First Peter
History
The general epistle of First Peter speaks to the condition of the churches across the traditional lines of the time and place. (1) Written to a group that is located in what's generally known today as Asia Minor it has provided comfort to many believers for many years. What encouragement to find reminders to keep the faith and to hold onto the hope of heaven. From the salutation that identifies the author as Peter to the exhortations regarding proper response to suffering. The question of the authenticity of this epistle has been much discussed, but the weight of evidence is wholly in favor of its claim to be the production of the apostle whose name it bears.(4)
Authorship
Peter a genuine Galilean, which was known to be unschooled, …show more content…
The word of God is not sterile; it is living and powerful. The word of God is said to be a living word, because it enlivened the hearts of those that entertain it. Peter ends his letter with a statement of its significance "This is the true grace of God. Stand fast in." The same awe-stricken disciple who cast himself at the feet of Jesus, crying, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord" is now leading us by truth, communicating a living principle to the soul which can never decay. (9)One author describes Peter as this, "He is the unreliable, changeful, self-confident man, ever swaying between rash courage and weak timidity, but the stead-fast, trusted guide and director of the fellowship of believers, the intrepid preacher of Christ in Jerusalem and abroad." (6) Jesus addressed him with the assuring words, "Fear not," and announced to him his life's work. Even through suffering and fear he introduces us to a new concept of being born again. Knowing that we are incorruptible seeds quickens our soul into a spiritual life. Christian men and women, behold your destiny! God’s purpose concerning you is that you might be not your own, because you are bought with a price. (8) Measure against that mighty purpose the halting obedience, the reluctant wills and the half-and-half surrender which is no surrender at all, which make up the lives of the average Christians among us. (8) Now see whether any of us can feel that the divine purpose is accomplished in us or that we have paid what we owe to our God.
The general epistle of First Peter speaks to the condition of the churches across the traditional lines of the time and place. (1) Written to a group that is located in what's generally known today as Asia Minor it has provided comfort to many believers for many years. What encouragement to find reminders to keep the faith and to hold onto the hope of heaven. From the salutation that identifies the author as Peter to the exhortations regarding proper response to suffering. The question of the authenticity of this epistle has been much discussed, but the weight of evidence is wholly in favor of its claim to be the production of the apostle whose name it bears.(4)
Authorship
Peter a genuine Galilean, which was known to be unschooled, …show more content…
The word of God is not sterile; it is living and powerful. The word of God is said to be a living word, because it enlivened the hearts of those that entertain it. Peter ends his letter with a statement of its significance "This is the true grace of God. Stand fast in." The same awe-stricken disciple who cast himself at the feet of Jesus, crying, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord" is now leading us by truth, communicating a living principle to the soul which can never decay. (9)One author describes Peter as this, "He is the unreliable, changeful, self-confident man, ever swaying between rash courage and weak timidity, but the stead-fast, trusted guide and director of the fellowship of believers, the intrepid preacher of Christ in Jerusalem and abroad." (6) Jesus addressed him with the assuring words, "Fear not," and announced to him his life's work. Even through suffering and fear he introduces us to a new concept of being born again. Knowing that we are incorruptible seeds quickens our soul into a spiritual life. Christian men and women, behold your destiny! God’s purpose concerning you is that you might be not your own, because you are bought with a price. (8) Measure against that mighty purpose the halting obedience, the reluctant wills and the half-and-half surrender which is no surrender at all, which make up the lives of the average Christians among us. (8) Now see whether any of us can feel that the divine purpose is accomplished in us or that we have paid what we owe to our God.