The first letter of the apostle Peter
The writer of this letter is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, he also has the name of Simon Peter (Matthew 4:18) and Jesus Christ gave him another name, Cephas (John 1:42). Among the twelve, he was one of the three closest apostles of Jesus Christ: Peter, James and John his brother. These three men saw the transfiguration of Christ (Mark 9:1-10). There is no problem of understanding in reading the two letters of Peter. Nevertheless, sometimes Peter uses expressions which are linked to the Mosaic Law and particularly the former priesthood system, which will be explained without necessarily going into details. The purpose of this meditation is to understand how the advice of these letters can guide us towards Christian maturity and makes it possible to expand the reflection and the understanding, regarding the teaching presented by the apostle Peter.
Chapter 1:
« Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the temporary residents scattered about in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, to those chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, with sanctification by the spirit, for the purpose of being obedient and sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ: May undeserved kindness and peace be increased to you » (verses 1 and 2).
The expression of « temporary residents » is a metaphor to designate the Christians with the heavenly hope of everlasting life. The names of the different geographic places seem to indicate the territories of the Christian ministry of the apostle Peter. They are nearby the Black Sea, in Asia Minor, the geographic places of the current Turkey. In addition, in the conclusion of his letter, he addressed the greetings of the congregation which is in Babylon, the current Iraq (1 Peter 5:13). In the letter to the Congregation of Galatia, written by the apostle Paul, we read that he met the apostle Peter in Antioch, in the south of the current Turkey (Galatians 2:11). All this information, to note that it is very unlikely that Peter went to Rome, according to the narrative of the Bible (New Testament) because he developed his Christian ministry in Asia Minor (the current Turkey), up to Babylon, the current Iraq. It was the apostle Paul (and not the apostle Peter) who preached in the west direction, to Rome, according to the narrative of the Acts of the Apostles.
The expression « sprinkled with the blood » of Jesus Christ on these Christians, temporary residents, is another metaphor linked to the priesthood installation. In the context of this letter, the future heavenly priesthood of theses Christians. The same symbolic image of the outer garment of King Jesus Christ, stained with blood, in the book of the Apocalypse, which is described in his function of High Priest, during the great tribulation: « and he is clothed with an outer garment stained with blood, and he is called by the name The Word of God » (Apocalypse 19:13; Exodus 29:21). Indeed, these Christians, who have the heavenly hope of everlasting life, will constitute a kingdom of priests in the heavens alongside the High Priest, Jesus Christ (Apocalypse 1:5.6; 5:9,10).
The Christian hope (heavenly or earthly) has a price, that of trials which refine the faith: « Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for according to his great mercy he gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance. It is reserved in the heavens for you, 5 who are being safeguarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last period of time. 6 Because of this you are greatly rejoicing, though for a short time, if it must be, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 in order that the tested quality of your faith, of much greater value than gold that perishes despite its being tested by fire, may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you never saw him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet you exercise faith in him and are greatly rejoicing with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 as you attain the goal of your faith, your salvation » (verses 3-9).
Regarding the « new birth », Jesus Christ, during his conversation with Nicodemus, spoke about it: « In response Jesus said to him: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him: “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter into the womb of his mother a second time and be born, can he?” Jesus answered: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. What has been born from the flesh is flesh, and what has been born from the spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed because I told you: You people must be born again. The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who has been born from the spirit » (John 3:3-8).
During the baptism of the Christian who has the heavenly hope, the symbolism of the death takes place, leading to a new birth (his future heavenly resurrection) (Matthew 28:19). At the moment of the baptism, when the human body of the Christian is completely immersed in the water, it symbolizes the death of his old condition, and also his future death of his physical body. When he emerges from the water, which in the circumstances acts as a symbolic matrix, there is a new birth by water and also, before or after baptism, by the spirit. Jesus Christ says that we must both be born from water and spirit to inherit the kingdom of Heavens (John 3:5). The new birth from the spirit is a divine phenomenon that escapes to human understanding. It is God who anoints with spirit the one who will be born for the future heavenly life (John 3:8). The apostle Paul described this new birth which will be made in a tangible way, during the death of the faithful Christian and then, of his heavenly resurrection: « It is sown a physical body; it is raised up a spiritual body » (1 Corinthians 15:44a).
