The apostle Peter was chosen to be the first to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10; Ac 15:7), but his ministry was primarily to the Jews (Ga 2:1-10).

He wrote these two letters to believers scattered in five areas of the Roman Empire, two of which Paul had not been allowed to enter (Ac 16:7).

In writing these letters, Peter fulfilled the commission given him in Lk 22:32 and John 21:15–17.

The theme of the first letter is the grace of God (5:12), and Peter tells us how to live as aliens in a hostile world.

The theme of the second letter is spiritual knowledge (he uses knowledge seven times in the letter), and he warns us about false teachers.

Peter opens his first epistle by reminding his readers of what God’s grace has done for them in saving them (1:1–2:10). He then points out that God’s grace helps them in various relationships of life (1 Pe 2:11-3:12) and in the coming time of persecution (1 Pe 3:13-5:14).

Peter sums up the themes of both letters in his benediction in 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace [1 Pet.] and knowledge [2 Pet.] of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. ” That is the only way to succeed in these last days.

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Living Hope Men’s hopes are dead hopes. Like cut flowers, they bloom awhile and then fade and die (1 Pet. 1:24–25). The Christian’s hope is fresh and fruitful because it is a “living hope ” (v. 1 Pe 1:3), purchased by the living Christ (v. 1 Pe 1:3) and promised in the living Word (v. 23).

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1 PETER 2

Growing (1–3). Just as a baby has an appetite for the mother’s milk, so the child of God has an appetite for the Father’s Word. If you lose that appetite and stop growing, check to see if any of the sins listed in verse 1 are infecting your life.

Building (4–8). God is building a temple out of living stones (Eph. 2:19–22), and we are privileged to be part of it. We are built on Jesus Christ, so there is no way the temple can be destroyed.

Sacrificing (9–10). Each believer is a priest before God and can bring sacrifices to the Lord through Jesus Christ. As we worship the Lord, we proclaim His virtues to a lost world. That is what God called Israel to do (Exod. 19:1–9), and they failed. Are we also failing?

Abstaining (11–12). As strangers whose citizenship is in heaven, we are carefully watched by the world; and we must live to glorify God. It may be difficult today, but it will be worth it when Jesus returns.

Mulți așa ziși creștini se înșeală crezând că-L poți primi pe Christos fără să te lepezi de lume. Nu poți sta cu fața la Christos dacă nu stai cu spatele la lume.

Categories: Studiu biblic