An overview of 1 Peter
I on many occasions the Bible has been a comfort and an instruction on living.
Every time I read through the Bible or study a particular book, I find a new insight.
The more you study and read the Bible, the more you know God and how to live on this earth. For example, I have recently studied the book of 1 Peter and am comforted by its message of hope in the midst of suffering.
It’s a letter written by the apostle Peter to Christians that were being persecuted. It was to encourage them to remain faithful in the midst of their suffering.
“This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. “I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:1-2 NLT
Here is an outline of the letter to give you a general overview of the book
Our Salvation as believers (1:1- 2:12)
Our Submission as believers (2:13 – 3:12)
Our Suffering as believers (3:13 – 5:14)
(Stedman,1997)
1 Peter is a letter of hope. In our world today, we need hope.
As believers, our hope comes from and rests in Christ. It is the hope of our redemption and hope for the future return of Christ.
While we look toward the future, we currently live in the present. Our present is filled with many trials and sufferings. How are we to live in our present circumstances?
By our testimony
While living here in the present, we must be a light to those around us. Christ saved us and changed our lives. It must be reflected by living holy.
1.Our conduct
As believers, we are called to be set apart from the world. God has given us a new life. We are called to leave the old life behind. Our conduct is to be a witness to those around us.
“So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” I Peter 1:14-16 NLT
2.Our conduct toward others
1 Peter 2:13- 3:13 talked about how we are to respect the authority of government and employers
“For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.” 1 Peter 2:13- 14 NLT
“You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. 1 Peter 2:18 NLT
Somethings, it can be difficult to respect those in authority, especially if they treat us wrong. I am not saying don’t stand up for yourself, but keep your Christian testimony and do so with respect and truth.
Also, in this section, Peter tells wives to submit to their husbands and husband to honor their wives and brothers and sisters in Christ to treat each other with kindness and humility.
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8- 9 NLT
In Suffering
Suffering and conflict are something we will always experience living in this world. Earlier in the letter, Peter reminds the believers that this world is not their permeant home. “Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners……” 1 Peter 2:11a NLT. So our Suffering will to temporary.
1.Christ’s example in suffering
We know our hope rest in Christ. But Christ has given us an example of how to deal with Suffering. He suffered while on earth.
“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too…” 1 Peter 4:1a NLT
Christ was humble. He was not vindictive or spiteful. He showed love and kindness. This doesn’t come second nature to me. I have to work at kindness to those who are mean or hurtful. I pray every day that the love of Christ can shine through me.
2.Our response to suffering
Peter encourages the believers to love and serve one another. When someone tries to cause harm and hurt you, you are to love them.
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
1 Peter 4:8-10 NLT
When harm is done to us, and we have done nothing wrong, our natural instinct is to return evil for evil.
We have to resist that urge. When we resist that urge, our testimony will shine through, and they will want to know about the joy and hope you have.
Just know that when you are suffering, God is with you, and it is only temporary.
“So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” 1 Peter 4:19 NLT
Bibliography
Stedman, R (1997) Adventures through the Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to the Entire Bible
