1 + 2 PETER

1 PETER 1

THROUGH SUFFERING, GOD REFINES THE FAITH OF BELIEVERS 

Peter writes to believers in a variety of churches, calling them both God’s chosen people and exiles. These two names given to Christians point to the Old Testament. The family of Abraham, the Israelites, were God’s chosen people and the established lineage of Jesus. Because of their continual rebellion, God allowed the Israelites to be exiled and oppressed. Peter uses these names to remind the Christians that they are still God’s chosen people, despite experiencing suffering.

God has granted believers new life, making them born again. Believers are invited to a life of hope through the resurrection of Jesus. Eventually God will reveal the fullness of his power to believers and bless them with an inheritance of eternal life. Although the Christians were currently facing persecution, they were being refined in their faith. Their strengthened confidence in God will result in genuine faith and glory to God.

Although they have not seen God, they love Him. Because of their faith, they are able to rejoice in their salvation and trust in Jesus. Peter writes that the prophets who spoke of God’s arrival on earth were foretelling the arrival of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The time that they spoke about had arrived, and Peter wanted to share the news and encourage believers!

Peter encourages the believers to prepare their minds for action and remain obedient in their faith. In response to God’s goodness, they are to not be influenced by the world, but instead pursue holiness. Through faith, Jesus has purified the souls of believers, encouraging them to love one another.

Describing the innocent sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, Peter compares Christ to the death of a precious lamb without blemish. Peter is referencing the Passover sacrifice, a reminder of God’s protection of his people (Exodus 12). Although they are being persecuted, Peter wants to remind the believers that they are spiritually protected.

Peter explains that God’s plan for Jesus existed before the creation of the world. From the beginning, God has known that humanity would need a Savior. Peter, referencing Isaiah 40:8, reflects on how all the earth will wither, but God’s Word will remain forever.

1 PETER 2

BY THE WOUNDS OF CHRIST, BELIEVERS ARE HEALED

In response to faith in Jesus, followers are called to put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Peter urges them to put away their sinful desires and instead conduct themselves in a way that is honorable. Peter wants others to see the believers and notice that they are set apart, so that they may also glorify God.

Quoting Isaiah 28:16-17, Peter reminds the followers that Jesus is the cornerstone of the faith. Peter also reflects on Psalm 118:22, which says that the stone that many rejected has become the cornerstone. Peter draws a parallel between Jesus' suffering and the expected hardships that believers will encounter as they follow in his footsteps.

Encouraging the Christians, Peter writes that they have been chosen as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own people. In this role, they are to share the excellent news of Jesus and share how they have been called from darkness into marvelous light.

Instead of rebelling against the corrupt authorities, Peter teaches the Christians to be good citizens. Peter notes that believers have been set free and liberated, but that their freedom is a calling to love their enemies, not an excuse to sin.

Peter sees suffering as an opportunity to further their mission and live in the example of Christ. Jesus died so that believers would be able to live in righteousness instead of sin. Remembering the suffering Christ experienced during the crucifixion, Peter states that by His wounds, believers have been healed.

1 Peter 2:24 - He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

1 PETER 3

LIVE IN HUMILITY + LOVE AS A RESPONSE TO SALVATION 

Peter encourages the wives of husbands who do not believe to serve as examples of respect and purity. Instead of impressing others with fancy clothing or jewelry, they are to lead beautiful lives that respect and honor God. Because believers have the Holy Spirit within them, they are able to live in a way that is different from others and glorifies God.

Similarly, Peter urges husbands to love their wives and honor them. Peter refers to wives here as the “weaker vessel” which may sound offensive, but ultimately Peter is teaching husbands to treat women with gentleness and care.

Peter desires for believers to live in humility, possessing unity with one another, and showing tender-heartedness. Peter writes that living in righteousness will always be better than attempting to get revenge. If believers have a clear conscience, those who persecute them will ultimately be put to shame. Peter teaches that although there is a cost for following Jesus, there is a far greater cost associated with not following Jesus. When believers are persecuted for their faith, they can trust that the outcome is still better than pursuing evil.

Peter remembers Noah, who God preserved from the flood (Genesis 7). Just like God’s provision for Noah, God has provided for all people through Jesus. Peter teaches that baptism, an expression of faith in Jesus, is the sacred symbol for accepting God’s provision. Just as God saved Noah, Jesus offers salvation for believers.

1 Peter 3:18 - For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit . . .

1 PETER 4

DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL 

Peter teaches followers of Jesus to see their bodies as vehicles for carrying out God’s will. They are no longer to live like non-believers and should remove themselves from drunkenness, sexual immorality, and idol worship. Peter instructs the believers to be ready to share their reasoning when they are asked why they do not participate in unrighteous behavior. Instead of compromising their values, they are to continually share the gospel.

Peter desires for believers to be self-controlled and sober-minded, but above all else they are to love one another. Referencing Proverbs 10:12, Peter reminds them that love covers a multitude of sins. In whatever way believers are gifted, they are to steward their talents well and honor God with their strengths.

Returning to the theme of suffering, Peter teaches the believers not to be surprised with the experience of tests and trials. The concept of being blessed when persecuted for righteousness aligns with Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:10-12). Jesus taught believers to be glad and rejoice when they face suffering, because God’s glory will be revealed through them. Whoever is insulted for being a Christian is actually blessed, because they are being persecuted for a righteous cause. Peter advises believers to trust God throughout their suffering and know that He is a faithful Creator.

