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
See Verses Found in Dictionary
who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
And it came to pass, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here; and let us make three tents; one for Thee, one for Moses, and one for Elijah;" not knowing what he was saying.
So, when they breakfasted, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He says to Him, "Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I fondly love Thee." He saith to him, "Feed My lambs." He saith to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He says to Him, "Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I fondly love Thee." He saith to him, "Feed My sheep." read more. He saith to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you fondly love Me?" Peter was grieved, because He said to him the third time "Do you fondly love Me?" and he said to Him, "Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I do fondly love Thee." Jesus saith to him, "Feed My sheep. Verily, verily, I say to you, when you were young, you were wont to gird yourself, and to walk wheresoever you wished; but, when you become old, you will stretch forth your hands, and another will gird you, and carry you whither you wish not." Now this He spake, signifying by what manner of death he would glorify God. And, having spoken this, He saith to him, "Follow Me."
because he was numbered among us, and obtained the portion of this ministry.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come.
"This Jesus God raised up; of which fact we all are witnesses.
And Peter, seeing it, spake to the people, "Men of Israel, why do ye wonder at this? Or why look ye so intently on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him to walk
and the Prince of life ye killed; Whom God raised from the dead??f which fact we are witnesses.
and the Prince of life ye killed; Whom God raised from the dead??f which fact we are witnesses.
but God thus fulfilled what He before announced through the mouth of all His prophets, that His Christ should suffer. Repent ye, therefore, and turn, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord;
To you first, God, having raised up His Child, sent Him forth, blessing you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities."
This is the Stone That was set at naught by you, the builders, Which was made into a head of a corner.
And they, when they had further threatened them, released them, finding no way to punish them, on account of the people; because all were glorifying God for what had taken place;
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew, having suspended Him on a tree:
And we are witnesses of these things; also the Holy Spirit, Whom God gave to those who obey Him."
And, when the angel who was talking to him departed, having called two of his household servants and a devout soldier of those attending him;
And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; Whom they also slew, hanging Him on a tree. Him God raised on the third day, and gave Him to become manifest;
And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to fully testify that it is He Who hath been ordained by God Judge of the living and dead. To Him all the prophets testify, that through His Name every one who believes on Him receives remission of sins."
And, having sent from Miletus to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the assembly.
Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit appointed you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
Or, do you despise the riches of His kindness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God is leading you to repentance?
through Whom also we have had access by faith into this grace in which we have been standing; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are of no account in comparison with the glory about to be revealed for us.
Wherefore? because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the Stone of stumbling; as it has been written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offense; and he that believes on Him shall not be put to shame."
and he not conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.
And, having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us; whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or ministry, let us labor in the ministry; or he that teaches, in teaching; read more. or he that exhorts, in his exhortation; he that imparts, let him do it with liberality; he that presides, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
communicating to the necessities of the saints; cultivating hospitality.
recompensing to no one evil for evil; providing things honorable in the sight of all men;
Let every soul be in subjection to the authorities that are over him; for there is no authority, except from God; and the authorities that are have been appointed by God. So that he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those having resisted shall receive to themselves condemnation; read more. for rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And do you wish not to fear the authority? Do that which is good, and you shall have praise from the same; for he is God's minister to you for good. But, if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger for wrath to him that does evil.
Paul, a called apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother,
Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead),
Then, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and continued with him fifteen days.
And I went up according to revelation, and laid before them the Gospel which I preach among the Gentiles; but privately to those of repute, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
For ye were called to freedom, brethren; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love serve one another;
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ;
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ; according as He chose us in Him before the founding of a world, that we should be holy and without blemish before Him in love; read more. having predestinated us to the adoption of sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved; in Whom we have our redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,
even when we were dead in our offenses, made us alive with Christ (by grace ye have been saved),
For by grace ye have been saved through faith: and this, not of yourselves, it is the gift of God:
submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ;
submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ; the wives, to their own husbands, as to the Lord;
the wives, to their own husbands, as to the Lord;
Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;
Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;
Servants, obey your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
doing nothing through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind, each esteeming others better than himself; not looking each to his own things, but each also to the things of others. read more. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; Who, existing originally in the form of God, accounted it not a prize to he equal with God. but emptied Himself, taking a slave's form, coming to be in the likeness of men; and, being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings;
Aristarchus, my fellow-captive, salutes you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom ye received commandments (if he come to you, receive him),
for ye yourselves know accurately that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief at night.
for Demas forsook me, having loved this present age, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens, to Galatia; Titus, to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Taking Mark, bring him with you; for he is useful to me for ministering.
Do not forget to show love for strangers; for thereby some entertained angels unawares.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall in with manifold temptations; knowing that the proving of your faith establishes patience.
and the rich, in his humiliation; because, as a flower of grass, he shall pass away.
Wherefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive in meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
But He giveth more grace Wherefore, the Scripture says, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble."
let him know that he who converted a sinner from the error of his way, will save a soul from death, and cover a multitude of sins.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ to the sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ to the sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ to the sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ to the sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the fore-knowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: grace to you, and peace be multiplied. read more. Blessed be the God and Father of out Lord Jesus Christ, Who, according to His abundant mercy, begat us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from among the dead,
Blessed be the God and Father of out Lord Jesus Christ, Who, according to His abundant mercy, begat us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from among the dead,
Blessed be the God and Father of out Lord Jesus Christ, Who, according to His abundant mercy, begat us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from among the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and unfading; kept in Heaven for you,
to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and unfading; kept in Heaven for you, who are being guarded by God's power, through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time; read more. in which ye exult, though now, for a little while, if necessary, made sorrowful in manifold temptations;
in which ye exult, though now, for a little while, if necessary, made sorrowful in manifold temptations; that the proving of your faith??eing much more precious than gold that perishes, but is proved through fire??ay be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
that the proving of your faith??eing much more precious than gold that perishes, but is proved through fire??ay be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Whom, not having seen, ye love; on Whom, though now not seeing Him, yet believing, ye exult with joy unspeakable and full of glory;
Whom, not having seen, ye love; on Whom, though now not seeing Him, yet believing, ye exult with joy unspeakable and full of glory;
Whom, not having seen, ye love; on Whom, though now not seeing Him, yet believing, ye exult with joy unspeakable and full of glory; receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of souls; read more. concerning which salvation the prophets earnestly sought and diligently searched, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you;
concerning which salvation the prophets earnestly sought and diligently searched, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you; searching as to what time or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ Who was in them was pointing to, when testifying beforehand the sufferings destined for Christ, and the subsequent glories;
searching as to what time or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ Who was in them was pointing to, when testifying beforehand the sufferings destined for Christ, and the subsequent glories; to whom it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to you they were ministering them; which things now were reported to you through those who proclaimed the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from Heaven; into which things angels desire to look carefully.
to whom it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to you they were ministering them; which things now were reported to you through those who proclaimed the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from Heaven; into which things angels desire to look carefully. Wherefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, being sober, hope perfectly for the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Wherefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, being sober, hope perfectly for the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves to the former desires in your ignorance;
as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves to the former desires in your ignorance; but, according as He Who called you is holy, do ye yourselves become holy in all your conduct;
but, according as He Who called you is holy, do ye yourselves become holy in all your conduct; because it has been written, "Ye shall be holy, because I am Holy." read more. And, if ye call on Him as Father, Who, without respect of persons, judgeth according to each one's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear;
And, if ye call on Him as Father, Who, without respect of persons, judgeth according to each one's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear; knowing that, not with perishable things, with silver or gold, were ye redeemed from your vain course of life handed down from your fathers;
knowing that, not with perishable things, with silver or gold, were ye redeemed from your vain course of life handed down from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot;
but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot; foreknown, indeed, from a founding of a world, but manifested in the end of the times for you, read more. who through Him believe in God, Who raised Him from the dead, and gave Him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.
who through Him believe in God, Who raised Him from the dead, and gave Him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.
