Context

Shimon / Simon = Hebrew
When proclaimed Jesus as Lord, Jesus changed his name to Kefa (Aramaic, Matt 16:18-19), meaning “Rock”
The word “rock” in Greek, then, is Petra, which is transliterated into English as Peter
This is why you see him sometimes called “Simon Peter” or “Simon who is called Peter”
Leader of the early church
Written by a scribe to various churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in answer to persecution

1 Peter

Prasies God for a new hope, new identity, and new family
Persecution reminds frees us up from distraction and reminds you of your real home
Therefore, persecution builds faith

Old testament images paralleling gentiles of the day:
The Israelites were to partake of the Passover and then go into the wilderness (Ex 12-15, Lev 11:11) as a people who join God in covenant (Isa 10, Jer 31), joining to God’s word. They were called to build tabernacle to carry God with them and to others as a Kingdom of Priests (Ex 19:4-6)
So too are the gentiles called to a new wilderness (1:13-16) after a new Passover (1:17-21) and new covenant (1:22-25) wherein God’s words are written on thier hearts. Under the new covenant, we are the new temple (2:1-8) and a new kingdom of priests (2:9-10)

Submit to authority even if it’s unfair or oppressive
Love your enemies
Wives and slaves to a non-Godly husband/master had it particularly hard. They needed to resist evil but also submit
Godly men were to treat their wives and slaves far better than others to show Jesus’s Love to all
Recounts the sacrifice that Jesus gave leading to forgiveness of sin and His resurrection and vindication
For us, this is symbolized through baptism - our outward sign that we are joined to Christ
Vindiciation and exhaultation is coming

4:12-14 Rejoice in persecution and count it an honor
Care for suffering Christian Church (5:1-5)
The real issue: hostility toward persecution is a spiritual enemy that inspires evil and hatred (5:6-9)
We should resist this enemy by looking forward to Jesus’s return

Peter wishes greetings from Babylon (Rome)
Babylon draws forth images of corruption and excile (Daniel’s golden/silver/bronze/iron/clay statue)
We should expect suffering as we shift from one King (the worldly) to another (the spiritual)
Persecution offers a change to grow faith and demonstrate radical love

Important

Question:

1:1-11 - God invites us to join in on His Love and eternal life
To accept this one must develop God’s own character traits:
- Goodness
- Knowledge
- Self-Control
- Godiness
- Endurance
- Family Affection
- Love - devoting yourself to the wellbeing of others no matter their response
1:12-15 - Purpose: memorialize Peter’s teaching and address accusations and distortions of his teaching
Objection #1: 1:16-20: That everything was made up ⇒ Peter offers his recounting of the transfiguration and shows how it fulfills biblical prophecy

Objection #2: that God will not have a final reckoning. Allowing people to ignore money and permiscuity(2:1-3) ⇒ God will meet rebellion with his justice (2:4-11)
- The “Sons of God” - Gen 6 / Enoch 1 - Rebellious angels that slept with women and were subject to God’s judgement
- Rebellion that leads to devine judgement, but always with an out (Noah and Lot):
  - The Flood - Gen 6-8
  - Sodom & Gemmorah - Gen 19
2:12-22 - teachers were after money and sex, dismissing God authority and cause doubt about God’s concern for morality
They use a message of freedom to allow any behavior
Paul is brought up (specifically teaching such as is found in Rom 6) and clarifies that freedom was not meant to be taken this way
In fact, these people are slaves to their own flesh. Worse, since they know God, the punishment is that much firmer

Objection #3: Generations come and go without seeing Jesus’s return ⇒ Peter points out how short-sighted this is
3:6-9 - Within our universe, it is clear that God intervened just to create things
Our concept of time is limited. God operates on a different framework than ours
This is a sign of God’s patience, allowing us time to recognize our faults and to choose God
3:10-13 - “The day of the Lord … heavens will pass away” (literally stars in Greek) - the image of the skies being rolled back and God looking down on us
The earth and all of it’s works will be exposed, not to harm us but to free us from evil once and for all

3:14-18 - The true hope that all the apostles preach - even Paul (though he’s confusing, 3:16) - Cling to truth. Grow in grace and knowledge. Guard yourself so as not to be lead astray by false teachers
Recap of the book: God loves this world and is determined to rescue us, which requires His judgement for the evil that oppresses those who Love him

Important

Question: