I Peter
1:1-2
(A
Bible Study Led by Dr. Larry Reynolds)
April
18, 2013
1.
When
Peter wrote this letter, ominous and dark clouds were gathering on the horizon
for the Christians in Asia Minor to whom this letter was originally addressed. Near the end of the letter Peter says that he
is writing from a place he calls “Babylon.” While a few scholars say that means the
literal Babylon on the Euphrates River, most see it as a reference to Rome. 1st century Christians often used
the code word “Babylon” as a secret way of referring to Rome. Like ancient Babylon, Rome was characterized
by evil, immorality, and idolatry.
2.
In
July of 64 A.D. a great fire broke out in Rome and much of the city was
destroyed. Hundreds of public buildings
were burned and thousands of people were left homeless. It is widely believed that Nero, the Roman
Emperor, had the fire started the fire so he could rebuild Rome to his liking
and erect some monuments that he thought would establish his place in history. The people were so incensed at Nero that they
were ready to revolt and overthrow him, so he needed someone on whom to blame
the fire. Unfortunately, he chose to place
the blame on the misunderstood religious sect known as Christians.
3.
Christians
were a convenient scapegoat for Nero. They
were a relatively unknown group practicing what seemed to the average Roman a bizarre
religion:
·
They
followed a man named Jesus who had been crucified in Judea and who they claim
had been resurrected.
·
They
refused to believe in more than one god, thus according to 1st
century religious standards they were basically atheists.
·
Rumor
was that they practiced cannibalism because they spoke of eating the body and
drinking the blood of Jesus.
·
Some
accused them of participating in sexual orgies because they had a custom of
greeting each other with a “holy kiss” and they met in homes for what
they called “love feasts”...
So when Nero needed a scapegoat
for the great fire, Christian who were already misunderstood and looked upon
with suspicion by many people, were an obvious choice.
4.
At
Nero’s prompting, a brutal persecution of Christians broke out in Rome...during
this time Christians were:
·
Dipped
in tar and burned as torches to light the gardens of Nero when he threw outdoor
parties...
·
Tied
to chariots and dragged through the streets of Rome until they were dead...
·
Tied
in leather bags and dipped in water until the bags shrank enough to suffocate
them...
And the Christians who received
the letter of I Peter could see these dark clouds of persecution moving their
way. In light of that, it is not
surprising that The major issue discussed is suffering and
persecution. This is done in two ways.
1)
Jesus is presented as the ultimate example
of suffering and rejection (cf. 1:11; 2:21, 23; 3:18; 4:1, 13; 5:1).
2) Jesus’
followers are called on to emulate His pattern and attitude (cf. 1:6–7; 2:19;
3:13–17; 4:1, 12–19; 5:9–10).[1]
5.
I believe
that Peter wrote this letter sometime to warn Christians of the coming
persecution sometime shortly after the great Neronian persecution began in
Rome.
Verse
1 – Reveals the
writer and the recipients
“Peter…” (The following summary of Peter’s
life is copied verbatim from Utley, R. J. D. (2000). Vol. Volume 2: The Gospel
according to Peter: Mark and I & II Peter. Study Guide Commentary
Series
Peter, the
Man
HIS FAMILY
A. Peter’s
family lived in Galilee of the Gentiles in the city of Bethsaida on the
northern shore of the Sea of Galilee (or the Sea of Tiberias cf. John 1:44),
but apparently moved to Capernaum at some point (cf. Mark 1:21, 29).
B. Peter’s
father’s name was Jonah (cf. Matt. 16:17) or John (cf. John 1:42; 21:15–17).
C. His
given name was Simon (cf. Mark 1:16, 29, 30, 36), which was common in Palestine
of the first century. It was the Jewish form of Symeon (cf. Acts 15:14; II Pet.
1:1).
Jesus renamed him Peter (Petros, which
means “rock,” meant to describe his eventual strength and stability) in Matt.
16:18; Mark 3:16; Luke 6:14; and John 1:42. The Aramaic form is Cephas (cf. John 1:42; I Cor. 1:12;
3:22; 9:5; 15:5; Gal. 1:18; 2:9, 11, 14). Often in the NT these two names are
given together (cf. Matt. 16:16; Luke 5:8; John 1:40; 6:8, 68; 13:6, 9, 24, 36;
18:10, 15, 25; 20:2, 6; 21:2–3, 7, 11, 15).
D. Peter’s
brother’s name was Andrew (cf. Mark 1:16). He was a disciple of John the
Baptist (cf. John 1:35, 40) and later a believer and follower of Jesus (cf.
John 1:36–37). He brought Simon to Jesus (cf. John 1:41). Several months later
Jesus confronted them by the Sea of Galilee and called them to be His official
full-time disciples (cf. Matt. 4:18–20; Mark 1:16–18; and Luke 5:1–11).
E. He
was married (cf. Mark 1:30; I Cor. 9:5), but there is no mention of children.
HIS OCCUPATION
A. Peter’s
family owned several fishing boats and even hired servants.
B. Peter’s
family may have been partners with James, John, and their father, Zebedee (cf.
Luke 5:10).
C. Peter
briefly returned to fishing after Jesus’ death (cf. John 21).
HIS PERSONALITY
A. Peter’s
strengths
1. He
was a dedicated follower, but quite impulsive (cf. Mark 9:5; John 13:4–11).
2. He
attempted acts of faith, but often failed (e.g. walking on water, cf. Matt.
14:28–31).
3. He
was brave and willing to die (cf. Matt. 26:51–52; Mark 14:47; Luke 22:49–51;
John 18:10–11).
4. After
His resurrection, Jesus addressed him personally as the discredited leader of
the Twelve in John 21 and provided an opportunity for repentance and
restoration to leadership.
B. Peter’s
weaknesses
1. He
had initial tendencies toward Jewish legalism
a. eating
with Gentiles (Gal. 2:11–21)
b. food
laws (Acts 10:9–16)
2. He,
like all the Apostles, did not fully understand Jesus’ radical new teachings
and their implications
a. Mark
9:5–6
b. John
13:6–11; 18:10–11
3. He
was personally and severely chastised by Jesus (Mark 8:33; Matt. 16:23)
4. He
was found sleeping instead of praying in Jesus’ great hour of need in
Gethsemane (Mark. 14:32–42; Matt. 26:36–46; Luke 22:40–60)
5. He
repeatedly denied knowing Jesus (Mark 14:66–72; Matt. 26:69–75; Luke 22:56–62;
John 18:16–18, 25–27)
HIS LEADERSHIP OF THE APOSTOLIC
GROUP
A. There
are four lists of the Apostles (cf. Matt. 10:2–4; Mark 3:16–19; Luke 6:14–16;
Acts 1:13). Peter is always listed first. The Twelve were divided into three
groups of four. I believe this allowed them to rotate home to check on their
families.
B. Peter
often serves as the spokesman for the Apostolic group (cf. Matt. 16:13–20; Mark
8:27–30; Luke 9:18–21). These passages have also been used to assert Peter’s
authority within the group (cf. Matt. 16:18). However, within this very context
he is chided by Jesus as a tool of Satan (cf. Matt. 16:23; Mark 8:33).
Also, when the disciples are arguing over
who is greatest, Peter is not assumed to take that position (cf. Matt.
20:20–28, especially v. 24; Mark 9:33–37; 10:35–45).
C. Peter
was not the leader of the Jerusalem church. This fell to James, Jesus’
half-brother (cf. Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; I Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19; 2:9, 12).
HIS MINISTRY AFTER JESUS’
RESURRECTION
A. Peter’s
leadership role is clearly seen in the early chapters of Acts
1. He
led in the election of Judas’ replacement (cf. Acts 1:15–26).
2. He
preached the first sermon on Pentecost (cf. Acts 2).
3. He
healed a lame man and preached the second recorded sermon (cf. Acts 3:1–10;
3:11–26).
4. He
spoke boldly to the Sanhedrin in Acts 4.
5. He
presided over the church discipline of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5.
6. He
spoke at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:7–11.
7. Several
other events and miracles are attributed to him in Acts.
B. Peter,
however, did not always embody the gospel’s implications
1. He
retained an OT mind-set (cf. Gal. 2:11–14).
2. He
had to have a special revelation to include Cornelius (cf. Acts 10) and other
Gentiles.
THE SILENT YEARS
A. There
is little or no information about Peter after the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15
1. Galatians
1:18
2. Galatians
2:7–21
3. I
Corinthians 1:12; 3:22; 9:5; 15:5
B. Early
church tradition
1. Peter’s
being martyred in Rome is mentioned in Clement of Rome’s letter to the church
at Corinth in a.d. 95.
2. Tertullian
(a.d. 150–222) also notes Peter’s
martyrdom in Rome under Nero (a.d.
54–68).
3. Clement
of Alexandria (a.d. 200) says
Peter was killed in Rome.
4. Origen
(a.d. 252) says Peter was martyred
by crucifixion, head down, in Rome.[2]
“…an apostle…” – ”apostolos” means “one sent
on a mission”...commissioned by and given the full authority of the
sender...
“of Jesus Christ” – This established Peter’s right
to speak on behalf of and with the full authority of Jesus...
Question: Are there apostles in the church today,
people who speak with the full authority of Christ? Obviously, there are those who call
themselves “apostles.” The mainstream of
Christian thought is that once the Scripture was put together, it serves the
purpose of the role of “apostle” in the early church.
“…to those who reside as aliens…”
– This
phrase tells us two very significant things about the life to which God calls
us.
1)
We
are not called to live this life alone
– Notice word “aliens” is plural...there’s more than one...not
alone... part of larger group...what great comfort in that simple little
thought must brought to little bands of Christians scattered over very large
territory...just to know that when trouble and persecution came would not have
face alone was source of tremendous encouragement...things that seem so
frightening when faced alone, not nearly as bad when others walk with us
through them...that’s one of basic reasons
we need to be involved in a Christian fellowship...and I’m not just talking
about sitting in a church somewhere…I’m talking about being in a fellowship
where over time we develop deep, meaningful personal relationships…
2)
This
world is not our ultimate destination
– The word “aliens” implies this is not where we really belong. The word Peter uses here means
sojourners. They are called “strangers and pilgrims” in
1 Peter 2:11. These people were citizens
of heaven through faith in Christ (Phil. 3:20), and therefore were not
permanent residents on earth. Like Abraham, they had their eyes of faith
centered on the future city of God (Heb. 11:8–16). They were in the world, but
not of the world (John 17:16).[3] As we deal with the struggles
that come our way in this life, it is helpful to remember that this world is
not our final destination... we are here only temporarily...we are like aliens,
strangers, and pilgrims...we’re on our way to a better place... remembering our
ultimate destiny will help keep us from taking this life too seriously...when
understand that this world not all there is, see it through different
eyes...things that burden us not quite so important/pressing /overpowering...
“…scattered…” – This is literally “diaspora,” which
means “to sow.” This term was usually used by Palestinian Jews to refer to Jews
living outside of Palestine (cf. John 7:35). Peter uses it to refer to churches
made up of Gentiles and Jews in northern Asia Minor.[4] Believers
are God’s seed (Matt. 13:38), and He plants them where He will. Sometimes He
uses persecution to scatter the seed (Acts 8:1; 11:19ff).[5] This is a reminder that sometimes things
that we interpret as being negative or bad may actually be the hand of God
putting us in a position to be more useful to Him. It is reassuring to remember that God works
through all of our circumstances to accomplish His purposes in this world.
“…throughout Pontus, Galatia,
Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia…”
– These
Christians were scattered in five different parts of the Roman Empire, all of
them in northern Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The Holy Spirit did not permit
Paul to minister in Bithynia (Acts 16:7), so he did not begin this work. There
were Jews at Pentecost from Pontus and Cappadocia (Acts 2:9), and perhaps they
carried the Gospel to their neighboring province. Possibly Jewish believers who
had been under Peter’s ministry in other places had migrated to towns in these
provinces. People were “on the move” in those days, and dedicated believers
shared the Word wherever they went (Acts 8:4).[6]
“…who are chosen…” – There’s a wonderful thought in
that...while may be exiles or aliens in world, were special to God!!...”chosen”
sometimes translated “elect” is one of great words of the
Bible...used in relation to Christ/angels/Israel/ Christians...as matter of
fact third most commonly used word in NT describe Christians...only disciples and saints used more
to describe...means that those who turn to faith in Christ are chosen for
special relationship with God and chosen for special task in world...in OT used
to describe nation Israel...in NT used to describe those who have entered a
faith relationship with Jesus Christ...
Verse
2 tells us
three significant things about this faith relationship.
(1)
It is “according to [on the basis of] the
foreknowledge [purpose] of God…”
That is, it has always been God’s plan for those who turn to faith in
Christ to become the elect. We are not
the elect because God chose us and gave us no choice but to respond to
Him. We are the elect because God chose
to make all those who turn to faith in Christ the elect.
(2)
It is “through sanctifying work [setting apart]
of [by] the Spirit” (v. 2b). That is, we are elected to be set apart,
prepared for service by God’s Spirit.
(3)
It is “that you may obey Jesus Christ and be
sprinkled with His blood” (v. 2c). That is, the result of our election is
obedience. In Exodus 24:3–8 obedience
and sprinkling of the blood are both associated with the establishment of God’s
covenant with Israel. Here the meaning seems to be that Christians (the new
Israel) are chosen with a view to a covenant relation with God.[7]
In these
words (1 Peter 1:2) Peter laid the theological foundations for this letter of
encouragement. “God” the Father in
His grace had chosen them and God the “Spirit” had sanctified them through the
atoning blood of God the Son, Jesus
Christ. [8]
·
First,
we have the blessing of “grace”...it has been said, and I think
correctly so, that the word “grace” sums up Christian theology...
one writer defines the word as “the free and undeserved giving by God to
[people] what they cannot achieve themselves” [Moulton, quoted by
Vaughan, p.20]...it is a reminder that in Christ we have something we could
never have gained on our own initiative — the unmerited, undeserved favor/
acceptance/approval of God...Peter has a strong emphasis on God’s grace perhaps
because he understood he was so in need of grace…in I Peter God’s grace is
referred to ten times and the concept appears in every chapter…
·
Second,
we have the blessing of “peace”...this word, which is used more
than 100 times in the NT, doesn’t mean merely the absence of conflict...it carries
the idea of a calmness of spirit, quiet trust in the Lord, in the midst of
conflict...on the night before His crucifixion Jesus promised His followers
peace...said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the
world gives, do I give to you. Let not
your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” [John 14:27] In light of the coming persecution, these beleaguered
Christians needed that calmness of spirit.
No-one can go through life
avoiding difficulty…we all join what John Claypool calls “the brotherhood of
suffering…” And at the very outset of this wonderful letter, Peter reminded the
beleaguered Christians in the 1st century and he reminds us that God
has given us some special resources to deal with life’s difficulties…
‑‑‑have
a great support system in our fellow believers...
‑‑‑have a great destiny and this
world is not all there is to our existence...
‑‑‑have a great calling from God
and we are special to him...
Remembering those things won't
take the tough times away, but without a doubt remembering those things will
help us deal with and get through the tough times.
[1]
Utley, R. J. D. (2000). Vol. Volume 2:
The Gospel according to Peter: Mark and I
& II Peter. Study Guide Commentary Series (209). Marshall, Texas: Bible
Lessons International.
[2]
Utley, R. J. D. (2000). Vol. Volume 2:
The Gospel according to Peter: Mark and I
& II Peter. Study Guide Commentary Series (1–2). Marshall, Texas: Bible
Lessons International.
[3]
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible
exposition commentary (1 Pe 1:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4]
Utley, R. J. D. (2000). Vol. Volume 2:
The Gospel according to Peter: Mark and I
& II Peter. Study Guide Commentary Series (213). Marshall, Texas: Bible
Lessons International.
[5]
Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository
outlines on the New Testament (741). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[6]
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible
exposition commentary (1 Pe 1:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7]
The teacher's Bible commentary. 1972
(F. H. Paschall & H. H. Hobbs, Ed.) (785). Nashville: Broadman and Holman
Publishers.
[8]
Raymer, R. M. (1985). 1 Peter. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An
Exposition of the Scriptures (J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck, Ed.) (1 Pe 1:1b–2).
Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
