Peter
An Apostle of The Lord
Forward
Peter, a fisherman, was a common man used of the Lord in an uncommon way. As we consider the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John we soon discover that before the Lord called him he was like all other persons, a man of the flesh, a natural man, a man even though with a spirit was not spiritually alive. Even though he possessed a spirit, he was spiritually separated from God. In the first chapter of this work we find that Peter was a man that did not fully comprehend who Jesus truly is. From the second chapter we find that after Jesus breathed His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, into him (John 20:22) Peter saw Jesus for who He is. In the first chapter, Peter is fearful, but in the second chapter he becomes a man that cannot be moved. In the third chapter he writes a letter of encouragement to the scattered church and in the fourth, knowing that he was soon to be put to death, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter instructed the church how to live righteously in an unrighteous world. The first two chapters were written in a narrative format while the second two chapters were in written in a format of study. In these second two chapters you, the reader, is instructed to turn to and read certain passages. Questions are then posed concerning these passages. The answers to the questions are given. The intent of the questions is to promote thought and bring to bear upon the readers’ mind a deeper consideration of what Peter intended.
As you consider First and Second Peter, keep in mind that Peter was writing to fellow Christians of his time who had suffered, were suffering, and in the future would suffer persecution and abuse. God intended these letters to be read and considered by Christians within each subsequent century.
May the Lord richly bless you as you read through and consider Peter’s God given message.
Steve Lampman
All Scripture is from the King James Bible unless noted.
Chapter 1
Peter: The Natural Man
Peter was a Jew who lived in the 1st century A.D., during the time of Jesus’ public ministry, and for several years after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. He is introduced to us as Simon, the son of Jona, a.k.a. Jonas, in the Gospel of John (1:35-42).
John the Baptist had been calling persons to repentance, symbolically cleansing them of their sins by the washing of Baptism. Andrew, Simon’s brother was present on a certain day when Jesus appeared before John and submitted himself to John’s baptism. (Not that He needed such cleaning, but He did so as a preparation for ministry). Andrew, heard John’s proclamation concerning Jesus. “29a Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water” John 1:29a-31 KJV). Andrew went immediately seeking Simon his brother. Finding Simon, Andrew brought him to Jesus, who, without hesitation, gave him the name Cephas. Jesus said to him; “42b Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas” (John 1:42b).
The natural question that follows is, why would Jesus change Simon’s name to Cephas? The answer is found in the meaning of the name “Cephas”. Cephas in Aramaic (the language that Jesus spoke*) meant a stone, which describes a strong personality. Every person has a defining personality, some with a strong personality, and others with a more docile personality. Some are born with a leadership personality, while others are born with a personality that lends itself as being a follower. Before God created the world He had ordained that Simon would be born with a strong personality and preordained that he would bear the name Cephas. A strong personality would be needed for the role that God had foreordained for Simon Peter, a personality that would be further developed by the Holy Spirit.
[*The language that Jesus used in the above address was Aramaic. However, our Bibles are translated from the Greek. Thus, the adaptation of the name Peter].
Before Peter’s calling, and during his time with Jesus, and although he was a religious man, Peter was a natural man. That is, he was without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As a natural man it was impossible for him to fully comprehend who Jesus truly is. It would not be until the night following Jesus’ resurrection that Peter and his fellows, the other ten Apostles, would he understand who Jesus truly is. On that night Jesus breathed into them His Spirit, the Holy Spirit (John 20:18-22). The Holy Spirit’s indwelling was necessary to their understanding and for empowerment, although the full empowerment wouldn’t be manifested until the day of Pentecost, fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection. We read from John 16:13 that when received, the Holy Spirit’s mission was to lead them into truth and understanding. Until that time Simon Peter, the Apostles, and all followers of Jesus had limited understanding. Simon Peter was a religious man and perhaps principled, but he was a man that was led by his human intellect. He was motivated by human emotions and personal bias, limitations if you will. The Gospels give us four examples of these limitations in the following passages: Matthew 16:13-23; John 18:10-11; John 18:15-27; Mark 16:15-27 and Luke 24:11.
Matthew 16:13-23. “13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, ‘Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?’ 14And they said, ‘Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.’ 15He saith unto them, ‘But whom say ye that I am?’ 16And Simon Peter answered and said, ‘Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ 17And Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’ 20Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. 21From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.’ 23But he turned, and said unto Peter, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.’” Peter and his fellows didn’t understand Jesus’ purpose.
John 18:10-11. In the garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus was about to be arrested, Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant attempting to kill him, or at least prevent him and the others from taking Jesus. But Jesus said to Peter, “Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” Peter was reacting to the situation by that which governed him, his humanistic world point of view. He saw only that which was temporal. At this point, as all other Jews was looking for a political religious leader who would lead Israel back to kingdom glory.
John 18:15-27. “15And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. 16But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. 17Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, ‘Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples?’ He saith, ‘I am not.’ 18And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. 19The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20Jesus answered him, ‘I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. 21Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.’ 22And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, ‘Answerest thou the high priest so?’ 23Jesus answered him, ‘If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?’ 24Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. 25And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, ‘Art not thou also one of his disciples?’ He denied it, and said, ‘I am not.’ 26One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, ‘Did not I see thee in the garden with him?’ 27Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.” Peter in fear, not wanting to be arrested abandoned Jesus and denied Him three times.
Mark 16:9-11 & Luke 24:11. On the day of His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene. She went and reported to several of His disciples (including Peter) that Jesus had arisen, that He was alive. Mark 16:9-11 reads; “9Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.” Luke 24:11; “And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.” When they heard that Jesus was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
Certainly, until Simon Peter and the Apostles received Jesus’ Spirit, they were natural men and unable to truly know God or Jesus (see 1st Corinthians 2:14). However, from the Gospels we gather that Simon Peter, because of his God given personality, was a leader among his Jewish friends, associates and business connections. He, along with his brother Andrew, was a prosperous fisherman. It seems that others, at least James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were close associates in that enterprise and had perhaps formed a small company.
God had other plans for Simon Peter, and the others. We read from Matthew 4:17-22 that shortly after Jesus’ baptism and wilderness testing, at the beginning of his public ministry, He called Peter, Andrew, James and John to join Him in this ministry. Consider, “17From that time [the time of His baptism and wilderness testing] Jesus began to preach, and to say, ‘Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 18And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19And he saith unto them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ 20And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 21And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.”
All four of them had probably been baptized by John the Baptist and were looking for the coming Messiah. They had perhaps even heard Jesus preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus would not have been unfamiliar to them and when he said “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. It was a call that overwhelmed them, an efficacious call. That is, a call that had the power to bring about what He intended.
For the next two and a half plus years, Peter and the others would follow Jesus. During that time He would teach them that the kingdom that He represented, His kingdom, was not the same as the kingdoms of this world. That the principles of His kingdom were different than the principles of the world’s kingdoms. Jesus began their education by calling them and eight other men, who were identified as apostles (See Acts 1:15-26), up into a mountain and gave them the principles of His kingdom (See Matthew 5:1-7:27). At the time taught, these things would have been new to Peter and to each of them. From their youth they had been taught the Law, but did not understand its true purpose, that it was their schoolmaster, or to whom the Law pointed. Even then, as they heard Jesus explanation of the Law, they did not fully understand its depth. Even if they had, it would have been impossible for them to live according to it. They were natural, unregenerate men, and did not have the power in themselves to live according to the Law’s principles. The principles of the kingdom had been given them by Jesus and for the next two and a half plus years He would demonstrate the difference between His kingdom and the kingdoms of the world and that without His power by His Spirit indwelling them, they could not live by the principles.
On the day before His arrest, knowing that He would soon leave them, Jesus informed them that unless His power flowed in and through them they could not, and would not, bear spiritual fruit (John 15:1-7). This truth was brought to bear earlier in their ministries as He dispatched them on various outreach ministries. Consider the following excerpts from the gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Matthew 10:1-4: ““1And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”
Luke 9:37-40 “37And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. 38And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, ‘Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. 39And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. 40And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.’”
Luke 10:1-17 “1After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2Therefore said he unto them, ‘The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. 3Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 4Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. 5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. 6And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. 7And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. 8And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: 9And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 10But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, 11Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 12But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. 13Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. 15And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell. 16He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.’ 17And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.’”
In the Matthew 10:1-4 passage, the apostles were empowered by Jesus, and had success. In Luke 10:1-17 the seventy were empowered by Jesus and had success, but in the Luke 9:37-40 some disciples on their own had tried to cast out demons and failed.
