Commentary | 1 Peter 1 Sermon Study Notes Text: 1 Peter

Commentary | 1 Peter 1 Sermon Study Notes

Text: 1 Peter 1

Context of the book / letter / Gospel: The Roman emperor Nero’s desire to build caused him to burn the city. He shifted the blame to the Christians of the region, thus bringing about a great persecution. The Apostle Peter was writing to these believers and encouraging them in their faith. The name “Babylon” in the text is believed to be Rome, as Peter was trying to protect the Christians that were there by using a code word (MacArthur, 3, 10).

Main Idea of The Text: Peter was seeking to encourage the believers there by helping them to remember the great salvation they had been given through Jesus Christ.

Exegetical Outline of The Text

1 Peter 1

I. Greeting -- vv. 1-2. II. The Security of the Believer -- vv. 3-5. III. The Suffering of the Believer -- vv. 6-12. IV. The Response of Holiness -- vv. 13-17. V. The Response of Love -- vv. 18-25.

Verse by verse commentary:

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient and to be sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ. May grace and peace be multiplied to you. -- vv. 1-2.

Peter opens the letter by identifying himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Even something as simple as a greeting can bring out beautiful theological truth, and the Apostle Peter has done so here. He has declared the doctrine of election with his word choices--chosen, foreknowledge. Peter identified the believers here as aliens (parapedemois). These are the citizens of heaven who as followers of Jesus Christ, now live as foreigners and refugees on the earth until they reach their heavenly home. These

1 believers are scattered--dispersed--throughout the various provinces of Asia Minor (modern Turkey) listed here in the text: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia (MacArthur, 15).

These believers have been chosen (eklektos). They are the elect of God. Peter uses the concept again later in chapter two, but as he opens his letter to these believers, he seeks to remind them that God chose them to be His children, and they are strangers on the earth, whose final destination is heaven, whose builder and maker is God (cf. Heb, 11:10, 13-16) (MacArthur, 16).

The act of election was done according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. The medical term prognosis is the root of the Greek word, proginosko, which is translated, foreknowledge. God knows who will accept Him as Savior. He knew who they were from the beginning of time, but He calls us to share His Good News with the world, and then He will save whom He has chosen according to His perfect will (MacArthur, 19-20).

He has elected believers by the sanctifying work of the Spirit. The Greek word for sanctifying work is hagaismo. Peter reminds us that the Holy Spirit does the work of salvation. Onc believers have been saved, the Holy Spirit continues His work in their lives through the process of sanctification. This process begins at salvation and ends with glorification. God is at work in the lives of all believers “until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6) (MacArthur, 21-2).

These believers are to be obedient and sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ. As a result of one’s election, they will be found obedient to Jesus Christ. Their obedience will not be perfect, but it will be a result of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of one who has trusted Christ for salvation. Because someone has been saved through the blood of Christ, they have been sprinkled with His blood, declaring they are truly His for all eternity. What a beautiful picture of our eternal security in Jesus Christ. We are sprinkled with His blood. Those who are truly saved have entered into a covenant relationship with God. The covenant of the Old Testament was pictured when the blood was sprinkled on the altar (cf. Ex. 19:3-20:17). Our salvation enables us to obey, and when we sin, the blood of Christ will still cleanse us (cf. 1 John 1:7-9) (MacArthur, 25),

The CSB rendering here is “be multiplied to you.” The Greek word is plethuntheie, translated in the NASB as “in the fullest measure.” Peter desired that the God who chose these believers would bless them abundantly with all He could possibly give them (MacArthur, 25).

2 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. -- vv. 3-5.

In these verses, we see the beauty of the believer’s eternal inheritance. These verses were actually a hymn that had been sung to praise God for His great salvation. These words were written to help the Christians focus on what God had done for them, not on their present circumstances (MacArthur, 29).

Peter begins by helping these Christians to focus on the source of their inheritance--Jesus Christ. He opens in worship by encouraging the believers to bless God by blessing Him himself. He thanks the Lord for providing salvation for believers. The “be” is actually not found in original Greek manuscripts. Literally, he says, “Bless God!” (MacArthur, 30).

He completes the statement of praise by focusing on the Person of Jesus Christ. In this way, the blessing becomes distinctively Christian. While Jews blessed God in their prayers, Christians are now compelled to acknowledge God as Father of the Lord Jesus Christ (MacArthur, 30).

