Wrapping it Up

581.  "Wrapping it Up"    August 9, 2012
1 Peter 5-Part 4
With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 
1 Peter 5:12 NIV


LET IT GLOW

When our children were elementary age, it was a difficult task to wrap and hide their Christmas presents, so they would remain a secret. We had a snoopy children, so I had to become creative in the process. After they discovered the closets were a hiding place, I would move the presents under the bed, and even out to the storage building. Once I even hid presents in the trunk of the car.

Here we have Peter wrapping up his first letter. His letter of great encouragment was sent to suffering saints to bring them promises that God  will make them perfect, established, strengthened, and settled in the faith (verses 10-11).
He restates his purpose in verse 12, which is to exhort (encourage) and testify (solemnly affirm) that this is the true grace of God. Christianity involves God's grace, which is His gift to us.

LET IT GROW

Silvanus (a variation of the same Sila) was probably a secretary who wrote down Peter's letter. He was Paul's companion on his second missionary journey (Acts 15: 40). He delivered Peter's letter to its receipients.
Peter sends greetings from the chuch (implied by the feminine form of elected together) at Rome (symbolic of Babylon), which was famous for its wickedness and spiritual rebellion, just like ancient Babylon.
Mark, called John Mark, was the spiritual son of Peter. Tradition says that Peter helped Mark write the Gospel of Mark. (Acts 12:12)

Now, in the last verse of chapter 5, Peter sends peace to his readers. Paul always ended his letters with a benediction of grace (2 Thess. 3:17-18). Peter also opened his letter with a greeting of peace in verse 2 of chapter 1.So the entire epistle points to "God's peace" from the beginning to the end. Isn't it a wonderful way to end a letter that announced the coming of a fiery trial? God's grace-embrace it and profess it, then firmly stand by it.

A kiss of love was a standard form of greeting or farewell in that part of the world at that time. How could slaves and masters greet each other in that manner? It was because they were in Jesus.

Peter gave us a letter that encourages us to hope in the Lord no matter how trying the times may be. The church has experienced various fiery trials, yet Satan hasn't been able to destroy it.  Are we prepared, church?

Peter emphasized here the sovereignty and power of God, and hesnce he used the term kratos (for glory). The God who permits suffering in the lives of his children, and even allows the devil to rage at them , is the sovereign God and the God who cares. The dominion belongs  to him-forever. He wields a "mighty hand" on behalf of his people. Hence, believers should be full of comfort, knowing that they are on the side of visctory and celebration. (Schreiner)

Whatever may come, let's be hopeful. Jesus will soon be coming in all of His glory!

[References: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Be Hopeful by Warren Wiersbe, The Books of James and First and Second Peter by William Baker, John Gill, David Guzik]

LET IT GO

Be encouraged by God's Word every day.

Testify of the true grace of God.

Stand firm in my faith in Jesus.

Be His missionary wherever I am.