1 Peterpp

LESSON ONE
FIRST PETER AUTHORSHIP

AND BACKGROUND
I. Author ~ Apostle Peter
(1 Peter 1:1) Peter, an

apostle of Jesus Christ,
To God's elect, strangers
in the world, scattered
throughout Pontus,
Galatia, Cappadocia,
Asia and Bithynia,
A. Peter was a
fisherman (Matt. 4:18).
He continued in this
trade for some time
after he was led to
Christ.
B. He was led to Christ by his brother, Andrew
(John 1:40-42) Andrew, Simon Peter's brother,
was one of the two who heard what John had
said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing
Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell
him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the
Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus
looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of
John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when
translated, is Peter).
C. Peter's hometown was Bethsaida
(John 1:44).
(John 1:44).
1. Bethsaida means "house of
fishing" or "fishery."
(John 1:44).
1. Bethsaida means "house of
fishing" or "fishery."
2. Most geographers locate the
city on the north end of the Sea of
Galilee and just east of the Jordan.
D. Peter was married and evidently had
a family.
a family.
1. Matt. 8:14 speaks of his wife's
mother being ill.
a family.
1. Matt. 8:14 speaks of his wife's
mother being ill.
2. Paul specifically states that
Peter had a wife in 1 Cor. 9:5.
E. Peter was among the "inner circle"
Apostles‑‑a title that has been given to
Peter, James, and John because of their
intimacy with Christ during His ministry. It
was these three Apostles who
witnessed:
1. The raising of Jairus' daughter,
Mark 5:37.
Mark 5:37.
2. The Transfiguration of Christ,
Matt. 17:1.
Mark 5:37.
2. The Transfiguration of Christ,
Matt. 17:1.
3. The Lord's agony in Gethsemane,
Matt. 26:37.
F. Peter's character and nature was
enthusiastic and energetic, though
sometimes impulsive.
1. When Jesus walked on the water,
Matt. 14:22‑33.
2. His denial of Christ, Luke 22:31‑34,
54‑62.
3. His bold entrance into the empty
tomb, in contrast to John's hesitance, John
20:1‑8.
4. He was the first of the Apostles to
witness the Resurrection, 1 Cor. 15:5;
Luke 24:33‑34.
G. Peter was a leader among the
apostles and in the early church.
1. In every list of the Apostles (Matt.
10:2‑4; Mark 3:16‑19; Acts 1:13) Peter is
mentioned first.
2. In the book of Acts Peter is the most
prominent character next to the Apostle
Paul.
a. The first to preach the Gospel to the
Jews (Acts 2).
b. The first to preach the Gospel to the
Gentiles (Acts 10 and 11).
H. Jesus renamed him Cephas (Aramaic),
or Peter (Greek), which means a pebble,
or a small rock.
1. This name suggest Peter's future
strength, endurance, and foundational
position in the church.
2. It also suggest his dependence on the
Church's true Rock: Jesus (Matt. 16:16‑18;
Eph. 2:19‑20; 1 Pet. 2:4‑8).
I. A third century
Christian, Origen,
records that Peter
was martyred by
being crucified
upside down, feeling
unworthy to die as
Christ had.
II. Background of 1 Peter
A. Addressed to Asia Minor.
1. 1 Pet. 1:1 says that the letter was
addressed to Christians in Pontus, Galatia,
Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. These
were Roman provinces in what is now
called Asia Minor, or Turkey.
2. Paul had founded churches in Asia and
Galatia; we have letters from him to
Ephesus, Colosse, and Galatia. But Peter
seems to have known these Christians as
well.
3. The people Peter was writing to were
mostly likely both Jews and Gentiles who
had been converted to the Christian faith.
These people had been "scattered" (1 Pet.
1:1) because of their faith in Christ.
B. Date and Place written
1. 1 Peter was probably written around the
time of the Neronian persecution, A.D. 64.
2. From 5:13 we can conclude that Peter
wrote this epistle from Babylon. The name
Babylon is probably symbolical for Rome.
C. Immediate Setting
1. The Christians addressed by Peter in this
epistle were experiencing many trials for their
faith .
(1 Peter 1:6-7) In this you greatly rejoice, though
now for a little while you may have had to suffer
grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that
your faith--of greater worth than gold, which
perishes even though refined by fire--may be
proved genuine and may result in praise, glory
and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
2. Slander by fellow citizens was one of
those trials.
(1 Peter 2:12) Live 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.
3. Darker still were the shadows of Roman
persecution by the state which Christians
throughout the Roman empire feared.
Everyone knew about those martyred by
Nero in Rome. Would the fires spread to the
Christians in Asia Minor?
4. Peter wrote this letter not to assure the
Christians that persecution would not come,
but to encourage them to stand true and
endure suffering for Christ's sake and with
His strength, even as the persecution grew
more intense.
III. Main Themes:
III. Main Themes:
A. The Reality of Suffering in the lives of Christians offers
encouragement and challenge. Suffering is mentioned
16 times by using 8 different Greek terms.
B. Centered on God the Father and Jesus Christ.
C. Christians are sinners who used to live in the
darkness of paganism but have been brought into an
experience of salvation.
D. Christians are the people of God and are described in
terms drawn from the Old Testament descriptions of
Israel.
E. The Old Testament is seen as a Christian book – at
least in its prophetic teaching about the Messiah and
His people.
F. Strong emphasis on Christian conduct (“holiness”).
G. Holy Spirit is prominent.
LESSON TWO
FIRST PETER 1:1-12
1 Peter 1:1‑12
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect,
strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus,
Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, {2} who
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. {3} Praise be to the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has
given us new birth into a living hope through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1 Peter 1:1‑12
and into an inheritance that can never perish,
spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, {5} who
through faith are shielded by God's power
until the coming of the salvation that is ready
to be revealed in the last time. {6} In this you
greatly rejoice, though now for a little while
you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds
of trials.
1 Peter 1:1‑12
These have come so that your faith--of
greater worth than gold, which perishes even
though refined by fire--may be proved
genuine and may result in praise, glory and
honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. {8}
Though you have not seen him, you love him;
and even though you do not see him now,
you believe in him and are filled with an
inexpressible and glorious joy, {9} for you are
receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation
of your souls.
1 Peter 1:1‑12
Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke
of the grace that was to come to you, searched
intently and with the greatest care, {11} trying to find
out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of
Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the
sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.
{12} It was revealed to them that they were not
serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the
things that have now been told you by those who
have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit
sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into
these things.
Verse 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To
God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered
throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia
and Bithynia,
and Bithynia,
1. Peter claims to be an "apostle of Jesus