Because of the new birth provided us through Christ, we have the promise of a “living hope.” As believers in Christ, we have hope. Our hope is the promise of eternal life in heaven. We are given this because of the resurrection of Christ. Because He defeated death, we defeat death, and will live forever in His presence (MacArthur, 33-4). We also have an eternal inheritance. We are part of God’s family and we will never lose the benefits of being His children. The Greek word here is kleronomia, which is the the same word used in the Septuagint to describe the allotment of land given to each of the tribes of Israel (except Levi). Believers have an eternal “possession” that never fades away. The Greek word used here is amaranton, which for the ancient Greeks described a flower that would live eternally, never wilting or dying. We have a promise of eternal riches in heaven which will never corrupt or lose its lustre (MacArthur, 35). The inheritance of the believer is reserved in heaven. The Greek word used here is teteremenen. The word means that the inheritance is watched over and guarded, and will never be lost or taken away from the believer. As it is guarded, it is protected by the power of God. 3 Believers will never lose their inheritance. They cannot lose their salvation. What they possess is a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Here, Peter is speaking of the believer’s glorification (cf. Rom. 13:11). Heaven will reveal the full reality of what salvation truly is for the believer. This inheritance awaits the believer, but he will not fully see it until heaven (MacArthur, 36-7). Peter moves from identifying the source of our salvation to giving us the motive for it--God’s mercy. The Greek word here is eleos, which is the Hebrew equivalent to hesed, which is often translated “faithful love” in the Old Testament. Because of God’s faithfulness, He shows mercy (https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2617.htm; https://biblehub.com/greek/1656.htm). This mercy is described as “great” and “rich” (cf. Eph. 2:4-5; Titus 3:5) (MacArthur, 31).

God has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Through God’s gracious gift of mercy, He has given us a new nature based on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit of God, we are able to be “born again,” and have a new life in Christ.

We also have an eternal inheritance. We are part of God’s family and we will never lose the benefits of being His children. The Greek word here is kleronomia, which is the the same word used in the Septuagint to describe the allotment of land given to each of the tribes of Israel (except Levi).

Believers have an eternal “possession” that never fades away. The Greek word used here is amaranton, which for the ancient Greeks described a flower that would live eternally, never wilting or dying. We have a promise of eternal riches in heaven which will never corrupt or lose its lustre (MacArthur, 35).

The inheritance of the believer is reserved in heaven. The Greek word used here is teteremenen. The word means that the inheritance is watched over and guarded, and will never be lost or taken away from the believer. As it is guarded, it is protected by the power of God.

4 Believers will never lose their inheritance. They cannot lose their salvation. What they possess is a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Here, Peter is speaking of the believer’s glorification (cf. Rom. 13:11). Heaven will reveal the full reality of what salvation truly is for the believer. This inheritance awaits the believer, but he will not fully see it until heaven (MacArthur, 36-7).

Peter shifts his letter from the inheritance to the joy that believers can experience even in the midst of great persecution. The word rejoice comes from the Greek word, agalliao, which describes a joy that is a supreme condition of happiness which is not based on circumstances. When believers know their salvation is secure, everything they face in this world can mean nothing to them. When you know heaven is your home, the earth becomes a foreign land which you long to move away from, and whatever comes your way, you are ready for it, because life is better in the presence of God. No matter the circumstances, Christians can greatly rejoice because they have the hope of heaven, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of an eternal inheritance (MacArthur, 41-2).

You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated. They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he testified in advance to the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—angels long to catch a glimpse of these things. -- vv. 6-12.

5 Peter then moves from the joy to the reality of trials in the lives of believers. As his audience was experiencing persecution, he sought to remind them God has purpose in trials. He has something to teach Christians as they walk through trials. In the end, He will be glorified. He allows trials for a reason, and Christians will always learn something from them. In the end, the believer will be more like Christ as a result of their suffering (MacArthur, 42-4).

The trials that God allows to come into our lives are for our good and His glory. They prepare us for the glories of heaven. As we face trials in our lives, Dr. Warren Wiersbe has four things we need to remember: (1) trials meet needs; (2) trials are varied; (3) trials are not easy; and (4) trials are controlled by God (393).