Peter teaches that no one should be ashamed of the gospel, but instead glorify God. This advice from Peter is both profound and personal. When Jesus was arrested, Peter was asked three times if he was associated with Jesus, and three times Peter was ashamed and denied knowing Jesus (John 18). After the resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” allowing Peter to redeem himself and proclaim his faith (John 21).

1 PETER 5

CAST ALL OF YOUR ANXIETIES ONTO GOD

Peter commissions the leaders of the church to serve as shepherds for the church. They are to care for and oversee the people out of an eagerness to serve God, not as a status for selfish gain. For those who are older, they are not to be bossy or demanding, but instead serve as faithful examples. For those who are younger, they are to be humble and learn from the elders.

Everyone, regardless of age or status is under the authority of God. Because God cares for His people, they are called to cast their anxieties onto Him. Peter warns believers that there is an Enemy who is prowling around, looking to devour God’s people. Peter informs the believers who receive this letter that other believers around the world are experiencing similar persecution and opposition.

Although they will suffer for a short time on Earth, God has promised to restore and establish them with grace and eternal glory. This life is filled with suffering and sadness, but the next life is filled with God’s perfection. Until then, Christians are instructed to resist evil and remain firm in their faith.

Peter prays for divine strength for followers of Jesus. Referring to Rome as Babylon, Peter is insinuating that Rome is an archetype of ancient Babylon, an empire of corrupt leadership and oppression. Ending his letter, Peter trusts that God was faithful during the Babylonian exile, and He will continue to be faithful now!

2 PETER 1

GROWING SPIRITUALLY + EMBRACING GOD’S DIVINE POWER

Peter’s second letter to believers offers a message of both hope and warning. Peter reminds believers that they are invited to participate in God’s divine power. God’s spirit guides His people in all things that pertain to life and godliness. Peter urges followers of Jesus to live a life of endurance, love, and self-control instead of being influenced by corruption in the world. Peter does not want only to create believers in Christ, but imitators of Christ.

Peter desires for the believers to take responsibility for their own spiritual growth. Because God has granted divine power, His people are encouraged to make every effort towards steadfast and virtuous living. Peter uses the phrase “supplement your faith” (1:5) to express that genuine faith provokes personal growth.

Having faced great persecution for his faith, Peter knew the time of his death was near. The purpose of Peter’s writing was to memorialize his teaching to share with future generations of Jesus followers.

Reiterating the legitimacy of the gospel, Peter states that he is not believing in a myth or legend, but something he experienced himself. Peter recalls his eyewitness account of both the ascension of Jesus (Acts 1) and the resurrection of Jesus (John 21). Peter also argues that Jesus fulfills the messages of the Old Testament prophets. Clarifying the source of prophecy, Peter states that no prophecies of Jesus originated from someone’s own interpretation. The prophecy of the Old Testament was from God, about Jesus.

2 PETER 2

GOD WILL BRING JUSTICE TO FALSE TEACHERS

Peter addresses the common problem of false prophets and corrupt teachers within the church. Instead of kindness and truth, these leaders are driven by greed and exploitation. Peter trusts that these false teachers will be brought to justice and God will bring judgment upon them.

Peter supports his warning with examples of God's judgment on the unrighteous. Peter recalls the fallen angels who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven. Remembering God’s protection of Moses, Peter explains how the world was flooded, but Moses found favor with God (Genesis 7). Peter mentions Sodom and Gomorrah, cities that were destroyed for their wickedness and sin. Before they perished, Abraham asked God to save any righteous people and Lot was spared (Genesis 19).

Peter also references Balaam, who was hired as a prophet to speak against the Israelites, but ended up speaking on their behalf (Numbers 22-24). Before eventually abandoning sorcery and divination, Balaam would gain from his unrighteous practices. Peter is comparing the false teachers to the initial ways of Balaam, claiming that they are wanting to profit from their wrongdoing.

Peter calls the false prophets “waterless springs,” seeing their teaching as empty and corrupt. Peter condemns their abuse of grace as an excuse for continued sinful living, emphasizing their refusal to repent. Instead of boasting about God, they boast about their own sin. Instead of living in freedom, they are slaves to their own sin. Warning believers not to turn away from their faith, Peter depicts the false teachers as dogs who return to their vomit and pigs who wallow in mud.

2 PETER 3

THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD + TIMING 

Peter restates that his purpose for writing is to serve as a reminder of God’s teaching. Warning that there will be scoffers, Peter encourages believers to cling to the truth of Jesus and His fulfillment of many prophecies. Focusing on the power of God’s Word, Peter states that God’s Word intervened in the beginning of creation to bring something out of nothing. God’s Word is not only truth, it is the creator and sustainer of all things.

Peter offers perspective on God’s divine timing. Because God is outside of time, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like one day to Him. God has enduring patience, but is never late in fulfilling His promises.

Peter foretells the Day of the Lord, or the time of God’s judgment. God does not want anyone to perish, but to repent. In the end, God will establish a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells. Until this time comes, believers are to be patient and filled with peace.

Peter references Paul, who wrote many of the other New Testament Letters. Peter writes that Paul’s letters can be challenging to understand. Despite the challenges of interpreting the Scriptures, readers are taught not to distort or twist the writing to fit their own understanding. Peter ends by encouraging believers to continue growing in grace and knowledge of God.