who through Him believe in God, Who raised Him from the dead, and gave Him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. Having purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned brotherly love, love one another from the heart earnestly;
Having purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned brotherly love, love one another from the heart earnestly;
as new-born babes, long ye for the spiritual, unadulterated milk, that thereby ye may grow unto salvation,
To you, therefore, who believe is the preciousness; but to those who disbelieve, a stone which the builders rejected, this was made into a head of a corner,"
To you, therefore, who believe is the preciousness; but to those who disbelieve, a stone which the builders rejected, this was made into a head of a corner,"
But ye are "an elect race, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation," a people for a possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
But ye are "an elect race, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation," a people for a possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly desires, which, indeed, war against the soul;
Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly desires, which, indeed, war against the soul;
Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly desires, which, indeed, war against the soul; having your conduct seemly among the gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may, from your good works which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. read more. Submit yourself to every human ordinance, for the Lord's sake; whether to a king as supreme;
Submit yourself to every human ordinance, for the Lord's sake; whether to a king as supreme;
Submit yourself to every human ordinance, for the Lord's sake; whether to a king as supreme;
for so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men; as free, and not holding your freedom as a cloak for wickedness, but as servants of God.
as free, and not holding your freedom as a cloak for wickedness, but as servants of God.
as free, and not holding your freedom as a cloak for wickedness, but as servants of God. Honor all men; love the brotherhood; fear God; honor the king. read more. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the perverse. For this is acceptable, if, for conscience toward God, one endures griefs, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when sinning and being beaten, ye endure it? but, if, when doing well and suffering for it, ye endure it, this is acceptable with God. For to this were ye called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow His steps;
For, as sheep, ye were going astray; but now ye returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
In like manner, ye wives, be subject to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they may, without the word, be gained through the conduct of their wives,
For thus, in former times, the holy women also, who hoped in God, were wont to adorn themselves, submitting themselves to their own husbands;
not returning evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but, on the contrary, blessing; because to this end ye were called, that ye might inherit a blessing.
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts; ready always for an answer to every one who asks of you an account concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear;
because Christ also suffered for sins once, a Righteous One in behalf of the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in flesh, but made alive in the Spirit, in Whom, also, going, He preached to the spirits in prison, read more. who were once disobedient, when the long-suffering of God was waiting in the days of Noah, while an ark was being prepared, entering into which, a few, that is, eight, souls were saved through water; which, in its anti-type, immersion, now saves you also (not a putting away of the filth of flesh, but the requirement of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
which, in its anti-type, immersion, now saves you also (not a putting away of the filth of flesh, but the requirement of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
which, in its anti-type, immersion, now saves you also (not a putting away of the filth of flesh, but the requirement of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Beloved, be not surprised at the fiery-test taking place among you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened to you;
Beloved, be not surprised at the fiery-test taking place among you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened to you;
Beloved, be not surprised at the fiery-test taking place among you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened to you; but, in so far as ye share in Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of His glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.
but, in so far as ye share in Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of His glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. If ye are reproached in Christ's name, happy are ye, because the Spirit of glory and that of God rests upon you.
If ye are reproached in Christ's name, happy are ye, because the Spirit of glory and that of God rests upon you. For let no one of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in other men's matters; read more. but, if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. Because it is the time for judgment to begin at the house of God; and, if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of those who obey not the Gospel of God?
Because it is the time for judgment to begin at the house of God; and, if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of those who obey not the Gospel of God? And, if the righteous, with difficulty, is saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? read more. Wherefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing to a Faithful Creator.
The elders, therefore, I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of Christ's sufferings, also a partaker of the glory about to be revealed;
The elders, therefore, I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of Christ's sufferings, also a partaker of the glory about to be revealed;
The elders, therefore, I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of Christ's sufferings, also a partaker of the glory about to be revealed; feed the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it, not by constraint, but willingly; nor yet for base gain, but of a ready mind;
feed the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it, not by constraint, but willingly; nor yet for base gain, but of a ready mind;
feed the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it, not by constraint, but willingly; nor yet for base gain, but of a ready mind;
feed the flock of God which is among you, overseeing it, not by constraint, but willingly; nor yet for base gain, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the allotted charges, but becoming examples to the flock;
neither as lording it over the allotted charges, but becoming examples to the flock; and, when the Chief Shepherd is manifested, ye will obtain the unfading crown of glory.
and, when the Chief Shepherd is manifested, ye will obtain the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, ye younger, be subject to the elder; yea, all of you gird on the lowly mind to serve one another; because "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the lowly."