Remember, our present consideration concerns Peter being a natural or unregenerate man; religious yes, but not spiritually empowered. He, like all persons needed to be reborn spiritually to receive this empowerment (see John 3:1-8). Even though he had witnessed many of Jesus’ miracles, i.e. sight given to the blind, lame persons healed, demons cast out of many, and the raising to newness of life some that had died. Even though He had seen Jesus transfigured before his eyes, and heard God’s voice out of heaven proclaiming that Jesus was his beloved Son (Matthew 17:1-5), Simon Peter was still a natural man.
Chapter 2
Peter: The Changed Man
It was always the Lord’s intention to use Peter in a special way, (see Matthew 16:18-19) and on His third appearance to His disciples following His resurrection He said to Peter, and in the disciples presence, “15b Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, ‘Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.’ He saith unto him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ 16He saith to him again the second time, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?’ He saith unto him, ‘Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.’ He saith unto him, ‘Feed my sheep.’ 17He saith unto him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?’ Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, ‘Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.’ Jesus saith unto him, ‘Feed my sheep. 18Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.’ 19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, ‘Follow me’” (John 21:15b-19).
Peter and his fellow apostles had become born again when Jesus breathed His Spirit into them (John 20:22), but from the time that Jesus had called Peter and his brother Andrew to be fishers of men (Matthew 4:18-19), God was developing in Peter leadership qualities. It was now time for him to take on this responsibility.
In the dialogue of John 21:15b-19, Jesus was causing Peter to focus on the depth of the commitment into which He had called him. A few months earlier, Jesus had said to him “Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Matthew 16:23), and then went on to say to him and his fellow disciples, “24 If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26).
Having followed Jesus for approximately two and a half years, and being indwelt by the Holy Spirit (John 20:22), Peter was now ready to assume the role into which Jesus was calling him. He was to shepherd and nourish his fellow apostles. Hardship and persecution would soon follow. Peter was to be the human agent that would keep them bound together.
However, it should be recognized that the ten apostles were also ready to accept that Peter was the Lord’s under-shepherd, the human cement that would bind them together.
On the day of Pentecost, being indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter was a different man than the man that in fear had denied knowing Jesus. He boldly stood before hundreds of Jews, many whom were ridiculing what had just occurred (the tongues phenomena) and many perhaps who had called for the death of Jesus. We read from Acts 2:14-40; “14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, ‘Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17And it shall come to pass in the last days saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.’
37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ 38Then Peter said unto them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.’” Peter not wavering, declared boldly (verses 22-23; 36) that they had crucified the Lord of Glory.
A few days later (Acts 3), Peter addressed another crowd who had been drawn to Peter and John because of their healing of a lame man who had been so born; though it was the Lord that had healed him. As he addressed this crowd, “1the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 4Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. 5And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, ‘By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?’ 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, ‘Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ 13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16Saying, ‘What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.’ 18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, ‘Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’ 21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed” (Acts 4:1-22).
The men that came against them were the leaders of those who had crucified Jesus, but Peter and John would not be intimidated. They were different men. They were Holy Spirit filled men.
Sometime later, perhaps a year, Peter was used of the Lord to bring the gospel to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile (Acts 10). Thus fulfilling the Lord’s proclamation of Matthew 16:19, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” This was to be true of each of the apostles (see John 20:22-23). It was Peter that the Lord used to bring Cornelius and his household to faith.
The Lord also used Peter in assuring the apostles and the brethren of Jerusalem that salvation had truly come to the Gentiles (Acts 11:1-17). Again, the Lord used Peter in resolving a dispute that arose in the church at Jerusalem concerning the Gentile believers of Antioch. Many of the church at Jerusalem held that the Gentile believers of Antioch should observe the Law if they were to be considered true believers (Acts 15:6-11). Peter testified against this claim.
As mentioned above, Peter was a changed man. He was not a perfect man, but a changed man. Even though he withstood the attacks of the priest and the Jewish council (Acts 11:1-18), still he was a man. He had human frailties and there was a time when he succumbed to peer pressure. On arrival at Antioch, Peter found Jewish and Gentile Christians fellowshipping together at mealtimes without regard to Jewish dietary laws. Because of the vision Peter had received at the house of Simon the tanner (Acts 10:9-15, 28), he felt free to eat with the Gentiles, and did so on a regular basis.
While it lasted, this was a beautiful demonstration of the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ. However, a breach occurred when some Jewish emissaries arrived from Jerusalem who were shocked at Peter’s conduct. These Jewish emissaries came from James, but it is doubtful that they had James’ endorsement. Nonetheless, Peter was influenced by their presence and slowly but surely began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles. By such actions Peter in effect was teaching that there were two bodies of Christ, one Jewish and one Gentile. This is heresy. Why did Peter create this breach? Not because of any change in theology, but simply out of intimidation. Peter had courageously defended his fellowshipping with Cornelius and his household before the Jerusalem leaders (Acts 11:18), but at Antioch he was capitulating to some Jewish friends distancing himself from the Gentile believers.
When Peter arrived at Antioch, Paul chastised him for his actions. We read of this from Galatians 2:11-21. “11But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, ‘If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.’”
The time of Peter’s trip to Antioch is not known. There is no reference to it in the Book of Acts, but perhaps the visit occurred soon after Paul, Barnabas, and Titus returned to Antioch following their appearance before the council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35). At any rate, Peter’s conduct in Antioch produced a tense face-to-face confrontation between two Christian leaders. Even though Peter was the presumed leader or head of the apostles, Paul felt compelled to rebuke and chastise Peter for his actions. Although, thirty some years later, Peter had so grown in his faith that he would eventually give his life for the cause of Christ. Church history has it that Peter was martyred for his faith and steadfastness in Christ. He was crucified upside down believing himself not worthy to be crucified in the same way as the Lord. During those thirty years Peter would have suffered many things at the hands of the Gentiles, as well as at the hands of his unregenerate countrymen. Suffering those persecutions and other things (natural phenomena and physical distresses) over that period of time Peter was qualified by experience and maturity to write two letters of encouragement and instruction to those who were suffering like persecutions.
What he wrote in those letters concerning oppression, persecution and sufferings he had also experienced, and had a commonality with his readers. He had also experienced the grace of the Lord through those things and wanted his readers to experience that grace.
In the Gospels, and in the book of Acts, we were introduced to Peter and his ministry, but we learn little from them concerning his Holy Spirit inspired theology. It is from his letters that we gain an insight into that theology. If we were to compare his writings with the epistles of other New Testament writers, such John and Paul, we would find compatibility, consistency, and total agreement. This assures us that what is written from each of them was Holy Spirit inspired.
Paul wrote that, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2nd Timothy 3:16). Furthermore, he gave the reason why it was and is Holy Spirit inspired. “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2nd Timothy 3:17). And Peter himself wrote; “19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:19-21).
Therefore, Peter’s letters are of great importance because they contain spiritual truth inspired by God the Holy Spirit. Although the letters were written by Peter their truths originated in God, not in him. This then was the man Simon/Peter, but there was much more to him than we read from the Gospels or from the book of Acts. It is from his two letters that we gain an insight into his heart and mind, and into his Holy Spirit inspired theology.
Chapter 3
First Peter
Chapter 1
Salutation and Encouragement
Salutation verses 1-2: “1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2Elect 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.”
How did Peter Identify Himself?
Right off, Peter identified himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. An apostle was a person who had witnessed the life of Jesus from the time of His baptism until He was taken up into heaven. This would have included His ministry, sufferings, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. (See Acts 1:15-22).
By the time that Peter penned this first letter (around A.D. 60), approximately thirty years had elapsed. During those years he would have reflected on his personal relationship with Jesus and His teaching. As he sat down to write he would have also reflected on his own experiences, the joys and exhilarations; also his trials, tribulations, sufferings and persecutions. Because of these things he had an affinity with those to whom he wrote; his fellow countryman.
How did Peter identify his readers? (1:1).
He referred to them as “1bstrangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1:1).
What did Peter mean by strangers?
By using “strangers” it is not meant that Peter’s readers were strangers to him, but strangers to those among whom they were dispersed, the people of the areas mentioned above, and strangers to this world. They were of the earth, but they were citizens of heaven.
By what term did Peter further identify his readers? (1:2).
As the elect.
What did he mean by elect?
Appointed unto or chosen for salvation.
Appointed by Whom and How? (1:2a).
By identifying his readers as God’s “elect”, Peter was pointing to their specialty. They were not Christians by self-determination, but by the choosing of God. That in fact He had foreknown them as His children before they were His children. There are many today who reject any thought that persons are elected to or chosen for salvation. Holding that salvation is by one’s own choice, but the word “elect” dispels the notion of self-choice. Election is outside of one’s self, and is made by another, an elector, as to salvation-by God. Persons who have difficulty with the thought of election also have difficulty with God’s foreknowing those to whom He grants salvation. Many such persons hold that God’s foreknowledge means that God knew beforehand who would believe and respond positively to the word of God. That He elected them to salvation on that basis. The words “through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” refutes such an interpretation. The elect were sanctified or set apart unto an obedience to God by the Holy Spirit and cleansed by the application of the blood of Christ. This setting apart and cleansing by the blood of Christ, in the mind of God, was before they believed. They were set apart to be obedient to God. There is an abundance of Scripture that supports this truth, i.e., John 3:1-8; Romans 3:10-18; and Ephesians 2:1-10.
John 3:1-8 “1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ 4Nicodemus saith unto him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?’ 5Jesus answered, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.’”
Romans 3:10-18 “10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17And the way of peace have they not known: 18There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Ephesians 2:1-10 “1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
From these passages it is clear that before a man, who is spiritually dead toward God, or can do anything spiritually, God the Holy Spirit must move on his behalf. As stated above God’s foreknowledge or foreknowing has to do with God seeing Himself in a personal relationship with those who were to be elected before He created the world. (Revelation 13:8; 17:8).
Looking back to our text, Peter continued his salutation with these words; “Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied” (1st Peter 1:2c).
Why would Peter petition this for them?
Peter knew what they the elect were going through, and what they would be going through. These words were meant as a comforting encouragement, but would also have been the prayer of Peter’s heart. Years earlier, the Lord had brought him to a brokenness of spirit (of heart) when three different times He asked him if he truly loved Him and to what depth of that love was (John 21:15-17). By the experience of the past thirty some years, his love for Jesus possessed him. This love carried over to all those Peter was called to shepherd.
What were Peter’s words of encouragement? (1:3-5)
A synonym of blessed in verse 3 is “thanks”. Thus, the verse could read, “Thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This thanks was to be in response for what the Lord had done for them. Peter encouraged his readers to be thankful because it was by the abundant mercy of God that they had been begotten of God unto a lively hope. The hope that no matter what their present sufferings were, they were citizens of heaven. When in heaven such sufferings would be no more. This, he reminded them, was assured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because He had been resurrected from the dead, they also had the promise of resurrection.
Of what did Peter remind them? (1:5).
Peter reminded his readers that their salvation, and their eternity in heaven, was assured or kept by the power of God through their enduring faith. A faith that was given them by God. As to this keeping power of God, we should consider Romans chapter 8:29-39 which reads; “29For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.
31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall He not with him also freely give us all things? 33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In this passage Paul affirms Peter’s contention that the power and the authority of God secures the believer. That nothing can separate anyone from God’s love. As to enduring faith, the true believer has enduring faith because it was, and is, a gift of God. Hebrews 12:2 affirms that Jesus is “the author and finisher of our faith.” If He was only the author of faith perhaps one might doubt, but in that He is also the finisher, all doubt is removed. A finished faith secures the believer in the promises of God. A finished faith empowers a believer to trust and endure to the end.
Even though Peter’s letter was to the elect, not all those scattered were of the elect. They were not all born again believers. The persecution of the Jews was not limited to those of the church, but all Jews. Those that were not of the elect were turning away. Peter makes mention of them in his second letter. Consider. “1This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:1-9).
We will consider this in depth as we consider 2nd Peter, but for now this helps us understand Peter’s purpose of his first letter. The faithful were suffering tremendous persecution. Many were becoming discouraged by those persecutions, but were also becoming discouraged by the rhetoric of their countrymen who were not truly of the faith. In verses 6-9 Peter draws his readers back to what he had already written (vv. 1-5) concerning their protected eternal inheritance. Because of that knowledge they should greatly rejoice. They should not look upon their present circumstance of suffering, but greatly rejoice in their protected eternal inheritance. “Greatly rejoice” implies an intense state of being. We read; “6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations [tribulations a.k.a. persecutions]: 7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”
How could they possibly rejoice when they were facing such persecution?
Many hundreds of thousands of their Jewish brethren had been martyred, or at least had been imprisoned. They themselves had been uprooted from established homes, ostracized from family and friends, and many of them would have suffered heavy financial loss by that same ostracizing. They would have been separated from established businesses and or employment. Monies would have been confiscated, etc. Again, we wonder, how they possibly could rejoice. The answer is found in their faith.
Even though their faith was God given, persecutions and sufferings would strengthen them. Such persecutions and suffering would also cause them to be desirous of seeing the fulfillment of His promises. Faith for them was not abstract. It had an object. The expectation of an eternal inheritance. The exercise of their faith was the proof of their salvation. If they walked in faith as they should, they would experience joy and peace. This should be an encouragement to us today. We too, suffer certain things because of our faith, but we have this realization. That it will someday come to an end and the end, or the result of our faith, is eternal life. To enjoy the fullness of that realization we must shore up our faith with study, prayer and fellowship with other Christians, but more importantly, fellowship with our Lord.
Continuing with the thought of salvation, what did Peter add? (1:10-12).
Many Old Testament prophets prophesied about the sufferings of Christ and the grace of God (see Isaiah 3 and Psalm 22), and the glory that would follow (see Isaiah 11 and Psalm 45) when Christ would establish His kingdom on the earth. Their utterances or prophecies came out of them as the Spirit of Christ spoke through them. Many of them spoke about the sufferings of Christ, God’s sovereignty and the kingdom age, but it was difficult, if not impossible, for them to fully understand what they themselves were saying. For example, Isaiah wrote of Jesus’ sufferings of Christ, even the death He would suffer (Isaiah 53), but in chapter 11 he had written of His coming in power and glory to establish His kingdom. This would have been quite confusing to Isaiah. Certainly he would have wondered about these things, how all this was going to be worked out. Other prophets would have had the same difficulty as they looked head. For them it would have been like standing on a mountain top looking into the distance at another mountain top not being able to see what was happening in the valley that was between the two peaks. They didn’t have the full picture, so to speak.
To these dispersed ones (1:1) these things had been, or were being revealed by the Holy Spirit enlightened apostles. The message of the gospel that even the angels desire to look into. They were to live according to the Holy Spirit inspired message given to the apostles and from this point on Peter began to address how they were to live.
What were Peter’s first instructions? (1:13-16).
“Gird up your loins” was a figure of speech of the day having the mindset of gathering up of one’s garments so that he would have freedom to move about vigorously. However, Peter wasn’t speaking about the freedom of physical movement, but the freedom of spiritual involvement. He went on to say, “Be sober.” They were to be serious minded about the gospel and spiritual matters. Even though they were suffering, many times tremendously, they were to hope to the end for the grace that was to be brought unto them at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, they were not to fashion themselves according to their former lusts in their ignorance.
According to Strong’s Greek concordance, the synonyms of hope, as used in this verse, are trust and expect. We should remember Peter’s letter was an encouragement to those who were suffering persecution. He was calling his readers to be serious about the gospel, and as obedient children trust in its promises expecting that they would be rewarded for that obedience when Jesus would return. Even though they were suffering great persecution and tribulations they were not to return to their former way of life.
If a reader was one who called upon the Father (was truly saved) what were they to do and what were they to remember? (1:17-19).
If a reader was one that called on the Father, was truly a redeemed person, he was to pass the time in fear with respectful reverence remembering the price of their redemption. They had not been redeemed with things that man holds as precious, nor with the philosophizing (the religions) of men, but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
What was Peter’s argument concerning Christ? (1:20)
Before God commenced His creative acts He pre-determined that Jesus would shed His blood for the redemption of man; those whom He would redeem. Such passages as Hebrews 10:1-10 and John 1:1-4; 14 support this truth.
Hebrews 10:1-10 “1For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3But in those sacrifices there is a remem-brance again made of sins every year. 4For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, ‘Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.’ 7Then said I, ‘Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;’ 9Then said he, ‘Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.’ He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
John 1:1-4; 14: “1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men….“14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
God foreordained that God the Son would take on human flesh so that He could sacrifice Himself as man’s propitiation.
Why go to this extreme?
