22 December

Bible In 365 Days                           

1 Peter 1-5

1 Peter 1

Like the letter of James, the purpose of this was to establish those who were passing through a period of suffering and testing. In his introduction the Apostle used the name Jesus had given him, "Peter." He described those to whom he wrote as "elect . . . according to the foreknowledge of God," and "in sanctification of the Spirit." He approached the subject of the testing of their faith by reminding them of the heavenly nature of their vocation. The final issue thereof is an inheritance, all the characteristics of which are in direct contrast to the inheritances of earth.

Approaching the actual fact of their trials, the apostle turned the light of the great hope on them. Joy should be theirs in the consciousness that the issue of the testing would be the vindication of their faith at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

This wonderful salvation had been the subject of inquiries and research by the prophets of old, and angels desired to look into the matter. Having set the testing of their confidence in relation to its purpose, the apostle proceeded to practical exhortation, and dealt, first, with individual responsibility, and afterward with relative responsibility. The personal attitude is described as girding up the loins of the mind, with hope perfectly set on assured consummation. The strongest argument is then used. It is that they have been redeemed, brought from slavery into the liberty of children. That redemption was provided at infinite cost. The Apostle then passes to relative injunctions, and the first calls them to the maintenance of unfeigned love of the brethren.

1 Peter 2

In order to obey the injunctions, those to whom Peter writes are urged to put away all such things as are contrary to the spirit of love. In order to do this they will long for the sustenance of the Word.

All this leads to the subject of the testing of their confidence. Describing the Church as a building, Peter declared the cornerstone is the living Christ, from whom the preciousness is derived, which is to manifest the excellencies of God to the world. The description of the Church is systematic and exhaustive. It is a race, and this suggests its life principle. It is a priesthood, and so has right of access to God. It is a nation, and so is under His government. It is a possession, and so is actually indwelt by Him.

The application of these principles immediately follows. The first result will be abstention from fleshly lusts, and behaving themselves among outsiders in a seemly manner; they will silence slander, and vindicate God. Peter then showed what should be the relation of the separated nation to the world powers. It was to be submission to authority. In short, crisp sentences he charged them, "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."

Then he showed how these things would apply. Servants will yield obedience to their masters as unto Christ. The service rendered will be the opportunity of manifesting the very Spirit of Christ.

1 Peter 3

The marriage relation was then dealt with, and special emphasis was laid on the fact that the true adornment of woman is found in her character rather than in her dress. Husbands are charged to dwell with their wives according to knowledge. The final reason for the fulfilment of this ideal is that prayers be not hindered.

Passing to the subject of suffering which invariably follows loyalty to Christ, the apostle quoted from the Psalms. That shows that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears open to their supplication. With regard to evil, His face is on them. In the light of these facts the power of any to harm the followers of God is challenged. One supreme responsibility rests on them, and it is beautifully expressed in the words, "Sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord." The issue of such loyalty will be that the very persons who revile will be put to shame.

In strengthening his brethren for suffering the apostle had cited the example of Christ. In this connection occurs a statement which has given rise to differing interpretations, and even to controversy. The simple meaning of it is that when He was put to death in the flesh, Christ passed into a new life of the spirit. In that life He went and preached to the spirits in prison. What His message was we are not told. Why only those disobedient in the days of Noah are mentioned is not stated. What the purpose or result of Christ's preaching was, is not revealed. On all these points we may form our own conclusions, but we have no authority for anything approaching dogmatic teaching.

1 Peter 4

The whole force of the argument which the apostle has used in speaking thus of the Christ was to show these saints how through suffering Christ reached a triumph, and to call them to arm themselves with His mind. Let them act by ceasing from sin and all the gratifications of the flesh which had characterized their past.

Injunctions followed the argument. The light of the future is turned on the past, "The end of all things is at hand." The effect of this certainty is then stated in its personal and relative aspects. The individual is to be of sound mind and sober unto prayer. The ultimate purpose is that God may be glorified in all things.

The Apostle's last words of comfort for those in the midst of testing is that "fiery trial" is not "strange." The process is watched by God and made a means of grace.

Such results, however, do not follow suffering, which is the consequence of sin. Where persecution is the result of relationship to Christ let there be no shame, but rather rejoicing. Let them accept the name and glorify God in it by fulfilling its true meaning, and manifesting itself in life. Seeing that judgment begins at the house of God, there is no room to doubt the punishment of those who in evil life persecute its members. Remembering that these fires of persecution are watched by God, and never allowed to harm His own, let them commit their souls to Him. Thus the attitude of quiet patience is enjoined on all who suffer for the sake of the Name they bear.

1 Peter 5

Finally, the Apostle proceeded to strengthen his brethren for conflict. The first matter dealt with was the general orderliness of the Church. He enjoined the elders that they care for the flock. Their office is twofold, to attend or feed, and to keep watchful oversight. They are not to lord it over the flock, but are to serve the flock, not, indeed, as under the authority of the flock, but under that of the Lord and Master, the Chief Shepherd. The younger are to be in subjection, and that is ever in the Church of God the place of honor. Let there be humility, and beyond that no anxiety, for "God careth."

Having thus dealt with the orderliness of the Church, the Apostle turned to the conflict. The adversary is named, and his method is described. He is neither careless nor neutral. His business is the destruction of all good. He is seeking whom he may devour. The attitude of the Christian toward this foe is to be soberness, and watchfulness, actual conflict, steadfastness in faith. The soldier must never be off duty. Seeking the enemy must be answered by watching the saint. Moreover, there must be actual fighting, and that can be only as the soldier stands firm and strong in faith.

A very beautiful incentive to fighting is given in conclusion. We are not alone. Our brethren in the world are all fighting. Our battle is not our own merely. It is theirs also. They fight for us, and we for them. Our defeat harms them as well as ourselves. The epistle closes with some personal words, and the final benediction of peace.