1 Peter: Daniel G Powers 1 Peter 3:1—5:14
1 Peter 2:24: . He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
Introduction
We continue today our reading of 1 Peter. It will be accompanied by a few of Dan Power’s observations from the “From the Text” section of his forthcoming NBBC volume on 1 & 2 Peter and Jude. In introducing him we indicated that his terminal degree was a Ph.D, in New Testament Exegesis from Leiden University in Holland in 2001. You remember he had married a Dutch lady, Mieke Annelies Renuijl, a missionary nurse.
Often, for those who are not born to wealth (few Nazarene pastor’s children are!), the financial and educational road to a Ph.D. is often long and hard, beset with obstacles. Also a doctor’s degree in religion does not often follow directly on one’s B.A. but involves at least one intermediate degree. So I want us to hear Dan’s story. In a response to my request he writes: .
Mieke and I were married in Holland in August 1987. . . . We lived in Holland at that time for 9 months waiting for Mieke’s immigration papers to pass so that we could return to the United States. During this time, I worked in a plastic production company on an assembly line for 6 months. (. . .). This was actually a very fortuitous time because it gave me the opportunity to learn Dutch fluently.
You might be interested to know that one year after I started learning Dutch, I preached my first sermon in the Haarlem Church of the Nazarene in Dutch! I can’t say that I did not make any mistakes, but no one jumped up and ran screaming out of the service, either. (Come to think of it…..maybe they didn’t understand what I was saying. (...!). Of course, I had the advantage of already being fluent in German when I started to learn Dutch. The two languages are very similar in many ways.
Anyway, after 8-9 months, Mieke received her immigration papers for the United States, and so we moved back to California. Two months after we returned, we began pastoring the Davis Church of the Nazarene in the Sacramento area. After pastoring in Davis for about 4 years, we moved back to Holland in August of 1991 (now with three children, ages 3 and 1 year [twins]) so that I could begin my doctoral studies at Leiden University. Our fourth child was born about 1 year later. We figured that I would be able to finish my doctoral studies in about 3-4 years. As it turned out, it took 9 years!! During this time, I worked for 9 months as a janitor in a home for handicapped people. Then I studied and passed a Dutch examination to be licensed as a security guard. So I worked as a security guard in a large pharmaceutical company for 8 ½ years. I usually worked evenings and nights, so this was a great opportunity to work and study at the same time.
My study at Leiden did not go as we had originally planned. Soon after I met with my supervising professor, he told me that I would need to learn Latin before I could proceed with my studies. He also told me that they would not completely accept my Master’s work at NTS. This meant that I would need to complete an M.A. from Leiden before I could begin my research and study for my doctoral work. They accepted most of the classes from NTS, but I had to take about 1 year of classes and write a master’s thesis for the M.A. My professor also suggested that I should take 2 years of Latin at Leiden to prepare myself for the required oral examination in Latin that is required for doctoral students in Holland. Instead of taking the classes, I decided to study Latin on my own instead. Fortunately, I was able to pass this official oral examination after 9 months of personal study.
Obviously, my time in Leiden certainly did not go the way that we had anticipated. But God was faithful, even (or perhaps I should say “especially”) during the times when I wanted to give up. The first 4 years in Holland (with all of these unexpected “surprises” and hurdles) were some of the most difficult days of my life. And yet, in retrospect, I would not trade them for anything. I learned a lot about myself during those challenging times. And I learned a lot about a loving Father who cares, encourages, and motivates us even when things are NOT going well. The doctoral education was good, but the education in life and faith was priceless.
When I was putting the finishing touches on my dissertation, I was asked to teach at the European Nazarene Bible College for one year (Sept 2000-June 2001). In June 2001, we moved to Colorado Springs to teach at Nazarene Bible College, where I am currently teaching.
We remember that the apostle Peter wrote this letter to Christians living under a cloud—“strangers in the world, scattered.” The threat of religious persecution was real, if not already begun. So we view his letter, now canonical Scripture, as directed to the people of God in times of discouragement and distress, to those times when life has formed a dark cloud over their heads—ever lived there?