Because there was nothing else that could satisfy God’s holiness.
What did Paul write in his letter to the Romans that confirms this truth? (Romans 5:6-19).
By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote that as sin entered the world through one-man God through one-man satisfied the justice of God against it.
Because they had purified their hearts by obeying the truth what were Peter’s readers to do? (1:22-25).
Because they had purified their soul in obeying the truth, not of themselves, but by the Holy Spirit they were to love one another with a pure heart fervently. Love of one another was a vital component of them being able to endure to the end. As stated above, hundreds of thousands of them had been martyred, others had experienced tremendous loss and some, perhaps they themselves, had suffered imprisonment. Knowing that God loved them was a tremendous blessing, but seeing this love demonstrated through the lives of others would have been of great benefit.
1ST Peter
Chapter 2
What did Peter say his readers, those who were born again, to do? (2:1-5).
“1Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
Even though they were suffering great persecution, Peter’s readers who had been born again were citizens of heaven. They had the promise of God’s everlasting word indwelling them. They were to put into practice the message of that word.
Many times when one is suffering pain, or is fearful of an unknown future, they need the love and encouragement of their fellows. Although, such love and encouragement can only be extended if one has himself laid aside all things that hinder such things. Peter’s readers were to turn away from five things that would have been a hindrance if they were to be effectual witnesses to one another and to those amongst whom they lived. From 2:1 we read that they were to turn away from: Malice; wicked ill will; deceit / deliberate dishonesty; hypocrisy / pretended piety and love; envy / resentful discontent; and slander / backbiting lies. None of those things were to have place in their lives. They were to turn away from these things. How could they be an encouragement to one another if they lived as they had before being saved? Also, how could they be a royal priesthood, positive witnesses of God’s grace among those to whom they were dispersed, if not different than them? To escape these things they were to feast on the Word of God as newborn babies desire the milk of their mothers. They had been purified by that word (See John 15:3), but to be a positive witness they were to continue in it. This is equally true of Christians today. We may not be tested as were Peter’s first readers, but our responses to our difficulties, no matter the severity, must be the same.
How did their being of the spiritual house differentiate them from the unbelievers? (2:6-8)
The spiritual house that Peter referred to (vs.5) was and is built upon a firm foundation with its tie to the chief cornerstone. In buildings that were and are made of stone a cornerstone is laid that all others are tied to, and depending on its strength for support. Drawing upon three Old Testament Scriptures (Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14), in reference to temporal Israel, Peter drew a mental picture of Jesus being the firm foundation on which his readers faith rested. They would have ultimate victory through Him. In the Isaiah 28:16 passage, Jesus is the precious chosen cornerstone. In Psalm 118.22, He is the rejected stone and in Isaiah 8:14, He is the sanctuary to those who believed. To them that did not believe, and were disobedient, they suffered the consequence of their disbelief and disobedience. Spiritually speaking, these same things were true of Peter’s dispersed (1st Peter 1:1) and are true people today.
What was Peter’s determination of his readers? (2:9-10).
God had declared of Israel, “6And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.” (see Exodus 19:6). Here Peter applies these same words to the dispersed, to the scattered. God’s reason for making Israel and the saved scattered church was and is that they should be able to “show forth the praises” of their Savior. God called these elected ones out of spiritual darkness into spiritual understanding bestowing upon them his mercy. As a result, they were to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13-16). This was to be demonstrated by word and by deed.
To be an effectual witnesses, what did Peter say they were to do? (2:11-21).
The redeemed of the dispersed were to be different than the unredeemed, and different from the inhabitants of the areas into which they had been dispersed. They were to abstain from fleshly lusts (vs. 11); they were not to revile against false accusations and the slander of unbelievers (vs.12); they were to submit to all authority, of whatever level and honor all persons (vss. 13-17) if the laws of the set authority did not violate the Law of God; they were to love the brethren (vs. 18); servants were to be subservient to their masters regardless of whether said masters treated them decently or indecently (vss.18-19).
Whatever their grievance may have been, they were to conduct themselves in a manner that was acceptable to God. They had, after all, been called unto such conduct (vss. 20-21a).
Whose example did Peter say they should follow?
(2:21b-25).
“21bBecause Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”
They, the redeemed of Peter’s address, were to live righteously before God. They had walked away from their Creator and Redeemer. Peter reminds them that they had been returned to the Bishop, the Superintendent of their souls. An aide toward living a life that was acceptable to God would have been their remembering “that they were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from their vain conversation received by tradition from their fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (See 1st Peter 1:18).
Reflecting on this truth would have been of great encouragement to them. God Himself, as man, had given His life for them. What a moving thought.
1st Peter
Chapter 3
Examples of Harmonious Living
Having given edicts for personal conduct in the face of persecution, Peter now turns to relationships between husbands and wives. How a submissive wife and a loving husband showcase what he desired of his readers.
1 Peter 3:1-6 “1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.”
In these verses Peter used the relationship of husbands and wives as an example of how Christians were to live with one another. If their conduct was to be acceptable to God, they were to live lives that would testify of His righteousness. Not only in the public arena, but also in the home. He began by addressing the proper attitude and conduct of wives. They were to be submissive or under the authority of their husbands. Paul, Peter’s fellow apostle, also wrote of this in his letter to the Ephesians and also in his letter to the Colossians.
Ephesians 4:1-5:22 “4:1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20But ye have not so learned Christ; 21If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27Neither give place to the devil. 28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
5: 1Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. 3But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15See then that ye walk circum-spectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
Note the similarity of Peter and Paul’s exhortation concerning a Godly marriage. “22Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.”
We first observe that Paul’s instructions concerning the conduct of wives in this letter is not abstract from what he had previously written in chapters 4 & 5, but it is a continuation of thought. He had just commented on the proper conduct of all Christians in verse 5:21. “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” Thus it wasn’t just wives that were to submit themselves to the authority of their husbands. Each person was to be submissive to another in relation to the spiritual gifts given them (4:11). The Ephesians were to, “Endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. For There is only one body, and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all”(4:4-6). Continuing, Paul wrote; “He, the Father is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
What was Paul’s Exhortation?
Paul’s exhortation was that God the Father, via His Spirit, indwells all believers and He had given certain graces to each person to bring the whole body, the whole church, to maturity. The only way that could be accomplished was by the surrendering of one’s self and being submissive to the gifts of fellow Ephesian believers. Not all were gifted the same way. Each gift was important to the edifying of the church and one another.
This same mindset was to be true of husbands and wives. Wives were to be submissive to their husbands. For it was God honoring. Husbands were to love their wives in ways that were equally God honoring. This, however, wasn’t just to be the mindset of the Ephesians, but was to be the mindset of the Colossians and all other Christians. From Paul’s letter to the Colossians we read;
“1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 18Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” (Colossians 3:1-19).
Was Paul consistent and in harmony with Peter and if so, why?
Paul was consistent in both letters, and was in harmony with Peter’s exhortations. Such harmony existed because it is the same Holy Spirit that inspired them to write what they did. By extension, their Holy Spirit inspired messages were and are applicable to all Christians of every generation including you and me as Christians today.
What do we of today many times fail to do?
Many times in reading a passage we fail to apply specifics of the message to our own walk. We tend not to make personal application to various aspects of our lives. We tend to gloss over many possible applications. For instance, consider Paul’s words of Ephesians 4:1-3; “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Can you imagine how harmonious the lives of Paul and Peter’s readers would have been if they humbled themselves, being submissive to one another. How harmonious our lives with others would be if we humbled ourselves and were submissive to one another. This is true even more so in the relationship of marriage. If each person in the marriage were to live as a new person in Christ they would conduct themselves in righteousness and true holiness (4:24).
What did Paul’s and Peter’s letters not do?
Again, we note that Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired instructions to the church did not single out a wife’s attitude and conduct from the rest of Paul’s instructions; nor did Peter’s Holy Spirit inspired instructions. These instructions were a continuum of proper Christian conduct within the Church and within the Christian community. The totality of these instructions look back to his command of Ephesians 4:1 & 2. They, the Ephesian Christians, were to “walk worthy of the vacation wherewith they were called” and they were to walk “with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”
Every Ephesian and Colossian Christian, male or female, husbands or wives, were to live differently than the Gentiles who because of spiritual blindness and hardness of heart were alienated from God (Ephesians 4:17-19). Christians were to be followers of Christ and were to walk in love. Not superficial love, but in Godly love, as described in Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians 13:4-8a. “4Charity [Love] suffereth long, and is kind; charity (love) envieth not; charity (love) vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things 8Charity [Love] never faileth.”