Can this process be applied to all human beings who will live forever on earth? Yes, but in a different way. Instead of the expression of new birth, Jesus Christ used the expression « re-creation », which is in itself, like a new birth with a new physical body without sin: « Jesus said to them: “Truly I say to you, in the re-creation, when the Son of man sits down on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel » » (Matthew 19:28). Still in the same letter from the apostle Paul, concerning the different forms of resurrections, in the second part of verse 44, it is written: « If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual one » (1 Corinthians 15: 44b). It is true in both directions: if there is a resurrection with a spiritual body, there will also be a resurrection with a physical body. The first will be born again from water and spirit (for life in heaven), and the other will be born again of water (symbolizing the immersion in death), and the rise of water by the resurrection with a re-creation of a new human body (for life on earth). We can even say that the future resurrected people will be borne by the effect of the Holy Spirit of God which will give them the life on earth (Acts 24:15).
Even the angels in the heavens have sought to understand the process that leads to everlasting salvation, by means the sacrifice of Christ: « Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the undeserved kindness meant for you made a diligent inquiry and a careful search. 11 They kept on investigating what particular time or what season the spirit within them was indicating concerning Christ as it testified beforehand about the sufferings meant for Christ and about the glory that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were ministering, not to themselves, but to you, regarding what has now been announced to you by those who declared the good news to you with holy spirit sent from heaven. Into these very things, angels are desiring to peer » (verses 10-12).
Each Christian must improve their behavior before God and his Son Jesus Christ, in order to have the fulfillment of his hope of everlasting life (heavenly or earthly): « So brace up your minds for activity; keep your senses completely; set your hope on the undeserved kindness that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, stop being molded by the desires you formerly had in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in all your conduct, 16 for it is written: “You must be holy, because I am holy.”
17 And if you are calling on the Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves with fear during the time of your temporary residence. 18 For you know that it was not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, that you were set free from your futile way of life handed down to you by your forefathers. 19 But it was with precious blood, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb, that of Christ. 20 True, he was foreknown before the founding of the world, but he was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake. 21 Through him you are believers in God, the one who raised him up from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope might be in God.
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth with unhypocritical brotherly affection as the result, love one another intensely from the heart. 23 For you have been given a new birth, not by corruptible, but by incorruptible seed, through the word of the living and enduring God. 24 For “all flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like a blossom of the field; the grass withers, and the flower falls off, 25 but the saying of Jehovah endures forever.” And this “saying” is the good news that was declared to you » (verses 13-25).
Chapter 2:
Peter refers again to the kingdom of priests, this time in the form of a building, a spiritual house, made with living stones (Christians having the heavenly hope), with this chosen stone, rejected by the builders, who is Jesus Christ: « So rid yourselves of all badness and deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all backbiting. 2 As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk of the word, so that by means of it you may grow to salvation, 3 provided you have tasted that the Lord is kind.
4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen, precious to God, 5 you yourselves as living stones are being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it says in Scripture: “Look! I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious foundation cornerstone, and no one exercising faith in it will ever be disappointed.”
7 It is to you, therefore, that he is precious, because you are believers; but to those not believing, “the stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone” 8 and “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They are stumbling because they are disobedient to the word. To this very end they were appointed. 9 But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies” of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 For you were once not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not been shown mercy, but now you have received mercy » (verses 1-10).
The apostle Peter does not designate himself as the cornerstone on which the Christian Church is built, but clearly shows that it is indeed Jesus Christ: « You yourselves as living stones are being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it says in Scripture: “Look! I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious foundation cornerstone, and no one exercising faith in it will ever be disappointed” » (1 Peter 2:5,6; Isaiah 28:16; Psalms 118:22: the chosen stone of the prophecy of Isaiah and the Psalms, mentioned by the apostle Peter, is Jesus Christ).
There is a series of recommendations to have good behavior in the situations of Christian life: « Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and temporary residents to keep abstaining from fleshly desires, which wage war against you. 12 Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, so that when they accuse you of being wrongdoers, they may be eyewitnesses of your fine works and, as a result, glorify God in the day of his inspection.
