Introduction:

Last month, we finished references in the New Testament that cited the name of Simon Peter. Now, we turn to the epistles that bear his name. All along this journey, we have kept in mind our initial premise, "Did any of the experiences that Peter had show up in his books?"

As we exegete Peter's writings, it becomes evident that in the back of his mind was an awareness of them all, and from those resources, he articulated principles of life that ran deep within him. Little could he know in the six years after publishing I Peter (64AD), he would be put to death and Jerusalem would be destroyed by the Romans (70 AD).

(I suggest reading all five chapters at one time and keeping in mind that this elder statesman was all but defining his last will and testament. Great swaths of theology are articulated from his Shepard's heart. From the very beginning, he is preparing the body of believers for their bride-ship with Jesus.)

At the very offset of Peter's work, he uses a term which is only used three times in Scripture, "Pilgrim." Two of those times are used in his epistles and one time in Hebrews. (However, Hebrews clarifies the term by using examples of past Biblical persons who were Pilgrims in their own right).

Look at the root elements in the word, Pilgrim:

Observe the use of "Pilgrims" in Hebrews:

Pilgrims are a people who are just passing through an earthly domain with a determination to continue further into an everlasting habitat. Destination determination is the hallmark of those termed, "Pilgrims."

"Dispersion pilgrims" were those who met persecution in their homeland and decided to leave it. In Peter's time, they were scattered to the places mentioned in verse one, Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.

(One might imagine the difficulties encountered in Judea coming from the ruling Jews who were opposed to Christianity. Refusal to sell to Christians, denial of services from merchants and removal of Christians from the job market would be but a few indignities suffered by believers. Similar things are being experienced today.)

Below are two maps depicting the cities mentioned by Peter.

This map shows a view of their proximity to Rome.

This map shows the surrounding area where the pilgrims are situated.

In a study of I Peter, it is necessary to view the first and last verses as a unit. Who Simon addressed in the opening lines are those who had experienced persecution and had stationed themselves far away from their homebase, Jerusalem. As the church expanded territorially, it became necessary to circulate epistles in order to address unanimity among those who were believers. In other words, all believers should be on the same page.

In the ending verses, Peter reveals the purpose of this epistle.

By way of encouragement, Peter tells the recipients they are the elect of God and they need to consider the fact that the Lord is well aware of their plight. His foreknowledge had reached into the future and chosen them to be carriers of the gospel to these regions.

The NLT version magnifies God's plan for their lives.

One would have to look far and wide to find a Scripture verse as powerful as this one. Here, Peter explores five major factors found in verse 2.

          1. Doctrine of predestination and the free will of man.
          2. They are a chosen people.
          3. Foreknowledge of God.
          4. Spirit-holiness.
          5. Power of the blood of Jesus.

Peter begins with the doctrine of predestination and the free will of man. (How much of our life is determined before we are born? How many directives from heaven shape and affect our life decisions?) Verse two declares that the Father knew you and the decisions you would make when you were confronted with choices or circumstances in life. Peter pointed to God's foreknowledge as comfort to them in their displacement. God's got this!

"God knows you," what a wonderful declaration those three words afford. He wanted these pilgrims to know He protected their journey to these distant regions and accompanied all those who were displaced. He knew the dilemma that initially sought to grip them upon the realization of what was occurring around them. Now they know their trip into the unknown was part of God's redemptive plan because, "He chose you long ago."

(Today, we again are faced with rampant evil and the message those pilgrims received needs to resonate with us. "He chose us long ago," reiterates the fact that we were born for this day and such a time as this).

…"And the Spirit has made you holy," is a foundational truth—it accompanies the believer into great solace and is a declaration that once again must be preached. (I just think it good to soak in that fact. Let the reality of "Spirit—holiness" become a part of your everyday reckoning.).

The result of one's imputed holiness is obedience and cleansing. Holiness relishes obedience and applies the cleansing blood of Jesus. Holiness affords a depth in grace which alludes the modern church. Peter, in his opening verse, declares this fact.

Sublimely, Peter was building a handbook of truths that must be the base for all believers. What he highlights could be called inalienable factors that all of Christendom agree upon, whether in Jerusalem or splayed across the nations.

In his effort to encourage the pilgrims, he moved from one doctrinal truth to another with joy and gladness.

Mercy is different than grace. Mercy (NT:5485) is the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in life; including gratitude, while Grace reflects compassion (NT:1656 compassion+tender mercy) while grace is comprised of favor—we need them both.

Somehow, I want to point out that Simon was ecstatic as he shouts:

Remember, Peter's purpose was to encourage these pilgrims. His words and thoughts were uplifting and full of faith. They are recipients of "great mercy," and are born again. Because God raised Jesus Christ from the grave, they live with great expectation for what lies ahead.

One of the things ahead is a priceless inheritance (emphasis on the word "priceless"). No doubt these pilgrims sacrificed their livelihood in their traverse. Simon says, "Your inheritance in heaven" is worth your sacrifice, because it is:

(During these disastrous times, believers need to hear this message.)

Their faith will see them through to the ultimate goal of a heavenly inheritance and the power of God to complete their salvation.

Peter was giving these pilgrims hope and a sure destiny (such is needed to sound forth from pulpits across the world). God is protecting them through His mighty power.

That's something to shout about!

Peter emphasizes the need not to be distraught when difficulties are all around them, but rejoice that they suffered for their faith. "Be truly glad," for wonderful joy lies ahead for the believer who looks beyond the trials to a place of favor.

Simon recalled the fiery trials he had endured, and like a father, he lets them know they are not alone, for trials prove faith.

Genuine faith has eternal reward, and the greatest reward is when Jesus comes in power to claim His church.

Focus just a moment on the ingredients in verse 8. Note the three aspects of response to Jesus:

          1.You love Him—even though you have never seen Him.
          2. You Trust Him—though you do not see Him now.
          3. You rejoice—with glorious inexpressible joy.

Notice again, there is a reward for trusting Him—the salvation of your soul. No wonder the superlatives like "glorious and inexpressible" flow out as praise. Both words carry multiple translations such as "Full of Glory" and "unutterable" joy. There is a Joy so captivating that it swells up inside to the degree that there are no words capable of describing it.

Have you ever felt that way? Well, its about time to have that kind of joy---the church needs to behold such; imagine a service where such joy breaks out.

So wonderful is this great salvation that prophets and even angels wanted to see it.

Peter is quick to say this wonderful salvation was bathed in holiness. Holy is the God who planned it and holy is His Son who carried it out and holy must be the recipients.

Remember, these pilgrims were a community of faith in a dark society and their testimony was crucial. Peter admonished them to "live as God's obedient children."

Then Simon challenges them to think clearly and exercise self-control (what a great word for a Sunday sermon).

Peter continued (verse 15) to admonish them to be HOLY in everything they do. As chosen vessels by a holy God, they too must be holy. Holiness is requisite for seeing God.

Since these Pilgrims were a spiritual force in their new country, many no doubt, felt it was a high price to pay for the kingdom. They needed to know what a high price Christ paid for their freedom. Verses 18-20 reveal how God paid a ransom with the precious blood of Jesus, BEFORE the world was created.

God also delivered them from the empty life they inherited from their ancestors. Who are these ancestors? Are they the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem or is reference made to Gentile paganism? I believe it was both.

God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors.

In the ensuing verses, highlighted words tell the story of redemption's results. The whole dynamic in verse 21 is a powerful view of Christ's resurrection. Peter shows how they were cleansed from their sins and how that connects to love of others who have also been cleansed.

Simon calls for "sincere love" compounded with "deep love' for fellow believers. No division can exist in the camp of the beloved. When Christians gather, it should engender a love feast.

All these admonitions are results of "being born again."

In other words, your eternity is now and lasts forever, for "the word of the Lord remains forever."

Peter established a foundational document for all believers in his first chapter. Flowing out of these foundational considerations, Chapter Two starts with a sentence that should have been the last words of Chapter One.

Until Next Month,

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.