Reference: Peter, The Epistles of
Fausets
FIRST EPISTLE. Genuineness. Attested by 2Pe 3:1. Polycarp (in Eusebius 4:14); who in writing to the Philippians (Philippians 2) quotes 1Pe 1:13,21; 3:9; in Philippians 5; 1Pe 2:11. Eusebius (H. E. 3:39) says of Papins that he too quotes 1 Peter. Irenaeus (Haer. 4:9, section 2) expressly mentions it; in 4:16, section 5, 1Pe 2:16. Clemens Alex. (Strom. 1:3, 544) quotes 1Pe 2:11-12,15-16; and p. 562, 1Pe 1:21-22; and in 4:584, 1Pe 3:14-17; and p. 585, 1Pe 4:12-14. Origen (in Eusebius H. E. 6:25) mentions it; in Homily 7 on Joshua (vol. 2:63), both epistles; and in Commentary on Psalms and John 1Pe 3:18-21. Tertullian (Scorp. 12) quotes 1Pe 2:20-21; and in 14 1Pe 2:13,17. Eusebius calls 1 Peter one of "the universally acknowledged epistles.
The Peshito Syriac has it. Muratori's Fragm. of Canon omits it. The Paulicians alone rejected it. The internal evidence for it is strong. The author calls himself the apostle Peter (1Pe 1:1), "a witness of Christ's sufferings," and "an elder" (1Pe 5:1). The energetic style accords with Peter's character. Erasmus remarks this epistle is full of apostolical dignity and authority, worthy of the leader among the apostles.
PERSONS ADDRESSED. 1Pe 1:1; "to the elect strangers (pilgrims spiritually) of the dispersion," namely, Jewish Christians primarily. 1Pe 1:14. 1Pe 2:9-10; 4:3, prove that Gentile Christians, as grafted into the Christian Jewish stock and so becoming of the true Israel, are secondarily addressed. Thus the apostle of the circumcision seconded the apostle of the uncircumcision in uniting Jew and Gentile in the one Christ. Peter enumerates the provinces in the order from N.E, to S. and W. Pontus was the country of the Christian Jew Aquila.
Paul twice visited Galatia, founding and confirming churches. Crescens, his companion, went there just before Paul's last imprisonment (2Ti 4:10). Men of Cappadocia, as well as of "Pontus" and "Asia" (including Mysia, Lydia, Curia, Phrygia, Pisidia, and Lycaonia), were among Peter's hearers on Pentecost; these brought home to their native lands the first tidings of the gospel. In Lycaonia were the churches of Iconium, founded by Paul and Barnabas; of Lystra, Timothy's birthplace, where Paul was stoned; and of Derbe, the birthplace of Gains or Caius. In Pisidia was Antioch, where Paul preached (Acts 13) so effectively, but from which he was driven out by the Jews. In Caria was Miletus, where Paul convened the Ephesian elders.
In Phrygia Paul preached when visiting twice the neighbouring Galatia. The churches of Laodicea were Hierapolis and Colesse (having as members Philemon and Onesimus, and leaders Archippus and Epaphras). In Lydia was the Philadelphian church favorably noticed Re 3:7; that of Sardis the capital; Thyatira; and Ephesus, founded by Paul, laboured in by Aquila, Priscilla, Apollos, and Paul for three years, censured for leaving its first love (Re 2:4). Smyrna received unqualified praise. In Mysia was Pergamos. Troas was the scene of Paul's preaching, raising Eutychus, and staying with Carpus long subsequently.
Into Bithynia when Paul "assayed to go" the Spirit suffered him not; afterward the Spirit imparted to Bithynia the gospel, as 1Pe 1:1 implies, probably through Peter. These churches were in much the same state (1Pe 5:1-2 "feed") as when Paul addressed the Ephesian elders at Miletus (Ac 20:17,28, "feed".) Presbyter bishops ruled, Peter exercising a general superintendence. The persecutions to which they were exposed were annoyances and reproach for Christ's sake, because of their nut joining pagan neighbours in riotous living; so they needed warning lest they should fall. Ambition and lucre seeking are the evil tendencies against Which Peter warns the presbyters (1Pe 5:2-3), evil thoughts and words, and a lack of mutual sympathy among the members.
