Commentary On 1 Peter - Bible Study Lessons
Commentary on 1 PeterBible Study Notes and Commentsby David E. PratteFor other free Bible commentary study notes, please visitwww.gospelway.com/commentary/For study questions on various books of the Bible, see our web siteat www.gospelway.com/classbooks Copyright 2016Page #11Peter.com.docxApril 7, 2020
Comments on the Book of 1 Peterby David E. PratteTable of ContentsIntroduction to 1 Peter31 Peter 171 Peter 2251 Peter 3441 Peter 4611 Peter 573 Copyright David E. Pratte, April 7, 2020, www.gospelway.com(See end of the file for further copyright information.)Notes to the reader: I have chosen not to include the Bible text in these notes (please use yourBible to follow along). Instead, I have divided the notes by groups of verses; each group of versesbegins with a numbered study question or questions for you to consider. The abbreviation “b/c/v”means “book, chapter, and verse.” Also, when I ask the reader to refer to a map, please consult themaps at the back of your Bible or in a Bible dictionary.Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are generally from the New King James Version (NKJV),copyright 1982, 1988 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. used by permission. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are from Holy Bible, New American Standard La Habra, CA: The LockmanFoundation, 1995.Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 byCrossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Scripture quotations marked (MLV) are from Modern Literal Version of The New Testament, Copyright 1999 byG. Allen Walker.Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989by the Division of Christian Education, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are from the New International Version of the Holy Bible, copyright 1978 byZondervan Bible publishers, Grand Rapids, Michigan.Scripture quotations marked (HCSB) are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright 2008 by HolmanBible publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.Page #21Peter.com.docxApril 7, 2020
Introduction to 1 PeterAuthorThe inspired author was Peter the apostle (1:1).The book is largely undisputed in authorship or canonicity. Horne states:The genuineness and canonical authority of the first Epistle of Peter have never beendisputed. It appears to be twice referred to by Clement of Rome; it is twelve times distinctly quotedby Polycarp and is once cited in the Epistle of the churches of Vienne and Lyons. It was receivedby Theophilus bishop of Antioch, and quoted by Papias, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, andTertullian; and Eusebius informs us that it was universally acknowledged to be the production ofSaint Peter in the fourth century, since which time its authenticity has never been questioned .MacKnight confirms:“ the authenticity of the first [letter of Peter] was never called in question; being universallyacknowledged as Peter’s from the very beginning Wherefore there can be no doubt that the firstepistle of Peter was all along received as an inspired writing, by the whole Christian church.”Notes regarding Peter* Peter was also called Simon (Matthew 10:2) and Cephas (John 1:42). He was called BarJonah because his father was named Jonah.* He lived in Bethsaida and later Capernaum – John 1:44; Mark 1:21,29.* Peter was originally introduced to Jesus by his brother Andrew, who had been a follower ofJohn the Baptist. Jesus then gave Peter the name of Cephas – John 1:40-42.* Peter had been a fisherman before being called to be an apostle; but Jesus called Peter, alongwith his brother Andrew and his partners James and John, to become “fishers of men” – Luke 5:111; Matthew 4:18-22.* Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever – Matthew 8:14,15. This demonstrates thatPeter was a married man (1 Corinthians 9:5).* Peter accompanied Jesus through much of His earthly ministry and, along with James andJohn, was present for many special events which even other apostles had not attended. Theseincluded: the resurrection of the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51), the Transfiguration(Matthew 17:1ff; Mark 9:22ff; Luke 9:28ff), and Jesus’ agony in the garden (Matthew 26:36-46;Mark 14:32-42.).* Peter was one of the original twelve apostles sent by Jesus for the specific purpose oftestifying that Jesus was raised from the dead – Luke 5:1-11; 6:13-15; John 15:27; Acts 1:8.* He attempted to walk on the water in imitation of Jesus, but after an initial success his faithfailed – Matthew 14:28-31.