1 Peter 1:1a Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
Today, I begin a new study of 1 Peter. Revelation was very challenging, but through the struggle, I gained many new insights. First Peter will be a fresh study of ideas that will be easier to understand. I have translated most of 1 Peter from the Greek before and preached through it as a pastor. However, I do not have access to any of those notes, so this will be all new insights. As before, I do not consult a commentary but just consider the words that are before me. I may get back to looking at the Greek in my study of Peter’s letters.
Peter is an interesting character in the Bible. As one of the first followers of Jesus, he showed initiative and simple faith. As an outspoken person, these characteristics come out even more. He comes across as a person who talks before thinking, but I think deep within, Peter was a deep thinker. As a fisherman, he probably had many hours of solitude. People of solitude are often deep thinkers. We see this thinking coming out in this letter.
Peter describes himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He was sent by Jesus to bear witness to the world of Jesus’ teachings, life, death, resurrection, and coming again. “Apostle” also carried authority. Peter got his identity from his association with and faith in Jesus. Peter carried out the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8. Of course, Peter was human and had his weaknesses and poor understanding (see Acts 10), but God in grace led him to deeper insights and more obedient discipleship.
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