1 Peter 1
Book Introduction - 1 Peter
Read first chapter of 1 Peter WRITER: The Apostle Peter (1 Peter 1:1) DATE: Probably A.D. 60. That "Babylon" refers to the former city on the Euphrates, or to Rome, cannot be inferred from 1 Peter 5:13. The text is obscure. THEME: While Peter undoubtedly has scattered Jewish believers in mind, his Epistles comprehend Gentile believers also (1 Peter 2:10). The present Epistle, written from a church on Gentile ground (1 Peter 5:13), presents all the foundational truths of the Christian faith, with special emphasis on the atonement. The distinctive note of First Peter is preparation for victory over suffering. The last-name word occurs about fifteen times, and is the key-word to the Epistle. The Epistle is in three parts:- Christian suffering and conduct in the light of full salvation, 1:1-2:8
- The believer's life in view of his sevenfold position, and of the vicarious suffering of Christ, 2:9-4:19
- Christian service in the light of the coming of the Chief Shepherd, 5:1-14
- (1) In the latter use election is: (a) corporate, as of the nation of Israel, or the church Isaiah 45:4; Ephesians 1:4 and (b) individual 1 Peter 1:2
- (2) Election is according to the foreknowledge of God 1 Peter 1:2 and wholly of grace, apart from human merit ; Romans 9:11; 11:5,6.
- (3) Election proceeds from the divine volition John 15:16.
- (1) The sovereign act of God in grace whereby certain are chosen from among mankind for Himself. John 15:19.
- (2) The sovereign act of God whereby certain elect persons are chosen for distinctive service for Him. Luke 6:13; Acts 9:15; 1 Corinthians 1:27,28
- (1) assured salvation, 1 Peter 1:2-5.
- (2) the greater glory at Christ's appearing, 1 Peter 1:7;
- (3) Christ's sufferings and coming glories, 1 Peter 1:11
- (4) the believer's association with Him in both, 1 Peter 2:20,21; 3:17,18 4:12,13.
- (5) the purifying effect of suffering, 1 Peter 1:7; 4:1,2; 5:10.
- (6) that Christ is now glorified in the believer's patient suffering, 1 Peter 4:16.
- (7) that suffering is disciplinary, 1 Peter 4:17-19; 1 Corinthians 11:31,32; Hebrews 12:5-13.
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