Home Peter
Category:

Peter

Followers of Jesusgrace and peacePeter

The End of the First Letter

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Peter has written his letter by a man named Silvanus. He identified him as a faithful brother and identifies the writing as a brief exhortation. It is also a testimony of the true grace of God in which these Jewish Christians stand. As he finishes his letter, he exhorts the elders, the younger people and all others before finalizing his greetings.

The Elders

When Peter addresses the elders, we see his humility. He writes not just as a fellow laborer, but as a witness to the sufferings of Jesus who along with them is a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. He says, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you.” Then he describes the way to do it. Be overseers not because you have to and not to make dishonest money. Rather than lord over them, be an example so when the Chief Shepherd returns you will receive a crown of glory that never fades away.

The Younger People

To the younger people, Peter says be submissive to your elders. Then he clarifies that he is talking to all of them. “Be clothed with humility,” He quotes Solomon, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God.” When the time is right He will exalt you. Take all your worries to Him. God cares for you.

All Others

But look out. None of his readers are immune. You have an adversary. Like a lion, he prowls about looking for someone to devour. If you are sober and watchful, you can resist him by standing firm in your faith. You are not alone in your sufferings. Your brothers throughout the world experience the same things. To this he adds a prayer, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered for awhile, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.”

He then signs off with a blessing of peace. As he finished this first letter, he exhorts the elders, the younger people and all others before finalizing his greetings.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Body of ChristFamilyFollowers of JesusGuide to Christian Family LifePeter

Following Jesus at Home

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

After Peter wrote about the believer’s conduct in the community, he addressed following Jesus at home. He knew that the Shepherd of our souls understood the environment necessary for the thriving of our souls. First he wrote to wives, secondly to husbands and wrapped it up with a word to all.

A Word to Wives

When Peter wrote to wives, he addressed submission, chaste conduct and internal beauty. You may be able to win over husbands because of the way you act, he tells them. Be submissive to your own husband. Worry more about the hidden person of your heart, the quiet, gentle spirit which is precious to God rather than outward appearances. Follow the example of other godly women. Do good and don’t live in fear.

A Word to Husbands

In his words to husbands, he told them to live with their wives, with understanding and honour. Together, they are heirs of life. If you don’t, he told them, it will affect your prayer life. Your prayers will be hindered.

A Word to All

Finally he wrote a word to all. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers.” All of you, be of one mind, compassionate, tenderhearted, humble, not revengeful or tit for tat but rather bless to receive blessing. “Turn away from evil and do good; … seek peace and pursue it.” Love as brothers.

God’s word remains our guidebook for our conduct as Christ followers in our communities, and in our homes. The apostle Peter, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, first wrote to the wives, secondly to husbands and wrapped it up with a word to all.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Cross of ChristFollowers of JesusPeterServanthoodSuffering

The Christian’s Benchmark

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

In 1 Peter 2:11-25, he describes the conduct of Christ followers living visible to the world. Their benchmark is Jesus Christ. When an example is needed for how to respond when suffering as neigbours, citizens or under another’s authority, we look to God’s Son. Jesus lived as a servant, who suffered, and has become the Shepherd of our souls.

A Servant

Jesus lived as a servant. Paul in his letter to the Philippians wrote, “… He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant,…” As Peter wrote to sojourners and pilgrims, we read the words of the writer to the Hebrews. He described living as strangers here while looking for an eternal city. Jesus sojourned here as a servant, to fulfill the word of God, to bring Him glory. Peter said, “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men- as free, yet not using your liberty as a cloak for vice, but as servants of God.”

Who Suffered

He was a servant who suffered. Peter goes on to describe to his readers the style of conduct Jesus set forth as an example, “to follow in His steps.” He quoted the prophet Isaiah, “Who committed no sin, Nor was (deceit) found in His mouth.” The religious leaders of his day harshly criticized and condemned Jesus, but instead of threatening them, He trusted God to be the righteous judge. He “bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed.”