Before we begin where we left off, we repeat Peter’s greeting to his readers:
1 Peter 1:1-2 1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. Here we see the threefold (Trinitarian) presence and work of God in our lives—providence, transformation, and forgiveness! We skip now to 1 Peter 2:11-17 11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Peter insists that Christians must avoid sinful desires while maintaining an exemplary pattern of life. . . . Holiness is not simply an attitude of the heart; it is also an orientation of one’s life. . . . Holiness of heart and life is not only pleasing to God, but it can also be compelling and redemptive for unbelievers. . . . In the fourth century, Chrysostom . . . endorsed the evangelistic power of a truly Christian lifestyle. Chrysostom “held that the most effective means of conversion was the example of Christian living. ‘There would be no more heathen if we would be true Christians,’ he said” (Latourette 1975, 99) . . . .
What is the correct responsibility and role of Christians within civic and political affairs? . . . Some Christians hold tenaciously that the government should be controlled and guided by Christians. Others sincerely believe that the government should be completely avoided by true Christians.
The discussion is complicated by the fact that the NT writers themselves are also rather diverse in their perspective on the government. For instance, in the Book of Acts Luke tacitly affirms the leadership and wisdom of the Roman government. He possesses an underlying confidence that the leaders of the Roman Empire will rule favorably towards the spawning Christian movement. In contrast, the Book of Revelation portrays the Roman Empire as the Babylonian harlot, who drinks the blood of the saints (17:5-6).
Within this wide array of perspectives, 1 Peter occupies a mediating position. Civic authorities are not divinely established authorities who must be obeyed, as Paul would seem to suggest (Rom 13:1-7), nor are they blood-thirsty adversaries, as the Book of Revelation would appear to indicate. Rather, the government and civic authorities are simply a “given” within society, whereby wrongdoers are punished and those who do good are commended. Accordingly, the king should be given proper respect, just as every person should be given due honor.
Within the turbulent arena of political discussion, where extreme viewpoints seem to be the rule instead of the exception, Peter’s mediating position is rather refreshing. So often, political discussions and debates (even among fellow believers) are devoid of any sense of courtesy and respect. Into this maelstrom of passionate debate and partisan disagreement, Peter inserts the calming injunction of mutual respect and dignity.
1 Peter 2:18-25 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19For it is commendable [charis] if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable [charis] before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." 23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. The call to holiness and Christian discipleship is often a call to suffering. The teaching of the NT does not promise a carefree life in this world. On the contrary, the unavoidable message of the NT is that those who heed the call of Christ to follow him will often face hardship and suffering (Jn 14:18; Phil 1:29; Heb 13:13; James 1:2). . . . . The heart of the gospel is articulated in v 24: He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. “Few statements in the NT exceed this in theological import” (Mounce 1982, 37). The Christian teaching of salvation and forgiveness of sins is founded upon the reality of this declaration. Jesus did not just die a tragic death on the Cross. It is the life-transforming conviction of all believers that Jesus bore our sins on the Cross and died as a representative of all sinful humanity. . . . When God raised Christ from the dead, He affirmed that the power of sin has been broken once and for all. But this is only true for those who identify themselves with Christ through their faith and obedience. Just as Christ died for our sins and was raised to new life through his resurrection from the dead, believers are also called to die to sin and to live for righteousness. . . . [A]s Peter reminds us, Jesus’ death and resurrection on our behalf makes it possible for believers to die to sin and to live for righteousness. 1 Peter 3:1-12
1Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. 7Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
. . . Undergirding these instructions is the radical presupposition that wives (and women in general) have the spiritual capacity and the personal freedom to make important individual decisions about their faith. Peter presupposes that wives possess freedom in Christ, but he urges them not to use their freedom in Christ to feel superior to their husbands. Instead, they should become model wives of virtuous conduct and righteous submission. The motivation for submission is not based on fear of the husband’s disapproval or retribution, but it is based on their reverential fear towards God.
