1 Peter: Odd Life, Good God Sýnishorn

In our day of short texts, spam emails, and social media responses of merely an emoji, it’s quite a treat to get a lengthy, hand-written personal letter from someone you love. There is something special about getting such a personal and thoughtful correspondence which explains why everything from birthday cards to love letters and letters from the frontlines of war are among most people’s most treasured possessions.  

The Bible is essentially a library grouped by genre of literature. Much of the New Testament is hand-written letters that were delivered across many long miles before the current ease of sending and receiving mail and packages. Generally speaking, the letters were an incredible honor for a church to receive from someone like Paul or Peter. The entire church would gather, often meeting in homes, the letter would be opened, and the Word from God would be read aloud to the church family.  

The authors of these New Testament letters functioned a lot like dads, which is the essence of apostolic leadership. The churches they oversaw were like families, and as good dads often do, they would call a family meeting and write a letter in cases where they could not be physically present to lead the family. The content of those letters is the same things that pastors concern themselves with today – false teachers that need to be rebuked, sinners that need to be corrected, new Christians that need to be instructed, hurting people who need to be encouraged, and divided people who need to be reconciled.  

Peter’s two letters are a mere 166 verses. Although rather brief, they are power packed. The people he wrote to were living in a pagan city which meant that to live as a Christian made them the oddballs. Making matters worse, they were facing a host of troubles, trials, and temptations among uncertain days filled with distressing difficulty. Peter had experienced all of these things himself and watched first hand how to respond by being at the side of Jesus for three years. He writes from his own experience and points people to Jesus for hope, help, and healing.  

Early in his letter, Peter puts the focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ. In doing so, Peter is showing us the very practical ways that God’s love has been given to us through Jesus: the difference He makes in our life, and the fact that we are not alone in life’s struggles but rather have a God who has endured hardship and walks with us through ours. Furthermore, Jesus gave us the Bible as a trustworthy, life-giving Word from God directing us how to live totally new lives that grow in holiness to be more like the Kingdom and less like the world.  

Reflection: 

1. How is your time in God’s Word and is there any need or way for improvement in learning the Bible? 

2. Are your entertainment, news, and social media choices helping you prepare your mind for godly or ungodly action?  

3. Peter talks about God as our Father, and us as His beloved children. Is it easy or hard for you to relate to God as Father? Why? How can this relationship be improved?  

4. Peter says your relationship with God is more valuable than anything – including your wealth. Do you really believe this, and do you show it by giving your wealth back to God generously?