Overview of the New Testament Part II
The Writings of Peter I Peter
Key Thoughts:
· Encouragement: Hope in the midst of persecution and suffering
· What it means to be God's holy people in the midst of suffering
· Generally accepted to be written by the apostle Peter, written through Silvanus (see I Peter 5:12). Some modern scholarship has disputed this on the grounds of style and content, however.
· Silvanus Very likely a form of "Silas", and may well be the trusted companion of Paul on his second missionary journey (see Acts 15:22 - 18:5)
· Also note the reference to Mark (probably John Mark in 5:13)
· Assuming Peter's authorship, this could have been written in Rome before 65 CE. Tradition is that Peter was martyred under Nero, sometime between 65-67 (Eusebeus Ecclesiastical History).
· The stated purpose for writing is found in 5:12:
- to encourage the churches
- to testify to the grace of God
- to encourage "standing in God's grace"
· Babylon (5:13) refers most likely to Rome. Babylon often symbolized Rome in non-Biblical apocalyptic literature.
· Accepted as a composition from Jesus' disciple Peter by the late second century
- Polycarp, a leader of the church in Smyrna, quotes I Peter in his Letter to the Philippians written before 140 CE
- Irenaeus, an early Christian writer also quotes I Peter, as the writing of the apostle, late in the second century (Irenaeus Against the Heresies)
· Unlike the letters of Paul, I Peter was not written to a single church, but to "the exiles of the Dispersion", or the scattered church (see I Peter 1:2)
· The use of the term "dispersion" is drawn from the concept of the Jewish Diaspora, which were Jews no longer living in their homeland.
· Exile language then, recalls the history of the Jewish people (the people of God), who after the fall of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms to Assyria and Babylon respectively, were to never again be a people defined by "land", or located in one central geographic location.
· Terms such as "exile", and "aliens" found in I Peter 1:17, and 2:11 are technical terms that would have referred to individuals who were displaced persons living as "foreigners" with certain social restrictions. They did not have the status of full citizens, but they were not slaves or "transients". They were those who simply were "not at home" in the land in which they lived.
Overview of the New Testament Part II
The Writings of Peter I Peter
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· These terms "alien" and "exile", are both real and metaphorical
- Real: in the sense that Christians who had been scattered (as in Acts 8) would have physically been living in places, not their own, particularly in a time of suffering and persecution.
- Metaphorical: Christians are to be different than non-Christians.
Ψ Recalls the "kingdom of God" language in that the kingdom is not like the world
Ψ Recalls the meaning of "holy" in that God's chosen people are set apart for his purposes
· Significant references to persecution and persevering in suffering
- "various trials" 1:6
- "suffering unjustly" 2:19
- "suffering for doing what is right" 3:14
- "better to suffer for doing good, than doing evil" 3:17
· Greeting (1:1 1:2)
- Identification of Peter as the author
- Mention of the region in which Christians were dispersed
- Definition of the chosen: those who have been sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus
· Opening Blessing (1:3 1:9)
- Follows Jewish worship customs to pronounce a blessing upon God for his work
- Similar to the writings of Paul to first give thanks and praise to God
· Salvation as the fulfillment of prophesy (1:10-12)
- Emphasis on the Holy Spirit bringing the gospel (1:12)
- Mention of the "angels" which is somewhat unique to Peter's writings
· Exhortation to holy living (1:13 2:10) Recalls God's timeless purpose for his people.
- Be holy 1:15, recalls language of Leviticus 19:1-2
- Royal priesthood language, recalls Moses words to the people of Israel after they had been brought out of captivity, Exodus 19:5-6
Overview of the New Testament Part II
The Writings of Peter I Peter
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· Obligations for Christians (2:11 4:11) Use of "imperatives" in "command fashion" (examples).
· These show the need for Christians to live honorably in the world in light of:
Ψ governmental structures,
- conduct yourselves honorably 2:12
- accept the authority of every human institution 2:13
- honor everyone 2:17
Ψ household relationships, and
- wives accepting authority of husbands - 3:1
- husbands showing respect and honor for wives 3:7
Ψ community life.
- have unity of spirit 3:8
- keeping a clear conscience 3:16, which culminates in a discourse on baptism
- be serious and disciplined 4:7
- love one another - 4:8
- be hospitable 4:9
- rejoice - 4:13
· A key feature of this development is the use of Isaiah 53. Peter meditates upon the example of Christ to help shape the response of Christians to the world around them. Note the similarities of language:
I Peter 2:22 to Isaiah 53:9
I Peter 2:23 to Isaiah 53:7
I Peter 2:24 to Isaiah 53:11, and 5
I Peter 2:25 to Isaiah 53:6
· Message of the resurrection embedded in this:
- Christ, put to death and made alive 3:18-19 (the form of these verses is likely an early Christian confession of faith)
- Picture of Noah and the flood, salvation through water 3:20
- Picture of baptism: reflecting the appeal for a good conscience in the faith 3:21
· Standing Firm in Trial (4:12 5:11)
- Not being surprised at the fiery ordeal, common to all (4:12-13)
- Importance of shepherds to care for the flock (5:1-5)
- Importance of humility, discipline, and alertness (5:6-11)
· Closing and benediction (5:12 14)