Likewise, ye younger, be subject to the elder; yea, all of you gird on the lowly mind to serve one another; because "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the lowly." Be humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due season;
Be humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due season; having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He careth for you. read more. Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, is going about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same kinds of sufferings are being accomplished in your brethren who are in the world. And the God of all grace, Who called you into His everlasting glory in Christ, after ye have suffered a little while, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, settle you.
And the God of all grace, Who called you into His everlasting glory in Christ, after ye have suffered a little while, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, settle you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. read more. Through Sylvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I wrote to you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God; within which stand ye. The assembly in Babylon, elected with you, and Mark my son, salute you.
The assembly in Babylon, elected with you, and Mark my son, salute you. Salute ye one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.
Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who obtained an equally precious faith with us, in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who obtained an equally precious faith with us, in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: grace to you, and peace be multiplied in a full knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;
grace to you, and peace be multiplied in a full knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; since His divine power has given to us all things pertaining to life and godliness, through the full knowledge of Him Who called us through His glory and virtue; read more. through which have been given to us very great and precious promises, that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world in lust:
through which have been given to us very great and precious promises, that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world in lust: and, even for this very reason, adding all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in virtue, knowledge; read more. and in knowledge, continence; and in continence, patience; and in patience, godliness; and in godliness, brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. For these things, belonging to you and abounding, make you neither idle nor unfruitful regarding the full knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure; for, if ye do these things, ye shall in nowise ever stumble;
Wherefore, I shall be always ready to remind you of these things, though ye know them, and have become confirmed in the present truth.
Wherefore, I shall be always ready to remind you of these things, though ye know them, and have become confirmed in the present truth. And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by reminding you;
And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by reminding you;
And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by reminding you; knowing that speedy is the putting off of my tabernacle, as also our Lord Jesus Christ signified to me.
knowing that speedy is the putting off of my tabernacle, as also our Lord Jesus Christ signified to me. And I will also give diligence that at all times ye may be able, after my departure, to perpetuate the remembrance of these things.
And I will also give diligence that at all times ye may be able, after my departure, to perpetuate the remembrance of these things. For, not as having followed after cunningly-devised stories, did we make known to you the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, but as having been made spectators of His majesty.
For, not as having followed after cunningly-devised stories, did we make known to you the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, but as having been made spectators of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory, when such a voice was borne to Him from the Excellent Glory, "This is My Son, the Beloved, in Whom I took delight";
For He received from God the Father honor and glory, when such a voice was borne to Him from the Excellent Glory, "This is My Son, the Beloved, in Whom I took delight"; and this voice we heard borne from Heaven, when we were with Him in the holy mount.
and this voice we heard borne from Heaven, when we were with Him in the holy mount. And we have the more sure prophetic word, to which ye do well to take heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the Morning Star arise in your hearts;
And we have the more sure prophetic word, to which ye do well to take heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the Morning Star arise in your hearts; knowing this, first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of one's own interpretation; read more. for prophecy was never brought by the will of man, but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
for prophecy was never brought by the will of man, but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
for prophecy was never brought by the will of man, but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
for prophecy was never brought by the will of man, but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there will be false teachers, who, indeed, will stealthily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master Who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction:
But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there will be false teachers, who, indeed, will stealthily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master Who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction:
But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there will be false teachers, who, indeed, will stealthily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master Who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction: and many will follow their lascivious doings; by reason of whom the way of the truth will be defamed;
For, if God spared not angels that sinned, but, hurling them down to Hell, delivered them up to pits of darkness, kept for judgment; and spared not the old world; but preserved Noah, an eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing a flood upon a world of ungodly people;
and spared not the old world; but preserved Noah, an eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing a flood upon a world of ungodly people; and, turning to ashes the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, condemned them by an overthrow, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly;
and, turning to ashes the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, condemned them by an overthrow, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly;
and, turning to ashes the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, condemned them by an overthrow, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, distressed by the conduct of those who were impious in lasciviousness,
and delivered righteous Lot, distressed by the conduct of those who were impious in lasciviousness, (for this righteous man, dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, was torturing his righteous soul from day to day with their lawless deeds): read more. the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous enduring punishment unto the day of judgment;
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous enduring punishment unto the day of judgment;
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous enduring punishment unto the day of judgment; but especially those who walk after the flesh in a desire for pollution, and despise dominion; daring, self-willed, they tremble not, when railing at dignities;
but especially those who walk after the flesh in a desire for pollution, and despise dominion; daring, self-willed, they tremble not, when railing at dignities; whereas angels, though greater in might and power, bring not a railing judgment against them before the Lord.