Christ".
and Bithynia,
2. According to Thayer's Greek Lexicon an

apostle is "a delegate, messenger, one sent
forth with orders."
and Bithynia,
3. Peter, at the very beginning,

establishes that he has been
commissioned by Christ to
write this epistle.
and Bithynia,
4. He addresses this letter to "God's elect".

 The word "elect" means picked out,
chosen, selected, or as we might put it,
"hand-picked".
and Bithynia,
4. He addresses this letter to "God's elect".

 The "elect" are Christians – those whom
God has chosen to obtain salvation through
Christ.
and Bithynia,
5. These believers had been "scattered"; many

Jews had left Palestine and had been dis-
persed throughout the area Peter mentions.
For the Gentiles, this could mean they lived
quite a distance from one another.
Verse 2 who 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.
1. These Christians were "chosen according to

the foreknowledge of God the Father".
2. Notice we have been chosen as a group, not

as individuals.
2. Notice we have been chosen as a group, not

as individuals.
(Eph. 1:4-5) For he chose us in him before
the creation of the world to be holy and
blameless in his sight. In love he predestined
us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus
Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and
will--
3. God invites everyone to be a part of this

group
(John 3:16) "For God
the foreknowledge of God sothe
loved thethrough
Father, world
that he gave his
the sanctifying one
work of and only for
the Spirit, Son, that
obedience
whoever believes
to Jesus Christ and in him shall
sprinkling notblood:
by his perish
Grace
but andeternal
have peace be
life.yours in abundance.
3. (Romans
God invites everyone
10:13) to be a part
for, "Everyone whoof this
calls
group
on the name of the Lord will be saved."
(Revelation 22:17) The Spirit and the
bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears
say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him
come; and whoever wishes, let him take
the free gift of the water of life.
4. All three members of the Godhead take part

in our salvation:

in our salvation:
 God the Father planned it.

in our salvation:
 God the Spirit worked it.

in our salvation:
 God the Spirit worked it.
 God the Son sealed it.
Verse 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has
1. Christians have been given the new birth.

Lord Jesus
(John Christ!
3:3-5) In his
In reply greatdeclared,
Jesus mercy he"Ihastell you
given us new
the truth, no birth into see
one can a living
the hope
kingdomthrough
of God the
resurrection
unless he isofborn
Jesus Christ{4}
again." from
"Howthecan
dead,
a man be
born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely
he cannot
2. We enter abirth
were given secondthe time
first into
timehisbymother's
our
womb to be born!" {5} Jesus answered,
physical Father. We are given birth the "I tell you
the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God
second time by our spiritual Father.
unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
3. The Christian's hope is not dead, it is very

much alive.
4. The basis of our hope

is the resurrection of
Jesus Christ.
Verse 4 and into an inheritance that can never
perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you,
1. The word "inheritance" signifies an estate

given by one's Father.
1. The word "inheritance" signifies an estate

given by one's Father.
2. This inheritance is our eternal blessing from
God that can never perish, spoil, or fade.
Verse 5 who through faith are shielded by God's
power until the coming of the salvation that is
ready to be revealed in the last time.
1. The word translated
"power" is where we
get our words dynamo,
dynamite, etc.
1. The word
(Romans translated
1:16) I am not
"power" is
ashamed of where we
the gospel,
get our words
because it is thedynamo,
power of
Goddynamite,
for the etc.
salvation of
everyone who believes:
first for the Jew, then for
the Gentile.
2. Notice that God's part is to shield us with His
protective power, our part is to have faith in
God and His Son, and to remain faithful.
3. This salvation we have inherited will be fully
realized at the end of the age, but is our
present possession when we trust in Christ.
3. This salvation we have inherited will be fully
(John 5:24) "I tell you the truth,
realized at the end of the age, but is our
whoever hears my word and believes
present possession when we trust in Christ.
him who sent me has eternal life and
will not be condemned; he has
crossed over from death to life.
(1 John 5:13) I write these things to
you who believe in the name of the
Son of God so that you may know that
you have eternal life.
Verse 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now
for a little while you may have had to suffer grief
in all kinds of trials.
Verse 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now
for a little while you may have had to suffer grief
in all kinds of trials.
 The trials we encounter in this life will seem
as nothing compared with the joy of eternity
(Romans 8:18) I consider that our present