13 For the Lord’s sake subject yourselves to every human creation, whether to a king as being superior 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish wrongdoers but to praise those who do good. 15 For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorant talk of unreasonable men. 16 Be as free people, using your freedom, not as a cover for doing wrong, but as slaves of God. 17 Honor men of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, honor the king.
18 Let servants be in subjection to their masters with all due fear, not only to the good and reasonable but also to those hard to please. 19 For it is agreeable when someone endures hardship and suffers unjustly because of conscience toward God. 20 For what merit is there if you are beaten for sinning and you endure it? But if you endure suffering because of doing good, this is an agreeable thing to God.
21 In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. 22 He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. 23 When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously. 24 He himself bore our sins in his own body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live to righteousness. And “by his wounds you were healed.” 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls » (verses 11-25).
These advices are particularly addressed to those who are suffering and enduring because of an unfair situation. This kind of suffering is pleasant in the eyes of God, because it makes the Christian who is enduring, someone better, like a refined gold by the fire of the tribulation: « For it is agreeable when someone endures hardship and suffers unjustly because of conscience toward God. For what merit is there if you are beaten for sinning and you endure it? But if you endure suffering because of doing good, this is an agreeable thing to God » (verses 19,20).
These sufferings because of injustice have been endured by Christ, which is the best pattern of endurance for those who suffer because of conscience toward God: « In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously » (verses 21-23).
Chapter 3:
The married women of the congregation must continue to have their inner beauty, made of Christian qualities which can allow, to win an unbeliever husband: « In the same way, you wives, be in subjection to your husbands, so that if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, 2 because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect. 3 Do not let your adornment be external—the braiding of hair and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothing— 4 but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible adornment of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God. 5 For this is how the holy women of the past who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, subjecting themselves to their husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you have become her children, provided you continue doing good and do not give in to fear » (verses 1-6).
Then, the apostle Peter addresses the husbands: « You husbands, in the same way, continue dwelling with them according to knowledge. Assign them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since they are also heirs with you of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered » (verse 7). We find the same advice in the letters of the Apostle Paul, towards the husbands, their wives and children (Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4). The husbands must « continue dwelling with them according to knowledge ». Depending on the context, this « knowledge », does not seem to be a biblical knowledge or that could be read in a book, but rather discernment of what is femininity in the couple, which allows the husbands to understand the physical and emotional limits of their wives, and thus, to « assign them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one ». Obviously, this « knowledge » is just as important in the other direction, concerning women towards their husbands. This is how there will be a mutual understanding in the couple (and not only in one sense).
The disciples of Christ must manifest a brotherly love with affection: « Finally, all of you have unity of mind, fellow feeling, brotherly affection, tender compassion, and humility. 9 Do not pay back injury for injury or insult for insult. Instead, repay with a blessing, for you were called to this course, so that you might inherit a blessing. 10 For “whoever would love life and see good days must guard his tongue from bad and his lips from speaking deception. 11 Let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, and his ears listen to their supplication, but the face of Jehovah is against those doing bad things” » (verses 8-12).
Jesus Christ said about what would identify the real disciples: « I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves » (John 13:34,35). In some congregations, listeners sit down and receive the teaching, then they go home, by greeting in a superficial way those who meet in their path. In this situation, congregations are simple university campuses or classrooms where the professor gives his teaching, and then go home. In this case, where is the manifestation of sympathy and the brotherly affection? These two biblical texts clearly show that there must be a social life within a Christian congregation. It is made up of friendships, invitations to share a meal, reciprocal or not, of simple moments of happiness spent together on a walk or a picnic. Christian conviviality does not forget widows and orphans, divorced, separated and other people being in prolonged solitudes.
It is also important to remember the statement of the good Christian deeds of mercy, according to King Jesus Christ, during the future world judgment: « Then the King will say to those on his right: ‘Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world. For I became hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you received me hospitably; naked and you clothed me. I fell sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you visited me’ » (Matthew 25:31-46). We can see that in the list of these good Christian deeds, there is no good so-called « religious » action like listening biblical sermons, or going to preach and teach the good news. Obviously, we must also do these things, however, without missing the essentials, according to Jesus Christ: doing works of mercy. During this social life between the Christian brothers and sisters, it is important to « guard the tongue from bad and the lips from speaking deception » (verses 10 to 12; read also the letter of James 3:1-12 (Advices to « tame » the tongue)).
