1 Peter 1:1-12
Q.1. To whom was this letter addressed? What insights did Peter give about how sinners are saved? – (1 Pet.1:1-2)
Israel was scattered far and wide throughout the then known world. They often built synagogues in these different places. This was where Paul and his co-workers went on church planting missionary journeys. Peter’s letter was addressed to many of these new believers, who had gathered as churches abroad. Peter gave a succinct summary of how sinners can gain entrance into the family of God. They – … are chosen … according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood … (1 Pet.1:1& 2). Peter suggested that this is entirely a work of the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. However, true believers need to turn from a life of sin to a life of obedience.
Q.2. What gives substance to our hope in eternal salvation? How can we be sure we can persevere on the journey? – (1 Pet.1:3-5)
Peter had fallen dramatically but had tentatively returned to his apostleship. Though Peter is often portrayed as a rough fisherman, his Epistle revealed a rich understanding of the Gospel. The destiny of the reborn child of God could not be more certain for the recipients of His mercy, for He – 3 … has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Pet.1:3-5). It is noteworthy that our heavenly inheritance is unlosable, because it is protected by the power of God. The rock-solid basis of our hope is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This furnished proof that this is more than a mere story. It is fixed on a historical event.
Q.3. Should we be alarmed when trials come? Why does God allow us to be sorely tried and tested? – (1 Pet.1:6-9)
Jesus stated that many would-be followers would be offended by affliction or persecution and fall away (Mt.13:20-22). Peter addressed the matter of the various kinds of trials that aliens would suffer. He challenged his readers to evaluate suffering in the light of eternity – so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold, which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Pet.1:7). He revealed that trials are used by God to purify our faith, and to strengthen our dependence on Him. This turns a seeming loss into a win every time.
Q.4. What made it difficult for the prophets to understand the prophecies about Christ? How do their writings underscore the truth of the Gospel? – (1 Pet.1:10-12)
Many people want God to champion their cause. The picture of Messiah in the Old Testament certainly painted Him as a Reigning Ruler. However, Peter revealed that the prophets of old were puzzled, when – … the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow
(1 Pet.1:11). However, the idea that the Messiah would be a Suffering Servant before His exaltation, would not only be historically true, but also – It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven–things into which angels long to look (1 Pet.1:12). This says much about the prophets who faithfully proclaimed and wrote down these prophecies, even though they often did not fully comprehend them (2 Pet.1:20-21).