sufferings are not worth comparing with the
glory that will be revealed in us.
Verse 7 These have come so that your faith--of
though refined by fire--may be proved genuine
and may result in praise, glory and honor when
Jesus Christ is revealed.
Verse 7 These have come so that your faith--of
though refined by fire--may be proved genuine
and may result in praise, glory and honor when
 Our faith is proved through a refining
process.
Verse 7 These have come
Peter’s so that your faith--of
Analogy
greater process
I. Refining worth than gold, which perishes even
though
1. Gold:refined
proved by byfire
fire--may be proved genuine
and may result
2. Christian's in given
faith: praise, glory
trials and and honor when
testings.
II. Jesus
ProductChrist
produced from process
is revealed.
1. Gold: pure gold remains after admixtures, alloys, and

drossOur faith is proved through a refining
removed
2. Christian's faith: "greater worth than gold"
process.
III. Time of existence
1. Gold: "perishes"
2. Christian's faith: abides till "Jesus Christ is revealed"
IV. Reward
1. Gold: greatly admired by man because of its fine
quality.
2. Christian: receives praise, glory, and honor from God
Verses 8-9 Though you have not seen him, you
love him; and even though you do not see him
now, you believe in him and are filled with an
inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are
receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of
your souls.
your souls.
1. Peter's recipients had not seen Christ

because:
your souls.
1. Peter's recipients had not seen Christ

because:
1) the place which they lived (vv. 1‑2).
2) because of the time in which they lived.
your souls.
(John 20:29) Then Jesus told him,
"Because you have seen me, you have
2. We see Christ with the eye of
believed; blessed are those who have
faith.
not seen and yet have believed."
(Romans 8:24-25) For in this hope we
were saved. But hope that is seen is no
hope at all. Who hopes for what he
already has? But if we hope for what we
do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
your souls.
3. We rejoice because we will soon have

reached the consummation of the Christian
life, our eternal salvation.
Verses 10-12 Concerning this salvation, the
prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to
come to you, searched intently and with the
greatest care, trying to find out the time and
circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in
them was pointing when he predicted the
sufferings of Christ and the glories that would
follow. It was revealed to them that they were not
serving themselves but you, when they spoke of
the things that have now been told you by those
who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy
Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look
into these things.
Verses 10-12
1. Neither the prophets nor the angels have

been allowed to receive the full revelation of
Jesus Christ.
2. Even though the prophets prophesied about
Christ, and the angels ministered to Him and
to others, only those who have come after
the Cross have been able to comprehend its
message.
3. We in the church age have received the
greatest of blessings.
LESSON THREE
FIRST PETER 1:13-25
1. COMMITTED TO HOLINESS
Therefore, prepare your minds for action;
be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the
grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is
revealed. As obedient children, do not
conform to the evil desires you had when
you lived in ignorance. But just as he who
called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
for it is written: "Be holy, because I am
holy.” – 1 Peter 1:13-16
A. Prepare your minds for action (v. 13).
1. “gird up the loins of your mind” (NKJV)
?
2. Mental preparation is necessary to
holiness.
holiness.
(Psalms 26:2) Test me, O LORD, and try

me, examine my heart and my mind;
holiness.
(Ecclesiastes 7:25) So I turned my mind
to understand, to investigate and to
search out wisdom and the scheme of
things and to understand the stupidity of
wickedness and the madness of folly.
holiness.
(Isaiah 26:3) You will keep in perfect
peace him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
holiness.
(Romans 12:2) Do not conform any
longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve
what God's will is--his good, pleasing and
perfect will.
holiness.
(Matthew 22:37) Jesus replied: "'Love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your mind.'
holiness.
(Romans 8:6) The mind of sinful man is
death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit
is life and peace;
holiness.
(Luke 6:40) A student is not above his
teacher, but everyone who is fully trained
will be like his teacher.
holiness.
(Daniel 10:12) Then he continued, "Do not
be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you
set your mind to gain understanding and to
humble yourself before your God, your
words were heard, and I have come in
response to them.
3. How? Bible Study; Prayer; Small Groups;
Sunday School; Reading good books;
Seminars; etc….
B. Be Self-Controlled (v. 13)
1. Literally – “be sober”; calm; collected;
well-balanced; temperate.
Don’t be
like this
guy!
2. This occurs when I allow God to control
my mind, actions, etc…
C. Set your hope…(v. 13).
1. (The Message) “…be totally ready to
receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus
arrives…”
2. This is the grace that the prophets spoke
of.
(1 Peter 1:10) Concerning this
salvation, the prophets, who
spoke of the grace that was to
come to you, searched intently
and with the greatest care,
3. We live in expectation along with the
creation.
(Romans 8:19) The creation

waits in eager expectation for the
sons of God to be revealed.
D. Do not conform… (v. 14)
1. Obedience is demonstrated through
transformation
1. Obedience is demonstrated through
transformation
(Romans 12:1-2) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in
view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your
spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer
to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to
test and approve what God's will is--his good,
pleasing and perfect will.
2. Ignorance is moving backwards in my
spiritual life.
(Ephesians 2:1-2) As for you, you were
dead in your transgressions and sins, in
which you used to live when you followed
the ways of this world and of the ruler of the
kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at
work in those who are disobedient.
E. Be holy in all you do (vv. 15-16)
1. A holy life is built upon a prepared mind
2. My commitment level is clearly shown by
my lifestyle choices.
(James 3:13) Who is wise and