Trials meet needs. Sometimes they keep us from sin, and sometimes, they are simply there to grow our faith. We may not know why we go through trials, but we should always know God has a reason for why we are going through them (Wiersbe, 393).

Trials are varied. Some are harder than others. The Greek word Peter uses here is poikilos, which means “many colored” (MacArthur, 43). No matter kind of day we have, “blue” or “gray,” God will give us what we need to get us through the day. He will give us the trials that we know He has gotten us through them (Wiersbe, 393).

Trials are never easy. They will discourage us. Peter described it as “suffer grief” as rendered in the CSB. The Greek word is lypeo, which is the result of our suffering pain and distress as a result of trials (Mounce, 312).

Trials are controlled by God. They are momentary. Peter illustrated what God does for us by referring to the goldsmithing process, as is also alluded to in the book of Job (see 23:10). Dr. Wiersbe notes as follows:

No goldsmith would deliberately waste the precious ore. He would put it into the smelting furnace long enough to remove the cheap impurities; then he would pour it out and make from it a beautiful article of value. It has been said that the Eastern goldsmith kept the metal in the furnace until he could see his face reflected in it. So our Lord keeps us in the furnace of suffering until we reflect the glory and beauty of Jesus Christ (393).

6 The Old Testament believers did not understand the “big picture” which involved the church. Dr. Wiersbe refers to two mountains--Mt. Calvary and Mt. Olivet, which detailed God’s plan, but they missed the “valley” in between, which is the age of the church. God caused it to be a mystery to them (Wiersbe, 395). The angels, also, have experienced the “mystery” of the Gospel. While they are intelligent beings, they are constantly trying to figure out what God is doing with humanity in providing salvation for him. They see what God does, and they want to know more and more about what His plan is to save mankind (HCSB Study Bible, 2149).

Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy. If you appeal to the Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, you are to conduct yourselves in reverence during your time living as strangers. -- vv. 13-17.

Peter switches topics and now demands to the believers that they live holy lives (Hobbs, 786). At the very root of the word, “holy,” is the idea that people are “different, set apart” Wiersbe notes as follows:

A holy person is not an odd person, but a different person. His life has a quality about it that is different. His present ‘lifestyle’ is not only different from his past way of life, but it is different from the ‘lifestyles of other believers around him. A Christian’s life of holiness appears strange to the lost (1 Pet. 4:4), but it is not strange to other believers.

However, it is not easy to live in this world and maintain a holy walk. The anti-God atmosphere around us that the Bible calls ‘the world’ is always pressing against us, trying to force us to conform (393).

7 Christians they must focus on what is going on around them, and watch out for the devil, who is prowling around like a hungry lion, ready to pounce and destroy their testimony.

When we think of the word, sober, our mind immediately thinks of intoxication from alcoholic beverages. However, in this context, sober is referring to becoming intoxicated to the point of spiritual inebriation, where we are controlled by the world’s system rather than the Holy Spirit of God. Peter warns believers to guard against this tendency, and be mentally prepared to battle sin and temptation (Wiersbe, 396).

But Christians must also be optimistic. The promise of Christ’s return should encourage us to have hope in the midst of trials, and remind that no matter what happens, God will win in the end. Christians should be the most optimistic people in the world, because we know what will happen. God will win in the end (Wiersbe, 396).

Peter reminds his readers that they are called to holiness. Throughout the book, he reminds his readers of the gracious work of Christ to call them to salvation. With the call to salvation comes a call to obedience. Christians are not just called to salvation. They are called to service because of their salvation. Not only that, but they are also called to holiness, which is their personal sanctification. To be “sanctified” means you are ‘set apart for God’s exclusive use and pleasure’(Wiersbe, 397). Dr. Wiersbe makes a great point:

To a dedicated believer, there is no such thing as “secular” or “sacred.” All of life is holy as we live to glorify God. Even such ordinary activities such as eating and drinking can be done to the glory of God (cf. 1 Cor. 10:31). If something cannot be done to the glory of God, then we can be sure it must be out of the will of God (397). In v. 17, we see a reference to the judgment of God. We are not judged for our sins, but we are judged for our works. Our works do not save us, but they do display the evidences of our salvation.

