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Introduction to First Peter (It's All About Jesus!!! ) Peter is often called the apostle of hope. He begins his Epistle with a thanksgiving for the living hope which God, in his abundant mercy, has granted to his chosen. Evidently the grace of hope was a living power in the heart of the apostle. He is constantly dwelling upon it; it occupies that central place in this Epistle which faith has in the writings of Paul, and love in those of John (see especially 1 Peter 1:3, 7, 9, 13; 3:9-15; 4:13; 5:4). Throughout the Epistle his eye seems fixed on the glorious hope which lies before the true Christian; he employs that hope as the principal topic of consolation in the prospect of the afflictions which were coming upon the Church. This is just what we should expect from the character of the apostle. He had been chastened and refined; the old impetuosity and forwardness had been subdued; but there was still the same natural temperament. One object which Peter had in view when writing this Epistle was evidently to comfort the Christians of Asia Minor by directing their thoughts away from the sufferings which were gathering round them, to dwell in a holy hope apart the inheritance reserved for them in heaven. Another, not the primary object, but secondary and incidental, was to show his entire sympathy with the teaching of his Christian, brother the Apostle Paul. There had been differences between them; those differences may probably have been greatly exaggerated in the apostolic times, as they certainly have been by some modern writers. Peter seems bent on showing that the two apostles held close to their hearts, the same faith. From 1 Peter 5:13 we infer that it was written at Babylon, probably the Babylon in present day Iraq, There was also a Babylon in Egypt, but if Peter had been writing from a place so little known, he would surely have described it as the Egyptian Babylon. It has been thought by many writers, ancient and modern, that Peter is using the word "Babylon" metaphorically, and that he was really writing from Rome. It seems logical that Peter, who was noted for not mincing words and saying exactly what he felt-- often without taking time to think-- would be so indirect as to where he was at the time of writing his letter. There seems to be no sufficient grounds for importing a figurative meaning into Peter's words; he was just not that kind of guy. If he were writing from Rome, it seems strange that he should make no mention of Paul. It is true that we have no historical evidence of a journey to Babylon; but then we have no certain records of the apostle's history after the date of his leaving Antioch (Galatians 2:11), and no proof beyond tradition that he was ever in Rome. The most important thing is not the where of the writing, but the what. This is a letter about hope. Not the earthly definition of a "Maybe this will happen and I really want it to, but I just don't know if it will." God is outside of time, so all has been finished from eternity past. So His definition of hope is "This is a done deal, you just need to wait for My timing of when it comes to pass in your existence in this temporal world." We have the done deal! Wait for it! We have that living, glorious, holy hope--His name is Jesus!!! The Alpha-Omega, the Alef-Tav!
This introduction was partly excerpted from the Pulpit Commentary 061805rjs/ed.
Authorship and Salutation of Peter
Peter showed that he was an impulsive man who tended to be overly self confident:
However, Peter showed his love for the Lord with boldness:
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. God's election places the Christian in the sphere of the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit; he lives in the Spirit, he walks in the Spirit, he prays in the Holy Ghost; and the blessed Spirit sanctifies the elect people of God. The Spirit works in them that holiness without which they cannot see God (Hebrews 12:14); they have their fruit, the fruit of the Spirit, unto holiness. The fundamental idea of the Greek is "separation and purity." We regard it as meaning originally "fresh, new, young," and so a "pure, shining, bright." Obedience is the work of the Spirit; for the fruit of the Spirit is love, and "if a man love me, he will keep my words." Thus election has its origin in the foreknowledge of the Father; it is wrought out in the sanctifying influences of the Spirit. Obedience is the sign and test of God's election: "By their fruits you shall know them." Thus we have in this verse the concurrence of the three blessed Persons in the scheme of salvation is the choice of the Father, the sanctification of the Spirit, the redeeming work of the Son. Excerpts from the Pulpit Commentary,
We take the Bible literally! And It's All About Jesus!!! 061905rjs/ed.
An Incorruptible Inheritance 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. (1) Incorruptible. All things earthly have within themselves the seeds of decay and death; but "when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption" (I Cor. 15:54), the redeemed of the Lord will receive a kingdom that cannot be moved, where "neither moth nor rust doth corrupt" (Matt. 6:19-20). Someone has said, "Your automobile is designed to self-destruct as soon as you have made the last payment." The wind and rain turn large rocks into soil. Water leaches away the nutrients in the land and they have to be replenished by natural or artificial fertilizer. These earthly bodies change as the years go by and these bodies prepare themselves for the grave. Everything in this old world is in a state of decay and brokenness. (2) It is undefiled. The inheritance of Israel was defiled (Leviticus 18:27-28), but into the heavenly inheritance entereth not "anything that defileth" (Rev. 21:27). Heaven cannot be defiled, that's why we must put on a new glorified body; the earthly body in heaven would be totally out of place. Our glorified bodies will be in the form of the glorified body of Christ, (Philippians 3:20-21). (3) It fadeth not away. "The grass withereth, the flower falleth away;" (1:24) it is not so in heaven. There are no tendencies to corruption in heaven, no possibilities of defilement. The many mansions in our Father's house have been kept from the beginning, and still are kept in perfection for his elect; Satan cannot rob us of it, as he robbed man of the earthly paradise.
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. The word "kept" is important. In Greek kept is "phrouomenous" and is a present participle implying an action that is going on. It is a military term meaning to guard or protect. While our inheritance is being kept or guarded in heaven under the watchful eye of our Heavenly Father, we are being garrisoned by the Holy Spirit's presence here on earth. The guard is never changed. It is on duty 24/7, year after year, until we arrive safely in heaven. What a great God we have, to think that we are under His eye from our new birth until we arrive in His presence." Wuest on I Peter It's All About Jesus!!! 062005rjs/ed.
The Perfection of our Faith through Suffering
"I read thy word, O Lord, each
passing day, and in the sacred page find glad employ:
But this I pray - Save from the killing letter. Teach my heart, set free from human forms, the holy art of reading thee in every line, in precept, prophecy and sign, till, all my vision is filled with thee, thy likeness shall reflect in me. Not knowledge, but thy self my joy - For this I pray." It's All About Jesus!!! 062105rjs/ed.
The Prophets searched Diligently for
the
It's All About Jesus!!! 062205rjs/ed
The Holy Walk of the Believer 13 Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. According to Jewish manners and customs, when the Jewish man was working in the field, he would reach down between his legs and gather the back of his robes, and pull them up between his legs and stuff them into his girdle, or belt. He was then free to run or work without being encumbered. Peter tells us to gird up the loins of your mind, in other words, clean and clear your mind of anything that would encumber it, or keep you from being in contact with God. This is a once for all experience and you will be in control of your emotions and thoughts. When you do this, the words and thoughts of the world are put back in the recesses of your mind and you will no longer dwell upon them. Be Sober temperate, dispassionate and circumspect, i.e., self-controlled and you will see things clearly and there will be no distortion caused by fear and worry and other related attitudes. 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. A child inherits the nature of its parents so the child of God is made a partaker of the divine nature. The child learns from its parents to speak, act and react as they do. The habits, mannerisms, speech, expressions and behavior of the parents are reflected in the children, so the cleansed and regenerated mind will reveal that the Christian is a child of God. 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. The word "Holy" in the Greek means to "set apart" or "be sanctified." It has the idea of being separated and that is what Peter is talking about. The word "saint" can only be applied to the person that is living a holy life and reflecting the Lord in every facet of their lives. 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. These words are recorded five times in the Book of Leviticus. God had called the Israelites to be His peculiar people a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Now he calls the Christians to be a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood" and separated from all that is impure, in order that we might be consecrated to His service according to I Peter 2: 9. 062405rjs/ed.
We are Born Again by Faith in the Blood
of Christ 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. The "if" could be translated "since" or "in view of the fact" that those to whom Peter is writing are calling on God as Father since they have been brought into the family of God by or through salvation. What a blessing to know that we can talk to the Father as a child talks to its earthly father. Abba is the word Jesus used in talking to His father and we can use the same word, best translated "Papa." It is an endearing expression of love and affection.