* He received no formal religious training in established schools – Acts 4:13.* At the arrest of Jesus, Peter attempted to defend Him. He used his sword to cut off the earof a servant of the high priest – John 18:10,11. Jesus rebuked Peter and restored the man’s ear.* As predicted by Jesus, Peter denied Jesus three times while Jesus was being tried by theJews – Matthew 26:33,69-75.* He was one of the first to enter Jesus’ tomb and see that the body was not there after theresurrection. Jesus later expressly appeared to him – John 20:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:5.* He played a leading role in the selection of Matthias to take the place of Judas as an apostle– Acts 1:15-26.* Like all the apostles, he received the power of the Holy Spirit to directly guide him in histeaching and to empower him to do miracles – John 16:13; Acts 2. Specifically, Peter’s missionwas mainly to Jews – Galatians 2:7.Page #31Peter.com.docxApril 7, 2020
* He was always known for being impetuous and outspoken, a characteristic which sometimesgot him into trouble but sometimes led to great statements of faith – Matthew 16:15-18; John6:68,69.* Despite his failings, Jesus chose him to be the first to preach the gospel to the Jews and thefirst to preach to the Gentiles – Matthew 16:18,19; Acts 2; Acts 10.* Though he was a great and good man in many ways, there is absolutely no truth to theCatholic claim that he was the first Pope or the head or foundation of the church. Jesus Himselfis the head of all things to the church (Ephesians 1:22,23). Jesus is only foundation of the church(1 Corinthians 3:11).Ones addressedThose addressed were pilgrims of the dispersion in the areas of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia,Asia, and Bithynia (1:1). The geographical areas named are all regions in Asia Minor (see map).Pilgrims are sojourners (ASV), those who reside as aliens (NASB), or strangers (KJV). Theyare people who live in a place away from their own native country (Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11).The term can also refer in a spiritual sense to people to whom Heaven is their real country andthey sojourn on earth (compare Hebrews 11:13-16).The dispersion sometimes refers to the Jews who were scattered among the nations when theywent into captivity (Deuteronomy 28:25; Jeremiah 34:17). So, some believe that Peter wrote toJewish Christians. Horne points out that Peter was primarily an apostle to the Jews. In 1 Peter1:18 Peter states that the recipients had been redeemed from the vain conversation received bytradition from their fathers, which would be typical of Jewish converts. And 2:9 refers to them asa chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people, all of which wereterms for the people of Israel in the Old Testament. So this view holds that, having becomeChristians, the Jewish people addressed became part of the true Israel of God.However, 1:14; 4:3,4 indicate that the recipients had lived in a Gentile manner prior to theirconversion (note especially the reference to idolatry). This would seem to indicate a broaderreference than just to Jewish Christians. Some might think it refers to the Christians scattered inActs 8:1-4; but that does not fit because they went only as far as Antioch (11:19), not the placeslisted here. A more likely view is that the reference is to Christians viewed as citizens of Heaven(Philippians 3:20) but who are pilgrims on earth, comparable to the Jews who had been scatteredamong the Gentiles. This would be confirmed by the fact that the regions described are allprimarily in Gentile territory, and the churches there consisted primarily of Gentiles. Why write aletter to Christians in primarily Gentile regions but address only the Jewish Christians who wouldbe a minority there?In any case, the important point to remember is that Peter was addressing suffering Christianswho needed encouragement in the time of hardship.Time of writingThere is no indication whatever in the book regarding when it was written, and the date is ofno great importance. Most scholars place it in the AD 60s. It was almost surely written before thedestruction of Jerusalem.Place of writingAs he wrote, Peter said that he was in Babylon (5:13). This could be the literal city of Babylonon the Euphrates river. But some say it figuratively represents Rome. Rome was the capital of theworld at this time (like Babylon had been in the past). Peter might have referred to it figurativelyknowing Christians would understand but other readers might not (thereby avoidingpersecution). It is apparent from the text of the book that the people were facing persecution.Contrary to the Catholic view, however, there is no evidence anywhere else in the Scripturesthat Peter was ever in Rome. He surely was not there when Paul wrote his letters to the church inPage #41Peter.com.docxApril 7, 2020