. . . .[T]he reference to “reverential fear” means that the wife’s ultimate submission and responsibility is not to her husband, but to Jesus Christ as her Lord. It is not simple social conformity to which Peter calls believers, but a radical Christian stance that marks Jesus Christ as truly Lord. Christian wives (. . .) should live out their faith so transparently, even in unsympathetic and threatening situations, that those who observe their righteous and virtuous conduct may be won to the faith.
Prayer is mentioned by Peter as a normal and essential element of the Christian life. Peter “does not direct that there should be prayer. He seems to take it for granted that there would be; and it may be remarked, that where there is true religion in right exercise, there is prayer as a matter of course” (Barnes 1962, 1417). As important as prayer is, however, this act of worship is useless and invalid unless it is accompanied with proper conduct. . . . [T]he believers’ relationship with God affects every other relationship, both inside and outside of the family. In 3:7, we discover that the converse is also true. When human relationships are ruptured and inappropriate, our relationship with God is also endangered. 1 Peter 3:13-17 13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Entire sanctification is . . . a work of grace by which God himself purifies and sanctifies the believer for greater power and service in His Kingdom. . . . Peter also envisions the believers’ own participation in this sanctifying process, as he calls them not only to be set apart, but also . . . sees them as active participants in their Christian victory as they deliberately set apart Christ in their heart.
Christians are expected to be able to explain and defend their faith. This does not mean that every Christian must enroll in a course on apologetics, . . . but it does imply that believers should give reasonable thought to their faith. “It is, in fact, one of the tragedies of the modern situation that there are so many Church members who, if they were asked what they believe, could not tell anyone, and who, if they were asked why they believe it, would be equally helpless” (Barclay 1960, 273). Christianity is described and characterized as “faith;” but it is not a groundless or irrational faith. There is an inner logic and simplicity to the Christian faith that can be very compelling to unbelievers, but only if it is actually articulated in a thoughtful way by believers.
It is important to remember, however, that Peter’s instructions presuppose that the believers’ faith is based in a vibrant, personal experience with Christ the Savior. This personal experience and relationship with the risen Christ is the foundation of the hope that Christians have.
1 Peter 3:18-22 18For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. 1 Peter 3:18-19 is often cited as a proof text that Jesus descended into hell during the three day period between his death and resurrection. But there is no strong evidence that this was on the author’s mind when he penned the words he went and preached to the spirits in prison. Although the phrase “he descended into hell” comes from the Apostles’ Creed, it does not appear in any editions of the Apostles’ Creed until AD 390 and then not again until AD 650 (Schaff 1977, 54). . . .
The importance of baptism is strongly emphasized throughout the NT, but it is boldly described in 1 Peter 3:21 as the baptism that now saves you. . . . Peter . . . points to baptism as possessing a unique and powerful role in the establishment and preservation of the believers’ salvation. Ultimately, Peter explains to his readers that baptism now saves you...through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. . . . According to Wesley the significance of baptism is “not, indeed, the bare outward sign, but the inward grace; a divine consciousness that both our persons and our actions are accepted through him who died and rose again for us” (1981, n.p.).
Through baptism, believers make public their identification and participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. At the same time, Christ identifies and participates in the life of the believers so that they are enabled to live the kind of righteous life that was pledged to God. Indeed, baptism is both an outward visible sign and the inward spiritual grace that is characteristic of salvation.
1 Peter 4:1-6
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
Faith in Jesus Christ does not only save a person from judgment and condemnation at the Day of Judgment, but it also enables believers to turn from sin and to live a righteous life. Believers are forgiven by Christ, and they are expected to break away from sin as they follow after Christ. The idea that the behavior of Christians and non-Christians differs only in the fact that Christians are forgiven is a idea foreign to Peter. . . . Indeed, this idea is completely absent in the teaching of the NT. . . .
Peter strongly affirms several central teachings of theological importance in this section of his letter. First, all people will be held accountable on the Last Day for the actions of their life (. . .). Second, Christ (or God) will judge every creature, living or dead (. . .). Lastly, believers have nothing to fear from death (4:6), for death has been swallowed up in victory (. . .). Even though believers might die before the return of Christ, they will be made alive by God through the Spirit (. . .). Through these and other significant passages, 1 Peter distinguishes itself as a sourcebook of fundamental Christian teaching.