To Become Our Shepherd

Peter continued using an example that Jesus Himself used. Jesus is the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Peter told his readers, “You have returned to the Overseer of your souls. You used to be sheep lost and wandering but not anymore.” Jesus Christ came as a servant to do God’s will. It involved a life of suffering in order to become the Shepherd of our souls. May our conduct follow in His footprints.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Alive in ChristChrist's ReturnFollowers of JesusLife in ChristPeter

A Transformed Life

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

As believers in Jesus our lives are transformed. Begotten into a living hope, with an indestructible inheritance, we rejoice. If necessary to purify our faith there will be trials. All this, according to Peter, demands a response. Peter gives a directive, the reason for it and summarizes.

The Directive

Peter directs his readers. “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, rest your hope fully upon the grace to be (received) when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Be God’s obedient children, live to the spirit not the flesh, and like He who called you, be holy. If you call on God the impartial judge, as long as you live, do so in reverence to God.

The Reason

Then he writes out the reason. “Before the foundation of the world,” he wrote, God planned the death and resurrection of Jesus, why? Peter explained it was to buy us back from our aimless conduct. God didn’t offer some material, easily corrupted method. No! He orchestrated the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the perfect lamb of God, so we could put our faith and hope in God.

Peter Summarizes

Peter summarizes his thoughts thus. “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren,” he writes, “love one another fervently with a pure heart.” He explains. You have been born anew, not by a flimsy transaction but rather an incorruptible one, through the word of God which is eternal. Everything else will pass away, rust or fade away with time. “But the word of the Lord endures forever.” As my dad used to say, “that’s a promise you can take to the bank.”

Peter gave a directive, the reason for it and summarized.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
PeterPreparing the wayProphecy

Prophets of Salvation

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

In 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter writes about the prophets. These men of God asked questions and searched diligently. They desired to know more about what they heard from the Spirit of Christ regarding our salvation. They prophesied of the grace that would come to those who would receive it. Peter wrote about these prophets, the message they foretold and how it relates to us.

The Prophets

We learn much about the prophets from the New Testament. After the resurrection of Jesus, He explained how the words of the prophets spoke of Him. Their words were like a blueprint for Jesus. Often the events and actions of His life were described as a fulfilment of scripture or the prophets. These prophets were men like Moses and King David, Isaiah and Jeremiah, Zechariah and Malachi.

Their Message

Their message pointed to a Saviour, not only for Israel but for the whole world. Peter addressed the sufferings of Christ. For an example, we look to King David who wrote of God’s King, His eternal throne, of His being God’s Son and our High Priest. In Psalm 22 David intimately described the final days of Jesus’ life, “My God My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Even the mocking David wrote about in verses 6-8 of Psa. 22, describe the scene of that day. The pain expressed in verses 12-18 further painted the picture of our Saviour the day of His crucifixion. This prophecy and others foretold a Saviour from birth to resurrection.

How It Relates to Us

How do these ancient words apply to us? For one, Peter says they “prophesied of the grace that would come to you.” He also wrote that the prophets tried to understand the sufferings of Christ, when they would happen and the glorious things that followed. However, God revealed to them through the Holy Spirit, sent from Heaven, that they were servants. They were telling another generation about the things that his readers could look back on, the things spoken of and recorded by the apostles. Even the angels longed to look into these things. The prophets served us. The writer of Hebrews tell us they are not complete without us. They were looking to the fulfillment of God’s promises, to a continuing city where one day they will be made perfect when in union with us.

What an awesome God! Peter wrote about these prophets, the message they foretold and how it relates to us.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Followers of JesusidentityJoynew creationPeter

Peter Writes a Letter

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Having looked at the Epistles of John, we now turn our attention to the First Epistle of Peter. He identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. We know him from the gospels as a fisherman, a man whose faith was tested, who denied the Christ and was restored to the Kingdom of God. He writes his letter to the temporary residents of the scattering of the Jews to places like Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. He calls them elect in regards to three significant positions.

