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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