First Peter: The Beginning

Author:                                     Peter

To Whom Written:                  Christians of Asia Minor

Date:                                       58-64 AD

Purpose:                                 To give instruction and comfort to the persecuted Christians of Asia Minor

Covenant:                                New Covenant

Today’s Text:                          1Peter 1:1-16

Peter opens his letter with words of hope and encouragement.  He tells his readers that even though they are suffering great persecution for their faith, the reward of their faith was sure, certain and great.  He reminds them of their salvation in Jesus Christ, and tells them that their suffering would be short, and a source of great strength; that it would be well worth it.  In this, they should take great joy, for the hour was approaching when they would receive their reward.

Points of Interest

3-7:      Here we are comforted by the reminder of what Jesus has done for us, and of our heavenly citizenship. (Phil. 3:20; John 14:1-3; 1Thess. 4:17) The people who face troubled times must keep these facts in focus: Jesus has done great things for us: hang on!

10-12:  The prophets of the Old Testament worked hard to understand this grace which we now have, and to try to understand when these things would come about.  Alas, they have come about; the sufferings of Christ which are so great a mystery to the unsaved that they are actually considered foolish! (see 1Corinthins chapter 1)  The prophets came to understand that they we serving us, and not themselves.  This should be taken to mean that they came to realize that their Messianic prophecies were regarding a time in the future, and not related to their time and circumstance.  Peter clearly points out that these prophecies are fulfilled in the church… and that they are not hanging out there to be fulfilled at a future date.  Note particularly the end of verse 12:  Even the angels wonder at all of this!

Much has been written about and speculated upon in regard to this statement.  We should not be surprised, for “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? “ (Heb. 1:14) The most important thing for us to take from this reference to the angels here, as well as from the reference to the prophets is that they took this salvation process very seriously. Salvation is a BIG DEAL! Sadly, however, relatively few Christians ever bother to give it much thought, taking it all for granted as most of us do.  Our salvation is no mere ‘get out of jail free card,’ but rather a demonstration of the very love, faithfulness and power of Almighty God.

13-16:  “Therefore” is there to let you know that the author is summing up and drawing a conclusion from what he has just written. Because of this fabulous salvation (inheritance) that we have in Christ, take action!  Yes, we need to do something… Peter follows this up with a list of things; we will make it simple: Get right with God and live your life focused on Jesus Christ.  Become a true and proper disciple of His no matter what your circumstances may be.