Position One

First they are elect according to the foreknowledge of God. They were already in God’s thoughts. He was the source, the One with the plan, who sees it through to its completion. Paul’s writing confirm this truth. In Ephesians 1:4 he wrote “He chose us before the foundations of the world.” Then in Romans he further writes, “For whom He foreknew.” God’s plan of salvation had long been in the works.

Position Two

Secondly, they are elect according to the sanctification of the Spirit. The helper came once Jesus departed. It is He who works in believers to set them apart for God’s work. the gospel came in the power of the Spirit, with much assurance and with joy.

Position Three

Thirdly, they are elect for a purpose, “for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus.” The prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus, “So shall He sprinkle many nations, Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them, they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider.” Paul wrote in Romans 1:5, “through Him we received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all the nations for His name.” God’s plan gave great purpose. The apostle Peter calls them elect in regards to these three significant positions. This word still speaks.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Followers of JesusJesus EncountersPeterWitness to Identity of Jesus

The Third Visit

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

When Jesus made his third visit, to the disciples after the cross, it was at the Sea of Tiberias. Some of the disciples, still felt a bit lost, and got together. Peter, the one upon whom Jesus will build His church, said, “I am going fishing.” So, one normal day, was touched with the presence of the resurrected Jesus, over a simple meal.

Come and eat!

One Normal Day

The disciples saw Jesus, a couple of times since He had risen from the dead. But on this day they felt the pull of normalcy and went fishing. These men were fishermen. They were used to being on the water catching fish. And as happened at least once before, their night of toil yielded nothing.

The Resurrected Jesus

In the morning, the resurrected Jesus, stood on the shore. “Have you any food?” He thought about food, for in this story as in the previous, He asked if they have anything to eat? Then Jesus told them to cast their nets on the other side. Peter recognized the directive. Jesus brought Peter back to the event where he first recognized Him, the time he realized he was a sinful man, and had been called out to be a fisher of men..

A Simple Meal

When they arrived on shore, Jesus already had a fire going. They smelled the fish over the open fire and saw the bread. Jesus told them to bring some of the fish they caught and Simon Peter dragged the net in, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty three of them, yet the nets did not break. Then He called them to come and eat. They knew who it was. John writes, “Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.” Jesus came to them, in their everyday of working and being hungry and revealed to them again, He was the Son of God. It was one normal day, touched with the presence of the resurrected Jesus, over a simple meal.

0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Cross of ChristidentityPeter

I Am He

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

As we return to the Book of John, the betrayal confronts us. Jesus has crossed over the Brook Kidron and entered a garden. He knows what is ahead and is in complete control. It is however dark, and His disciples don’t have foreknowledge. They, in contrast, are sad, feeling lost and afraid, trying to comprehend all that He has been telling them. Jesus, however, faces the situation and does not lose sight of His identity, His purpose, or from where it came.

His Identity

Jesus knew His identity. Not only was He Jesus of Nazareth, He was the Son of God. He also knew He was standing before the one who had already betrayed Him and the power behind his actions. Only now, it was the working out of the betrayal. Judas came with a detachment of troops, officers from the religious leaders, lanterns, torches and weapons. Enough to scare anyone! What did Judas fear? Jesus in contrast came to him in absolute confidence and asked, ‘Whom are you seeking?’ Whether it was the darkness of the night or of the soul, they didn’t recognize Him, even though Judas stood among them. When they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ He answered boldly, ‘I am He.’ The power of the Living Word caused them to pull back and fall to the ground.

His Purpose

Knowing His purpose, Jesus asked them again. ‘Whom do you seek?’ When asked again, He tells them, ‘I am He.’ This time, intent on fulfilling the scripture, He asks them to let the disciples go. Then, there is Peter in the flesh, thinking he needs to protect Jesus. He takes on the fight and cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus knows the cup of adversity which lies ahead of Him. It is the fulfillment of His purpose, and He brings Peter back to the purpose.