understanding among you? Let him
show it by his good life, by deeds done
in the humility that comes from wisdom.
(Ephesians 5:8) For you were once

darkness, but now you are light in the
Lord. Live as children of light.
3. The example I follow is
Jesus Christ/God.
2. COMMITTED TO FEAR & FAITH
Since you call on a Father who judges each man's
work impartially, live your lives as strangers here
in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with
perishable things such as silver or gold that you
were redeemed from the empty way of life handed
down to you from your forefathers, but with the
precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish
or defect. He was chosen before the creation of
the world, but was revealed in these last times for
your sake. Through him you believe in God, who
raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so
your faith and hope are in God. – vv. 17-21
A. Fear (v. 17)
A. Fear (v. 17)
1. Fear (reverence) of God because He is
God.
(Hebrews 12:28) Therefore, since we are

receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,
let us be thankful, and so worship God
acceptably with reverence and awe,
A. Fear (v. 17)
2. Fear of God because He is our Judge
A. Fear (v. 17)
2. Fear of God because He is our Judge
a) He is not referring to the final
judgment in the sense of determining our
final state. That has been decided.
(John 5:24) "I tell you the truth, whoever hears

my word and believes him who sent me has
eternal life and will not be condemned; he has
crossed over from death to life.
(1 Corinthians 3:12-15) If any man
2.builds on this foundation
COMMITTED TO FEAR using&gold,
FAITH
silver, costly stones, wood, hay or
A. Fear (v. 17)
straw, his work will be shown for what it
2.is,
Fear of Godthe
because because
Day willHe is our
bring it toJudge
light.
Itb) This
will be could be referring
revealed with fire, to thethe
and level
fireof
reward at the
will test judgment
quality of each man's work.
If what he has built survives, he will
receive his reward. If it is burned up, he
will suffer loss; he himself will be saved,
but only as one escaping through the
flames.
(Hebrews 12:5-11) And you have forgotten that word of
encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not
make2.light
COMMITTED TO FEAR
of the Lord's discipline, and do not&lose
FAITH
heart when
he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
A. Fear
and (v. 17)
he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.“ Endure
hardship
2. Fearas discipline; God is treating
of God because Heyou is as
oursons.
JudgeFor what
son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined
c) Mostundergoes
(and everyone likely it discipline),
refers tothenGod’s discipline
you are illegitimate
children
forand
usnot true sons.
when Moreover,
we are we have allwhile
disobedient had human
still
fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How
much onmore this earth
should we submit to the Father of our spirits and
live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought
best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share
in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but
painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of
righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by
it.
B. Faith
(1 Peter 1:18-21) For you know that it was not
with perishable things such as silver or gold that
you were redeemed from the empty way of life
handed down to you from your forefathers, but
with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without
blemish or defect. He was chosen before the
creation of the world, but was revealed in these
last times for your sake. Through him you believe
in God, who raised him from the dead and
glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in
God.
B. Faith
1. Faith in something more than we had
known in the past (v. 18)
B. Faith
2. Faith in the sufficiency of the ransom
price (v. 19).
B. Faith
price (v. 19).
a) The reference to blood indicates that
Christ’s death was sacrificial.
B. Faith
price (v. 19).
b) The plan of redemption has always
been in the mind of God (v. 20)
B. Faith
price (v. 19).
c) The plan was not fully revealed until
the church age (v. 20).
B. Faith
3. Faith in God is derived directly through
our understanding of the Person and Work
of Christ (v. 21).
(1 Peter 1:21) Through him you believe in

God, who raised him from the dead and
glorified him, and so your faith and hope
are in God.
B. Faith
of Christ (v. 21).
a) His Deity – “Christ” (v. 19).
B. Faith
of Christ (v. 21).
b) His Sinlessness – “without blemish or
defect” (v. 19).
B. Faith
of Christ (v. 21).
defect” (v. 19).
c) His Crucifixion – “precious blood” (v.
19).
defect” (v. 19).
19).
d) His Resurrection – “raised him from
the dead” (v. 21).
(Romans 4:25) He was delivered over to death for our
sins and was raised to life for our justification.
defect” (v. 19).
19).
d) His Resurrection – “raised him from
the dead” (v. 21).
e) His Ascension – “glorified him” (v. 21).
3. COMMITTED TO LOVE
(1 Peter 1:22-25) Now that you have purified
yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have
sincere love for your brothers, love one another
deeply, from the heart. For you have been born
again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,
through the living and enduring word of God. For,
"All men are like grass, and all their glory is like
the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the
flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands
forever." And this is the word that was preached to
you.
A. The ability to love comes after obeying
the truth (v. 22).
the truth (v. 22).
1. Our love is for “one another” (v. 22).
the truth (v. 22).
2. Our love is from the depth of our
emotions (v. 22).
-- This love is based on our common
salvation – “brothers”.
B. Our love is for those things that endure:
Temporary Enduring
All men (v. 24) New Birth (v. 23)
Grass (v. 24) Word of the Lord (v. 23)
Men’s glory (v. 24)
Flowers (v. 24)
LIFE APPLICATIONS:
• Whatever your past may include, God is in the
business of giving you a future with a hope.
• Do not resist or resent the trials of your life, but
view them as God-designed instruments of
spiritual growth.
• Continue to examine your life for true marks of
holiness and obedience to Jesus Christ.
• Cultivate a “reverential awe” toward God.
• Regularly personalize the benefit of Christ’s death
for you.
• Consider ways that you can demonstrate a
sincere and deep love for other Christians.
LESSON FOUR
FIRST PETER 2:1-12
1 Peter 2:1‑12
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit,
hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like
newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it
you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have
tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, the
living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and
precious to him--you also, like living stones, are being
built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood,
offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through
Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a
stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and
the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
1 Peter 2:1‑12
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to
those who do not believe, "The stone the builders
rejected has become the capstone," and, "A stone that
causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them
fall." They stumble because they disobey the message
--which is also what they were destined for. But you
are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people belonging to God, that you may declare the
praises of him who called you out of darkness into his
wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now
you are the people of God; once you had not received
mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:1‑12
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the
world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against
your soul. Live 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.
Verse 1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all
malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and
slander of every kind.
“Therefore” – Function: Result of what