1 Peter 4:7-19 7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" 19So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. First Peter was written with the confident certainty that the End Times were very imminent. . . . With the end of times in sight, believers are called to clear mindedness, self-control, and prayer (4:7). . . . [They are give] the assurance that their own suffering is a refining precursor of the judgment that will come upon all humanity (4:17-18). . . .
First Peter is a source of helpful encouragement to those who suffer (Bartlett 1988, 313). First, suffering often provides the test by which believers’ faith and convictions are strengthened. It can represent a refining fire that not only cleanses but beautifies believers’ life and commitment. Second, through suffering believers are provided the opportunity to participate in Jesus’ own story. Scripture promises believers not only a share in Christ’s passion, but also a share in his glory in the end. Third, faithful people are invited to suffer in accordance with God’s will (4:19). This . . . mean[s] that God wills for each person to suffer. But when suffering comes it provides the opportunity for believers to live according to God’s will, both in trust and in doing good. . . . Peter reminds believers that hope and comfort can be found in the midst of suffering. 1 Peter 5:1-11 1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. The vocation of pastor has always been a challenging task. Even in Peter’s day, the office of elder was vulnerable to abuse and worldly temptation, a fact that Peter’s negative prohibitions in 5:2-3 illustrate. “In exhorting pastors to their duty, he points out especially three vices which are found to prevail much, even sloth, desire of gain, and lust of power” (Calvin 1948, 142). . . .
Much attention is often given to the failings of church leaders and, indeed, their failure is an awful blight upon the Bride of Christ. But for every conspicuous failure of a church leader, there are countless ministers, elders, bishops, and pastors who willingly, sacrificially, and faithfully serve the flock of God. It can only be hoped that the eyes of the laity will not be blinded to the selfless and godly service of the many faithful leaders by the glaring flash of the few selfish and faithless ones.
Casting all one’s cares upon God is a habit that believers of every age need to develop. Peter knows that Christians can become sidetracked from their devotion and commitment by anxieties and concerns about the needs of their daily life. “To be overwhelmed with anxiety is to be concerned with self rather than with Him” (Beare 1961, 178). God knows what his followers are facing, he knows our concerns, he is actively involved in the events of our lives, and, most importantly, he cares. . . . The surrender of life’s worries and anxieties into the mighty hand of God is one of the genuine marks of true faith.
Believers as engaged in a battle between good and evil, whereby the devil prowls around like a lion searching for prey. . . .Peter calls believers to resist the devil, and he promises them the empowering strength of God that will enable them to stand firm in their faith against his attacks. . . . the God of all grace is on their side. As Hilary of Arles vividly explains, “There is a world of difference between God and the devil. If you resist God, he will destroy you, but if you resist the devil, you will destroy him” (Bray 2000, 125). Conclusion 1 Peter 5:12-14
12With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Conclusion
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DGPowers@nbc.edu In Dan’s case it was an M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary and an M.A. from Leiden University. In my case it was a B.D. (now M.Div) from Nazarene Theological Seminary and a M.Th. from Princeton Theological Seminary. During the time of my graduate studies my father allowed me to keep a few cows on the ranch—I was fortunate. After graduation from PLNU Dan spent eight months with the Salvation Army (Heilsarmee) in Germany bv necessity speaking only German. Note the extent of his required linguistic skills: Biblical Greek and Hebrew, German, Dutch, and Latin. Dutch of course was necessitated by where he studied, and probably took the place of normally required French since Dutch was a second language. E-mail, September 17, 2009. We are quoting the text of The New International Version because this is the text used in NBBC. What follows after each Scripture reading are selections from the “From the Text” section of Dan’s commentary. See David Busic, “”Something Happens in the Water,” Holiness Today, Vol. 11, No. 5 (September-October 2009), 10-13, for an account of an unusual baptismal service at First Chirch of the Nazarene in Bethany, Oklahoma. Dan does not include a “From the Text” section on these verses.
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