During the early decades of church history, many letters were written to churches or individuals. The apostle Peter wrote at least two letters, and these are included in the Bible. What does God want to teach us through these letters?
Who it was peter
Peter was one of Jesus’ disciples. Actually, his personal name was Simon, but Jesus gave him a new name (see Matthew 16: 18-19 ). After the resurrection and Jesus’ ascension to heaven, Peter became the leader of the Jerusalem church. But he was also involved in a mission beyond Israel’s borders. That is why he wrote these letters from Rome.
Background and objective of Peter’s letters
Peter’s letters are addressed to various churches in Asia Minor. These churches consisted primarily of non-Jewish Christians. In their daily lives, these believers faced opposition and even oppression (1 Peter 1:6-7 , 1 Peter 2:12 , 1 Peter 4:16).
Because Peter knows that he will probably die soon and never meet these churches in person again, he writes to them about important doctrines and gives advice in his two letters. Peter encourages them to remain faithful and to keep in mind that Jesus Christ will bring about his glorious future (for example, 2 Peter 4: 13-14 ).
Looking beyond the current sufferings
Peter doesn’t just focus on the particular problems of his readers. Rather, he begins his letter by reminding them of the big picture:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In accordance with his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, spotless, and unfading, stored up in heaven for you, who by the power of God. are being guarded by faith for a salvation ready to be revealed at the last time ”( 1 Peter 1:3-5 ).
In fact, this is Pedro’s main advice: he knows that his readers are suffering, but he wants them to keep in mind that this is only temporary. Believers should remember and be thankful for their new identity and the glorious future what awaits them And actually, the persecution they face may even help them focus more on Jesus and deepen their faith in him ( 1 Peter 1:6-7 ).
Live as the holy people of God
Peter urges his readers to live as God’s holy people: ” As the one who called you is holy, you also will be holy in all your conduct, since it is written: You will be holy, because I am holy. ” ( 1 Peter 1:15-16 ). This should be shown with brotherly love ( 1 Peter 1:22 ), by rejecting malice and envy ( 1 Peter 2:1 ), and in the longing for the Word of God ( 1 Peter 2:2 ).
If people live like this, they are” built as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood ” ( 1 Peter 2:5 ), honoring God. Such a life will also be a testimony to unbelievers, among whom might be someone’s master or husband ( 1 Peter 2:12 , 1 Peter 3:1 ).
Jesus was also persecuted
In chapters 3-4, Peter encourages his readers to remain faithful and to do good even in the midst of suffering. “ Because it is better to suffer for doing good, if that were God’s will, than for doing evil. Because Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, in order to bring us to God, being executed in the flesh but made alive in the spirit ”( 1 Peter 3: 17-18 ).
Jesus knows what they are going through. And in the future, they will be exalted alongside their triumphant King. The devil prowls like a roaring lion 1 Peter 5:8 ), but when they resist it with 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 ).
Reflects the character of God
In his second letter, Peter says that God has given believers great promises ” so that through them they may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world due to sinful desire ” ( 2 Peter 1:4 ) .
This means that they must reflect the nature of God, which is characterized by virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, piety, brotherly affection, and love ( 2 Peter 1:5-7 ). These characteristics are signs of spiritual growth and “ prevent you from being ineffective or fruitless in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ ” ( 2 Peter 1:8 ).
resist false teachers
In Asia Minor, there were some false teachers. “To the leave the right path, have gone astray ” ( 2 Peter 2:15 ). Both his lives and his theology were false. They were distorting and abusing the doctrine of Christian liberty. Peter reminds his readers that God will bring judgment on sinners, especially those they knew best ( 2 Peter 2:20-22 ).
jesus will return
Some people wondered why Jesus had not yet returned. Would he come back at all? Yes, says Peter. God ” he is patient with you, he does not want any to perish, but that all come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief ”( 2 Peter 3:9-10 ). On that day, God will create” new heavens and a new earth in which justice dwells ” ( 2 Peter 3:13 ). What a glorious prospect that is!
lessons for us
Peter’s letters remind us of some important truths:
- Life as a Christian can be difficult. If you suffer persecution, focus on Jesus. Remember his promises and look forward to his future.
- Living as a Christian means reflecting the nature of God, living a holy life, and being a witness to others.
- Keep in mind that Jesus will return, both to judge sinners and to fulfill his promises about new heavens and a new earth.
If you want to know more about Pedro, read the following extended study: Pedro