60) The Book of 1st Peter

FIRST PETER is doctrinally written to the strangers of the last days. These strangers appear to be Jews dispersed throughout Asia Minor (Jer. 25:34; 1 Peter 1:18; 2:9-11; 3:6; 4:3). They will be foreigners in a strange land dominated by the Muslim religion (Ps. 137:4). They will be unable to run after the abomination of desolation by the Antichrist (Matt. 24:13-21). They will suffer great tribulation (Deut. 4:30; John 16:2; Rev, 7:14). The main theme ofthe letter is suffering joyfully for Christ Jesus (Heb. 10:34; 1 Peter 1:7; 2:21-25; 3:14; 4:12-16; 5:8-11).

Peter was given a special place of leadership in the early church, but the Lord Jesus is the Rock or foundation of the church (Matt. 16:18). This truth is confirmed by Paul and Peter under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 1; 10:4; 1 Peter 2:6-8). Peter was the first to speak to the Jews and the Gentiles about faith after Calvary (Acts 2 and 10). Peter wrote of the glorious salvation in Christ and the need for spiritual growth in grace. The most vital tool for growth is the Scriptures (1:23-25; 2:2; 3:15; 4:11; 5:2). The powers to endure and to overcome trials and tribulations are an unfeigned faith in the Scriptures and the spirit of grace in the Holy Ghost (Zech. 12:10; Col. 2:6-7; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Peter 4:14; 5:10). Suffering for the Lord warrants rewards in eternity (Matt. 5:10-12; Luke 6:22-23; Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12). The letter contains 5 chapters and 105 verses of preserved truth.