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FIRST PETER
PREFACE
Man needs hope. Without hope life is meaningless and futile. That is why Peter's first letter is so important to
Christians.
Peter wrote to Christians who were suffering wrongfully (2:19). They were having to suffer, because they were righteous
and wore the name of Christ, (3:14; 4:16). They did not deserve the suffering and their trials were called fiery
ones, because of the intensity of the affliction, (4:12).
He tells them that they should not think of these occurrences as being uncommon or unusual, since the Lord also
had to suffer, because he was righteous (2:21-24). Peter seeks to encourage them by giving them invaluable information
which will allow them to accept and live above the injustices they are suffering. THEY
CAN CONQUER, IF THEY HOLD STEADFAST TO THEIR HOPE!
Upon considering the general theme of this book we are immediately impressed with the difference between this epistle
and that of James. James also spoke of man's trials but when James used the Greek word "peirazo" ("tempt" or "try"), he was making reference
to the trials which come from within man; i.e., those which are a result of the lust of the flesh. Hence, our English
versions commonly translate "peirazo" in James as "tempt," and rightly so, for we understand
"temptation" in the sense of enticement. Peter, on the other hand, is not using "peirazo" in
the sense of tempting but of the trying of one's faith by the persecutions and trials which come from without the
body.
In my comments on the book of James, I noted how the word "peirazo" could be translated by either "tempted"
or "tried." I refer the reader to that discussion as it follows here, in order to note how Peter uses
the word.
"Just here some understanding in the distinction between "trials" and "temptations" is
in order, lest one conclude that the scripture contradicts itself. Confusion exists because the Greek word "peirazo" can be translated by either "try" or "tempt."
While all temptations may be called trials, not all trials are temptations. That is true because trials refer to
the testing of one's faith, even by persecutions against the one who is trying to live right, but such trials,
properly, may not be called enticements to do evil. God does try or test man's faith as he did Abraham's (Gen.
22:1-19). And God allows the Devil to try man, as he did Job (Job 1-2). But God, because of His very nature, can
never tempt man to do evil, i.e., He does not have the capacity to entice or allure man to do evil. As one reads
James he becomes aware that "peirazo" is used by James in the sense of "enticement to do wrong."
Temptation comes -- but never from God,"("Practical Living," A workbook and Commentary on James,
p. 10, by JRE).
There are similarities and dissimilarities between Peter and James. I mean by that that while Peter uses the same
word ("peirazo") as James does, he does not use it in the same way. Also, while Peter addresses a dispersion
(Greek word, "diaspora"), the people of the
dispersion are not the same. Peter addresses the "strangers scattered (i.e., dispersed) throughout Pontus,
Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia." These addressed as "the strangers" (Greek word "parepidamois" means "sojourners") are "scattered"
(Greek word "diasporas" means "of the
dispersion"). The emphasis in this context is upon Christians, who recognize themselves as mere "sojourners"
or pilgrims traveling through this world. Though they are scattered among worldly people (the nations), they must
not live as the world (1 Pet. 2:11-16). James, on the other hand, addresses those Christians of Jewish descent
(the twelve tribes of Israel) who were scattered, or dispersed, from Jerusalem into the regions of Judaea and Samaria
at the time of Saul's persecution on the church (Acts 8:1).
The epistles are similar in that both epistles are extremely practical and functional for the Christian -- they
arm us with an essential understanding of daily problems relating to trials and temptations and equip us to live
each day, before God, in the way a Christian should.
Christians have daily problems with enticements and sin. James equips us with understanding and power to conquer
temptation and grow stronger each day. We should not be discouraged and disheartened by temptations. Christians
also suffer persectuions -- we, to a much less degree than those disciples. But even if we are only reviled, it
still causes suffering. That can be handled by a proper perspective. Peter tells us that Christ also suffered and
that suffering is temporary. Hold fast to your hope!
[Table of Contents] [Preface] [Introduction] [Outline] [Study Questions]
[Ch. 1:1-2] [Ch.1:3-4]
[Ch.1:5-6]
[Ch.1:7-8]
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