proceeded. What? A call to holiness.
 “rid yourselves of” – Literally, to “strip off”,
“throw hastily aside”.
yourselves”
“Rid Meaning: How it corrupts:
1. Malice Wanting to hurt Hurt feelings/
others Ruined reputation
yourselves”
2. Deceit Manipulation of Lost trust
others to serve
your own ends.
yourselves”
3. Hypocrisy Wearing a Terrible witness
mask – two
faced
yourselves”
4. Envy Discontent, Broken friendships;
jealousy eats away at your
spiritual life.
yourselves”
5. Slander Discredit or Causes
belittle rumors/backbiting
someone
Verses 2-3 Like newborn babies, crave pure
spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in
your salvation, now that you have tasted that
the Lord is good.
 Peter instructs us to "crave pure spiritual
milk" like "newborn babies".
The baby desires physical nourishment,
the Christian desires spiritual nourishment.
the Lord is good.
 More than just receiving this nourishment,
we are to ardently long for it – or “crave” it in
the same way a newborn desires his/her
mother’s breast milk.
the Lord is good.
 This spiritual milk must be “pure”, that is,
free from deceit. The idea is that a baby does
not desire milk that has been thinned down
or has impurities in it. Neither does the
believer.
the Lord is good.
 What is “spiritual milk?”
 It refers to the teaching of the Word of
God. The Word of God that brought
Christians to birth will continue to sustain
them.
the Lord is good.
 What is “spiritual milk?”
 By receiving this nourishment we grow in
spiritual stature. Growth is the next stage
after birth or the germination of the seed.
the Lord is good.
(1 Corinthians 3:6-7) I planted the seed,

Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So
neither he who plants nor he who waters is
anything, but only God, who makes things
grow.
Verses 4-10
As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by
men but chosen by God and precious to him--you
also, like living stones, are being built into a
spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering
spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus
Christ. For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in
Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the
one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But
to those who do not believe, "The stone the
builders rejected has become the capstone,"
Verses 4-10
and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a
rock that makes them fall." They stumble because
they disobey the message--which is also what they
were destined for. But you are a chosen people, a
royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging
to God, that you may declare the praises of him
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful
light. Once you were not a people, but now you are
the people of God; once you had not received
mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Verses 4-10
In contrast to the temple at Jerusalem and

the Jewish synagogues, the church is made
(Ephesians
up of living 2:20-21)
materialsbuilt onthe
‑‑both thechief
foundation of
the apostles and
cornerstone andprophets,
the stoneswith Christ Jesus
(Christians) that
himself
make up as the
the building.
chief cornerstone. In him the
whole building is joined together and rises to
become a holy temple in the Lord.
Verses 4-10
 The word rejected (vv. 4, 7) means to

reject after testing and examination. Christ
was rejected after the Jews had examined or
tried Him and they found He did not fit their
preconceived ideas about the Messiah.
Jesus is also rejected by all those who refuse
Him as Savior.
(Matthew 12:30) "He who is not with me is

against me, and he who does not gather with
me scatters.
Verses 4-10
 The Christian (“holy priesthood) does not

offer God sacrifices of bulls and goats, but
gives Him spiritual sacrifices (v. 5).
 Praise
(Hebrews 13:15) Through Jesus, therefore,
let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of
praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Verses 4-10
 The Christian (“holy priesthood) does not offer
God sacrifices of bulls and goats, but gives Him
spiritual sacrifices (v. 5).
 Body/Mind
(Romans 12:1-2) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in
view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your
spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer
to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to
test and approve what God's will is--his good,
Verses 4-10
(Phil. 4:15-18) Moreover, as you Philippians know, in
theearly
ThedaysChristian
of your(“holy priesthood)
acquaintance does
with the not
gospel,
offerI set
when Godoutsacrifices of bullsnot
from Macedonia, andonegoats,
churchbut
shared
giveswith
Him mespiritual
in the matter of giving
sacrifices (v. and
5). receiving,
except you only; for even when I was in
 Finances
Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when
I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I
am looking for what may be credited to your account.
I have received full payment and even more; I am
amply supplied, now that I have received from
Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant
offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Verses 4-10
Christ became a stone over which the

Jews stumbled and fell because He did not
meet their preconceived ideas. They refused
to believe or obey the message of the gospel
of Christ (v. 8).
Verses 4-10
 vv. 9‑10 give us four descriptions of

Christians:
Description: Meaning:
Verses 4-10

Christians:
Chosen People Picked by God
Verses 4-10

Christians:
Royal Priesthood (v. 5 Created to serve
“holy priesthood”
Verses 4-10

Christians:
Holy nation Church is the fulfillment of
Israel – from many nations
come one.
Verses 4-10

Christians:
Holy nation Church is the fulfillment of
Israel – from many nations
come one.
People belonging to God We are God’s possession
Verses 4-10
 These four descriptions (above) are of a
people with a purpose – to declare the
praises of God (v. 9b).
 We are able to do this because we are
fully aware of our former status.
 We were formerly in darkness, were not
united, and did not know God’s mercy (v. 10).
 As God’s chosen people, the church now
experiences light, unity, and grace.
Verses 11-12
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and

strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful
desires, which war against your soul. Live
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.
Verses 11-12
Verse 11 repeats a now familiar theme in 1

Peter‑‑that Christians are aliens and
strangers in the world. How might living up to
the description of verse 9 cause Christians to
be alienated from the world?
(James 5:1-8) Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail
because of the misery that is coming
Verses upon you. Your wealth
11-12
(Hebrews
has rotted, and moths have 10:25)
eaten Let
your us not give
clothes. Your gold and
silver
are
(v.corroded.
up TheTheir
12)meeting corrosion
"thewill
together,
phrase astestify
day some againstus"
He visits you
and eat yourare
flesh
in like
the fire.
habitYouofhave hoarded
doing, but wealth
let in the
has several possible interpretations:
last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen
1) us encourage
The Day of one another--and
Judgment.
who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries
all the
of the harvesters havemore as you
reached the see
ears of the
the DayAlmighty.
Lord
2) The time God visits the pagans who
Youare approaching.
havebeholding
lived on earth in Christians
luxury and self-indulgence. You
the behavior with
have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have
salvation.
condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not
opposing3)you.
TheBecoming
patient, destruction
then, brothers, of Jerusalem
until the Lord's
andSee
coming. thehowJewish statewaits
the farmer in A.D. 70.*
for the land to yield its
valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring
rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's
coming is near.
Verses 11-12
* The above passages seem to support

interpretation #3. The pagans, having
become Christians because of the influence
of these disciples, would "glorify God"
because they were safe. History attests to
the fact that no Christians were harmed in
the destruction of Jerusalem because they
had already fled.
LIFE APPLICATION
• Spiritual growth should be a high priority for
believers.
• Moral purity is a mark of excellence in behavior.
• Do not say anything about other believers in their
absence that you would not say to them personally.
• Unity should characterize the relationships and
interactions of those who follow Jesus Christ.
• Every Christian should be a good advertisement for
Christianity.
LESSON FIVE
FIRST PETER 2:13-25
If you were to rate your natural inclination for
being submissive on a scale of one to ten,
where would you place yourself and why?
Resistant Submissive
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 Peter 2:13‑25
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every
authority instituted among men: whether to the
king, as the supreme author-ity, or to governors,
who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong
and to commend those who do right. For it is God's
will that by doing good you should silence the
ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but
do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live
as servants of God. Show proper respect to
everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear
God, honor the king.
– 2:13-17
1 Peter 2:13‑25
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. For it is commendable if a man
bears up under the pain of unjust suffering
because he is conscious of God. But 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 before God. To this you were
called, because Christ suffered for you,
leaving you an example, that you should
follow in his steps. – 2:18-21
1 Peter 2:13‑25
"He committed no sin, and no deceit was
found in his mouth." When 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.
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. For you were like sheep going
astray, but now you have returned to the
Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
– 2:22-25
1. OUR CALLING:
SUBMISSION
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to

every authority instituted among men…
– 1 Peter 2:13a
1. OUR CALLING:
SUBMISSION
– 1 Peter 2:13a
A. Submit (vv. 13, 18) is a military term
meaning to place or rank under.
1. OUR CALLING:
SUBMISSION
– 1 Peter 2:13a
B. Peter says we are to submit for the
Lord's sake. We are to act in this
manner for the good of, or as a part of
our obedience to the Lord.
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
A. We are to submit to every authority.
– 1 Pet. 2:13a
Submit yourselves for the
2. OUR POSITION: Lord's sake to every
authority instituted among men: whether to the
SERVANTS
king, as the supreme authority, or to governors,
who B.are sent
This by himservitude
includes to punishtothose who do
secular
wrong and to commend those who do right. For
government.
it is God's will that by doing good you should
silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as
free men, but do not use your freedom as a
cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show
proper respect to everyone: Love the brother-
hood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
– vv. 13-17
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
B. This includes servitude to secular
government.
1) This command of Peter's is partic-
ularly significant when we consider that
these Christians were under a pagan
government and a wicked emperor
(Nero?), yet they were to obey this
exhortation.
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
B. This
"We gaveincludes servitude
you strict to secular
orders not to teach in
thisgovernment.
name," he said. "Yet you have filled
Jerusalem withtime
2) The only yourateaching
Christianand are
is to dis-
determined to make
obey secular us guilty
authority of this
is when man's
it forces
blood." Peter
him/her to and the other apostles
be disobedient to God.
replied: "We must obey God rather than
men! – Acts 5:28-29 (see also Acts 4:18ff)
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
3) Notice the different levels of respect:
Show proper respect to everyone: Love

the brotherhood of believers, fear God,
honor the king. – v. 17
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
a) Love the brotherhood
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
b) Fear God
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
b) Fear God
c) Honor the king
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
4) We treat our governing leaders with
respect for three reasons:
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
a) For the Lord's sake (v. 13);
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
b) It is God’s will (v. 15);
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
b) It is God’s will (v. 15);
c) To silence the ignorant talk of
foolish men (v. 15).
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
5) The role of government is spelled out
for us clearly.
…who are sent by him to punish those who do
wrong and2.to OUR POSITION:
commend those who do right.
– v. 14 SERVANTS
ForB.rulers
This includes servitude
hold no terror to secular
for those who do
right,government.
but for those who do wrong. Do you
want5)toThe role of
be free government
from fear of theisone
spelled
in out
for us clearly.
authority? Then do what is right and he will
commend you. For he is God's servant to do
you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for
he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is
God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring
punishment on the wrongdoer. – Rom. 13:3-4
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
for us clearly.
a) Commendation for doing right.
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
for us clearly.
a) Commendation for doing right.
b) Punish those who do wrong.
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
government.
for us clearly.
c) To “bear the sword” also carries
the idea of protecting the citizenry. It is
the God-ordained role of government
to use force to maintain order.
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
C. This includes servitude to our employers.
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.
For it is commendable if a man bears up under
the pain of unjust suffering because he is
conscious of God. But 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 before God.
– vv. 18-20
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
C. This includes servitude to our
employers.
1) Peter addresses slaves (v. 18). This
word can mean servants, especially
household servants.
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
employers.
2) The servant’s relationship with their
masters is in many ways similar to our
modern employee-employer situation
today.
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
employers.
3) Submission is to be given to both good
and evil masters (v. 18).
2. OUR POSITION:
SERVANTS
employers.
4) Unjust suffering makes us “conscious
of God” (v. 19). The reference here is
either to our obedience to God’s will, or
possibly connected to the sufferings of
Christ in the context that follows.
And masters, treat your slaves in the same
way. Do not 2.threaten
OUR them,POSITION:
since you know that
he who is both their Master and yours is in
SERVANTS
heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
– Eph. 6:9
employers.
Perhaps the reason
5) Christian he was
masters wereseparated from you
also to treat
for their
a littleservants
while was
in athat
fairyou might have him
manner.
back for good-- no longer as a slave, but better
than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear
to me but even dearer to you, both as a man
and as a brother in the Lord.
– Philemon vv. 15-16
3. OUR EXAMPLE:
JESUS CHRIST
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for
you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in
his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was
found in his mouth." When 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. 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.
For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have
returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. –
vv. 21-25
3. OUR EXAMPLE:
JESUS CHRIST
A. Notice the connections the text points out
between Christ's suffering and a Christian's
submission in this trying situation:
3. OUR EXAMPLE:
JESUS CHRIST
Christian (vv. 18‑20) Christ (vv. 21‑25)
a) Submission to those who a) Insults hurled at Him.
are harsh.
b) Received pain of unjust b) He suffered but no
suffering but conscious of God. threats remained.
c) Suffers for doing good c) Suffers for doing good
and endures it for God. and endures it for mankind.
3. OUR EXAMPLE:
JESUS CHRIST
B. Christ’s
When silent
he was submission
accused by theischief
given to us and
priests as a
themodel.
elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate
asked
When him,
they"Don't
hurledyou hear
their the testimony
insults at him, hethey
did
arenot
bringing against
retaliate; whenyou?" But Jesus
he suffered, made no
he made no
reply, not even
threats. to ahe
Instead, single charge--to
entrusted thetogreat
himself him
amazement
who judges ofjustly.
the governor.
– v. 23 – Matt. 27:12-14;
(see also vv. 34-44)
3. OUR EXAMPLE:
JESUS CHRIST
C. Here the doctrine of substitution is made
clear:
3. OUR EXAMPLE:
JESUS CHRIST
(Jesus)
C. Here himself bore of
the doctrine oursubstitution
sins in his is
body on the
made
tree, so that we might die to sins and live for
clear:
righteousness; by his wounds you have been
1) Christ bore our sin.
healed. – v. 24
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he
was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment
that brought us peace was upon him, and by
his wounds we are healed. – Isa. 53:5
3. OUR EXAMPLE:
JESUS CHRIST
C.(Jesus)
Here the doctrine of substitution is made
himself bore our sins in his body on
clear:
the tree, so that we might die to sins and live
1) Christ
for bore our by
righteousness; sin.his wounds you have
2) Christ
been gave– us
healed. His righteousness.
v. 24
However, to the man who does not work but
trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith
is credited as righteousness. – Rom. 4:5
3. OUR EXAMPLE:
JESUS
God made CHRIST
him who had no sin to be
sinHere
C. for the
us,doctrine
so thatof in him we is
substitution might
made
clear:
become the righteousness of God.
1) Christ bore our sin.
–2)2 Christ
Cor. gave
5:21us His righteousness.
3) This is the gospel of reconciliation – the
Divine exchange.
3. OUR EXAMPLE:
JESUS CHRIST
D. There are two specific actions that we must
make in response to this:
(Jesus) himself bore our sins in his body on the tree,
so that we 3. OUR
might EXAMPLE:
die to sins and live for righteous-
JESUS
ness; by his wounds CHRIST
you have been healed. – v. 24
In the
D. same
There way,
are twocount yourselves
specific actionsdead to we
that sin but
must
alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin
reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil
1) DieDo
desires. to not
sin.offer the parts of your body to sin, as
instruments of wickedness, but rather offer your-
selves to God, as those who have been brought from
death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him
as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be
your master, because you are not under law, but
under grace. – Rom. 6:11-14
(Jesus) himself bore our sins in his body on the tree,
3. OUR
so that we might EXAMPLE:
die to sins and live for righteous-
JESUS
ness; by his wounds CHRIST
you have been healed. – v. 24
In the
D. same
There way,
are twocount yourselves
specific actionsdead to we
that sin but
must
alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin
reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil
1) DieDo
desires. to not
sin.offer the parts of your body to sin, as
instruments
2) Live forof righteousness.
wickedness, but rather offer your-
selves to God, as those who have been brought from
death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him
as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be
your master, because you are not under law, but
under grace. – Rom. 6:11-14
3. OUR EXAMPLE:
JESUS CHRIST
Summary: An objective atonement is in-
dicated in the affirmation of the above verses.
The truths of the gospel are that man is a
sinner and that he must in some way meet
the demands of God's righteous judgment
against him. The answer to the dilemma is
that Christ bore our sins in His own body on
the cross. Through this suffering of humili-
ation and death, we are spiritually healed.
LESSON SIX
FIRST PETER 3:1-7
Marriage is like twirling a baton, turning

