The Epistle of 1 Peter Chapter 1

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my sincere Prayer that you are being Blessed even as you read this email.

Today, we study the Book of 1 Peter chapter 1.

1:1 Peter is the Greek form of the Aramaic name Cephas (“Rock”) which was given to Peter at his call to discipleship by the Lord Himself (cf John 1:42) and is the name by which he is usually designated in the New Testament. The addressees are described as strangers (Gr parepidemois), sojourners in a strange place, and scattered (Gr. Diasporas), the dispersion. Throughout Pontus, and so on, is in the area now known as Asia Minor

1:2 Elect ones who are chosen of God to salvation according to the foreknowledge of God the Father: Foreknowledge is not simple prescience or advance knowledge. It is God’s determination on eternity past o bring certain ones into a special relationship with Himself. The Spirit sets apart for salvation from destruction those whom God has foreknown. Sprinkling is an allusion to Exodus 24:1-11 in which the blood was sprinkled on the altar as a symbol of the people’s obedience and also on the people as a symbol of Jehovah’s acceptance.

1:3-2:10 The Christian’s destiny: Salvation means “deliverance.” Peter’s view of salvation is ultimate salvation, that is, when the believer will be rescued form this world into the presence of God.

1:3-12 The plan of salvation: Peter does not look at time from a Western perspective.  The Hebrews regarded the present as so fleeting that in their language they have essentially only two tenses; past and future.

1:3-5 The portrayal of salvation looks to the future. The author of salvation is portrayed as the blessed God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The work of salvation (vv. 3-5) is described as to its effect. Hath begotten us again refers to a new sate of life that begins at salvation. This lively hope has no element of uncertainty, for it is guaranteed by Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. The believer’s inheritance is described is incorruptible (Gr. aphtharton), imperishable or indestructible, and undefiled (i.e., morally untainted). That fadeth not away (Gr. Amaranton) means it is not subject to the ravages of time. Further it is reserved (Gr. Teteremenen, perfect tense), that is, it has been preserved in the past and still is in heaven. Kept is a present passive participle- we are secure because we are continually guarded by God, who never relaxes His vigil. Salvation here refers to final salvation, that is, it has been preserved in the past and still is in heaven, Kept is a present passive participle – we are secure because we are continually guarded by God, who never relaxes His vigil. Salvation here refers to final salvation, that is, deliverance from the presence of sin and into the presence of God.

1:6-9 The problem of salvation looks to the present. Earthly trials constitute a problem of our salvation, but they are only for a season, or temporary. Manifold temptations means diversified trials. True faith cannot be destroyed though God is in the process of refining faith through our trials.

1:10,11 The prophecy of salvation looks to the past. This section is most important, for it reveals that salvation was the object o prophecy and reveals how much the Old Testament prophets knew of Christ. The prophets, that is, the Old Testament prophets searched diligently: This emphasizes the study involved in their search. They wanted to know when, the Messiah was coming and what would be the circumstances of His coming. The Spirit of the Christ, that is, the Holy Spirit (cf Rom 8:9). Which was in them indicates the prophets were indwelt by the Spirit.

1:12 Angels, who are not themselves objects of redemption, desire to look into (lit., “desire to stoop to look into”): This is the same word used of Peter at the empty tomb of God (cf Luke 24:12).

1:13-25. The products of salvation: hope, holiness, reverence and love.

1:13 The exhortation to set one’s hope involves and inward resolution. Gird up the loins of your mind: The imagery is that of personal discipline and outward conduct. Be sober (Gr. Nephonetes): Be free of every sort of mental and spiritual intoxication. The revelation of Jesus Christ is the Second Advent when Jesus returns to earth to set up His kingdom.

1:17-20 The exhortation to reverence (or, godly fear): The basis for the exhortation is our relationship to the Father. The motivation for living our lives in reverence is doctrinal, forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things. The ones who are exhorted to live their lives in reverence (cf v. 17) are the ones who are exhorted to be holy (cf vv. 14-16). They are redeemed (Gr elutrohete, i.e., “bought back from sin”). Vain (Gr. Mataias): useless, worthless. The price paid for their redemption was the precious blood, which was essential (1) sacrificially, as a lamb without blemish and without spot: He was perfect: (2) eternally, who verily was foreordained; it was the Father’s plan and idea before the foundation of the world, that is, in eternity past; and (3) historically, but was manifest in thee last times: a reference to Jesus’ incarnation.

1:23 Being born again (lit., “having been born again”) refers to all believers having been regenerated by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, which communicates. His offer of salvation to mankind. Thus, our salvation rests, from the human perspective, upon our willing reception of that offer.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Bishop William B. Caractor