OBJECT. By the heavenly prospect before them, and by Christ the example, Peter consoles the partially persecuted, and prepares them for a severer ordeal coming. He exhorts all, husbands, wives, servants, elders, and people, by discharging relative duties to give the foe no handle for reproaching Christianity, rather to attract them to it; so Peter seeks to establish them in "the true grace of God wherein they stand "; but the Alexandrinus, Vaticanus, and Sinaiticus manuscripts read "stand ye," imperatively (1Pe 5:12), "Grace" is the keynote of Paul's doctrine which Peter confirms (Eph 2:5,8; Ro 5:2). He "exhorts and testifies" in this epistle on the ground of the gospel truths already well known to his readers by Pupil's teaching in those churches. He does not state the details of gospel grace, but takes them for granted (1Pe 1:8,18; 3:15; 2Pe 3:1).
DIVISIONS.
(I) Inscription (1Pe 1:2).
(II) Stirs up believers' pure feeling, as born again of God, by the motive of hope to which God has regenerated us (1Pe 1:3-12), to bring forth faith's holy fruits, seeing that Christ redeemed us from sin at so costly a price (1Pe 1:13-21). Purified by the Spirit unto love of the brethren, as begotten of God's abiding word, spiritual priest-kings, to whom alone Christ is precious (1Pe 1:22-2:10). As Paul is the apostle of faith and John of love, so Peter of hope. After Christ's example in suffering, maintain a good "conversation" (conduct) in every relation (1Pe 2:11-3:14), and a good "profession" of faith, having in view Christ's once offered sacrifice and His future coming to judgment (1Pe 3:15-4:11); showing patience in adversity, as looking for future glorification with Christ
(1) in general as Christians (1Pe 4:12-19),
(2) each in his own relation (1Pe 5:1-11). "Beloved" separates the second part from the first (1Pe 2:11), and the third from the second (1Pe 4:12).
(III) The conclusion. Time and place of writing. It was before the systematic persecution of Christians in Nero's later years. The acquaintance evidenced with Paul's epistles written previous to or during his first imprisonment at Rome (ending A.D. 63) shows it was after them. Compare 1Pe 2:13 with Romans 13; 1Pe 2:18; Eph 6:5; 1Pe 1:2; Eph 1:4-7; 1Pe 1:3; Eph 1:3; 1Pe 1:14; Ro 12:2; 1Pe 2:6-10; Ro 9:32-33; 1Pe 2:13; Ro 13:1-4; 1Pe 2:16; Ga 5:13; 1Pe 2:18; Eph 6:5; 1Pe 3:1; Eph 5:22; 1Pe 3:9; Ro 12:17; 1Pe 4:9; Ro 12:13; Php 2:14; Heb 13:2; 1Pe 4:10; Ro 12:6-8; 1Pe 5:1; Ro 8:18; 1Pe 5:5; Eph 5:21; Php 2:3-8; 1Pe 5:8; 1Th 5:6; 1Pe 5:14; 1Co 16:20.
In 1Pe 5:13 Mark is mentioned as at Babylon; this must have been after Col 4:10 (A.D. 61-63), when Mark was with Paul at Rome but intending to go to Asia. It was either when he went to Colosse that he proceeded to Peter, thence to Ephesus, from whence (2Ti 4:11) Paul tells Timothy to bring him to Rome (A.D. 67 or 68); or after Paul's second imprisonment and death Peter testified to the same churches, those of Asia Minor, following up Paul's teachings. This is more likely, for Peter would hardly trench on Paul's field of labour during Paul's life. The Gentile as well as the Hebrew Christians would after Paul's removal naturally look to Peter and the spiritual fathers of the Jerusalem church for counsel wherewith to meet Judaizing Christians and heretics; false teachers may have appealed from Paul to James and Peter. Therefore Peter confirms Paul and shows there is no difference between their teachings. Origen's and Eusebius' statement that Peter visited the Asiatic churches in person seems probable.
PLACE. Peter wrote from Babylon (1Pe 5:13). He would never use a mystical name for Rome, found only in prophecy, in a matter of fact letter amidst ordinary salutations. The apostle of the circumcision would naturally be at Chaldaean Babylon where was "a great multitude of Jews" (Josephus, Ant. 15:2, section 2; 3, section 1). Cosmas Indicopleustes (sixth century) understood the Babylon to be outside the Roman empire. The order in which Peter enumerates the countries, from N.E. to S. and W., is such as one writing from Babylon would adopt. Silvanus, Paul's companion, subsequently Peter's, carried the epistle.
STYLE. Fervor and practical exhortation characterize this epistle, as was to be expected from the warm hearted writer. The logical reasoning of Paul is not here; but Paul's gospel, as communicated to Peter by Paul (Ga 1:18; 2
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and they appeared in glory and spoke of his departure which he was to go through with at Jerusalem.
Just as they were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, how good it is that we are here! Let us put up three huts, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah!" For he did not know what he was saying.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, are you more devoted to me than these others are?" Peter said to him, "Yes, Master, you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Then feed my lambs!" Again Jesus said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, are you devoted to me?" He said to him, "Yes, Master, you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Then be a shepherd to my sheep!" read more. Jesus said to him a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because the third time Jesus asked him if he loved him, and he answered, "Master, you know everything, you can see that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Then feed my sheep! I tell you, when you were young, you used to put on your own girdle and go where you pleased, but when you grow old, you will stretch our your hands and someone else will put a girdle on you and take you where you have no wish to go" He said this to show the kind of death by which Peter was to honor God; and after he had said it he said to Peter, "Follow me!"
The sun will turn to darkness, And the moon to blood, Before the coming of the great, splendid Day of the Lord.
He is Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, and to whose resurrection we are all witnesses.
When Peter saw this, he said to the people. "Men of Israel, why are you so surprised at this? Why do you stare so at us, as though it were some power or some piety of ours that had made him able to walk?
and killed the very source of life. But God raised him from the dead, as we can testify.
and killed the very source of life. But God raised him from the dead, as we can testify.
it was in this way that God fulfilled what he by all the prophets foretold that his Christ must suffer. So repent and turn to God, to have your sins wiped out, and happier times will come from the presence of the Lord,
It was to you that God first sent his servant after he had raised him from the dead, to bless you by making every one of you turn from his wickedness."
He is the stone that you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.
But after further threats they let them go, as they could find no way to punish them, on account of the people, who were all giving honor to God for what had happened,
The God of our forefathers raised Jesus to life when you had hung him on a cross and killed him.
We and the holy Spirit which God has given to those who obey him are witnesses to these things."
He was a devout man, who feared God, as did all the members of his household. He was liberal in charities to the people, and always prayed to God.
When the angel who had spoken to him was gone, Cornelius called two of his servants, and a devout soldier who was one of his personal attendants,
We are witnesses of everything that he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. Yet they put him upon a cross and killed him. But God raised him to life on the third day and caused him to be plainly seen,
He also directed us to announce to the people and bear solemn testimony that he is the one whom God has appointed to be the judge of the living and the dead. It is of him that all the prophets bear witness that everyone that believes in him will have his sins forgiven in his name."
From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.
Take care of yourselves and of the whole flock, of which the holy Spirit has made you guardians, and be shepherds of the church of God, which he got at the cost of his own life.
Do you think so lightly of his wealth of kindness, forbearance, and patience, and fail to see that God's kindness ought to induce you to repent?
by whom we have been introduced through faith to the favor of God that we now enjoy, and let us glory in our hope of sharing the glory of God.
For I consider what we suffer now not to be compared with the glory that is to burst upon us.
And why? Because they did not seek it through faith, but through doing certain things. They stumbled over that stone that makes people stumble, as the Scripture says, "See, I will put a stone on Zion to make people stumble, and a rock to trip over, But no one who has faith in it will be disappointed."
You must not adopt the customs of this world but by your new attitude of mind be transformed so that you can find out what God's will is??hat is good, pleasing, and perfect.
We have gifts that differ with the favor that God has shown us, whether it is that of preaching, differing with the measure of our faith, or of practical service, differing in the field of service, or the teacher who exercises his gift in teaching, read more. the speaker, in his exhortation, the giver of charity, with generosity, the office-holder, with devotion, the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Supply the needs of God's people, be unfailing in hospitality.
Do not pay anyone back with evil for evil. See that you are above reproach in the eyes of everyone.
Everyone must obey the authorities that are over him, for no authority can exist without the permission of God; the existing authorities have been established by him, so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself in opposition to what God has ordained, and those who oppose him will bring down judgment upon themselves. read more. The man who does right has nothing to fear from the magistrates, as the wrongdoer has. If you want to have no fear of the authorities, do right, and they will commend you for it, for they are God's agents to do you good. But if you do wrong you may well be afraid, for they do not carry swords for nothing. They are God's servants, to execute his wrath upon wrongdoers.
Paul, by the will of God called as an apostle of Jesus Christ, and our brother Sosthenes,
Paul, an apostle not from men nor sent by any man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead??2 and all the brothers who are here with me, to the churches of Galatia;
Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem, to become acquainted with Cephas, and I spent two weeks with him;
It was in obedience to a revelation that I went. I laid before them the good news that I preach to the heathen, presenting it privately to the leaders, for fear my efforts might be or might have been futile.
For you, brothers, have been called to freedom; only do not make your freedom an excuse for the physical, but in love be slaves to one another.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who through Christ has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who through Christ has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm. Through him he chose us out before the creation of the world, to be consecrated and above reproach in his sight in love. read more. He foreordained us to become his sons through Jesus Christ, in fulfilment of his generous purpose, so that we might praise the splendid blessing which he has given us through his beloved Son. It is through union with him and through his blood that we have been delivered and our offenses forgiven,
he made us, dead as we were through our offenses, live again with the Christ. It is by his mercy that you have been saved.
For it is by his mercy that you have been saved through faith. It is not by your own action, it is the gift of God.
and subordinate yourselves to one another out of reverence to Christ.
and subordinate yourselves to one another out of reverence to Christ. You married women must subordinate yourselves to your husbands, as you do to the Lord,
You married women must subordinate yourselves to your husbands, as you do to the Lord,
You who are slaves, obey your earthly masters, in reverence and awe, with sincerity of heart, as you would the Christ,
You who are slaves, obey your earthly masters, in reverence and awe, with sincerity of heart, as you would the Christ,
You who are slaves, obey your earthly masters, in reverence and awe, with sincerity of heart, as you would the Christ,
Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the devoted adherents of Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the superintendents and assistants;
Do not act for selfish ends or from vanity, but modestly treat one another as your superiors. Do not take account of your own interests, but of the interests of others as well. read more. Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he possessed the nature of God, he did not grasp at equality with God, but laid it aside to take on the nature of a slave and become like other men. When he had assumed human form, he still further humbled himself and carried his obedience so far as to die, and to die upon the cross.
Do everything without any grumbling or disputing,
Aristarchus, my fellow-prisoner, wishes to be remembered to you, and so does Barnabas' cousin Mark. (About him you have had instructions; if he comes to see you, make him welcome.)
for you yourselves know perfectly well that the Day of the Lord is to come like a thief in the night.
for Demas has deserted me for love of the present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. No one but Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is of great assistance to me,
Do not forget to be hospitable to strangers, for by being so some, without knowing it, have had angels as their guests.
You must find the greatest joy, my brothers, in being involved in various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith leads to steadfastness,
but one who is rich ought to rejoice at being reduced in circumstances, for the rich will disappear like the wild flowers.
So strip yourselves of everything that soils you, and of every evil growth, and in a humble spirit let the message that has the power to save your souls be planted in your hearts.
But he gives all the greater blessing. As the Scripture says, "God opposes haughty persons, but he blesses humble-minded ones."
you may be sure that whoever brings a sinner back from his misguided way will save the man's soul from death, and cover up a host of sins.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are scattered as foreigners over Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are scattered as foreigners over Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are scattered as foreigners over Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are scattered as foreigners over Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, whom God the Father has chosen and predestined by the consecration of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ, and to be sprinkled with his blood; God bless you and give you perfect peace. read more. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has caused us to be born anew to a life of hope through Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead,
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has caused us to be born anew to a life of hope through Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead,
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has caused us to be born anew to a life of hope through Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead, and to an imperishable, unsullied, and unfading inheritance, which is kept safe for you in heaven,
and to an imperishable, unsullied, and unfading inheritance, which is kept safe for you in heaven, and you by God's power are being protected through faith to receive a salvation that is now ready to be disclosed at the last time. read more. Rejoice over this, although just now perhaps distressed by various trials;
Rejoice over this, although just now perhaps distressed by various trials; they are to show that your faith when tested is found to be more precious than gold, which though it is perishable is tested with fire, and they will bring you praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
they are to show that your faith when tested is found to be more precious than gold, which though it is perishable is tested with fire, and they will bring you praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. You must love him, though you have not seen him, but since you believe in him though you do not now see him, rejoice with triumphant, unutterable joy
You must love him, though you have not seen him, but since you believe in him though you do not now see him, rejoice with triumphant, unutterable joy
You must love him, though you have not seen him, but since you believe in him though you do not now see him, rejoice with triumphant, unutterable joy to attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls. read more. About this salvation the prophets who prophesied of the blessing that was destined for you made the most careful investigation,
About this salvation the prophets who prophesied of the blessing that was destined for you made the most careful investigation, trying to learn for what possible time the spirit of Christ within them in predicting the sufferings destined for Christ intended them and the glories that were to follow them.
trying to learn for what possible time the spirit of Christ within them in predicting the sufferings destined for Christ intended them and the glories that were to follow them. It was disclosed to them that they were serving not themselves but you in dealing with these things, which have now been told you by those who through the holy Spirit sent from heaven brought you the good news; things into which angels long to look!
It was disclosed to them that they were serving not themselves but you in dealing with these things, which have now been told you by those who through the holy Spirit sent from heaven brought you the good news; things into which angels long to look! Therefore, prepare your minds for action, and with perfect calmness fix your hopes on the mercy that you are to experience when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, and with perfect calmness fix your hopes on the mercy that you are to experience when Jesus Christ is revealed. Like obedient children, do not adapt yourselves to the cravings you used to follow when you were ignorant,
Like obedient children, do not adapt yourselves to the cravings you used to follow when you were ignorant, but like the holy Being who has called you, you must also prove holy in all your conduct,
but like the holy Being who has called you, you must also prove holy in all your conduct, for the Scripture says, "You must be holy, Because I am holy." read more. And if you address him as Father who judges everyone impartially by what he does, you must live reverently all the time you stay here,
And if you address him as Father who judges everyone impartially by what he does, you must live reverently all the time you stay here, for you know that you have not been ransomed with anything perishable like silver or gold, from the futile way of living in which you were brought up,
for you know that you have not been ransomed with anything perishable like silver or gold, from the futile way of living in which you were brought up, but with precious blood, like that of an unblemished, spotless lamb, the blood of Christ,
but with precious blood, like that of an unblemished, spotless lamb, the blood of Christ, who was predestined for this before the foundation of the world, but was revealed only at the end of the ages, read more. for the sake of you who through him trust in God, who raised him from the dead and showed him honor; and so your faith and hope rest on God.
for the sake of you who through him trust in God, who raised him from the dead and showed him honor; and so your faith and hope rest on God.
for the sake of you who through him trust in God, who raised him from the dead and showed him honor; and so your faith and hope rest on God. Now that by obeying the truth you have purified your souls for sincere love of the brotherhood, you must love one another intensely and heartily,
Now that by obeying the truth you have purified your souls for sincere love of the brotherhood, you must love one another intensely and heartily,
and like new-born babes crave the pure spiritual milk that will make you grow up to salvation,
It is you, therefore, who believe who see its value, but for men who do not believe, "The stone which the builders refused has been made a cornerstone,"
It is you, therefore, who believe who see its value, but for men who do not believe, "The stone which the builders refused has been made a cornerstone,"
But you are the chosen race, the royal priesthood, the consecrated nation, his own people, so that you may declare the virtues of him who has called you out of darkness into his wonderful light;
But you are the chosen race, the royal priesthood, the consecrated nation, his own people, so that you may declare the virtues of him who has called you out of darkness into his wonderful light;
Dear friends, I beg you, as aliens and exiles here, not to indulge the physical cravings that are at war with the soul.
Dear friends, I beg you, as aliens and exiles here, not to indulge the physical cravings that are at war with the soul.
Dear friends, I beg you, as aliens and exiles here, not to indulge the physical cravings that are at war with the soul. Live upright lives among the heathen, so that even if they charge you with being evil-doers, they may from observing the uprightness of your conduct come to praise God on the Day of Judgment. read more. Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme,
Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme,
Submit to all human authority, for the Master's sake; to the emperor, as supreme,
For it is the will of God that by doing right you should silence the ignorant charges of foolish people. Live like free men, only do not make your freedom an excuse for doing wrong, but be slaves of God.
Live like free men, only do not make your freedom an excuse for doing wrong, but be slaves of God.
Live like free men, only do not make your freedom an excuse for doing wrong, but be slaves of God. Treat everyone with respect. Love the brotherhood, be reverent to God, respect the emperor. read more. You servants must be submissive to your masters and perfectly respectful to them; not only to those who are kind and considerate, but also to those who are unreasonable. For God approves a man if from a sense of duty he endures suffering unjustly inflicted??20 for what credit is there in your enduring being beaten for doing wrong? But if you endure suffering for doing what is right, you have God's approval.
That is the life to which you have been called, for Christ himself suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow his footsteps.
For you were astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
You married women, in the same way, must be submissive to your husbands, so that any who refuse to believe the message may be won over without argument through the behavior of their wives
It was in that way in ancient times that those pious women who set their hopes on God made themselves attractive. They were submissive to their husbands,
not returning evil for evil, or abuse for abuse. You must bless people instead. It is for this that you were called??o obtain blessing.
but reverence Christ in your hearts as Lord, and always be ready to make your defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that you have. But do so gently and respectfully,
For Christ himself died once for all, for sin, an upright man for unrighteous men, to bring us to God, and was physically put to death, but he was made alive in the Spirit. In it Enoch went and preached even to those spirits that were in prison, read more. who had once been disobedient, when in Noah's time God in his patience waited for the ark to be made ready, in which a few people, eight in all, were brought safely through the water. Baptism, which corresponds to it, now saves you also (not as the mere removing of physical stain, but as the craving for a conscience right with God)??hrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Baptism, which corresponds to it, now saves you also (not as the mere removing of physical stain, but as the craving for a conscience right with God)??hrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Baptism, which corresponds to it, now saves you also (not as the mere removing of physical stain, but as the craving for a conscience right with God)??hrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Dear friends, do not be surprised that a test of fire is being applied to you, as though a strange thing were happening to you,
Dear friends, do not be surprised that a test of fire is being applied to you, as though a strange thing were happening to you,
Dear friends, do not be surprised that a test of fire is being applied to you, as though a strange thing were happening to you, but be glad that you are in a measure sharing the sufferings of the Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may be triumphantly happy.
but be glad that you are in a measure sharing the sufferings of the Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may be triumphantly happy. If you are being abused for the sake of Christ, you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit of God is resting upon you.
If you are being abused for the sake of Christ, you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit of God is resting upon you. For no one of you must suffer as a murderer or thief or criminal or revolutionist, read more. but if a man suffers for being a Christian, he must not be ashamed of it, but must do honor to God through that name. For the time has come for the judgment to begin with the household of God, and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who refuse God's good news?
For the time has come for the judgment to begin with the household of God, and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who refuse God's good news? If it is hard for the upright man to be saved, what will become of the godless and sinful? read more. Therefore, those who suffer by the will of God must intrust their souls to a Creator who is faithful, and continue to do what is right.
I appeal therefore to those who are elders among you; I am their brother-elder and a witness to what the Christ suffered, and I am to share in the glory that is to be revealed??2 be shepherds of the flock of God that is among you, not as though it were forced upon you but of your own free will, and not from base love of gain but freely,
I appeal therefore to those who are elders among you; I am their brother-elder and a witness to what the Christ suffered, and I am to share in the glory that is to be revealed??2 be shepherds of the flock of God that is among you, not as though it were forced upon you but of your own free will, and not from base love of gain but freely,
I appeal therefore to those who are elders among you; I am their brother-elder and a witness to what the Christ suffered, and I am to share in the glory that is to be revealed??2 be shepherds of the flock of God that is among you, not as though it were forced upon you but of your own free will, and not from base love of gain but freely,
and not as tyrannizing over those in your charge but proving models for the flock;
and not as tyrannizing over those in your charge but proving models for the flock; and when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious wreath that will never fade.
and when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious wreath that will never fade. You younger men must show deference to the elders. And you must all clothe yourselves in humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud, but shows mercy to the humble.
You younger men must show deference to the elders. And you must all clothe yourselves in humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud, but shows mercy to the humble. Submit humbly, therefore, to God's mighty hand, so that he may in due time raise you up.
Submit humbly, therefore, to God's mighty hand, so that he may in due time raise you up. Throw all your anxiety upon him, for he cares for you. read more. Be calm and watchful. Your opponent the devil is prowling about like a roaring lion, wanting to devour you. Resist him and be strong in the faith, for you know that your brotherhood all over the world is having the same experience of suffering. And God, the giver of all mercy, who through your union with Christ has called you to his eternal glory, after you have suffered a little while will himself make you perfect, steadfast, and strong.
And God, the giver of all mercy, who through your union with Christ has called you to his eternal glory, after you have suffered a little while will himself make you perfect, steadfast, and strong. His be the dominion forever. Amen. read more. By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I think him, I have written you this short letter to encourage you and bear my testimony that this is what the true mercy of God means. Stand fast in it. Your sister-church in Babylon, chosen like you, and Mark my son wish to be remembered to you.
Your sister-church in Babylon, chosen like you, and Mark my son wish to be remembered to you. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you that are in union with Christ.
Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the uprightness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as privileged as ours;
Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the uprightness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as privileged as ours; God bless you and give you perfect peace through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
God bless you and give you perfect peace through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. For his divine power has given us every requisite for life and piety, through our coming to know him who through his glory and excellence called us to him. read more. Thus he has given us his precious and splendid promises so that through them you may escape the corrupting influences that exist in the world through passion, and come to share in the divine nature.
Thus he has given us his precious and splendid promises so that through them you may escape the corrupting influences that exist in the world through passion, and come to share in the divine nature. For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, read more. knowledge with self-control, self-control with steadfastness, steadfastness with piety, piety with a spirit of brotherhood, and the spirit of brotherhood with love. For if you have these qualities in their fulness, they will make you neither idle nor unproductive when it comes to the understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brothers, make all the greater efforts to make God's call and choice of you certain. For if you have these qualities, you will never stumble,
Therefore I will always remind you of this, although you know it and are firmly grounded in the truth that you have.
Therefore I will always remind you of this, although you know it and are firmly grounded in the truth that you have. Yet I think it right, as long as I live in my present tent, to arouse you by a reminder,
Yet I think it right, as long as I live in my present tent, to arouse you by a reminder,
Yet I think it right, as long as I live in my present tent, to arouse you by a reminder, for I know that I must soon put it away, as our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me.
for I know that I must soon put it away, as our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me. I will also take care that after I am gone you will be able at any time to call these things to mind.
I will also take care that after I am gone you will be able at any time to call these things to mind. For they were no fictitious stories that we followed when we informed you of the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and of his coming, but we had been eye-witnesses of his majesty.
For they were no fictitious stories that we followed when we informed you of the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and of his coming, but we had been eye-witnesses of his majesty. For when he was so honored and glorified by God the Father and from the supreme glory there were borne to him such words as these: "This is my Son, my Beloved! He is my Chosen!"??18 we heard these words borne from heaven when we were with him on that sacred mountain.
For when he was so honored and glorified by God the Father and from the supreme glory there were borne to him such words as these: "This is my Son, my Beloved! He is my Chosen!"??18 we heard these words borne from heaven when we were with him on that sacred mountain.
So we have the message of the prophets more fully guaranteed. Please pay attention to that message as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
So we have the message of the prophets more fully guaranteed. Please pay attention to that message as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. You must understand this in the first place, that no prophecy in Scripture can be understood through one's own powers, read more. for no prophecy ever originated in the human will, but under the influence of the holy Spirit men spoke for God.
for no prophecy ever originated in the human will, but under the influence of the holy Spirit men spoke for God.
for no prophecy ever originated in the human will, but under the influence of the holy Spirit men spoke for God.
for no prophecy ever originated in the human will, but under the influence of the holy Spirit men spoke for God.
There were false prophets too among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will introduce destructive sects and deny the Master who has bought them, thus bringing on themselves swift destruction.
There were false prophets too among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will introduce destructive sects and deny the Master who has bought them, thus bringing on themselves swift destruction.
There were false prophets too among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will introduce destructive sects and deny the Master who has bought them, thus bringing on themselves swift destruction. Many people will follow their immoral ways, and they will cause the true way to be maligned.
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but plunged them into Tartarus, and committed them to dark dungeons to await their doom, and if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others, when he brought the flood upon the godless world;
and if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others, when he brought the flood upon the godless world; and if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and overwhelmed them with ashes, as a warning to ungodly men of what was to come,
and if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and overwhelmed them with ashes, as a warning to ungodly men of what was to come,
and if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and overwhelmed them with ashes, as a warning to ungodly men of what was to come, and saved the upright Lot who was so distressed by the immoral conduct of unprincipled men??8 for as long as that upright man lived among them, day after day his upright soul was tormented by what he saw and heard of their lawless actions??9 then the Lord knows how to rescue God-fearing people from trial and to punish wrongdoers while they are being kept for the Day of Judgment,
and saved the upright Lot who was so distressed by the immoral conduct of unprincipled men??8 for as long as that upright man lived among them, day after day his upright soul was tormented by what he saw and heard of their lawless actions??9 then the Lord knows how to rescue God-fearing people from trial and to punish wrongdoers while they are being kept for the Day of Judgment,
especially those who yield to their physical nature and indulge in passions that defile them, and despise authority. Rash, headstrong men! They stand in no awe of majesty, but deride beings
especially those who yield to their physical nature and indulge in passions that defile them, and despise authority. Rash, headstrong men! They stand in no awe of majesty, but deride beings against whom even angels far superior to these beings in strength and power bring no abusive charge before the Lord.
suffering wrong as the reward for their wrongdoing. They find pleasure in the indulgence of the moment; they are a stain and a disgrace, and they revel in their deceit while they join in your religious meals.