We must sanctify the Christ as Lord in our hearts, always ready to make a defense before any man: « Indeed, who will harm you if you become zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy. However, do not fear what they fear, nor be disturbed. 15 But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect. 16 Maintain a good conscience, so that in whatever way you are spoken against, those who speak against you may be put to shame because of your good conduct as followers of Christ. 17 For it is better to suffer because you are doing good, if it is God’s will to allow it, than because you are doing evil. 18 For Christ died once for all time for sins, a righteous person for unrighteous ones, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. 19 And in this state he went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who had formerly been disobedient when God was patiently waiting in Noah’s day, while the ark was being constructed, in which a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water » (verses 13-20).
When Peter writes « if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy », how can we be happy when we suffer? Jesus Christ shows in his Sermon on the Mount that one can be happy in the perspective of the hope: « Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you » (Matthew 5:3-12). The Christian can be persecuted with false accusations and therefore, sometimes, he must appear before judicial authorities or speak before a representative of the police (a police officer, a judge, a tax official…). As written, the Christian must remain the master of his feelings and ensure to express himself with deep respect. In doing so, if he shows patience, it is very likely that the situation will turn against the false accusers, who will be ashamed of their bad behavior towards persecuted Christians. Obviously, when a Christian suffers because of an injustice, he must remember the pattern of Jesus Christ who also suffered because of injustice, until death (verses 18-20).
If the blood of Christ saves, Christian baptism, also saves: « Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is at God’s right hand, for he went to heaven, and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him » (verses 21,22). By exercising faith in Jehovah God, the Father, in Jesus Christ, his Son, and in the Holy Spirit, they can be baptized and conform, their life according the biblical principles: « Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things » (Matthew 28:19,20). It should be noted in the commandment of Christ, after the baptism, the new disciple must be instructed to observe all the things taught by Jesus Christ. The particular training of the new Christian disciple will take some time after his baptism.
Chapter 4:
The disciple of Christ should no longer live for the desires of men, but for the will of God: « Since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition; because the person who has suffered in the flesh has desisted from sins, 2 so that he may live the remainder of his time in the flesh, no more for the desires of men, but for God’s will. 3 For the time that has passed by is sufficient for you to have done the will of the nations when you carried on in acts of brazen conduct, unbridled passions, overdrinking, wild parties, drinking bouts, and lawless idolatries. 4 They are puzzled that you do not continue running with them in the same decadent course of debauchery, so they speak abusively of you. 5 But these people will render an account to the one who is ready to judge those living and those dead. 6 In fact, this is why the good news was declared also to the dead, so that although they are judged in the flesh from the standpoint of men, they might live in harmony with the spirit from God’s standpoint » (verses 4-6).
The desires of men represent, depending on the context, the debauchery. However, it can also represent our bad tendencies to naturally do what is bad because of our sinful human condition. The apostle Paul alluded to this inner fight against bad trends: « I find, then, this law in my case: When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me. I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within, but I see in my body another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law that is in my body. Miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death? Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, then, with my mind I myself am a slave to God’s law, but with my flesh to sin’s law » (Romans 7:21-25). This change in behavior will inevitably attract the attention of the people around this Christian. It is possible that he is undergoing very strong pressure from the group in the form of insults and mockery: « They are puzzled that you do not continue running with them in the same decadent course of debauchery, so they speak abusively of you » (verse 4). Preaching to the dead means a proclamation of the good news to the whole of sinful humanity condemned by the death inherited from Adam (Matthew 8:22; Ephesians 2:1; Romans 5:12). This proclamation of the good news means that Christians are criticized or « judged in the flesh from the standpoint of men, they might live in harmony with the spirit from God’s standpoint » (verse 6).
The disciple of Christ must have a virtuous behavior and put his spiritual gifts in ministering their brothers and sisters in faith: « But the end of all things has drawn close. Therefore, be sound in mind, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. 8 Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 To the extent that each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness that is expressed in various ways. 11 If anyone speaks, let him do so as speaking pronouncements from God; if anyone ministers, let him do so as depending on the strength that God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. The glory and the might are his forever and ever. Amen » (verses 7-11).
Christians who have gifts granted by God, are administrators of them. These gifts are manifested in various ways (verse 10). The apostle Paul describes them more precisely: « Now there are different gifts, but there is the same spirit; and there are different ministries, and yet there is the same Lord; and there are different activities, and yet it is the same God who performs them all in everyone. But the manifestation of the spirit is given to each one for a beneficial purpose. For to one is given speech of wisdom through the spirit, to another speech of knowledge according to the same spirit, to another faith by the same spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one spirit, to yet another operations of powerful works, to another prophesying, to another discernment of inspired expressions, to another different tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. But all these operations are performed by the very same spirit, distributing to each one respectively just as it wills » (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Those who have particular gifts in the congregation must act in modesty by using them « as depending on the strength that God supplies ».
Sometimes the disciple of Christ can be in a situation which seems « strange » to him, in the ‘fire » of a trial that he did not expect: « Beloved ones, do not be surprised about the fiery trials that you are experiencing, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 On the contrary, go on rejoicing over the extent to which you are sharers in the sufferings of the Christ, so that you may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation of his glory. 14 If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon you » (verses 12-14). These strange situations can be trials inside the congregation by the infiltration of spiritual wolves who are mismanaging the congregation (Matthew 7:15,16).
The sufferings of the disciple of Christ must not be the consequence of bad actions. The disciple of Christ must suffer as a Christian and not as a criminal: « However, let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a wrongdoer or a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but let him keep on glorifying God while bearing this name. 17 For it is the appointed time for the judgment to start with the house of God. Now if it starts first with us, what will the outcome be for those who are not obedient to the good news of God? 18 “And if the righteous man is being saved with difficulty, what will happen to the ungodly man and the sinner?” 19 So, then, let those who are suffering in harmony with the will of God keep on entrusting themselves to a faithful Creator while they are doing good » (verses 15-19).
Chapter 5:
The elders or the overseers of the Christian congregations must shepherd the flock of God: « Therefore, as a fellow elder, a witness of the sufferings of the Christ and a sharer of the glory that is to be revealed, I make this appeal to the elders among you: 2 Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers, not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; 3 not lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief shepherd has been made manifest, you will receive the unfading crown of glory » (verses 1-4).
The elders of the Christian congregation are spiritual shepherds in ministering of the sheep which belong to God and to Christ. The Apostle Peter designates himself as elder. Before going up to heaven, Jesus Christ resurrected asked him to feed and shepherd the flock of God, the Christian congregation (John 21:15-17). Their spiritual pastoral work is to teach, as made by the apostle Peter, the disciple James and Jude, and the apostles John, and Paul. Their letters are examples of the kind of high quality of biblical teaching that each overseer must provide to the congregation. The spiritual pastoral work of the elder is also to create a brotherly relationship with the brothers and sisters of the congregation, making visits to encourage the sheep of God, under their care.
The apostle Paul, under inspiration, wrote the qualifications for the elders or the overseers of the Christian congregations: « This statement is trustworthy: If a man is reaching out to be an overseer, he is desirous of a fine work. The overseer should therefore be irreprehensible, a husband of one wife, moderate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach, not a drunkard, not violent, but reasonable, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, a man presiding over his own household in a fine manner, having his children in subjection with all seriousness (for if any man does not know how to preside over his own household, how will he care for the congregation of God?), not a newly converted man, for fear that he might get puffed up with pride and fall into the judgment passed on the Devil. Moreover, he should also have a fine testimony from outsiders so that he does not fall into reproach and a snare of the Devil” (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
« I left you in Crete so that you would correct the things that were defective and make appointments of elders in city after city, as I instructed you: if there is any man free from accusation, a husband of one wife, having believing children who are not accused of debauchery or rebelliousness. For as God’s steward, an overseer must be free from accusation, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy of dishonest gain, but hospitable, a lover of goodness, sound in mind, righteous, loyal, self-controlled, holding firmly to the faithful word as respects his art of teaching, so that he may be able both to encourage by the teaching that is wholesome and to reprove those who contradict » (Titus 1:5-9).
Here are also the qualifications for the ministerial servants, written by the apostle Paul, under inspiration: « Ministerial servants should likewise be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain, holding the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience. Also, let these be tested as to fitness first; then let them serve as ministers, as they are free from accusation » (1 Timothy 3:8-10). The ministerial servants help the elders in their ministry in the Christian congregation.
There is a concrete example of how the ministerial servants can help the elders, in the narrative of the book of Acts: « Now in those days when the disciples were increasing, the Greek-speaking Jews began complaining against the Hebrew-speaking Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. So the Twelve called the multitude of the disciples together and said: “It is not right for us to leave the word of God to distribute food to tables. So, brothers, select for yourselves seven reputable men from among you, full of spirit and wisdom, that we may appoint them over this necessary matter; but we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” What they said was pleasing to the whole multitude, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and holy spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They brought them to the apostles, and after praying, they laid their hands on them” (Acts 6:1-6). In this situation, the ministerial servants helped the apostles who were also elders or overseers, so that they could be more available for prayer and for the ministry of the word.
Among these seven men who had the function of ministerial servants, there are two well-known men, according to the narrative of Acts: Stephen and Philip (Acts chapters 6 and 7 (Stephen); Acts chapter 8 (Philippe known as an evangelist, like the apostle Paul)). Given their wisdom, it is likely that they were also elders or overseers at the time of their appointment to distribute food. That means an elder can occasionally have the function of a ministerial servant.
We must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God: « Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, 7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. 9 But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world. 10 But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. 11 To him be the might forever. Amen.
12 Through Sil·vaʹnus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written you in few words in order to encourage you and to give an earnest witness that this is the true undeserved kindness of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is in Babylon, a chosen one like you, sends you her greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. May all of you who are in union with Christ have peace » (verses 5-14).
The second letter of the apostle Peter
Chapter 1:
The first part of this chapter is an encouragement to cultivate Christian qualities to prevent us from being either inactive or unfruitful regarding the accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ: « Simon Peter, a slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have acquired a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and the Savior Jesus Christ:
2 May undeserved kindness and peace be increased to you by an accurate knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 for his divine power has granted us all the things that contribute to life and godly devotion through the accurate knowledge of the One who called us by his own glory and virtue. 4 Through these things he has granted us the precious and very grand promises, so that through these you may become sharers in divine nature, having escaped from the world’s corruption produced by wrong desire.
5 For this very reason, put forth all earnest effort to supply to your faith virtue, to your virtue knowledge, 6 to your knowledge self-control, to your self-control endurance, to your endurance godly devotion, 7 to your godly devotion brotherly affection, to your brotherly affection love. 8 For if these things exist in you and overflow, they will prevent you from being either inactive or unfruitful regarding the accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 For anyone lacking these things is blind, shutting his eyes to the light, and has become forgetful of his cleansing from his sins of long ago. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and choosing sure for yourselves, for if you keep on doing these things, you will by no means ever fail. 11 In fact, in this way you will be richly granted entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ » (verses 1-11).
We must be well-established in the truth: « For this reason I intend always to remind you of these things, although you know them and are well-established in the truth that is present in you. 13 But I consider it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you with reminders, 14 knowing as I do that my tabernacle is soon to be removed, just as also our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 I will always do my utmost so that after my departure, you may be able to recall these things for yourselves.
16 No, it was not by following artfully contrived false stories that we made known to you the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, but rather, we were eyewitnesses of his magnificence. 17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory when words such as these were conveyed to him by the magnificent glory: “This is my Son, my beloved, whom I myself have approved.” 18 Yes, these words we heard coming from heaven while we were with him in the holy mountain.
19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, and you are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place (until day dawns and a daystar rises) in your hearts. 20 For you know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation. 21 For prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit » (verses 12-21).
In verses 13 and 14 it is written: « But I consider it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you with reminders, knowing as I do that my tabernacle is soon to be removed, just as also our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me ». The tabernacle mentioned by the apostle Peter is the metaphor referring to his human body. To be in the tabernacle means to live with the human body. The removed tabernacle means the death of it by ceasing to inhabit this body. This death will subsequently be followed by the heavenly resurrection with a spiritual body, no longer requiring inhabiting a human body (for those having the heavenly hope of everlasting life).
The tabernacle is a tent. Nevertheless, in the biblical context, it has a sense of a tent representing a temple (Exodus 39:32,40). The temple is built to worship God. This means that the human body has the sacred value of a temple, originally made to worship God, in recognition of the fact that he gave us the life (Apocalypse 4:11). The temple made with stones cannot be moved like a tent. However, the human body is a temple that can move, hence the expression of tabernacle. It shows how sacred are the human body and the life, in the eyes of God.
In verse 15 it is written: “I will always do my utmost so that after my departure, you may be able to recall these things for yourselves”. The apostle Peter wanted to give good training to the elders so that they could act in the same way as he did, by shepherding the flock of God. Especially since he knew that his death was approaching (verse 14). He was anxious to make them autonomous on a spiritual level, without the elders should have to depend on Peter, who was going to die.
In verses 17 and 18, it is written the narrative of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, which apostle Peter witnessed, with the apostles John and James: « For he received from God the Father honor and glory when words such as these were conveyed to him by the magnificent glory: “This is my Son, my beloved, whom I myself have approved.” Yes, these words we heard coming from heaven while we were with him in the holy mountain”.
Here is the narrative of the transfiguration of Christ: « Six days later Jesus took Peter and James and his brother John along and led them up into a lofty mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone as the sun, and his outer garments became brilliant as the light. And look! there appeared to them Moses and E·liʹjah conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus: “Lord, it is fine for us to be here. If you wish, I will erect three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, look! a bright cloud overshadowed them, and look! a voice out of the cloud said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved. Listen to him.” At hearing this, the disciples fell facedown and became very much afraid. Then Jesus came near, and touching them, he said: “Get up. Have no fear.” When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus himself. As they were descending from the mountain, Jesus commanded them: “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of man is raised up from the dead” » (Matthew 17:1-9). In verse 19, the apostle Peter explains that the purpose of the transfiguration was to make more sure the prophetic word of God, the Heavenly Father, as a guarantee of the fulfillment of the biblical prophecies by means Jesus Christ, His Son.
20 and 21 show that the prophetic words of the Bible are inspired by God. They are a guarantee of truth: « For you know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation. For prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit”. The Bible is the scriptural deposit of the Holy Spirit, the active force of God.
Chapter 2:
The apostle Peter mentions the infiltration in the Christian congregation, of malicious individuals uttering slanderous words and with nasty behavior. For indication, this chapter, which will be quoted below, is very similar to the Letter of Jude, with the same theme and many same examples: « However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. 2 Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. 3 Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping.
4 Certainly God did not refrain from punishing the angels who sinned, but threw them into Tarʹta·rus, putting them in chains of dense darkness to be reserved for judgment. 5 And he did not refrain from punishing an ancient world, but kept Noah, a preacher of righteousness, safe with seven others when he brought a flood upon a world of ungodly people. 6 And by reducing the cities of Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah to ashes, he condemned them, setting a pattern for ungodly people of things to come. 7 And he rescued righteous Lot, who was greatly distressed by the brazen conduct of the lawless people— 8 for day after day that righteous man was tormenting his righteous soul over the lawless deeds that he saw and heard while dwelling among them. 9 So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment, 10 especially those who seek to defile the flesh of others and who despise authority.
Daring and self-willed, they are not afraid to speak abusively of glorious ones, 11 whereas angels, although they are greater in strength and power, do not bring against them an accusation in abusive terms, out of respect for Jehovah. 12 But these men, like unreasoning animals that act on instinct and are born to be caught and destroyed, speak abusively about things of which they are ignorant. They will suffer destruction brought on by their own destructive course, 13 suffering harm as their reward for their own harmful course.
They consider it pleasurable to indulge in luxurious living, even in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes who revel in their deceptive teachings while feasting together with you. 14 Their eyes are full of adultery and are unable to desist from sin, and they entice unstable ones. They have a heart trained in greed. They are accursed children. 15 Abandoning the straight path, they have been led astray. They have followed the path of Baʹlaam the son of Beʹor, who loved the reward of wrongdoing, 16 but was reproved for his own violation of what was right. A voiceless beast of burden speaking with a human voice hindered the prophet’s mad course.