Life is too short to waste our time on the pleasures of sin. We must be busy “abounding in the work of the Lord” (cf. 1 Cor. 15:58). In light of God’s judgment, Peter calls his readers to demonstrate a godly fear. Wiersbe notes as follows:

8 In view of the fact that the Father lovingly disciplines his children today and will judge their works in the future, we ought to cultivate an attitude of godly fear. This is not the cringing fear of a slave before a master, but the loving reverence of a child before his father. It is not fear of judgment (1 John 4:18), but a fear of disappointing Him or sinning against His love. It is “godly fear” (2 Cor. 7:1), a sober reverence for the Father (398).

For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was revealed in these last times for you. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly, because you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God. For

All flesh is like grass,

and all its glory like a flower of the grass.

The grass withers, and the flower falls,

But the word of the Lord endures forever.

And this word is the gospel that was proclaimed to you. -- vv. 18-25. Peter reminded his readers that Christ laid down His life for them (cf. John 10:17-18). His was the ultimate expression of love. In the final verses of chapter one, Peter identifies the importance of that love, and how believers must express that love to one another.

The love of the brethren is an evidence of our salvation (cf. 1 John 4:20-21). Genuine love for one another is an evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers (cf. Gal. 5:22a). The Greek word used here is philadelphia, which describes a “brotherly love.” This bond is not a biological one in this case, but rather a spiritual one, created by the Word and

9 Spirit. As the Word of God and the Spirit of God work together in the life of the believer, he will produce the fruit of the Spirit which includes love (Hobbs, 787; Wiersbe, 400).

Theological Application:

1 Peter 1 Life Group Leader Guide

Teaching Aim and Objectives

In 1 Peter 1, believers learn of the “living hope” that is promised them through their salvation in Jesus Christ. Believers are encouraged to dwell on the hope they possess because of salvation in Jesus Christ, and respond with actions of holiness, fear, and love for one another. In our study of the text, we will consider the following objectives as we seek to apply this text to our lives:

1. Believers have the hope of eternal security because of salvation through Jesus Christ. 2. Believers have hope in suffering provided in their salvation through Jesus Christ. 3. Believers should respond to this hope with an attitude of holiness. 4. Believers should respond to this hope with love for God and one another.1

Introduction

In order to understand the message of 1 Peter, one must recognize the context in which it was written. Peter was writing to believers who were experiencing varying degrees of persecution. He was writing to encourage them in their faith as many of them faced death because of Nero’s desire to “shift the blame” on the Christians because he burned Rome. The name “Babylon” was even used to protect the Christians of Rome from death as a means of “secret code” (MacArthur, 10). Peter encouraged the believers with the hope of eternal security and the promise that God would be with them through their suffering and use it for His glory and eternal purpose. As he closed out chapter one, he encouraged the believers to live holy lives, have a genuine fear of God, and love one another. Let’s go deeper into the chapter and pull out specific truths we can apply to our lives as believers today.

1 Ryrie Study Bible. Chicago: Moody Bible Institute, 1978. 10

Walking Points

1. Believers have the hope of eternal security because of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Perhaps the most divisive doctrine among evangelical Christians is the doctrine of eternal security. When we focus on what we have to do to become a Christian, rather than on what Christ did for our salvation, it is no wonder that we begin to doubt that our salvation is eternally secure. But when we look carefully at Peter’s words, how can we really doubt that once we have truly trusted in Christ for our salvation, that we are kept by His power.

Read vv. 3-5; See also Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30.

Because of the new birth provided us through Christ, we have the promise of a “living hope.” As believers in Christ, we have hope. Our hope is the promise of eternal life in heaven. We are given this because of the resurrection of Christ. Because He defeated death, we defeat death, and will live forever in His presence (MacArthur, 33-4). We also have an eternal inheritance. We are part of God’s family and we will never lose the benefits of being His children. The Greek word here is kleronomia, which is the the same word used in the Septuagint to describe the allotment of land given to each of the tribes of Israel (except Levi). Believers have an eternal “possession” that never fades away. The Greek word used here is amaranton, which for the ancient Greeks described a flower that would live eternally, never wilting or dying. We have a promise of eternal riches in heaven which will never corrupt or lose its lustre (MacArthur, 35). The inheritance of the believer is reserved in heaven. The Greek word used here is teteremenen. The word means that the inheritance is watched over and guarded, and will never be lost or taken away from the believer. As it is guarded, it is protected by the power of God. Believers will never lose their inheritance. They cannot lose their salvation. What they possess is a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Here, Peter is speaking of the believer’s glorification (cf. Rom. 13:11). Heaven will reveal the full reality of what salvation truly is for the believer. This inheritance awaits the believer, but he will not fully see it until heaven (MacArthur, 36-7).

11 Think About It: How would you respond to someone who denies the doctrine of eternal security? How does the doctrine of eternal security impact our lives as believers?

2. Believers have hope in suffering provided in their salvation through Jesus Christ.

Read vv. 6-12. See also Rom. 8:17-18; Job 23:10.

12 Think About It: How have you seen God use different degrees of trials in your life? Describe how personal trials have been used to conform you into the image of Jesus Christ.

3. Believers should respond to this hope with an attitude of holiness.

Read vv. 13-17. See also 1 Cor. 10:31; 1 John 4:18; 2 Cor. 7:1.

At the very root of the word, “holy,” is the idea that people are “different, set apart.” The Dr. Wiersbe notes as follows:

Our holiness will bring glory to God. And it begins in our minds. When we focus on giving God the glory, the temptations of the world will become less alluring. Dr. Wiersbe encourages believers to have sober and optimistic minds. From Peter’s words, he reminds Christians they must focus on what is going on around them, and watch out for the devil, who is prowling around like a hungry lion, ready to pounce and destroy their testimony.

13 Peter reminds his readers that they are called to holiness. Throughout the book, he reminds his readers of the gracious work of Christ to call them to salvation. With the call to salvation comes a call to obedience. Christians are not just called to salvation. They are called to service because of their salvation. Not only that, but they are also called to holiness, which is their personal sanctification. To be “sanctified” means you are ‘set apart for God’s exclusive use and pleasure’(Wiersbe, 397). Dr. Wiersbe makes a great point:

The process of sanctification is impossible without the use of the Word of God. When we look at this passage and see where Peter quoted from the Mosaic law of the book of Leviticus, keep in mind this was the only Scripture these people had at the time. While the ceremonial Jewish law is not one that Christians need to keep, rather the principles of the moral law (Nine of the ten commandments are moral law). Believers must look to the Word of God for guidance in this evil world (Wiersbe, 397).

In v. 17, we see a reference to the judgment of God. We are not judged for our sins, but we are judged for our works. Our works do not save us, but they do display the evidences of our salvation.

In view of the fact that the Father lovingly disciplines his children today and will judge their works in the future, we ought to cultivate an attitude of godly fear. This is not the cringing fear of a slave before a master, but the loving reverence of a child before his

14 father. It is not fear of judgment (1 John 4:18), but a fear of disappointing Him or sinning against His love. It is “godly fear” (2 Cor. 7:1), a sober reverence for the Father (398). Think About It: How have you seen the world system attack your mind as you sought to please God? How have you resisted said attack? Do you have a “godly fear” toward God? Why or why not? How will you establish a “godly fear” in your life?

Read vv. 18-25. See also John 10:17-18; 1 John 4:20-21; Gal. 5:22a. Peter reminded his readers that Christ laid down His life for them (cf. John 10:17-18). His was the ultimate expression of love. In the final verses of chapter one, Peter identifies the importance of that love, and how believers must express that love to one another. The love of the brethren is an evidence of our salvation (cf. 1 John 4:20-21). Genuine love for one another is an evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers (cf. Gal. 5:22a).

Think About It: How have your actions demonstrated thankfulness to Christ for His love for you? Have you shown the love of Christ to your brothers and sisters in faith? How can you improve on loving other believers that are hard to love?

Resources / Articles / Sources:

Hobbs, Herschell and H. Franklin Paschall, editors. The Teacher’s Bible Commentary. Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 1972.

MacArthur, John. 1 Peter: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press, 2004.

Mounce, William D. Mounce’s Complete Expository DIctionary of Old and New Testament Words. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishers, 2006.

Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie Study Bible. Chicago: Moody Press, 1978.

Wiersbe, Warren. The Bible Exposition Commentary: Ephesians-Revelation, vol. 11. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook Publishing, 2008.

Wilder, Terry L. The HCSB Study Bible: Notes on 1 Peter. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2010.