Rome or from the prison in Rome, since Peter is not mentioned in any of those letters. However,neither is there any evidence in Scripture that Peter was ever in literal Babylon (see notes on 5:13).It is likely that the book of Revelation refers to Rome figuratively as Babylon in chapters 14,17, 18. However, Woods points out that such usage likely did not become common till after thedestruction of Jerusalem, which would have been after the time that Peter wrote this letter. Thereis no reason to believe that Peter would seek to disguise the place where he was when he wrotethis letter.The usual approach to Scripture should be to conclude that names of places and people areliteral unless there is some compelling reason in the text to conclude otherwise. Other placesmentioned in the letter surely appear to be literal and are virtually never taken to be symbolic (asin 1:1). I know of no reason that would compel us to conclude that Babylon was not literal. Catonpoints out that there was a large group of Jews living in literal Babylon at the time this letter waswritten, which might explain why Peter would be among them since his work of preachingemphasized teaching Jews.So, while there may be good reasons to conclude that the reference to Babylon is literal, thepoint cannot be settled definitely. But again the point is not important to understanding theteaching of the book.ThemePeter encourages endurance and holiness in times of suffering and persecution.The book contains many passages of tenderness and compassion. This might seemunexpected considering the impetuous and often awkward nature of Peter as revealed in thegospels. Perhaps his experiences of suffering for Christ helped him develop a greater sense ofcompassion.Outline of the book1. Our blessings sustain us to endure hardship and live holy lives – 1:1-2:10.Our inheritance should lead us to endure hardship – 1:1-12.Our salvation should motivate us to faithful living – 1:13-25.Our position as God’s chosen people should encourage faithfulness – 2:1-10.2. We should act honorably in relationships and endure patiently – 2:11-3:22.Submit honorably to rulers and masters – 2:11-17.Imitate Jesus in suffering persecution – 2:19-25.Husbands and wives treat one another properly – 3:1-7.Conduct oneself in holiness toward all – 3:8-22.3. Live a holy life despite sufferings and hardship – 4:1-19.Expect ridicule from those who know our past – 4:1-6.Serve God and one another as faithful stewards – 4:7-11.Suffer for doing good, not for doing evil – 4:12-19.4. Relate properly with leaders, trusting God and resisting Satan – 5:1-14.Proper relations between elders and members – 5:1-6Trust for God but resistance for the devil – 5:6-11Concluding remarks – 5:12-14References in the book to trials and sufferingThe following information is taken from Milliner’s introduction to the book:Manifold temptations – 1:6Trial of faith – 1:7Gentiles speak against you as evildoers – 2:12Suffering wrongfully – 2:19He that will harm you – 3:13Suffer for righteousness sake – 3:14Page #51Peter.com.docxApril 7, 2020
They speak evil of you – 3:16Suffer for well doing – 3:17Speaking evil of you – 4:4Fiery trial which is to try you – 4:12Reproached for the name of Christ – 4:14Suffer as a Christian – 4:16Suffer according to the will of God – 4:19Afflictions accomplished in your brethren – 5:9After you have suffered a while – 5:10Page #61Peter.com.docxApril 7, 2020
1 Peter 11:1-2:10 – Our Blessings Sustain Us to Endure Hardship and LiveHoly Lives.1:1-12 – Our Inheritance Should Lead Us to Endure Hardship.1:1 – Peter writes as an apostle of Christ to the pilgrims of the dispersion in Pontus,Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.Peter identifies himself as the author and as an apostle of Jesus Christ. See our introductorynotes for specific information about Peter and a discussion of the recipients to whom this letterwas written.Interestingly, Peter describes himself simply as an apostle. He makes no effort to exalt himselfabove any of the other apostles, as would be expected if Catholicism is correct in claiming that hewas the first Pope. Certainly he was an important man who accomplished many great things forthe Lord, but there is no passage here or elsewhere that would prove him to be in any way superiorin position or power above the other apostles or in any sense the head or foundation of the churchuniversal.Notice that, in contrast to most of the letters of the apostle Paul, this letter was not addressedto a specific church or a specific Christian. Rather it was addressed to Christians throughout awidely scattered area. This is one reason why epistles like this are referred to as “general epistles.”“Pilgrims” ( ) – “properly, one who comes from a foreign country into a city orland to reside there by the side of the natives; hence, stranger; sojourning in a strange place, aforeigner ; in the N.T. metaphorically, in reference to heaven as the native country, one whosojourns on earth: so of Christians, 1 Peter 1:1 ” – Grimm-Wilke-Thayer.“Dispersion” ( ) – “ ‘a scattering, a dispersion,’ was used of the Jews who from timeto time had been scattered among the Gentiles, John 7:35; later with reference to Jews, so"scattered," who had professed, or actually embraced, the Christian faith, ‘the Dispersion,’ Jas.1:1, RV; especially of believers who were converts from Judaism and ‘scattered’ throughout certaindistricts, ‘sojourners of the Dispersion,’ 1 Pet. 1:1, RV. In the Sept., of Israelites, "scattered" andexiled, e.g., Deut. 28:25; Deut. 30:4; Neh. 1:9.” – Vine.Qualifications of apostlesThe word “apostle” simply means one who is sent on a mission. It can have differentsignificance, even in the Scriptures, depending on who does the sending and what the mission is.Peter makes clear that he was sent by Jesus Himself personally. This was not simply some missionassigned by men.By claiming to be an apostle, Peter was asserting the authority by which he wrote this epistle.He wrote, not by human wisdom, but by the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit. See his owndescription of inspiration in 2 Peter 1:20,21.True apostles of Jesus had the following characteristics or qualifications:1) Apostles had to be chosen by Jesus Himself.He is the one who “sent” them on the mission, authorizing their work. They did not assumethe office by their own choice, nor were they chosen by majority vote or political maneuvering.There was always clear evidence that Jesus Himself had personally chosen each individual whoreceived the office. See Luke 6:12-16; Acts 1:24-26; 26:16; Galatians 1:1.2) Jesus then sent the Holy Spirit to directly guide the apostles as they preached the gospeland bore their testimony (Acts 1:8).This direct guidance began when the apostles received Holy Spirit baptism on Pentecost (Acts2). (John 16:13; 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; 14:37; Ephesians 3:3-5; Matthew 10:19,20)Page #71Peter.com.docxApril 7, 2020
3) This baptism also gave them the power to do miraculous signs to confirm that theirtestimony really was from God.These constituted the “signs of an apostle” (2 Corinthians 12:11,12). (Acts 14:3; 2:43; 3:1-10;5:12-16; 9:32-42; Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:3,4)4) Apostles could lay hands on other people and give them miraculous powers.But those on whom they laid hands could not in turn pass the powers on to others – Acts 8:1424; 19:1-7; Romans 1:8-11; 2 Timothy 1:6.5) Specifically, an apostle had to be an eyewitness of Christ after His resurrection, so that hecould testify that he had personally seen Jesus alive after He had died.The apostles had been chosen personally by Jesus to serve as witnesses of His work, especiallyof the fact that He had been raised from the dead (see Acts 1:21,22; compare 1 Corinthians 15:48; 9:1; Luke 24:36-48; John 15:26,27; 19:35; Acts 1:8; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 10:39-42; 13:31; 1John 1:1-4).Note that, since no men today can have these qualifications, we can have no apostles living onearth in the church today. This disproves the concept of the Catholic Pope or Mormon apostles assuccessors to the apostles. The Catholic claim that Peter was the first Pope completely contradictsnumerous New Testament teachings. Notice that Peter never made such a claim. All he everclaimed was to be an apostle like other apostles.“Apostle” ( ) – “1. a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders 2. Speciallyapplied to the twelve disciples whom Christ selected, out of the multitude of his adherents, to behis constant companions and the heralds to proclaim to men the kingdom of God With theseapostles Paul claimed equality 3. In a broader sense the name is transferred to other eminentChristian teachers ” – Grimm-Wilke-Thayer.1:2 – Those Peter addressed were elect according to the foreknowledge of God insanctification of the Spirit for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Christ.Peter begins his letter by briefly stating the gospel doctrine of election. It is nothing like theCalvinists claim (compare 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15; Romans 8:28-30,33; 2 Timothy 1:9,10;Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 1:4).Elect according to the foreknowledge of GodThe word “elect” signifies picked out, chosen (not voted on, as today). The idea emphasizestwo things: (1) a choosing, and (2) a separation – i.e., because one has been chosen, he is set apartfrom others who are not so chosen.The term does not, however, in any way indicate the manner in which an individual ischosen. Calvinists assume that God elects certain individuals from before time began wholly onHis own will, without regard to the character, attitudes, desires, or choice of the individual. ThenHe leaves all others to be lost, regardless of their character, will, choice, etc. The issue is not whatGod could have done, but what He willed to do.It is not at all out of character with Bible teaching for God to choose men by some standardwhich takes into account the desires and character of the men. The fact that God does the choosingdoes not necessarily eliminate the power of man to choose. In fact, many other Scriptures showthat man does have a choice in his salvation (Joshua 24:15; Mark 16:15,16; 2 Peter 3:9; etc.).A person’s method of choosing can be conditional (and usually is). For example, when wechoose a marriage partner, a home, a car, a political candidate, etc., usually the choice we makedepends on the character and nature of the possible prospects. We set our standards regardingwhat we are looking for, then we measure each
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are from the New International Version of the Holy Bible, copyright 1978 by Zondervan Bible publishers, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Scripture quotations marked (HCSB) are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright 2008 by Holman Bible publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.
Bible Commentary Acts of the Apostles, The Barclay, William 1 B Bible Commentary AMOS - Window To God Kirkpatrick, Dow 1 K Bible Commentary Amos - Window to God Kirkpatrick, Dow 1 K Bible Commentary Basic Bible Commentary, Acts Sargent James E. 1 S Bible Commentary Basic Bible Commentary, Exodus & Leviticus Schoville, Keith N. 1 S
4. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Publishers 5. Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Moody Press 6. The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Thomas Nelson Publishers Commentaries: Two Volumes 1. Bible Knowledge Commentary, Cook Communications 2. The Expositors Bible
John 14:1-7 Commentary King James Version . Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further follow the verse -by-verse . International Bible Study Commentary. Study Hints for Discussion and Thinking Further. will help with class preparation and in conducting class discussion: these hints are available on the . International Bible Study Commentary .
3. Overview of the Bible 2. How did the Bible come into being? 4. The First process of the Bible GPS is Understanding. 5. The Second process of the Bible GPS is Application. The Third process of the Bible GPS is Communication. 6. The Bible GPS on Galatians 5: 16-26 7. The Bible GPS on Ephesians 5: 8-20 8. The Bible GPS on Romans 3: 21-26
Mar 05, 2013 · Expositor’s Bible Commentary (EBC) A. Author: Each book of the Bible is covered by a different author. Example: Romans by Everett P. Harrison B. Expositor’s Bible Commentary (EBC) MLA citation samples – Sailhamer, John H. “Genesis.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Vol.
The expository preaching of New Testament quotations of the Old Testament: . Comm. Matt. Commentary on Matthew, Origen . Deut Deuteronomy, Holy Bible ESV English Standard Version, Holy Bible Exod Exodus, Holy Bible Ezek Ezekiel, Holy Bible Gal Galatians, Holy Bible Gen Genesis, Holy Bible HCSB Holman Christian Standard Bible
Anchor Bible Commentary Anchor Bible Dictionary. Edited by D. N. Freedman. 6 vols. New Yorlc Doubleday, 1992. Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament A Continental Commentary A Critical and Exegetical Commentary Currents in Theology and Mission Dictionary of Biblical I
Let’s pick up all our things. It’s time to stop our play. Bible Story Time. n. Bible Song. SUPPLIES: Bible, CD player. Say: Who makes things grow? God makes things grow! How do we know? The Bible tells us so in 1 Corinthians 3. Show children the Bible. The Bible is God’s special book. The Bible tells us about God and Jesus. Let’s learn .
