| 1st Peter |
| "Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps." |
| Author: Peter Recipients: Christians scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Date: 65 A.D. Theme: Enduring Hostility & Living as Aliens in a Temporal World Key Words: �Living Hope� �Living Word� �Living Stone� �Suffering� �Strange� �Aliens� �Ambassadors� The Circumstances The letter is written from Rome sometime around 65 A.D., just following the great fire in July of 64 that �sparked� the Neronian Persecution of Christians (64-68 A.D.). Nero conceived methods of torture designed to humiliate Christians and mock their God. They were sewn up inside of animal skins and torn apart by savage dogs. They were crucified and forced to fight lions in Nero�s twisted circus. He would cover them in tar and burn them on crosses as torches to provide light for his parties. It was this intense persecution that caused those Christians meeting in Rome to disperse and flee to the regions of modern day Turkey. Peter addresses his letter to those Christians who have been �scattered thoughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.� (These are all provinces of the region). It is interesting to note that John�s book of Revelation is written to seven churches of this same province not long after Peter�s letter, and with a similar theme and purpose. Peter was the first disciple called, the first to be named an apostle, the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the first to witness the resurrection, and the first to proclaim salvation to the Gentiles. He had denied his Lord on the night of His betrayal out of fear that he might suffer. Now, through the grace shown him by Christ, he is ready to suffer and even die for his Lord. The Message �When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.� Peter�s message in his letter, underscored by his life, is one of survival. He wants the church to understand that though they have seen the death of their loved ones, the loss of their homes, and are now staring their own death in the face, nothing has changed! Their hope is still a living hope, the stone the builders rejected is still a living stone, and the gospel that was originally preached to them is still a living word. Peter repeatedly uses the word �living� to emphasize that the gospel, their Lord, and their hope are still alive. The fire that they have been caused to pass through has actually proved to serve them . . . to purify and strengthen their faith (1:7). Peter knew his message well, for he was �sifted like wheat� that he might be prepared for his painstaking ministry. He knew what it was to be a prisoner and he knew what it was to feel helpless and hopeless. Whether it�s fear of Roman torture or mistreatment at the office, Peter wants to remind you, �if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name (4:16). The Relevance On August 6, 1945 an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan killing thousands and annihilating a large portion of the city. As a result of the sudden mortal wound that the country had received, American POWs who longed to return home rejoiced in their freedom while residents of Japan were devastated because of their loss. Christians, like the POWs of World War II, may view calamity with an entirely different perspective than that of those who call this world their home. We will all have bouts with cancer, disease, financial problems, or those who hate and abuse us. The amazing hope that we have in Christ gives us the ability to shrug off these �momentary afflictions,� for �they are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us!� (Rom. 8:18) Not many of us could ever brave the storms of life with such confidence if God had not given us an incentive. He calls us to run the race of faith with endurance and He stands at the finish line with arms wide open, ready to receive us. As you run the race, and fight through the flames that burn in your life, Peter�s message to you might be to not forget who you are...�You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.� (2:9) |
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