Many letters were written to churches or to individuals in the early decades of church history. At least two of the letters written by the apostle Peter are found in the Bible. With these letters, what message does God want to impart to us?
Who was Peter?
[One of Jesus’ disciples was Peter]. Though Jesus gave him a new name, his real name was Simon (see Matthew 16:18-19). Following [Jesus’ resurrection] and heavenly ascension, Peter assumed leadership of the Jerusalem church. However, he was also active in missions outside of Israel. He composed these letters from Rome for this reason.
Background and goal of Peter’s letters
In Asia Minor, Peter’s letters are addressed to different churches. Christian non-Jews made up the majority of these churches’ membership. These believers experienced hostility and even persecution in their daily lives (1 Peter 1:6-7; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 4:16).
Peter writes his two letters to these churches with counsel and essential doctrines because he knows he will most likely die soon and not see them in person again. In 2 Peter 3:13–14, for example, Peter exhorts them to continue being obedient and to remember that Jesus Christ will usher in his glorious destiny.
Look beyond the current sufferings
Peter does not limit his attention to the specific issues of his readers. Instead, he reminds them of the wider picture at the beginning of his letter:
“Glorified be the Father and God of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He has, in accordance with His great mercy, caused us to be born again into a living hope and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, God’s chosen ones, who are being kept safe through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5).
This is actually Peter’s key piece of advise; he wants his readers to remember that although they are going through a difficult time, it is only transitory. Believers have a bright future ahead of them, and they should remember and be thankful for their new identity. In fact, according to 1 Peter 1:6-7, the persecution they are experiencing may be strengthening their faith and helping them to become more devoted to Jesus.
Live as God’s holy people
“As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy,” (1 Peter 1:15-16) is how Peter exhorts his readers to behave as God’s holy people. This ought to be demonstrated by setting hatred and jealousy aside (1 Peter 2:1), showing brotherly love (1 Peter 1:22), and having a yearning for God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2).
In 1 Peter 2:5, it is said that those who live thus way respect God and are “built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood.” A life like that will also serve as a witness to unbelievers, some of whom may be a person’s husband or master (1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:1).
Jesus was persecuted as well – and He vindicates
Peter exhorts his readers to act morally and with fidelity even[in the face of pain] in chapters three and four. If God’s will is to suffer for doing good, then it is preferable to suffer for doing bad. Because Christ was crucified in the flesh but raised from the dead in the spirit, He too once suffered for our sins—the righteous for the unrighteous—in order to reconcile us to God (1 Peter 3:17–18).
Jesus is aware of their situation. And they will be honored with their victorious King in the future. As they oppose the devil in faith, “the God of all grace, Who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). The devil is roaming around like a roaring lion.
Reflect God’s character
“So that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire,” according to Peter in his second epistle, believers have been given great promises by God (2 Peter 1:4).
According to 2 Peter 1:5-7, this indicates that they are to mirror God’s nature, which is defined by virtue, wisdom, self-control, steadfastness, holiness, brotherly affection, and love. These qualities “keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8) and are indicators of [spiritual progress].
Resist false teachers
There were several bogus instructors in Asia Minor. “They have strayed from the right path, abandoning it” (2 Peter 2:15). Their theology was fake, just as their lives were. They were misrepresenting and mishandling the Christian freedom teaching. In 2 Peter 2:20–22, Peter tells his readers that God would punish sinners, especially those who had knowledge of better.
Jesus will return
Why Jesus hadn’t returned yet was a question that some people had. Would He even return? Indeed, Peter replies. God “is patient with you, desiring that everyone come to repentance rather than that any should perish.” However, the Lord’s day will arrive like a robber (2 Peter 3:9–10). God will establish “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” on that day, according to 2 Peter 3:13. What a wonderful possibility it is!
Lessons for us
Peter’s letters remind us of some important truths:
- It might be challenging to live as a Christian. If you are facing persecution, keep your eyes on Jesus. Recall his words, and look forward to what lies ahead.
- Being a Christian entails reflecting the attributes of God, leading a chaste life, and serving as an example to others.
- Recognize that Jesus will return in order to fulfill his promises of a new world and new heavens as well as to [judgment sinners].
Want to learn more?
It goes without saying that reading Peter’s letters personally is the greatest way to understand more about him. Additionally, you could view these two Bible Project introductory videos:
