Title Introduction and Hymns (1 Peter 1:1-5)
1 Peter Lecture 1st
Introduction and Hymn (1 Peter 1:1-5)
First, the content decomposition
Before looking at today's text, let's first take a brief look at the contents of 1 Peter.
1. Introduction (1:1-12)
It consists of greetings and hymns. The hymns praise the salvation of the present and the salvation of the future.
2. Counsel for Personal Life (1:13- 2:10)
We encourage you to strive for a holy life (1:13-21), love your brothers (1:22-25), and grow as God's people (2:1-10).
3. Counsel for social life (2:11-3:7)
It speaks of duty to the nation (2:13-17), servants (2:18-25), and husband and wife (3:1-7).
4. Encouragement for persecution (3:8-4:19)
It deals with the sufferings, perseverance, and blessings of Christians.
5. Concluding Counsel (5:1-14)
It covers a lesson to the elders and young people, to be vigilant and vigilant, and a final message and blessing.
Second, the author and background
1. Author
2. Recording date and purpose
The place where this epistle was written (5:13) appears as Babylon, which means the Roman Empire in a symbolic sense (Rev 17:18, there are also theories of Egypt or Assyria). 63 AD, the time when Peter arrived in Rome It is believed to have been written in early 64 AD (Domisian epoch: 81-96, Trajan epoch: 98-117).
It was written to encourage believers in tribulation to overcome persecution and to comfort them in all kinds of difficulties. By offering believers in tribulation the living hope that comes from Jesus Christ, Peter urged them to have faith and hope to face trials and tribulations with boldness without weakening them. So there are many Christian doctrines.
Third, greetings
1 Peter was written for the strangers who were scattered in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, that is, the Jews (Diaspora) scattered in Asia Minor. The church is a gathering place. scatter at the same time. The early church tried to gather together, but they had to disperse to avoid persecution. This scattering became an opportunity to spread the gospel to all nations. Although they have no choice but to live scattered here and there, it is clear that they are all God's people. (1 Peter 1:2) "To those who, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification by the Holy Spirit, obtain obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ, Grace to you and peace."
1) They are the chosen ones.
Those who have been “forgotten by God”. "Those who are chosen". Not only those living in Israel are the chosen people, but all the elect are the chosen people. (1 Peter 2:9) “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the goodness of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
2) They are the chosen ones for the sprinkling of blood.
The sprinkling of blood in the Old Testament took place on three occasions. These are the priest’s sanctification (Leviticus 8:30), the time the covenant was concluded (Exodus 24:1-8), and when leprosy was healed (Leviticus 14:1-7). Ordinances related to holiness and atonement That is, those who have been atoned for by the sprinkling of blood.
3) They are full of grace and peace.
God's chosen people overflow with grace and peace through the work of the Holy Spirit. Peter begins the letter with a plea that shalom will last forever.
Fourth, hymns
Following the greeting to the recipient, Peter tells them to praise God. Those who know they have been chosen should sing praises. What do you mean to praise?
1) Praise for being born again
(1 Peter 1:3) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
When Jesus died on the cross, we were acquitted. Being born again is the most precious inheritance God has given us.
2) Praise Jesus, the living hope
To have hope is to have something worth living for. A person without hope is not alive even though he is alive.
3) Praise for the inheritance of the kingdom of God
(1 Peter 1:4) "He inherits an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and does not fade, which is reserved for you in heaven." It gets dirty. decline. However, the inheritance God gives is eternal and unchanging.
4) Praise God for His protection
(1 Peter 1:5) “You are being guarded by the power of God through faith for a salvation prepared to be revealed in the last days.”
The Israelites received the land of Canaan as an inheritance, but we received the eternal kingdom of heaven. Hallelujah! Dear all! Believe that you are a people that God already knows and has chosen. Like Peter, I hope that you will always thank and praise him for his love and grace.