From Where it Came

“Put your sword into the sheath,” Jesus tells Peter. The soon to be Saviour of the world, had already hashed it out with His Father in prayer. He had asked for the cup to be removed. Nevertheless, He surrendered Himself to the will of the Father and could now say to Peter, “Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” In the middle of chaos, Jesus does not lose site of His identity, His purpose, or from where it came.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Followers of JesusPeter

Alone

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

When Judas walked out into the night, the count down to history’s most significant events was set into motion. Jesus knew his disciples were caught up in this moment of their lives and did not at the time grasp the significance. Jesus stays in this moment with them but speaks of His glory, His going on alone and how they were to proceed.

“Walk in the light as He is in the light”

His Glory

His darkest human moment lay ahead of Him and still He says, “Now the Son of Man is glorified.” He will be lifted up. In His glorification, the Father also is glorified. His greatest victory, the victory over death and the grave is also before Him. The glorification is of the Father and the Son. It is immediate.

His Going On Alone

However, it means He must go on alone. He offers words He has spoken before to the Jews, “Where I am going you cannot come.” He is only with them for a little while longer. They will want to follow but it isn’t possible. Peter protests. He has full intentions of following Jesus wherever it leads, even if it means death. He is still in a lighted room, satisfied after a good meal and having had his feet washed. Jesus hears the words, “I will lay down my life for Your sake,” and to the words He speaks truth, “The rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.”

How to Proceed

The Lord and Master speaks as a father. “My little children.” The days ahead will shake them. It will take time for them to take it in, to realize what has happened and until the Spirit of Jesus reveals it, they won’t be able to understand. Still, Jesus gives them direction. He shows them the only way to proceed. In a world where anything that can be shaken is shaken, this is the command. “Love one another as I have loved you. This is how they will know you are my disciples.” The love of Jesus becomes the logo, the anchor, the message to the world that they belong to Jesus.

Jesus stayed in that moment with them but spoke of His glory, His going on alone and how they were to proceed.

2 comments
2 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
love of GodPeterServanthood

God As Servant

by Esther Griggs
written by Esther Griggs

Our God reigns above the three dimensional. He cannot be contained in our thoughts and ideas. Speculations beyond our understanding, dare to define the characteristics of Who He is. Jesus, descended to earth, to give us a peek into the awesomeness of our God. In John 13:1-11, the author describes an event, illuminating one small facet of our great God. Jesus, in this setting, with His knowledge, illustrated God as servant.

This Setting

The Feast of the Passover is close at hand. Jesus dines in a room with his disciples and they have just finished eating. The devil has already placed in the heart of Judas, to betray Him. He loves these men deeply, all of them. Surely it grieved Him. Still, when the temptation could have been to wallow in self pity and despair, He laid aside His own garments and took up a towel.

His Knowledge

Jesus knew His time had come to leave the world and to return to His Father. He knew that the Father had placed all things into His hands. He had come from God and was returning to Him. He would love these God had given Him, despite His knowledge of the betrayer, to the end.

God As Servant

In this setting, with these men He loved so deeply, having His knowledge of the past, present and future, He removed His garments and put on a towel. Then he poured water into a basin, began to wash their feet and wipe them with His towel.

We get a glimpse of how it made them feel. Peter doesn’t like it. It was uncomfortable. This was the Master. He knew he didn’t measure up to Him. Jesus tells Peter that some day He will understand, but for now, he needs to allow it, in order to be apart of Him. Peter figures that in such a case, Jesus should wash all of him. He wants to be all in. “You are clean, but not all of you.” Jesus knows as He bends down to wash the feet of these men He loved, how Judas, would betray Him. Still, Jesus, the fullness of God, as servant pours out His love on each one.

Jesus, in this setting, with His knowledge, illustrated God as servant.

0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail