not just about the eternal future; it is about the eternal now. Christians heed the call to holy living. The evil in the world invites, but those in Christ have received a better invitation—an invitation to live out their lives as foreigners, respecting God in all things. The blood of Christ redeems. Purified in this way, Christians not only love God, but also one another.

With the world, no doubt, telling the Christians that they are nothing, Peter reminds them of their honored place through Jesus. He is the living Stone. Through him, they are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s possession. The world does not give Christians their grade.

Peter moves into a powerful ethical teaching section. He challenges his readers to live such wonderful lives in Christ that the pagans will have to glorify God. Such a life includes submission to earthly authorities. Even slaves can serve their masters in a Christ-like way. Slaves, like all of us, can follow in the steps of Jesus (2:21). Christ’s submission to his own suffering is the template for Christian response to life in a hostile world.

Wives also imitate Christ as they live with their husbands. Their beauty is soul-deep. Husbands imitate Christ as live with their wives in consideration and prayer.After addressing slaves, wives and husbands, Peter charges every Christian to live with loving care for those around her or him. As Christians live in this way, they always have their gentle testimony about Christ ready if someone asks for an explanation for the faith that empowers their lives. In a very complicated verse about Jesus being present by the Spirit in the ministry of Noah, Peter points out that Jesus has suffered rejection in many ways. Peter’s reference to the importance of baptism is embedded in this section.

In chapter four, Peter reminds his alien and stranger readers that they are called to be ready for meaningful suffering. Reckless sinning is a part of the resident lifestyle. With the end of all things always in view, focused and disciplined faith is appropriate. If Christians suffer, they should suffer for their faith, not their sins: “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you”  (I Peter 4:14).

Peter’s closing remarks call for elders to shepherd the flock of God with care and for the church to submit to the elders in humility. Sober-minded Christians should cast their worries on God and be ready to resist the devil. Peter benediction assures the brothers and sisters that the God of grace and glory will not forget them in their suffering, but will hold fast to them, restoring them and making them strong again.

Note that key figures in the ministry of Paul are also helpful to Peter. Silas and Mark are good brothers to Peter.