What should be a two-way street?
Christian love between all people, including husband and wives, is a two-way street. When expressed according to 1st Corinthians 13:408a persons including wives should not feel put-upon. A Christian man should not think of himself as being superior to other brothers or sisters. Nor should a Christian husband think of himself as being superior to his wife. He was to consider her as the weaker vessel needing his love and support.
Peter went so far as to say that if a woman was married to a non-Christian, her conduct might lead her husband to Christ. We read from 1st Peter 3:2-4; “1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation [the life] of the wives; 2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
Such conduct of a Godly wife would possibly lend itself to convicting her husband of his sin, and in fear of his separation from God cause him to turn to the Lord Jesus for forgiveness. Certainly a contentious attitude would not. Her husband wouldn’t be won over by her outward adornment, but by the spiritual adornment of her inward being. That is, her heart. Her quiet, humble submission to her husband would possibly convince and convict him of his sin. This attitude is also applicable to all Christians. Our conduct may just lead others to Christ.
Again, we should remember Peter’s instructions, and those of Paul, were just a small part of their Holy Spirit inspired instructions; each instruction being equal to the others, carrying as much weight as the others. Peter didn’t stop with a wife’s attitude, but said of Christian husbands; 7Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them (your wives) according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered” (1 Peter 3:7). Having the knowledge or the understanding that his wife was the weaker vessel spiritually, emotionally and physically, it was and is the husband’s responsibility to protect and care for her in these things. They are after all joint heirs of the grace of God.
Paul in his Colossian letter went even further and wrote; “Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them” (Colossians 3:19). According to a certain Commentator, the meaning of the word bitter, in the Greek, meant that husbands were not to have an attitude or treat their wives in ways that would entice them to bitterness. Also, in his letter to the Ephesians Paul wrote; “25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church” (Ephesians5:25-29). A Christian husband was to give himself up to the needs of his wife (perhaps even sometimes to her wants) as Christ gave Himself for the church. He gave His life and this was to be the same attitude of a husband.
What should we and what must we keep in mind?
As we come back to our text of 1st Peter, we should remember Peter’s letter was a letter of encouragement to those who had been and were suffering persecution from the Roman government, but it was also a letter of instruction. Even though they were suffering persecution, they were to live lives that were acceptable to God. They were His testimony to the lost world into which they had been cast. In the unregenerate societies of their day, women for the most part were treated as secondary citizens and inferior to men. What greater testimony would there have been than a wholesome honorable relationship between husband wife?
How were Peter’s readers to live?
Moving from the testimony of a healthy, God honoring marital relationship, Peter exhorted the entire Christian community to live responsibly before the Lord. From verses 3:8-13 we read; “8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?”
These dispersed Christians were to be: Of one mind; they were to have compassion toward one another; they were to love one another as brethren; and they were to be courteous to one another (verse 8). They were not to seek revenge (verse. 9); they were to guard their tongues (verse10); they were to hate evil and do good; they were to seek and pursue peace (verse11). Such a lifestyle would honor God, but it would also be a testimony of His grace among those that had been scattered.
Peter wrote that those who lived according to His exhortations would be blessed by the Lord, and He, the Lord, would be attentive of their prayers. He, however, would turn His face away from those who lived in disobedience. Quoting Psalm 34:15-16, Peter wrote; “12For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?” The eyes of the Lord was a common Old Testament phrase that related to God’s special, caring watchfulness over His people (Proverbs 5:21; Zechariah 4:10). Sometimes the phrase indicated God’s judgmental watchfulness (Amos 9:8; cf. Proverbs 15:3), but Peter’s emphasis was on God’s awareness of everything that was going on in their lives; even the persecution they were enduring. With that thought in mind, Peter asked, “3:13And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?”
It wasn’t that by being followers of good that their persecution would end, but there was nothing that could be done against them in relation to eternity. God was continually watching over them. Peter added; “14But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.”
Would living righteously prevent persecution?
Living righteous lives would not be a just cause of persecution, but, Peter wrote, you will continue to suffer persecution. He added that many of the unrighteous would rebel and react against them. Such persecution should not be because of ungodly living, but because of their godly living. Continuing, Peter wrote that when abuse at the hands of the unrighteous came they were to consider themselves blessed. Peter didn’t mean that they should be delighted when persecution came, but consider themselves highly privileged because they were being persecuted. They were to remember that Jesus their Lord had also suffered unjustly.
In face of persecution were they to draw back?
Rather than draw back or cower, they were to readily give an answer to their accusers about why they were not fearful of them. They were to have a good conscious concerning their conduct among their persecutors, so that no fault could truthfully be found. This kind of a faithful walk would convict their abusers of their abuse, their sin, and may even lead them to salvation.
Were Peter’s readers to be anxious about what might happen?
They were not to be anxious about what their persecutors might do to them, but they were to sanctify God in their hearts. That is, they were to set the Lord firmly in their hearts and consider that their sufferings were only temporary and that eternity with Him was to be there reward. Their example of this kind of faithful living was Jesus Christ Himself. “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” (3:18). His sinless life provoked the hatred of unregenerate men. Christ did not fear them because He trusted in Father God. His great reward was His resurrection and exultation. Like Him, the Christian’s reward, even though they might suffer martyrdom, would be an eternal presence in heaven. As Jesus was quickened or regenerated to life by the Spirit, so would they. It was God’s promise. He would not forget them. He was looking over them.
That this promise wasn’t just an idle promise, Peter added that by this same Spirit, while Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, He “went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water” (3: 19-20).
There are two prevailing views as to who these spirits were: 1) The spirits in prison were believers, unbelievers, or both. 2) The spirits in prison were evil spirit beings or fallen angels who left their first estate during the days of Noah. That they possessed men, and had cohabitated with the daughters of men. These unions produced children who were so evil that God destroyed them all except Noah and his family. From the text, the 2nd view seems to be the correct understanding. The thought is that the Spirit of Jesus Christ lived in Noah, and for a hundred and twenty years he proclaimed the gospel to them, but they had refused him. Now, while Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, His spirit descended into Hades and testified to the spirits of these people. Nothing is said about what He proclaimed, but it is probable that He testified that in three days His body would be resurrected securing His victory over them, and their pending judgment. (See Genesis 6:1-7; and Jude 6).
As Peter continued, he explained that Noah had been saved from destruction by a good conscience toward God. That he had lived righteously and believing God had been saved by water. That is, through the water. “21 a like figure whereunto even baptism doth now save us. Not the putting away of the filth of the flesh (ceremonial cleansing by water), but by having trusted in Christ, resulting in a good conscience toward God 22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”
What an encouragement this must have been to these persecuted persons who had been scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia; Peter’s initial readers. What an encouragement for us of today.
1st Peter
Chapter 4
What were Peter’s readers to do?
“1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idol-atries. “4In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:1-4).
Lest Peter’s readers become discouraged, what were they to do?
Suffering is never pleasant, but lest they become discouraged, Peter’s readers were to look back to the sufferings of Jesus as alluded to in 3:18. They were to have the same mindset. Jesus lived His life committed to His Father’s will. If they had this same mindset they would not live as they had before.
Peter’s contemporary, Paul, in his letter to Galatians wrote; “16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, las-civiousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:16-24). They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its affections and lust. This is what Peter meant by his exhortation of “have the same mind as Christ.”
Peter wrote in verse 4 that the host among whom they lived would think it strange that they would not join with them in their riotous living. What an opportunity for witness. The wonder of it is that this falls to us today as we live out our lives in the midst of the unsaved.
Did Peter’s readers’ righteous living have an effect?
Did their righteous living have an effect on these people to whom they were dispersed? Yes, indeed. For we read that their host spoke evil things about them saying things that were not true. The Lord had suffered similarly. For when His accusers could find no fault in Him, they concocted lies about Him. The apostles also suffered these similar abuses. When nothing of truth would hold up against them, lies were concocted to bring them down. If our conduct is the same as the Lord, as the apostles and as Peter’s initial readers, we must expect the same kind of attacks.
Should Peter’s readers be dismayed not seeing immediate judgment upon their oppressors?
Peter’s readers were not to be dismayed because he said that those who live according to the dictates of their flesh, and apart from obedience to God, would give an account for the way they lived their lives, an account to Him who was “ready to judge the living and the dead” (see vs. 5).
Peter reminded his readers that this same gospel they were hearing had also been heard by those who had already died, or had been martyred. He wrote; “For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit” (4:6) Even though they had gone the way of all men who had physically died, their spirits were living in the presence of the Lord. This would have been of great comfort and encouragement to Peter’s readers concerning the many of their fellows who had suffered martyrdom or had died by one cause or another.
After reminding his readers of their many blessings and the coming judgment of their abusers, Peter now gave several admonitions. We read from verses 7-11; “7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
What was peter’s expectation?
Peter firmly believed that Jesus was soon to return (vs.7), and that His return would bring an end to all things; including but not limited to the suffering that his readers were presently facing. He, as all the apostles, were looking for the Millennial reign of Christ where persecution of the righteous will not be tolerated.
Because of his expectation of the Lord’s soon return, what did Peter encourage?
Because of this soon return, Peter’s readers were to be serious or sober, and watchful in their prayer life. Such prayers would take their focus off from their situations and cause them to focus on the imminent return of Christ and the blessings of His kingdom. Above all things, they were to have a fervent love for one another, demonstrated by their care for one another. They had, after all, been gifted by the Lord in various ways that they might encourage and bring one another to maturity (see Ephesians 4:4-13).
Before giving final instructions to the elders or pastors of their churches, and instructions to younger persons (5:1-11), Peter encouraged his readers one more time with these words. “12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (4:12-19).
They, Peter’s readers, should not expect it to be a strange thing that they were suffering persecution. That as their Lord had suffered, they too should expect to suffer. But, he added, let your suffering be for living lives of righteousness, not because of the result of ungodly lifestyles.
1st Peter
Chapter 5
Final Instructions
“1The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”
What were the elders (the church leaders) to do?
Before closing this letter of encouragement and instruction, Peter strongly compelled the spiritual leaders among them to shepherd their congregations with love and compassion, and also by example, not unwillingly but willingly. They were not to lord it over those entrusted to them but humbly and not for dishonest gain or shameful acquisition of wealth. Their reward would be the crown of glory.
Having given this exhortation to the elders of the churches, who were mature men qualified by the Holy Spirit to be spiritual leaders, Peter changed direction and addressed the attitude and responsibility of those who were younger among them. He wrote; “5Likewise you younger [persons], submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. 6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (5:5-7).
What were younger or immature persons to do?
Younger persons were to place themselves willingly under the authority of those who had been given the responsibility of leadership, their elders. This holds true for us today. To emphasize what he meant about humility, Peter drew on Proverbs 3:34 which declares emphatically; “34 Surely He [God] scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.”
In humility and respectful of their elders, these younger persons were to, “8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (5:8-9).
What were they all to do?
All of the elders and younger persons were to “be sober and they were to be vigilant, because their “adversary the devil was walking about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he might devour.” They were to resist him. They were to be steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings were being experienced by their fellow Christians throughout the world. In that God intended Peter’s letter to be read by Christians down through the centuries, his admonition is just as applicable to us as it was to his first readers. Again, turning to the apostle Paul, who was inspired to write; “11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:11-18). We should be advised to be as watchful and diligent because Satan still walks about looking for whom he might devour. Christians of the past have successfully stood firmly against Satan and the powers of darkness. We of this generation can stand firmly against Satan and the powers of darkness, but only if we depend upon the whole armor of God.
As we turn to the final verses of Peter’s letter, we read from verses 5:10-14. “10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 12By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. 13The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. 14Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
From verse 12, we learn that Peter’s letter was written in a city called Babylon, and that Silvanus wrote the letter on behalf of Peter. It is not clear whether this city was the literal city of Babylon located on the Euphrates River in Iraq or perhaps the city of Rome. Whichever city it was, by receiving a letter from Peter, who was some distance away, they realized that they were not alone. Peter was aware of their plight as was Mark and Silvanus. Most scholars believe that Silvanus was none other than Silas, Paul’s faithful fellow missionary. Thus, the knowledge of their sufferings and persecution would have been wide spread.
The letter was to be delivered by someone, perhaps Silvanus and Mark. When they arrived they were to greet one another warmly. All were of the same faith and brotherhood. Peter ended his letter praying that they might all experience the peace of God.
What a letter.
Second Peter
Chapter 1
To whom did Peter write this second letter? (2nd Peter 1:1; 1st Peter 1:1-2)
To the same brethren of his first letter, persons of like faith, Jewish Christians who had scattered into the areas of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” countries of Asia Minor.
How did Peter refer to himself? (2nd Peter 1:1)
Peter began this second letter as he did his first letter, referring to himself as “an apostle of Jesus Christ” (1:1a), but added in this letter that that he was the servant of Christ.
An apostle was one who had witnessed the life of Jesus from His baptism until the time that He was ascended into heaven (Acts 1:15-22). A servant, however, is one who serves another and such was Peter’s attitude. From the time that the Holy Spirit came to indwell him, he thought of himself as a servant, a slave of Jesus Christ. Having that firm conviction, he had grown in his love for Jesus. He had grown in his faith and in his love for his fellow believers.
What should we keep in mind as we study this letter?
Peter’s first readers, and we, should keep in mind that faith is not self-generated.
What does the human author of Hebrews say about this?
The writer of Hebrews wrote that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of one’s faith (Hebrews 12:2) leaving no doubt that faith is not self-earned but a gift of God.
How precious this should be to us. We have been blessed with saving faith, but also blessed with an enduring faith that makes it possible for us to live a godly life.
Why did Peter write this second letter? (2nd Peter 1:4-15).
Peter, knowing that he would soon be put to death (vs.14), believed it was necessary to once again remind his readers of the principles of their faith. To remind them of who they were in Christ. Peter knew that after his death false teachers would appear among them who would bring in damnable heresies denying that the Lord had bought them, and that He would soon return. (2:1).
What was Peter’s prayer for his readers? (2nd Peter 1: 2-4).
Grace and peace was already a part of their salvation experience, but here Peter prays that the experience of these things would be increased in them through a deeper knowledge of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Knowledge of God and the Lord Jesus Christ enhances an intimate and personal relationship. Peter urged his readers to take advantage of the “full knowledge” available to them through the divine power found in Jesus. Peter knew that after his death they would face false teachers (2:1-3) who claimed to have special knowledge but openly practiced immorality, the corruption that his readers had escaped.
Because of the grace given to them, what was Peter’s readers to do? (2nd peter 1: 5-11).
Peter instructed his readers to diligently add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, charity and brotherly kindness. If they lived diligently by these tenets they would not be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. An intimate knowledge of God the Father and God the Son would produce the desired purpose. They would be more godly and stronger in their faith. Peter said that he who lacked in these tenets was blind, not able to see far off, not able to understand to what they had been called, immature, even forgetting that they had been purged from their old sins. Rather than be like those who lacked the above mentioned tenets of Christianity, their salvation was to be confirmed by those tenets. In confidence they could move forward and be fruitful.
What should we of this generation remember?
God intended Peter’s letter to be read by many more than the addressees mentioned. God intended that this letter be read by Christians of every generation. What Peter wrote to those first readers was intended by God for us, too. (See 2nd Timothy 3:16-17).
Because Peter knew that His life was soon to end what was his purpose? (1st Peter 1:12-15).
Peter knew that his time on earth was soon to end and was burdened that his readers not regress or fall back in their walk. He knew that their spiritual maturity depended on their deepened intimate knowledge of God the Father and Son. He wrote that he felt it necessary that he continually remind them of who they were in Christ, and also remind them that they practice by living out the tenets given them (vs. 5-7). We should remember that the readers of this letter were the same readers of Peter’s first letter who had, and were, facing severe persecution and that they would continue to face severe persecution after he was gone. They would also face an onslaught of false teachers. Their deepened knowledge of Christ was necessary, as is ours.
What was Peter assurance to his readers? (2nd Peter 1: 16-17).
At this point in the letter, Peter paused and assured his readers that what he was writing came from first-hand experience and not false teachers’ cunningly devised fables or fabricated stories. Peter writes that He, John and James, “two fellow apostles,” had actually seen Jesus transfigured before their eyes as He talked with two legendary persons of their past, Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; and Luke 9:28-35). As they witnessed this they heard God say out of a cloud, “This is My beloved Son, in who I am well pleased” (Matthew 15:5).
