Monday, August 14, 2023

1 Peter

First Letter of St. Peter   

Title: First letter of St. Peter. There are doubts among liberal scholars. They are based on usage of complex theological and profound grammatical constructions. Taking into an account that he was “a simple fisherman”. Reading the Bible carefully, shows that this simple fisherman knew 4 languages (to some extent).        

Date of writing: TLSB tells before 67AD. It can be right. The reason for the date is also supported by the naming of Sylvanus (2 Cor. 1:19) and Mark (Acts. 12:35; 13:13; 15:36-40). On the other hand, the Gentiles in the letter are painted only negative. It is very difficult to imagen St. Peter doing this after the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10 – 11). Therefore, it is better to place it at the beginning of Church history (30-33 AD).       

Structure:

a. 1:1-3a, Greetings

  b. 1:3b-9, faith and trials  

    c. 1:10-25, Good news and it’s impact on life   

      d. 2:1-10, put away deceit, hypocrisy, envy etc.

        e. 2:11-12, call to good conduct

          f. 2:13-17, obedience to the authorities (v 13 and 17 – emperor/king)

            g. 2:18-25, servants

            g’. 3:1-6, wives

          f’. 3:7, husbands

        e’. 3:8-22, zealous for good

      d’. 4:1-11, gentiles live in sensuality, passions, drunkenness etc..

    c’. 4:12-19, blessing in suffering for Christ

  b. 5:1-11, care and submission

a’. 5:12-14, Final greetings

Main themes: Faith in Christ (1:8 – without seeing, cp. John 20:24-29, story of Thomas). Apparently, St. Peter addresses people who have only heard about the Cross, Resurrection, and Pentecost. Therefore, he brings up the “job description for the Messiah” idea grounded in the words of the prophets (1:10-12).     

Sufferings as a participation in the sufferings of Christ. Three main reasons for suffering : (1) form us into the image of Christ; (2) devil’s hate of the Word effects those who are faithful to the Word; (3) keep us on our toes – disciple’s factor.   

Submission as the main paradigm of relationship. Social, trade, and family relationship are based on the example of Christ and godly people (Sarah, 3:6).   

Main Characters: Peter writing to the Elders – representatives of the churches in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (very prominent settlements of Jews in the Roman empire). 

Reflection in other parts of the Bible: Call of the holy people is based on the story of Exodus and the Sinai covenant (Ex. Ch. 19 – 20; Lev. 11). The separation of the people of God is reflected in every aspect of life.   

Theology of Zion is very important part of the Letter. Zion as a fortress, place of worship etc. with the LORD Himself as the cornerstone (Isaiah + Psalms).

Lutheran teaching: The theme of repentance, faith, and love as the fulfillment of the Law is discussed with the support from the Second and Fourth chapters of the Letter (Ap. V (III):117, 118; XII (V):65; XXI (IX): 31; LC, I:272, 285).

At least twice we find the passages from 3rd chanter of the epistle in the Large Catechism explaining the sacrament of the Holy Baptism (LC, IV: 24, 82). Main idea: baptism saves!

Lutheran hymnody:

LSB 616 – Baptismal Waters Cover Me

LSB 770 – What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Relevancy of the Book: Reading the First Letter of St. Peter is beneficial on at least three levels. First, the apostle presents very deep theological ideas connecting the sacrifice of Christ with the rituals of OT institutions. Second, he prepares us for the proper understanding of suffering (very important for our pain-avoiding culture). Third, the guidelines for godly conduct are described as a pattern of servitude – as Christ served us submitting to the Father, we can serve each other and the world. This is a radical teaching for our power struggle-based society.   

Memory verses:  

1:18-19: you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

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