Thursday, December 22, 2022

1 Peter 1:1-5

 “From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those temporarily residing abroad (in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia) who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father by being set apart by the Spirit for obedience and for sprinkling with Jesus Christ’s blood. May grace and peace be yours in full measure! Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you, who by God’s power are protected through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

— ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭5‬‬


Temporarily residing is ok, but it does take away from the exiles/foreigners idea that runs throughout NT. When Cyrus allowed Jews to return, only a fraction did. By 1st century, 3/4 of Jews were spread throughout Roman Empire (Diaspora), either they never came home or went to live elsewhere (business, travel, etc.). Peter uses this idea for Jewish Christians and by extension the whole church. This present age is not our home. We are exiles and temporary residents.

Set apart by. the Spirit, according to Father’s foreknowledge and by blood of Jesus. So much there, but not today.

Given a new birth into living hope…and into imperishable inheritance. Parallel seems to equate the two (apposition of two phrases). All of this made possible by Jesus’ resurrection. 

Reserved in heaven? Like a foreign place, up and away, shiny lights? Would need to keep reading in Peter to see his full view of the end (2 Peter has current one burning up).

Salvation revealed at last time. Perhaps this is the inheritance just mentioned. The bigger question is how can salvation come later? Thought this was a done deal. Technically, final judgment comes at the end. But Jesus’ resurrection gives us insight into what the verdict will be. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection pulls the verdict into our present, so we have confidence and “have been saved” “are “saved” but also “will be saved.” All three are found in NT.

And this isn’t just glorification. But anyway, all this because of Jesus, and all received through faith. And all mentioned for the sake of our current joy.

No comments:

Post a Comment