Peter assured his readers that he had seen Jesus as He will appear in the Millennium or His one thousand years reign on earth. He assured them that regardless of their present suffering that they would be with Jesus when He reigns on earth, and eventually heaven itself. The appearance of Moses and Elijah as living beings was a testimony of that truth. Death was not to be the end of their existence. What an encouragement to people who were enduring what they were experiencing.
Why the appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus on the mount, and not someone else from their past?
The question is often asked, “Why, Moses and Elijah, not two other prophets? It is commonly believed that in this scene Moses represented saved individuals who have died. Elijah represented saved individuals who will not experience death, but will be caught up to heaven alive. The three apostles represented those who will be alive at the second coming of Jesus when He comes to establish His one thousand years reign on the earth.
Peter’s testimony of seeing Jesus transfigured before their eyes was a great assurance to his readers and to us. However, there is more.
What else did Peter say his readers could depend on? (1st Peter 1:19-21).
Peter wrote that beside his own testimony of personally knowing Jesus and personally hearing Him say that He would return, we have also “a more sure word of prophecy.” That is, the prophecies of holy men as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, prophets of old. They also testified that Jesus, the heir of David, would establish His Kingdom upon the earth.
Peter’s readers were to be careful to whom they listened. False prophets would bring in damnable heresies (2:1), but the prophecies of these holy men were to be their guiding light until Jesus would again dwell among them.
Persons of our day must also be careful to whom they listen. A person’s eternal destination depends on what they believe and to what they have committed themselves. For instance, Jesus Christ said, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18 NKJV). The apostle John wrote; “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36 NKJV). These statements are emphatic statements leaving no room for challenging argument. The first statement was spoken by the Son of God, who is God. The second passage was spoken by one who had for almost three years followed Jesus. He was a personal witness of much that Jesus did during those years; the giving of sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, healing the lame, casting out demons, ruling over nature, raising to new life many who had died, and had seen Him transfigured by changing bodily into a glorified body, appearing as He will when He reigns on earth. Because Jesus was God in the flesh and John was a personal witness to what Jesus had done, people must receive their testimony as absolute truth. All other impartations of claimed truth concerning the path to heaven must be measured by their inspired statements.
With Jesus and John’s testimony in mind, the apostle Paul in a letter to the Galatians wrote; “1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:1-9 NKJV). Please note, that twice he enjoined that if anyone, angel or man, preach any other gospel than what he and his fellows had proclaimed that they be accursed. In saying, “let him be accursed,” one time, shows how serious Paul took this issue, but saying it twice moves it from being serious to very serious. Should you or I take it any less serious? No! Why? Because any other gospel would be a different gospel, a false gospel. There is only one truth. In fact, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NKJV).
Many today stand in pulpits, speak on radio and or television proclaiming a gospel that is not the gospel according to Jesus, John or Paul. They say many things that sound good. In fact, they have some element of truth, but in the end, they deny that there is only one way to heaven. The only way is by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the application of His shed blood to one’s account. They deny that this can only be appropriated by faith, a faith that trusts in God and leads to commitment as a follower of Jesus Christ. One will often hear them say, yes one must have faith in God’s promise(s), but one must do this or that in order to be saved. This is another gospel! People must be careful to whom they listen. Seeds are planted by the Holy Spirit, but seeds can also be planted by Satan.
Listening to honest proclaimers, and not listening to false proclaimers is also important for we who are Christians. Why? So that we are not tossed “to and fro [back and forth] carried about by every wind of doctrine [false teachings], by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness” (Ephesians 4:14). Sound doctrine establishes in us that which is necessary to maintain a healthy unified body (Ephesians 4:16). False teachers and false doctrine only breed confusion and disharmony.
2nd Peter
Chapter 2
Having testified that in their past true prophecy came through holy men of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit (2nd Peter 1:21), Peter added that among them were also false prophets. He warned that likewise there would be false teachers among them. We read from 2nd Peter 2:1; “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”
From where would these false teachers come?
As there were false prophets in Israel in time past (cf. Jeremiah 5:31; 23:9-18), there were false teachers among Peter’s readers. Both the false prophets of old, and the present false teachers of whom Peter spoke, came from within and not from the outside.
What were these false teachers denying? (1ST Peter 2:1b)
They were even denying the Lord who bought them, That He had made a complete provision for their salvation.
What were they bringing upon themselves? (1st Peter 2:1b)
In their denial, they were bringing destruction upon themselves.
Jesus had paid the price of their salvation, as He has of all persons who come to trust in Him.
What did Jesus paying the price not mean? His paying the price did not mean they were redeemed.
What did his paying the price mean?
It means that no person is automatically redeemed. Each person must place their faith in the God’s provision, Jesus Christ, the Son of God alone for their salvation. Jesus explained to Nicodemus, and to us by extension; “13And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness [Numbers 21:4-9] even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:13-18).
Peter himself, years before in his testimony about Jesus to the religious leaders as recorded in Acts 4:5-12, testified; “ Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (vs. 4).
What would be the result of their false teachings? (2nd Peter 2:2).
Many would follow their destructive ways.
What was the motivation of these false teachers, and what is the motivation of false teachers today? (2nd Peter 2:3a).
Peter warned that the false teachers of whom he spoke would in their greed take advantage of them with deceptive words.
How many television proclaimers of our day promise both temporal and spiritual health and wealth if one would contribute to their ministry?
But what is true? (2nd Peter 2:3b).
God hasn’t gone to sleep, their sin is not unseen, and their judgment awaits them
Peter wrote of them that, “their damnation slumbereth not” (vs.3c). Their heresies were bringing God’s condemnation upon them.
Peter made this observation; “4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 7And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds” (Verses 4-8).
How could these false teachers hope to escape God’s wrath ascribed in the announced condemnation and damnation? God had cast the angels that had sinned out of His presence and into hell; holding them in chains until the day that He will cast them into the lake of fire which will be their eternal punishment. He had destroyed all land dwelling life, with the exception of the family of Noah, because of their ungodliness. He had completely destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their inhabitants except Lot, his wife and their two daughters.
Peter wanted his readers to understand that even as God had preserved Lot in righteousness, though surrounded by ungodliness, God was also able to preserve them. Even though false teachers were among them bringing in damnable heresies, denying that the Lord had gained their salvation by His sacrifice, they were to remain steadfast in the Lord because He was able to secure them also. No doubt, those who had truly been born again were seeing some of their countrymen who had not been truly saved fall away from following the Lord. Because of their sufferings and persecution, the false teachers were able to exploit them.
Verses 9b-11 “But,” said Peter; “9a The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations… 9b and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.”
9a – Peter sought to encourage his readers, reminding them that the Lord knew how to deliver them from these same temptations; from falling to the distortions of the false teachers. He also knew how to punish the unjust false teachers. Concerning this punishment, it seems that Peter was not necessarily addressing future punishment in the lake of fire, but present judgments. In reminding them how God had delivered Noah and his seven family members and how He had delivered Lot, his wife and daughters, Peter also reminded them of the judgment God brought against the wicked in those situations.
9b- God does hold (tērein, “keeps under guard”) the unrighteous for the coming Day of Judgment (cf. 3:7), a.k.a. the great white throne judgment and the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-15). God oftentimes brings punishment upon them in in this life. (cf. Rom. 1:18-28), and in hades after death (Luke 16:19-28).
Romans 1:18-28 is a testimony of God’s punishment of the unjust presently in this life. We read; “18For the wrath of God is (is, not will be) revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet [which was due – the result]. 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient [which are not natural],” Aids and other diseases for instance.
And Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus is a testimony of punishment upon the unjust after this life ends and as they wait the punishment following the White Throne Judgment.
Luke 16:19-28 “19There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.”
The rich man’s suffering was of the present. His existence did not end with his physical death. It was a present situation, not a future situation. From these two accounts we see that God does bring punishment or judgment against the unjust in the present time.
What was Peter’s assessment of false teachers, especially those who were chief among them? (2nd Peter 2:10-17).
Purity and cleanliness were the standard that the church was to pursue. The false teachers in the church denied the pursuance of these things, teaching by suggestion and deed that living by the desires of the flesh would bring the greater joy and happiness. They were contempt of authority, including the authority of the Lord Himself (cf. 2 Peter 2:1). They were self-willed (Titus 1:7), arrogant and slanderous. Peter wrote that in their arrogance they thought themselves to be superior to those angels who had left their first estate, now fallen (Jude 6), bringing accusation against them (Jude 8); something that even the unfallen angels dared not do. So puffed up in pride, these slanderers knew no bounds in their attack on all who disagreed with their teachings. Even so, they were totally ignorant of the very things they blasphemed (2 Peter 2:12a; cf. Jude 10).
From the text it is clear that these false teachers were sensual, living according to the desire of their fallen nature, having eyes full of adultery, and who could not cease from sin (vs. 14). So arrogant were they that they did not try to hide their debauchery, but lived openly, in full view of all. To make matters worse, they were bringing their lewdness into the church. Peter warned that they were preying upon the spiritually weak, and were gaining a following.
Verses 19-21 “19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”
While these false teachers were promising freedom from the demands of Christianity (vs.19), they themselves were hopelessly enslaved by their depravity. Jesus said that if a person wanted to be a true follower they were to take up their cross and follow him; something they did not want to do. Truth had been presented to them and they had become knowledgeable about Jesus, but in rejecting that truth, and not being responsive to the knowledge they had been exposed to, they became more entangled in their sinful nature. Peter identified them as a dog that returns to its vomit and a sow that returns to its wallow. His meaning was clear. These apostates never were what they seemed to be. They returned to what they had been all along. Peter writes that they would have been better off had they not been exposed to the truth, the way of righteousness.
Why?
By continually rejecting the truth their hearts were becoming harder and harder.
Is there a warning in this for persons today; to those who profess to be followers of Jesus, but are not? Yes! When the truth of the gospel is rejected the heart becomes harder.
2nd Peter
Chapter 3
What Reason did Peter give for writing this 2nd Letter? (2nd Peter 3:1-2).
From verses 1 & 2 we learn from Peter himself why he had written this second letter. It was because of the doubt and confusion that was being spread by false teachers. He wanted to remind them of what their Old Testament’s prophets had testified about Jesus reigning on earth. Not only what they had said, but also what Jesus Himself had taught. From verses 3-4 we read; “3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”
As stated earlier, Peter, knowing that he soon would be executed, wanted to again remind his readers of what had been said by their prophets concerning the coming of the Lord, and remind them of the commandments or the teaching given by the Lord through the apostles.
Why did Peter believe this reminder to be of the utmost importance? (3:3-4).
Peter knew that at the end of the apostolic era, without remembering and ruminating on the teaching of the prophets and the Lord concerning His return, his readers, who are the church, would be vulnerable to the claims of these false teachers who were scoffers. His readers, having suffered years of persecution, were presently suffering persecution and would continue to suffer persecution after his death. They would naturally begin to have doubts, especially if they lacked a strong foundation of belief.
Of what did Peter say these false teachers (scoffers) were willingly ignorant? (3:5-7)
The scoffers were ignorant of the long-suffering of God, not being able to see God’s patience with man. As an example of God’s long-suffering, Peter reminded his readers of God’s patience with man between the time He created the world and the flood by which He destroyed all land dwelling creatures except eight persons, the family of Noah. Joining the record at Genesis 6:1 we read; “1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3And the LORD said, ‘My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.’ 4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. 5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them’” (Genesis 6:1-7).
The Lord waited for a hundred and twenty years after His warning before He brought the flood. One hundred and twenty years in which Noah proclaimed the holiness and goodness of God (see 2nd Peter 2:5). These false teachers (scoffers) were not able to see that by this same patience God was forestalling His judgment against ungodly persons. They were not only not able to understand God’s patience, but ridiculed those who were looking for the Lord’s return.
What was Peter’s readers not to be ignorant of? (Verses 3:8-9).
The Lord does not count time as man counts time and that He is long-suffering, “not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance.”
There has been great debate as to whom the “any” are. Did Peter mean any of humanity or did he mean any of the elect? Personally, I believe Peter meant any of the elect. His letter was to Christian Jews. He addressed them as those who had obtained like precious faith (2nd Peter 3:1). In his first letter he addressed his readers as the elect (1st Peter 1:2). Certainly, God does not will that any human perish, but this is not the same as God willing that some be saved.
What did Peter say that the coming of the Lord would be like, and what did he say would occur at His coming? (2nd Peter 3:10).
His return would be unannounced, unexpected, and at His coming heaven and earth would be destroyed; burned up. By heaven it is meant the first and second heavens, not the third heaven where God’s throne is.
Because the Lord would return and because the heavens and the earth would be destroyed, how were they, his readers, to live? (2nd Peter 3:11-14).
Because God will destroy the heavens (atmospheric and the galactic heavens) and the earth, and will create new heavens and a new earth, Peter’s readers were to live holy lives. Lives reflected by living peacefully, without being soiled by sin. Lives that were blameless. They were to live lives of separation. They were not to live as did unbelievers with lifestyles that the false teachers were promoting. The false teachers (scoffers) disputed the Lord’s return and the ensuing judgment of those who were corrupt and leading ungodly lives. Peter’s readers were to look forward to a new heaven and a new earth. Why focus on that which was soon to pass away?
What was Peter’s final admonition? (2nd Peter 3:15-16).
In his final admonition and encouragement, Peter referred his readers to Paul. Knowing that many knew him or were familiar with his writings. The apostle Paul had addressed many of the same things that Peter had proffered and knew that by their recall of his testimony, verbal or written, they would be additionally encouraged. In his letter to the Romans, for instance, Paul had written that spiritual blindness was in the midst of national Israel and would continue even though many would come to faith until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in (Romans 9:25). This demonstrates three things: 1) Even while God was saving many of Israel, He was at the same time bringing to salvation many Gentiles. 2) The number of Gentiles that were to be saved was an ongoing work of God. It was of a long duration, again demonstrating God’s longsuffering (patience). 3) God’s sovereignty in election is demonstrated in that there is a certain number of Gentiles that are to be saved along with a time set when the last one is to be saved. Perhaps this is why Peter wrote that some of the things that Paul taught and wrote were hard to understand, especially by those who are unlearned and instable. Certainly, there are many in our day who hold that salvation is by one’s choosing it. However, didn’t Paul write “that there is none righteous, there is none that seek after God” (Romans 3:10-11)? Yes, he did. In another letter, his letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote that salvation is by the grace (the unmerited favor) of God.
What was Peter concerned about? (3:17-18)
Peter wasn’t concerned that his readers would lose their salvation which was impossible, but it was possible that because of a lack of understanding, a lack of knowledge, they might be swayed by false teaching and become worrisome about the coming of the Lord and all that was to follow. In that he had just mentioned Paul, perhaps Peter had in mind Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians in which he wrote;
“1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2nd Thessalonians 2:1-10).
The false teachers that Paul was referring to may have been the same ones Peter was referring to. They all were challenging the belief that Jesus, who is God in the flesh, would soon return to earth and establish His kingdom.
With what words did Peter closed this 2nd letter? (3:18).
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” Rather than falling away from a steadfast walk (vs.17), Peter wanted his readers to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.
What better way could we end our study of Peter and his letters than to determine to strive for those same blessings?
About the Author
It was by the grace of God that Steve was brought to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It was by God’s longsuffering that he has been sustained in that faith. Steve became a Christian on November 7, 1961. When as a young marine on liberty he came upon a street meeting held by Open Air Campaigners for Christ in the city of Los Angeles, California. For the remaining three years of his enlistment after coming to faith, Steve immersed himself in various books and studies concerning his relationship with Christ. During those three years he worshipped at Granada Heights Friends Church in La Mirada, CA on Sunday mornings, and the Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles, CA in the evenings. Steve was encouraged by three families who were members of Granada Heights Friends Church and nurtured his faith. To these three families he will forever be grateful. Those three years were a tremendous blessing to Steve. It was the foundation gained in those years that sustained him through several tumultuous years during which he walked away from a faithful walk with the Lord and lived as a prodigal son. But thanks to God, Steve was still a son. Like the prodigal of Luke 15:8-22, he was never disowned by the Father. In 1985, after living a life of riotousness that almost destroyed him, Steve surrendered to the authority of God and has since been in the service of his Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ. Steve readily acknowledges that it was and is only the grace of God that allowed him to remain alive during those years and by God’s love that Steve was brought back to fellowship with Him. This grace and love, Steve believes, is best spoken of in Romans 8:28-29. “And we know that all good things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and who he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” It is confirmed in this passage that each child of God is being conformed (being changed) to the image of Jesus Christ. First, however, God calls that person out of the world into a loving relationship with Himself, making him a son. He justifies that person so that they may have fellowship one with other and also that justification makes it possible for him to eventually be in the very presence of God.