1 Peter 1:1-12

THE LIVING HOPE

The opening of this epistle reminds us of Paul in its salutation, 1 Peter 1:1-2 . Here we have the author’s name Peter, his official designation an apostle of Jesus Christ, and a characterization and location of the people addressed “strangers scattered throughout” the provinces of Asia Minor named. This last phrase is rendered in the Revised Version, “sojourners of the dispersion,” which indicates that they were chiefly Jewish Christians not at home in their own land. But nevertheless, they were at home with God, for they are spoken of as “elect,” or chosen ones, and it is interesting to note the operation of the Three Persons of the Godhead in their election the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The first, called them, the second redeemed them, the third satisfied or set them apart for God forever.

The salutation is followed, as also in Paul’s epistles, by the thanksgiving (1 Peter 1:3-12 ), which contains as well a statement of the theme of the epistle which is, The Living Hope. Seven things are told us of the Living Hope:

1. Its source, “the abundant mercy of God”; 2. Its ground, the new birth, “begotten again”; 3. Its means, “the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” involving His death, of course; 4. Its nature, “an inheritance,” etc.; 5. Its security, “reserved” for us, “who are kept” for it; 6. Its consummation “in the last time,” which as is shown later, means not the end of the world, but of the present age which synchronizes with the Second Coming of Christ; 7. Its effect, joy, “wherein ye greatly rejoice.” This rejoicing is experienced even in the midst of trial (1 Peter 1:6 ), because that trial will redound to our “praise, and honor and glory” at Christ’s Second Coming.

“The end of your faith” (1 Peter 1:9 ), means that at which faith aims or in which it results, which the apostle says the believer is now “receiving,” now bearing

off as a prize in the present earnest of the Spirit he enjoys, in the present peace of reconciliation, in his growing sanctification and eager anticipation of eternal joy.

The closing part of this section (1 Peter 1:9-12 ) is a strong declaration of the supernatural character of the Holy Scriptures. The “salvation” just referred to had been prophesied of in the Old Testament, concerning which its writers had sought and searched diligently. That for which they searched was the time of the sufferings and subsequent glory of Christ. The Holy Spirit had led them to write of that time, and now the same Spirit revealed into them the meaning of what they had written. He instructed them that they had written not for their own age but this age, when that which they had written was being preached in the demonstration of the same Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:12 ). We thus see that the Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures, reveals their meaning, and accompanies their preaching and teaching, or else that preaching or teaching is in vain.

QUESTIONS

1. Give the details of the salutation.

2. Who are meant by strangers here?

3. What is the theme of the epistle?

4. Name the seven things spoken of it.

5. Explain 1 Peter 1:9 .

6. What threefold relation does the Holy Spirit bear to the Holy Scriptures?