They have left the straight path and gone astray. They have followed the path of Balaam, the son of Beor, who set his heart on dishonest gain,
They have left the straight path and gone astray. They have followed the path of Balaam, the son of Beor, who set his heart on dishonest gain,
They have left the straight path and gone astray. They have followed the path of Balaam, the son of Beor, who set his heart on dishonest gain, but he was rebuked for his offense; a dumb animal spoke with a human voice and checked the prophet's madness. read more. Such men are dried-up springs, clouds driven before the storm, and they are doomed to utter darkness. They utter arrogant nonsense and use physical cravings to lure into immorality men who are just escaping from among those who live in error;
They utter arrogant nonsense and use physical cravings to lure into immorality men who are just escaping from among those who live in error; promising them freedom when they are themselves slaves of destruction; for a man is the slave of whatever overcomes him. read more. For if after men have escaped the corrupting influences of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they again become entangled in them and are overcome by them, their final condition is worse than their former one. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of uprightness than after knowing it to have turned their backs upon the sacred command with which they had been intrusted.
This is the second letter, dear friends, that I have now written to you, in the effort to arouse your unsullied minds
This is the second letter, dear friends, that I have now written to you, in the effort to arouse your unsullied minds
This is the second letter, dear friends, that I have now written to you, in the effort to arouse your unsullied minds to remember the things foretold by the holy prophets, and the command of the Lord and Savior through your apostles. read more. First of all, you must understand this, that in the last days mockers will come with their mockeries, going where their passions lead
First of all, you must understand this, that in the last days mockers will come with their mockeries, going where their passions lead
First of all, you must understand this, that in the last days mockers will come with their mockeries, going where their passions lead
For they wilfully ignore the fact that long ago there existed heavens and an earth which had been formed at God's command out of water and by water, by which also that world was destroyed, through being flooded with water.
But do not overlook this one fact, dear friends, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like one day.
But do not overlook this one fact, dear friends, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, in the sense that some men think; he is really showing his patience with you, because he does not want any to perish, but wishes all men to be brought to repentance. read more. The Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on it the heavens will pass away with a roar, the heavenly bodies will burn up and be destroyed, and the earth and all its works will melt away.
The Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on it the heavens will pass away with a roar, the heavenly bodies will burn up and be destroyed, and the earth and all its works will melt away.
The Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on it the heavens will pass away with a roar, the heavenly bodies will burn up and be destroyed, and the earth and all its works will melt away.
In fulfilment of his promise we expect new heavens and a new earth, where uprightness will prevail.
In fulfilment of his promise we expect new heavens and a new earth, where uprightness will prevail. Therefore, dear friends, while waiting for this, make every effort to be found by him unstained, irreproachable, and at peace.
Therefore, dear friends, while waiting for this, make every effort to be found by him unstained, irreproachable, and at peace. Look upon our Lord's patience as salvation, just as our dear brother Paul, with the wisdom that God gave him, wrote you to do,
Look upon our Lord's patience as salvation, just as our dear brother Paul, with the wisdom that God gave him, wrote you to do,
Look upon our Lord's patience as salvation, just as our dear brother Paul, with the wisdom that God gave him, wrote you to do,
Look upon our Lord's patience as salvation, just as our dear brother Paul, with the wisdom that God gave him, wrote you to do, speaking of it as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which ignorant, unsteadfast people twist to their own ruin, just as they do the rest of the Scriptures. read more. So you, dear friends, now that you are forewarned, must be on your guard against being led away by the errors of unprincipled men and losing your present firmness.
So you, dear friends, now that you are forewarned, must be on your guard against being led away by the errors of unprincipled men and losing your present firmness.
So you, dear friends, now that you are forewarned, must be on your guard against being led away by the errors of unprincipled men and losing your present firmness. You must grow in the blessing and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory to him now and forever.
You must grow in the blessing and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory to him now and forever.
You must grow in the blessing and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory to him now and forever.
But I hold it against you that you do not love as you did at first.
"To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: " 'He who is holy and true, who carries the key of David, who opens and no one shall shut, and shuts and no one shall open, speaks thus: