The blessings derived from studying the Word are more than I can mention. The power of God is in the gospel! I love 1 Peter because it is full of encouragement and hope in the midst of suffering.
My prayer is that through this study the “eyes of your understanding will be enlightened, so you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of His power towards those who believe” Eph 1:18.
Time to get going, don’t you think???
Background:
As any good bible scholar knows (of which you now are!), the background to a book is most important. It sets the stage for the writing, and gives the audience a context to correctly read the book.
The book of 1 Peter was written to believers who were about to suffer mightily for their beliefs in Christ. Only several years later, Nero would blame the Christians for the fires in Rome – thus spreading persecution like wildfire. Christians would soon become the enemies of Rome, crucified, burned at the stake, and thrown to the lions. Even Peter, the writer of this book, would lose his life as a result of the persecution.
But this was Peter, and on this “Rock” Christ would build His church. Headstrong and impulsive during Christ’s ministry, Peter lived up to His name after Christ’s ascension by fearlessly preaching the gospel, performing miracles, confronting Jewish authorities, and disciplining sinning church members. The Holy Spirit had transformed this lowly fisherman into a Man of God.
His epistle was written to those in the present part of Turkey (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia). The purpose for his writing is beautiful: to encourage believers to stand firm in the true grace of God (5:12), even in the face of escalating persecution and suffering. And to do so triumphantly! For they are chosen by God and their inheritance awaits them in heaven. No persecution can take their joy, for their eyes are on the eternal.
My purpose for writing is so together we can grow in the love and knowledge of Christ. Why? Because. Knowing Christ is worth it =)
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