Part 25 |
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Book 21 of 27 - FIRST LETTER OF PETER
Writer: The Apostle Peter, dictating to Silvanus (otherwise known as Silas) as his secretary
Date: c AD64, some time before Peter's execution
Where written: Rome, symbolically "Babylon" (1 Peter 5:13)
Readers: The churches of Asia Minor - present-day Turkey, with their largely Jewish, but also Gentile membership
Why: To encourage the church members as they experience apparently undeserved trials and suffering. Also to provide practical advice on relations with the civil authorities, and within society and families
According to Some Modern Scholarship: Written by followers of Peter after his death
Map - Peter Writes his First Letter, to the Christian Jews of most of Asia Minor
Map Key: Letter from 1 to 2
25.1 GREETINGS
1 Peter 1:1-2 - Peter, messenger (or apostle) of Jesus Christ, sends this letter to the exiles of the dispersed tribes (in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia - comprising nearly all of Asia Minor), whom God the Father knew and chose long ago to be made holy by his Spirit, that they might obey Jesus Christ and be cleansed by his blood: may you know more and more of God's grace and peace.
25.2 THEIR SUFFERING AND PREVIOUS WAY OF LIFE
1 Peter 1:6b-7a - I know .... you are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations (... probably as Christian families by the local people). This is no accident - it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable than gold, and gold, as you know, even though it is ultimately perishable, must be purified by fire.
1 Peter 1:13-14 - So brace up your minds, and, as men who know what they are doing, rest the full weight of your hopes on the grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ reveals himself. Live as obedient children before God. Don't let your character be moulded by the desires of your ignorant days .....
1 Peter 4:3-5,12-13a - Our past life may have been good enough for pagan purposes, though it meant sensuality, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousals and worshipping forbidden gods. Indeed your former companions may think it very queer that you will no longer join with them in their riotous excesses, and accordingly say all sorts of unpleasant things about you. Don't worry: they are the ones who will have to explain their behaviour before the one who is prepared to judge all men, whether living or dead.
(Verse 4:12) And now dear friends of mine. I beg you not to be unduly alarmed at the fiery ordeals which come to test your faith, as though this were some abnormal experience. You should be glad, because it means that you are called to share Christ's sufferings.
including verses 1:1-2,6b-7a,13-14; 4:3-5,12-13a above, most of 1 Peter is:
in Part 55 with verses preaching the "Gospel of Jesus" GREETINGS; BEARING TRIALS WITH JOY 1:1-5 Because Christ has risen from the dead we have been born again 1:6-9 We have every reason for rejoicing in spite of our trials OUR RELATIONS WITH GOD 1:10-12 Christians can know more than the prophets or angels ever did 1:13-16 Live holy lives accordingly 1:17-21 The eternal Christ died that you may live in holiness 1:22-25 Love each other because you are sons of God 2:1-3 Love each other (continue) 2:4-10 You have been chosen by God as a royal priesthood and concludes here in Part 25, "Travels and Acts" with
in Part 71 with verses teaching about "Christian Life & Worship" CIVIL, SOCIAL AND FAMILY RELATIONS 2:11 Worldliness 2:12 Witnesses to Christ 2:13-17 Government 2:18-20 Employees 2:21-25 Trials of life 3:1-6 Wives 3:7 Husbands 3: 8-12 Christian conduct
in Part 55 with verses preaching the "Gospel of Jesus" CHRISTIAN SUFFERING 3:13-22 Be prepared to suffer patiently yourselves 4:1-6 Live to obey God
in Part 71 with verses teaching about "Christian Life & Worship" 4:7 Maturity 4:8 Love 4:9 Hospitality 4:10-11 Talents and Abilities
in Part 55 with verses preaching the "Gospel of Jesus" 4:12-19 Bear your suffering as Christ did
in Part 71 with verses teaching about "Christian Life & Worship" 5:1-4 Christian leaders 5:5 Young men and women 5:6-7 Worry 5:8-11 Spiritual warfare 25.3 FAREWELLS AND BLESSINGS
1 Peter 5:12-14 - I am sending this short letter by Silvanus (or Silas; Paul's companion on his Second Missionary Journey, and now Peter's secretary), whom I know to be a faithful brother, to stimulate your faith and assure you that the above words represent the true grace of God. See that you stand fast in that grace!
Your sister-church here in "Babylon" (probably Rome) sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark (writer of the Second Gospel). Give each other a handshake all round as a sign of love.
Peace be to all true Christians.
continuing the Apostle's "Travels and Acts", on to Part 26, 2 Peter OR back to Harmony of Jesus & Early Church
Verses about the
Apostles'