suffering evil as wages of unrighteousness; accounting revelry in the daytime a pleasure; spots and blemishes; reveling in their deceivings, while feasting with you;
leaving the right way, they were led astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness,
leaving the right way, they were led astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness,
leaving the right way, they were led astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, but had a rebuke for his own transgression; a dumb beast-of-burden, speaking in man's voice, forbade the prophet's madness. read more. These are fountains without water, and mists driven by a storm, for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved. For, uttering great swelling words of vanity, they entice, in desires of the flesh, by their lasciviousness, those just escaping from those who live in error;
For, uttering great swelling words of vanity, they entice, in desires of the flesh, by their lasciviousness, those just escaping from those who live in error; promising them liberty, while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what one is overcome by this he has become enslaved. read more. For if, after having escaped the defilements of the world in a full knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but, having again become entangled with these, they are overcome, the last state has become worse with them than the first. For it were better for them not to have fully known the way of righteousness, than, having known it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
This, a second letter, beloved, I now write to you, in both which I stir up your sincere mind by way of remembrance;
This, a second letter, beloved, I now write to you, in both which I stir up your sincere mind by way of remembrance;
This, a second letter, beloved, I now write to you, in both which I stir up your sincere mind by way of remembrance; that ye remember the words spoken before by holy prophets, and the commandments of the Lord and Savior by your apostles. read more. Knowing this first, that there will come in the last days scoffers with scoffing, walking after their own desires,
Knowing this first, that there will come in the last days scoffers with scoffing, walking after their own desires,
Knowing this first, that there will come in the last days scoffers with scoffing, walking after their own desires,
For this escapes them willingly, that there were heavens of old, and an earth set together out of water, and through water, by the word of God: through which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished;
But, beloved, let not this one thing escape you, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
But, beloved, let not this one thing escape you, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow respecting the promise, as some account slowness; but He is long-suffering toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. read more. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a rushing noise, and the elements, being intensely hot, shall be dissolved, and the earth and the works therein shall be burned up.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a rushing noise, and the elements, being intensely hot, shall be dissolved, and the earth and the works therein shall be burned up.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a rushing noise, and the elements, being intensely hot, shall be dissolved, and the earth and the works therein shall be burned up.
But, according to His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness,
But, according to His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness, Wherefore, beloved, since ye are looking for these things, give diligence that ye be found in peace, without spot and blameless in His sight.
Wherefore, beloved, since ye are looking for these things, give diligence that ye be found in peace, without spot and blameless in His sight. And account the long-suffering of our Lord salvation; as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you;
And account the long-suffering of our Lord salvation; as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you;
And account the long-suffering of our Lord salvation; as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you;
And account the long-suffering of our Lord salvation; as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you; as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. read more. Ye, therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard, lest, being carried away with error of the wicked, ye fall from your own steadfastness.
Ye, therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard, lest, being carried away with error of the wicked, ye fall from your own steadfastness.
Ye, therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard, lest, being carried away with error of the wicked, ye fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever.
But I have it against you, that you left your first love.
"And to the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write these things," saith He Who is holy, He Who is true, He Who hath the key of David, He Who openeth, and no one shall shut; and shutteth, and no one opens: