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Introduction to first and second Peter an epistle of the Apostle Peter. This epistle was written around 63. The epistle is addressed to “aliens, scattered.” This term referred to Christians who, as Israel of old, were strewn all through the world. Although the readers of this epistle were primarily of Gentile background rather than Jewish their position was one of suffering and trial. Their trial though was not because of the ban on Christianity, but more towards persecutions and attacks upon their person, along with a feeling of exclusion from social circles. Peter encourages the people to face these attacks with love and rejoicing. The truth of Christianity is spoken of as opposed to the heresies of the false teachers that have wandered the lands for so long. The transfiguration, inspiration of the scriptures and the certainty of the second coming of Christ are found in second Peter.
This epistle specifically claims to be the work of Simon Peter. This writer also states he was present at the transfiguration of Jesus. There is no actual location mentioned as to where this epistle is addressed but it is believed to be to the same people as addressed in first Peter. It is believed to have been written shortly before Peter’s death around 67. Peter was crucified upside down because he did not feel himself to be worthy of the same death as his Lord.
It is believed that Peter wrote this epistle while in Babylon, which is a symbolic name of course for Rome. The focus of this epistle is found in 5:12, “the true grace of God” as it applies to the life of a believer.
An outline to first Peter:
I. Chapter 1 verses 1 to 2 are a salutation to the people and expresses the idea that God in all His wisdom has chosen ‘us’ to salvation through the Holy Spirit given to us through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
II. Peter begins in verse 3 giving the blessings that are available to God’s children. Verses 3 to 9 of chapter 1 are called the Doxology. Peter starts by saying, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” and ending in verse 9 with, “obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” The Old Testament prophets spoke of grace but did not fully understand all that was involved in God’s redeeming grace through Jesus Christ. The prophets of the Old Testament did predict the Messiah and His suffering and His glory (Isaiah 53 and Isaiah 11)
III. Peter speaks in chapter 1:13 to 2:10 of grace and what it means in holiness, fear, love, and in growth. Peter says that we are too disciplined in our thinking. We are not to be conformed to our former desires and lusts but instead we are to be holy and reverent before God. We are to walk in obedience and in love unblemished and spotless as Christ walked. Until we are able to walk in obedience and love, striving towards that unblemished and spotless life of Christ we will not grow.
IV. Peter also says that grace is submission. In chapter 2:11 to 3:12, Peter talks about the duties of the Christian. Peter says that Christians are to be law-abiding citizens and not foolish in their ways. Peter says that Christians should follow the rules of those above them. Peter speaks to husbands and wives as to the way they should live. Peter sums things up in verses 8 to 12 of chapter 3 by saying, “let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit, not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead, for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing…for the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears attend to the their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
V. Grace also means suffering. Chapter 3:13 to 4:19 gives reasons for suffering. Peter says we are going to suffer when we determine in our hearts to serve Christ. Others will not see the way we do and they will come against us. God will though give us peace in all things. Peter says also that when we suffer at the hands of the enemy we should not fight back in our physical means but to give the battle to God and thus we will be victorious.
VI. Peter closes this epistle by saying grace also means to serve. Peter exhorts the people to serve Christ in humility realizing that God cares for us. God will exalt us when we stand firm and faithful in Him.
An outline to second Peter:
I. Greetings: “to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours.” Starts this epistle, Peter calls him self a bondservant to Christ and asks that peace and grace be multiplied to the people. Chapter 1 verses 1 to 2.
II. The Development of faith through growth, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, kindness, and developing grounds for faith laying aside all worldly things for that of Christ. Chapter 1:3 to 21. Peter has seen with his own eyes and so he can testify to that which he has seen.
III. Peter strongly denounces false teachers. He speaks of their conduct, condemnation and their characteristics. Chapter 2:1 to 22. The coming of false teachers is spoken of throughout the New Testament. Jesus warned of wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15), Timothy warns of doctrines of devils, Thessalonians warns of Satanic natures, and many other references are given throughout the New Testament of false teachers. Peter warns of the Churches apostasy and paints a rather bleak picture. Peter lets it be known that is a terrible sin to corrupt the church, the believers.
IV. Chapter 3:1 to 18 talks about the future. Verses 1 to 9 speak of derision and delay. Peter speaks to all believers saying that it seems a delay of Christ’s return is for allowing more people to come to Him. Verses 10 to 13 speak of dissolution, the day of the Lord and the certainty of dissolution, which makes it very urgent that all believers live a life of Godliness. Moreover, the epistle closes with verses 14 to 18 speaking of diligence. Believers are told to strive to find themselves spotless and blameless before the Lord “growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
Resources:
The Holy Bible Thompson Chain NIV and KJV
Sermon Notes, by Thomas E. Miles, Sr.
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