1 Peter

Overview – May 2019 – Grace & Truth Magazine

1 Peter

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” —1 Peter 1:3 NKJV

Peter means “a stone.” His first letter is addressed to Jewish believers who were dispersed in Asia Minor – principally modern–day Turkey – but not as connected with Judaism. Rather, they were separated from it. These believers were suffering, being strangers and pilgrims in more than one respect. In a far higher sense than had ever been true of the nation of Israel, they were a people not reckoned, or counted, among the nations. Theirs was an eternal election of God, a sanctification or “setting apart” of the Spirit, not of mere formal ordinances as in the Old Testament, and an inheritance reserved in heaven. These blessings were because Christ was raised and is at the right hand of God.

The suffering was simply the needed chastening of a Father’s governing hand. He governs wisely among His own children for their good in view of eternity. On the other hand, their suffering would manifest the woeful end of those who obey not the gospel.

The line of truth given in 1 Peter is clearly that of the kingdom rather than the body of Christ, the Church, for to Peter were given the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Indeed, in Peter personally is seen the effective dealings of the Father’s government. It is precious to see him graciously and powerfully used by God after so sad a failure in his denying the Lord at the time of His crucifixion.

This book is simple to understand, vigorous and stirring, producing a wholesome fear of God. It presses every exercised conscience to walk in subjection of heart to the Lord.

By Leslie M. Grant

This column is taken from the book: “The Bible, Its 66 Books In Brief.”
It is available for purchase from Believers Bookshelf USA and Believers Bookshelf Canada.