Christ Through the Ages, 20: 1-2 Peter–In His Steps

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/christ-through-the-ages-20-1-2-peter-in-his-steps/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p>Introduction</p><ul><li>Like all the letters, 1-2 Peter are intended to help us to grow, to continue to live as disciples of Christ to the very end.</li><li>2 Peter – growth through knowledge</li><li>1 Peter – growth hrough suffering</li><li>The translations relied on in this lesson are the NIV and that of biblical scholar J. Ramsey Michaels.</li></ul><p>The theme of suffering in 1 Peter</p><ul><li>1 Pet 1: Faith refined in fires of suffering – persecution is starting already, or is on the horizon. In the 60s AD there was a general souring of imperial relationships, though nothing like what it will be 40 years later, once Christianity became illegal.</li><li>1 Pet 2: Unjust suffering, as opposed to suffering we bring on ourselves or deserve.</li><li>1 Pet 3: Suffering and hard times affect relationships, e.g. marriage and those within the church family.</li><li>1 Pet 4: We are to arm ourselves with a robust attitude towards suffering, just as Christ did, and then we will be finished with sin. We can share in Christ’s suffering. Opposition may come in the form of being mocked for taking a strong stand.</li><li>1 Pet 5: Patience in suffering, knowing our brothers and sisters worldwide are also suffering, and being convinced that, eventually, the Lord will lift us up.</li></ul><p>Unjust suffering</p><ul><li>Servants – beaten or mistreated by cruel masters (2:18). In the next section, we read of wives, who may be hurting at hands of unbelieving husbands (3:1).</li><li>Yet all Christians are servants (2:16), so Peter's words to servants (2:18-25) apply to us all.</li><li>Isaiah 53 lies in the background of 1 Peter 2:21-25. This passage is perfectly suited to the point, as this is the famous chapter on the Suffering Servant, and the best known prophecy of Jesus Christ in all the O.T.</li><li>2:23 suggests verbal abuse (lik