Introduction to 1 Peter-Part 1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1 Peter 1:1-2
Background:
Who was Peter?
Peter was originally known by Simon, his Greek name (Mark 1:16) or Simeon, his Hebrew name (Acts 15:14). In Aramaic, Cephass was Peter's name. Both words meant "stone" or "rock" (John 1:42).
He was the son of Jonas (known as John) (Matt. 16:17) and the brother of Andrew, who was an apostle of Jesus, that told Peter he found the Messiah and took Peter to Him. Peter and Andrew were both fishermen by trade. They lived in Bethsaida, then later Capernaum.
Peter was married (Mark 1:29), and his wife accompanied him in his ministry, apparently (1Cor. 9:5).
He was singled out by the Lord Jesus for special lesson througghout the Gosels. He was the spokesman for the Twelve. His triumphs and weaknesses are chronicled in the Gospels and Acts 1-12.
When did Peter write his first letter?
Most likely, First Peter was written just before or shortly after July of A.D.64 when the city of Rome burned.
To whom was Peter's written and who delivered it?
It was written to the "Pilgrims" or Gentile Christians, possibly led to Christ by Paul and his associates, and established on Paul's teachings, needing spiritual strengtheing because of their sufferings. Being inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter dictated while Silas, known as Silvanus, wrote it down as a secretary did in those days. Silas also delivered this letter. Peter died as a martyr two years after he wrote this letter. He had witnessed his wife's crucificion earlier.
What was happening during this time in Peter's world?
The Emperor Nero, most likely sset fire to the city of Rome, on which he blamed the Christians. The Romans lost everything, even their gods, household idols, temples, and shrines. Turmoil resulted in the city. As a result of pursecution, the Christians fled to other places mentioned in verse 1.
[The MacArthur Bible Commentary]
LET IT GLOW
What is the purpose of this letter?
It was to teach believers how to live victoriusllly in the midst of hostility: without losing hope, becoming bitter, while trusting the Lord Jesus, and while looking for His Second Coming.
James was written to two groups, the strangers and the elect.
Strangers a word that means "landed immigrants," indicating that Christians were/are foreigners to the native residents, for their permanent homeland and citizenship is in heaven.
Elect means "chosen." The implication is that God has purposely placed these Christians in their respective communitites to serve Him; selected temporary residents representatives of God.
[Liberty Bible Commentary]
LET IT GROW
Before I go into a restaurant, I usually select ahead of time what I will eat. I can do that since we go to the same places to eat and I usually order the same foods from a familiar menu. I guess you could say it's the same-o-same-o. Mostly that is due to a special diet I am on, caused by Crohn's disease. Friends, that is what the Lord did for us believers in Jesus. he chose us ahead of time, before we were even born, before He created everything. I am so glad!
The elect:
- according to the foreknowledge of God the Father means know about ahead of time. God chose, selected us to be His child, Christians, before He created anything and made us.
- through sanctification of the Spirit, which means to set apart, make holy. This is God's purpose for us believers. The Holy Spirit makes God's chosen holy, by setting them apart from sin and unbelief to faith and righteousness (1Thess. 1:4).
- unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ-the Father and the Spirit 's activity is to direct us toward salvation. Jesus' blood makes us a pure sinner, justified, just as if we never sinned. We obey Christ because we are so grateful for His love and salvation.
Do I put limitations on how far I will go in obeying the Lord? Or am I willing do give up all to fully obey? Do I act like a stranger in this world and a part of the elect?
LET IT GO
Be a stranger in this world.
Act like a part of the elect headed to heaven.
Fully obey God.
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