17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a violent storm, and the blackest darkness has been reserved for them. 18 They make high-sounding statements that are empty. By appealing to the desires of the flesh and with acts of brazen conduct, they entice people who have just escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they are promising them freedom, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for if anyone is overcome by someone, he is his slave. 20 Certainly if after escaping from the defilements of the world by an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they get involved again with these very things and are overcome, their final state has become worse for them than the first. 21 It would have been better for them not to have accurately known the path of righteousness than after knowing it to turn away from the holy commandment they had received. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog has returned to its own vomit, and the sow that was bathed to rolling in the mire” » (verses 1-22).
There is a same teaching point mentioned both by the apostle Peter and the disciple Jude which is written in verses 10b and 11: « Daring and self-willed, they are not afraid to speak abusively of glorious ones, whereas angels, although they are greater in strength and power, do not bring against them an accusation in abusive terms, out of respect for Jehovah ». Here is the similar idea taught by the disciple Jude: « Despite this, these men too are indulging in dreams, defiling the flesh, despising authority, and speaking abusively of glorious ones. But when Michael the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: “May Jehovah rebuke you.” But these men are speaking abusively about all the things they really do not understand. And in all the things that they do understand by instinct like unreasoning animals, they go on corrupting themselves » (verses 8-10).
The substance of the teaching of these two examples given by the apostle Peter and the disciple Jude, is that if the archangel Michael and the angels did not dare to bring a judgment. It is advisable not to murmur against the members of the Christian congregation, particularly against the administrators of the Christian congregation, the elders or the overseers. Even if it could be justified (as it was the case against Satan the devil). If a Christian had to be the victim of an injustice (according to him (true or not)) and could not be resolved within the framework of a healthy communication, then it is advisable to rely on the justice of God and his Son Jesus Christ, who will be exercised for sure, but later. In the meantime, the wisest way is to endure evil, by keeping silence, being waiting for Jehovah God: « Good it is to wait in silence for the salvation of Jehovah » (lamentations 3:26). « But as for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me » (Micah 7:7; Isaiah 66:5). Those who would persist in these continual murmurs within the congregation, would manifest an earthly, animalistic and demonic wisdom (James 3:14-18). The apostle Peter describes them very harshly in verses 12-22.
Chapter 3:
The apostle Peter writes about the presence of ridiculers who would insist that things have not changed, and that there is no indication that Bible prophecies will be fulfilled. The entire chapter 3 and a detailed response to these ridiculers with specific examples, taken from the biblical history, regarding the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. The chapter 3 will also be cited below in its entirety: « Beloved ones, this is now the second letter I am writing you in which, as in my first one, I am stirring up your clear thinking faculties by way of a reminder, 2 that you should remember the sayings previously spoken by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles. 3 First of all know this, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires 4 and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning.”
5 For they deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were heavens and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; 6 and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water. 7 But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people.
8 However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. 9 Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. 10 But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed.
11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, 12 as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! 13 But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.
14 Therefore, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace. 15 Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you according to the wisdom given him, 16 speaking about these things as he does in all his letters. However, some things in them are hard to understand, and these things the ignorant and unstable are twisting, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
17 You, therefore, beloved ones, having this advance knowledge, be on your guard so that you may not be led astray with them by the error of the lawless people and fall from your own steadfastness. 18 No, but go on growing in the undeserved kindness and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen » (verses 1-18).
The presence of ridiculers, according to the apostle Peter, is within the Christian congregation. Depending on the context of this chapter 3, these individuals know the Bible, according to their remark on the verse 4. And Peter answers them with biblical examples.
Regarding Christian hope, it is written: « But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell » (verse 13). The new heavens represent the Kingdom of God, represented by King Jesus Christ and the 144000, the New Jerusalem which will descend from the heavens, to the earth. The new earth will be the new humanity, with the great crowd that came out of the great tribulation and the whole resurrected humanity: « And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away” » (Apocalypse 7:9-17 (the great crowd); 21:1-4 (the kingdom of God and the whole humanity in the earthly paradise)).
***
Achieving Spiritual Maturity (Hebrews 6:1)
Table of contents of the http://yomelyah.fr/ website
Reading the Bible daily, this table of contents contains informative Bible articles (Please click on the link above to view it)…
Table of languages of more than seventy languages, with six important biblical articles, written in each of these languages…
***
Laisser un commentaire