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. This takes us back to the first Passover in Egypt and the Passover lamb was shut up from the tenth day until the fourteenth to make sure it was without spot of blemish, Ex. 12. In like manner our Saviour was without spot or blemish, He was tried and tempted as we are, but did not succumb to the temptations and was sinless.
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Great Things Gained by Faith, In God,
In Christ, 21 Who by him (Christ) do believe in God, that raised him (Christ) up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Who by him do believe in God; or according to two of the most ancient manuscripts, "Who through Christ are faithful towards God." Through Christ, not only through his incarnation and atoning death, but through his grace and abiding presence. He was manifested for your sake, for all the faithful, whether Jews or Gentiles; "for your glory." Paul says in (1 Corinthians 2:7). This thought shows the greatness of God's love for His own. The eternal Son was manifested for their sake. The Spirit raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory. Peter returns to the "after-glories," which he had mentioned in verse 11. The death of Christ is the total payment for sin; his resurrection and ascension are the grounds of our confidence and hope. They put a halo of Divine glory upon the awful cross; they bring out the beauty and the dignity of the perfect sacrifice; they show that it was accepted and that the work of our redemption was complete. The Resurrection held a very prominent place in the preaching of Peter, and, indeed, of all the apostles (Acts 2:32-36; 3:15; 4:10; comp. Acts 4:33; Romans 1:4,). That your faith and hope might be in God; rather, so that your faith and hope are in God - directed towards God or perhaps, "so that your faith is at the same time, hope towards God." The resurrection and the glory of Christ not only inspire the Christians with confidence in God, but it also gives his faith the character of hope. Christ had promised that where He is there would His servants be; He had prayed that those whom the Father had given Him would be with Him where He is, to behold His glory. He is in heaven, on the right hand of God. Thus the Christian's faith assumes the attitude of hope; he hopes to be where Christ is, to see him as he is, to be made like unto Him. This is "the hope of glory" for which we offer our thanksgivings. Peter is truly the apostle of hope. Some of the above was excerpted from Pulpit Commentary, I Peter, Vol. 22, p 11 Paul also has something to say about the resurrection and the passage in I Corinthians 15:12-19. Please read it and praise God for His Resurrection. 1 Cor. 15: 12-19: Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead,
how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 062605rjs/ed.
The Unfeigned Love for the Brethren 22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. Some Christians are tempted to turn back to the old friends whom they knew before they were saved, because there is not the fellowship or love among the saints that they thought there would be. Then there are some Christians that are very discriminating as to whom they want to fellowship with. This discrimination is brought on by their status, finances, education, dress code, looks, and a multitude of other petty reasons. There are two kinds of love to be found in the church, they are both mentioned in our text for today. The first is from the Greek word "anupokritos" and with the alpha, or "a" as the first letter of the word it is a negative "kritos" translated into English word is "hypocrisy." The word originated in the Greek theatrical productions as the actor wore a mask and played the part of someone he was not. So often we see hypocrisy in the church as people put on a pious attitude for others to see on Sundays in church. This is the "phileo" type of love that should be translated "like" rather than love. This was used by Peter in John 21:15-17 where Jesus asked Peter, "do you love me?" the Lord used agapao (love) me. Peter answered with (like) or "phileo" the first two times and the third time the Lord condescended to use the word for like. The "love of the brethren is "philadelphian" from which we get the "City of Brotherly Love." The second word is "agape" a word that is found in John 3:16; I Corinthians 13 and I John 4:8. This is a true brotherly love, and what Peter was seeking to find in both Jews and Gentiles who were in the church. No middle walls of partition and a love that causes one to rejoice in the welfare of another. There is no room for envy in their hearts. No strife, jealousy or boasting, a love that keeps each one from seeking their own rights and position in the church. If this were true in the church there would be a heavenly fellowship and we would always be glorifying the Lord for everything. Unfortunately, there is plenty of "phileo" fondness, and affection among the saints and too little of the "agape" divine love. One of our church ladies always closes her e-mails with "agape" and from what we see in her life it is not just a final word, but a real expression of her love for others. 062705rjs/ed.
The Living and the Written Word of God
24. - For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. Peter quotes, The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away. Isaiah 40:6-8, to illustrate his assertion that the Word of God abides forever. 25. - But the Word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the Word that by the Gospel is preached unto you. Acts 10:36, 37. literally, This is the Word which was preached as good tidings. Here Peter recognizes the Gospel that had been preached in Asia Minor as the Word of the Lord that abides forever. Paul and his companions were the missionaries from whom these provinces had heard the Word of God. Peter gives his formal testimony to the teaching of Paul, as he had already done at Jerusalem. On several occasions we have read critical dissertations that Paul and Peter were at odds on many of the Scriptures teachings. Here we see the critics were wrong. Paul and Peter are in perfect agreement as to "What and Who" is the Word of God and both apply it to our salvation. 062805rjs/ed.
Laying aside the Old and Putting on the
New
Wherefore laying aside, those who would wear the white robe of regeneration must lay aside the filthy garments (Zechariah 3:3) of the old carnal life. Paul bids us put off the old man and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22, 24; Romans 13:14), "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ." The metaphor would be more striking when, at baptism, the old dress was laid aside, and the white, Christ like garment, is put on. All malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings. The sins mentioned here are all offences against that "unfeigned love of the brethren" which formed the subject of Peter's exhortation in the latter part of 1 Peter 1. Cf. (Ephesians 4:22-31); the close resemblance between the two Scriptures reveals Peter's knowledge of the Ephesian Epistle. 2. As newborn babes, these words look back to 1 Peter 1:3, 23. God begat them again; they were newborn babes in Christ, they must remember their regeneration. The rabbis used the same metaphor of their proselytes; but the apostle was doubtless thinking of the Savior's words (Matthew 18:3; Mark 10:14, 15). Desire the sincere milk of the Word. Desire, long for it eagerly, as babes long for milk, their proper food, the only food necessary for them. The apostle is not thinking of natural milk, but of that nourishment which the Christian reason can regard as milk for the pure "soul food," simple and nourishing; capable of supporting and strengthening those newborn babes who not long ago had been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the Word of God; 1 Corinthians 10:3, 4. Paul also speaks of milk as the proper food of babes in Christ (1 Cor. 3:2; Cf.: also Heb. 5:12), though the thought is somewhat different; Peter's words do not convey any reproof for want of progress. This spiritual milk is pure, unadulterated. That ye may grow thereby; literally, "therein, in the use of it." Most of the ancient manuscripts add the words, unto salvation. The soul that feeds upon the pure milk of the Word grows unto salvation. And as the child grows and needs to masticate stronger food; so the young Christian grows and seeks the "Meat of the Word." 062905rjs/ed.
The Living Cornerstone, that is Christ
Peter may have been thinking of the contrast of his own name-- the name that Christ gave him when Andrew brought him to the Lord--with the true Living Stone, Jesus. Peter was the little pebble, not the foundation rock. The Greek word here is not the solid native rock on which the temple is built, nor a piece of rock, an uncut stone. Rather, it is a stone shaped and wrought, chosen for a chief cornerstone. The apostle does not mention himself; he omits all reference to his own position in the spiritual building; he wishes to direct his readers only to Christ. [4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone... He is plainly referring to the Lord's own words in Matthew 21:42, where Christ applies to himself the language of Psalm 118, He described himself as a Stone. The figure of a stone is inadequate-- all figures are inadequate-- to represent heavenly mysteries. This stone is living, full of life; it gives life, as well as, strength and coherence to the stones that are built upon it; for the Lord has the life in Himself. ...disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,. Peter slightly varies the quotation, and attributes to men in general the rejection of Jesus ascribed in the psalm and in the Gospel to the "builders." "He was despised and rejected of men." In his speech before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:11), he had directly applied the prophecy to the chief priests. But chosen of God, and precious; rather, another translation with God elect, precious, or perhaps better, honored; is a reference to Isaiah 28:16. Condensed from Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 22, P. 69 063005rjs/ed.
You are a Holy Priesthood
Are built up a spiritual house; rather, be ye built up. God builds him us on the one Foundation. The apostle says," Come to be built up; come that ye may be built up." The parallel passage in Jude 20, "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith." Jude is apparently thinking of the human side of the work. Peter is thinking of the Divine side in the deepest sense. Christ is the Builder, as well as, the Foundation, as He, himself, said in words doubtless present to Peter's mind, "Upon this rock I will build my Church." That Church is the anti-type of the ancient temple - a building not of material, but spiritual, consisting, not of dead stones, but of sanctified souls, resting on no earthly foundation, but on that Rock which is Christ, 2 Corinthians 6:16. An holy priesthood; or literally, (into an holy priesthood). To offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. The priest must have something to offer (Hebrews 8:3). The sacrifices of the ancient Law had found their fulfillment in the one all-sufficient Sacrifice, offered once for all by the great High Priest upon the altar of the cross. But there is still a sacrifice of the hearts in the Christians. That one Sacrifice is ever present in its atoning virtue and cleansing power; and through that one Sacrifice. This "royal priesthood" vs. 9, in the spiritual temple offers up daily spiritual sacrifices. We offer the sacrifices of prayer and praise (Hebrews 13:15), the sacrifice of self (Rom. 12:1). Kenneth Wuest gives several interesting thoughts regarding this verse. "The believer is a living stone, because his life is in Christ. Further we are a holy priesthood to carry up spiritual sacrifices, not animal sacrifices as the priest did in the Old Testament, but the living sacrifice of ourselves. What a blessing to realize that God is pleased with our offerings and they are acceptable because they are given in the name of the Lord Jesus." In closing Peter refers to Jesus Christ as Divine, He sees Jesus as the Jehovah of the Old Testament. Jehovah means, "The God who saves." The angel announced that they should call his name "Jesus," (Matthew 1:21) Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Condensed and excerpted
from Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 22, pp. 69-70
What Christ is to Believers and 6. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. This is a quotation from Isaiah 28:16. The foundation of the church was laid in Jerusalem. It was in Jerusalem that Christ died for sinners; for you and me. It was in Jerusalem that Christ arose from the dead and ascended into heaven to be on the right hand of God. It was in Jerusalem that the Holy Spirit descended on the Day of Pentecost and the church was born. We have a great and wonderful Judaeo-Christian heritage and it all came from that ancient threshing floor purchased by David as recorded in II Samuel 24:18-24.
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. We present two reasons why the Jews rejected the Corner stone, that is Christ.
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9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; "Thou hast made us kings and priests." A good king loves his people and cares for them. Christ is our good King and we are kings ruling with Him. Christ is our High Priest after the order of Melchisedec, King of Salem. We are a family of royal priests before God. "A holy nation;" Christians are a people unto themselves. We live a life that is above the world; we seek a city that is created of God in the heavens. We are pilgrims passing through or sojourning for a time in this world. Rome was a martial nation, Greece a cultured nation, Babylon a commercial nation. The Christian family is people for God's own possession, or for special revelation. "Peculiar," is not odd or weird, but His "very own." God called you out of darkness into his light. God's call by his Spirit, through his Word, through the conscience, through the ministry, through providential events, reaches out to all, but especially to "the called", those who responded to the call. The call is from:
In the Old Testament the Prophet was the mouthpiece of God, the Priest was the spiritual leader of the people, the King was the civil leader, these three offices were separated. In the new economy we see prophet, priest and king in one office, Christ. 070305rjs/ed.
Strangers and Pilgrims living in a
Foreign Land 2:11, Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. The Jewish believers to whom Peter was writing were not living in Israel, but scattered all throughout the Roman Empire. They were tempted to join the heathen in the religious rituals that included many forms of debauchery and hedonism. We are living in the same type of world today, with the "R" and "X" rated films and pornography available, even on the national television news. What is meant by "fleshly lusts"? The desires and appetites that are gratified through the flesh, as we sometimes say. "The flesh in itself is neither good nor bad; it has no moral qualities." The category of evils here enumerated includes envying, pride, heresies. The "flesh" is used figuratively, and is a symbol of the old lower nature of man.
We are to be salt and light and our Lord said salt is of no value if it has lost its flavor, and light does not reach out to others if it is hidden under a bushel. If we were living as we should according to the latter part of verse 12, the people of the world would be seeing Christ in us and desire to attain to our level. The category of evils here enumerated includes envying, pride, and heresies. The "flesh" is used figuratively, and is a symbol of the old and lower nature of man. The phrase points to the disorganized, disordered desires of man, and includes intemperance, gluttony, bad temper, false ambitions, and covetousness. All of these are included and are accursed. "The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, the pride of life." (I John 2:16) We are taught that we are "sojourners;" foreigners, not staying here, but headed toward a higher destination. The influence of these disorderly passions are hostile to our own inward life, and they "Which war against the soul." It behooves the born again believer to be alert at all times that he does not lose his testimony and become a stumbling stone to a lost soul. 070405rjs/ed.
13. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. That means stopping at a stop sign. Just a few weeks ago, the writer was driving and being followed by another Christian in his car from another church. I did not know he was following me. Later I had an opportunity to meet this Christian in a store and the man commented to his wife, in my presence, that I was a careful driver and had used my turn signals, etc. I told him it was because the Lord was riding with me in the car and Lord always obeys the laws of the road.
19. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. Don't become bitter when falsely accused, just look over it and carry on. You will be the winner! 070505rjs/ed.
Christian's Relationship to Government
and 20. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. Our perfect example is the Lord who was wrongly accused and buffeted for nothing. His only problem was that he was too perfect. The Jewish leaders could not stand for that, because He caused them to realize that they were not as perfect as they thought they were. Let others see Christ in you.
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Domestic Relationships for the Christians
#1 3:1. Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives. The marriage relationship has deteriorated. Neither spouse is willing to accept their God given responsibility. God directed in the Scriptures that marriage is honorable and His plan for the family. Living together without the benefit of the marriage vows and refusing to accept the other person as a lifetime partner is against the natural plan of God for a family
3. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. There is nothing wrong with making yourself look presentable. Your manner of dress should be modest and appropriate for where you are, and what you are doing. There is nothing wrong with slacks or jeans in their proper place. If you're climbing on a ladder or working outside in a strong wind, dress accordingly. 5-6. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Peter singles out Sarah as an example of the mother of the Jewish people, because Peter is writing to the dispersed Jews and reminding them that they are daughters of Abraham. Christian ladies you are now also daughters of Sarah and Abraham because you are saved by faith. 7. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. In most families the woman is smaller in stature and does not have the physical strength of the man. Therefore the man should help her and not place burdens on her that he can do and make life easier for her. An illustration from the television is the Archie Bunker show. Archie has no respect for Edith and thinks that because he brings in the pay check, she should do everything around the house. He is constantly putting pressure on Edith for the meals and housework. He was not the type of the man Peter is talking about here. As being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Note the last phrase, and act accordingly. If the husband is not treating his wife with respect and love, he is not only disobeying the Word of God, but his prayers are not reaching above the ceiling of the room in which he is praying; if he is praying! 070705rjs/ed.
Domestic Relationships for the Christians
#2 8. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful (good hearted), be courteous (humble-minded). It is amazing how few husbands open the car door for their wives today! Recently, we watched a man who has been married less than three years and he opened the door for his wife. Good hearted and humble minded are not for the wife, as far as most men are concerned. The honeymoon is over a week after the marriage and she is on her own. A good husband continues to court his wife as long as they live; he is a buddy, a friend, and kind, loving person who always thinks of her first.
10. For he that will love life, (who wish to live so that he will not weary of life) and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Proverbs mentions the tongue 19 times and James refers to it five times, we quote the first mention in James 1:6, If any man among you seems to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Those are strong words, but let all heed them, because they are from the Lord.
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Sanctify the Lord God in your Hearts 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. Notice the positive approach Peter gives us as we witness before our fellow men of the joy that fills our hearts and souls. We are not to be braggarts, but humble and kind as we pass out a tract or present our personal witness. What a joy it would be if the lost were coming to us and asking what is the reason of the hope that is in us?
It's impossible for believers to comprehend the physical suffering, the spiritual anguish He went through to make a bridge over the chasm of hell, and make it possible for all humanity to enter into glory. His death was the satisfied and only sacrifice for the sins of the world. We are now forgiven and made new in the likeness of His holiness and will share His glory in eternity. Peter was the crucifixion of Jesus and he personally knew, first hand, of the suffering His Master went through for us. Peter saw the kangaroo court and miscarriage of justice the night before the crucifixion. 071005rjs/ed.
The first mention of the sons of God is in Gen. 6:1-5. It came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh…. There were giants.. (Hebrew, "nephilim," this word is found eighteen times in the Old Testament and every time it is translated giants, it can also mean monstrosities)... in the earth in those days. Also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. We turn to Job 1:6; 2:2 and 38:7 where the words "the sons of God" are found and where it is definitely referring to angelic beings. Satan is included in the first two references and the testing of Job. These giants were the offspring of the sons of God and women. These sons of God had left their first estate, and it was Satan's design to destroy the human race by hybridizing humans with fallen angels and therefore make it impossible for Christ to save sinners. It is this writer's contention that Satan tried numerous times to destroy humanity-- and especially the Jews-- in order to prevent Christ from coming and completing the eternal plan for the salvation of mankind. Two of many possible illustrations will help to clear this:
God used Esther and Moses to thwart the plan of Satan and the Jews are with us today. We should thank God that these Old Testament saints were faithful and obeyed God. Some do not accept this premise because Christians are called the sons of God in the New Testament. Moses did not know of the New Testament. With those who do not hold this position, we've no argument with them.
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Baptism Does Not Save, Only Christ's
Blood will Save 20. Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. From Gen. 6:3 we hear God telling Noah that His Spirit will not always strive with men. In other words God had had it with the pre-flood world and it was time to exterminate them. Noah had preached to them 120 years and there were no conversions. Fallen humanity was beyond redemption and God said "Enough is enough." Yet, God provided Himself as the Ark, the way of escape and shelter from judgment. Jesus is our Ark. He is also the cleansing water, and the flood-water of Judgment. We must either take refuge in Him alone, or reap the judgment we sowed.
It is thrilling how the Bible becomes a commentary upon itself over and over again. 071205rjs/ed.
Peter's Exhortation to Separation
from Sin 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm your-selves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin. Seeing that Christ suffered and died for us, it is also imperative that we prepare our minds that we too shall suffer for our testimony. It may not be to the death of the physical body, but it is putting to death the past life. We no longer live in our sins as the world does, but live unto Christ and ready to suffer if needs be.
1Pet 5:8 says Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. To be sober is to be in control. As Christians we should never be "under the influence" of anything that makes us out of (God's) control. Many of us do not require alcohol or drugs (whether legally prescribed or not) to become out of control. We have our tempers, our "righteous indignation". We allow our tongues to engage in thoughtless words. Our self righteous excuses allow us to pull our hand from Jesus', and His sobriety, putting ourselves "under the influence" of the flesh. All the while priding ourselves that "We do NOT imbibe of alcohol like the sinners do." This is the Pharisaical behavior that Jesus warned against so forcefully. Its leaven was insidious, The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. Luke 18:11-12. God has no more control of this attitude than He has of the drunkard's. We need this attitude: And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Luke 18:13. Then we have hope! The promise, the done deal! 5-6. Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. Peter seems to be referring to a passage in I Thess. 4:13-18, where Paul explains that the dead in Christ are not going to miss anything, but receive the same blessings as those who are alive at the time of rapture. In these sinful times in which we live, most Christians are looking for the "Uppertaker," not the undertaker. Keep looking up for our redemption draws nigh. It could be while you are reading this today. I Thess. 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be
ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow
not, even as others which have no hope. 071305rjs/ed.
What Christ is to Sinners and what
Believers are to God
...be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. Be sober. Be in control. Whose control? Jesus'. Walk with Him. Don't pull your hand out of His! Even better, allow Him to carry you!
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Using Hospitality One for the Other
in LOVE
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Beloved Think it not Strange Considering
13. But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. Joy in suffering now is the earnest of the great joy of the redeemed at the revelation of that glory which they now see through a glass darkly. Peter is referring to the persecution from Nero that was about to come upon the Roman world. Nero was the epitome of evil and sought to destroy the Christians in the empire. Nero was in leadership from 54-68 A. D. and was as despotic as any ruler both before and after him. Rome burned in 64 and Nero used that as an excuse to persecute the Christians, He murdered his mother, Agrippina in 59 and committed suicide in 68. 14. If ye be reproached for the
name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God
resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your
part he is glorified. Men may revile them, but God glorifieth
you. The Spirit of glory, the Spirit which proceeded from the Father
who dwells in the glory, in the Shechinah, that Spirit rests upon
them, and sheds on them the glory of holy suffering, the glory which
hung around the cross of Christ. Two of the most ancient manuscripts,
with some others, insert the words "the Spirit of glory, and
of power, and of God of the Spirit descending upon them and resting
there. The Spirit abides upon those who patiently suffer for Christ.
So many times when we witness, our words are turned away as Agrippa did with Paul, by saying "almost you persuade me to become a Christian." Almost but lost! What a sad commentary, but so true of those who do not want to give up their sins. They love their sins more than they love God. To give up their sins would be to forsake their friends, but there will be no friends in hell. 071605rjs/ed.
One form of evil leads to the other (cf.
Psalm 1:5).
"Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny." Emerson, Ralph Waldo 071805rjs/ed.
5:1. The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. The context shows that the apostle is using the word "elder" (presbu>terov, presbyter) in its official sense, though its original meaning was also in his thoughts, as appears by verse 5. Peter recalls the night before the crucifixion and tells of his witnessing the suffering of the Lord Jesus. In the last phrase of the above verse he also was a partaker of the presence of the risen Christ on several occasions and knows of the glorious body Christ now wears in glory. Those five wounds that declare the suffering on earth are still very visible in His glory. The story is told of a church leader visiting a dying man and said, "I have come to forgive you your sins." The man responded, "Sir let me see your hands." The priest was surprised, but showed the dying man his hands. The man said, "There are no nail prints in your hands, you cannot forgive my sins, only Christ can do that."
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5. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: (Note that God tells us to humble ourselves. There is no Scripture where God says He will humble us. To pray for humility is a waste of time and effort, because we are to humble ourselves. Dwight Moody on one occasion went into a hall where 250 men were on their knees praying for God to raise the money to send a Missionary out to a foreign field. Mr. Moody saw 500 soles of the shoes of the men praying and said to these praying men, "Get up from your knees and open your wallets and send the Missionary, because that is your responsibility." There are thousands of souls out on the field that need to be saved). for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Yes, God will resist those who take pride in their Christianity and look down on others who do not seem to be as spiritual as they are. Notice, God will give grace unto the one who humbles him of her self and walks before fellow Christians in the spirit of humility.
The Greek word for "care" in the 7th verse is actually "anxiety" in the English. We are to cast all our anxieties on Christ and the whole of our worries will be resolved. Anxiety is a self contradiction of humility. Unbelief is an exalting of self against God and the one who is depending on self is failing to trust God. God is always concerned about us therefore why should we worry; He has everything in control. Exercising faith in every aspect of life is without doubt the most difficult thing for Christians to do. Often we think we can do whatever it is without God, and when we do this we are taking our care out of His hands, and we are saying, "I don't need you to help me with the problem." 072005rjs/ed.
Look Out for the Devil; He is Seeking
to Devour You! 8. Be sober, be vigilant; because
your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking
whom he may devour. The "sober" is better translated
as "mentally self-controlled," and "vigilant"
has the idea of being "awake, alert, and watchful" because
of your adversary. We are to never let down our guard because Satan
is always on the attack. In our military, the guard on duty has
the responsibility of protecting the lives of his fellow service
men and women and the greatest breach of military code is to be
sleeping on guard. Matt. 24:42-44 Watch therefore: for ye know
not what hour your Lord doth come. 43But know this, that if the
goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come,
he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to
be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour
as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 10-11. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Technically, we have arrived at the end of this little book, but Peter adds an addendum or benediction expressing his love for his fellow workers, and the church at Babylon salutes these dispersed Jewish believers. 12-14. By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen. 072105rjs/ed.
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