handsprings, or eating with chopsticks. It
looks easy until you try it. ~ copied
1. Background Notes:
Note 1: In the first century when Peter
wrote, women were largely considered
second-rate citizens. Marriage was viewed
primarily as a business arrangement, which
created an environment where wives could
be treated as possessions.
Note 2: The traditional Household Code in
Greek philosophy suggests that the wife’s
demeanor towards her husband reflects the
success of the husband’s leadership, the
strength of the family unit, and even the
sense of peace and order in the Roman
Empire. Therefore, a woman viewed as
insubordinate could be treated very harshly,
and not just by her husband. It was a
social, not just a family issue.
Note 3: The pluralistic nature of religion in the
Roman world would have complicated things.
Part of a wife’s “submission” was the acceptance
of the husband’s religion. For most, this would not
have presented any problems, for religion was
generally not exclusive. A woman would merely
add on the gods and/or goddesses worshipped
by her mate. A convert to Christianity, on the
other hand, renounced not only her own gods
and goddesses, but those of her spouse as well.
Becoming a Christian, therefore, would have
been viewed as rebellion. In such a scenario one
could not be a Christian wife and also be
submissive.
2. In verse 1 Peter says "in the same way...".
Peter is here making a transition from
slaves to wives (2:18‑25).
a) Just as the behavior of Christ was the
model for slaves submitting to their
masters, and for Christians to submit to
human authority, so it is for wives
submitting to their husbands.
b) Remember, "submit" is a military term
meaning to place or rank under.
c) The same term is used in Ephesians
5:21 and implies a mutual submission.
3. Peter does not counsel Christian women to
leave their pagan husbands, he empha-
sizes that these men may be won to Christ
by the behavior of their wives (v. 1).
4. Peter's desire is that the husbands be
converted. Notice that they are won to
Christ without words (v.1).
5. What the pagan husband will notice about
his wife is how she lives now that she has
become a Christian. There are two things
Peter mentions (v.2) that will make him sit
up and take notice:
up and take notice:
1) Her purity. This word refers not just to
sexual purity but also to purity of thought,
motive, and action.
up and take notice:
2) Her reverence. She has an awareness
of God that causes her to
live a good life.
6. In vv. 3 & 4 Peter stresses that a woman's
true beauty is not measured by her external
appearance but by her internal qualities.
6. In vv. 3 & 4 Peter stresses that a woman's
true beauty is not measured by her external
appearance but by her internal qualities.
Background Note: In the ancient world a
married woman with braided hair wearing
expensive jewelry and nice clothing would
be viewed as promiscuous. Such attire
suggested an intention to seduce. In public,
it was interpreted as a sign of being
unfaithful to one’s husband, and certainly
not submissive.
7. The beauty of these qualities (#6) are
unfading (v.4) and are based on a gentle
and quiet spirit. Peter says that these
qualities are of "great worth" (surpassing
value) in God’s sight.
8. The important thing for women to do (and
all believers) is to put “their hope in God” (v.
5) as did their spiritual ancestors (v. 6).
9. Background to v.7:
In contrast to vv. 1‑2 where the focus is on
Christian wives and pagan husbands, here Peter
discusses how Christian husbands should relate
to Christian wives. As noted above, in the first
century it was customary for the wife to adopt the
religion of her husband so that if he were
converted to Christianity, it is likely that she would
be too. Peter seems to assume that this would be
the case. Peter reminds husbands that the
respect they are to show to all people (2:17) is
also due to their own wives. That a husband had
any obligation to his wife was a startling new
principle in the first century.
9. Background to v.7:
For example, the Roman writer Cato said: If
you were to catch your wife in an act of
infidelity, you can kill her with impunity
without a trial; but, if she were to catch you,
she would not venture to touch you with her
finger, and, indeed, she has no right.
10. The above was not, however, the
Christian ethic. Both Peter and Paul (see
Eph. 5:25‑33) make a point of identifying
the obligations of a husband to a wife:
a) Be Considerate. That a husband should
think about how he treated his wife was a
new notion in a society where a wife was
treated as property.
b) Treat them with Respect. This phrase is
literally assigning honor.
c) The wives are "heirs with you". Both
husband and wife are equal participants in
the grace of God.
11. From the Eph. 5 passage we learn some
other obligations of the husband:
a) Mutual submission? (v. 21)
b) Love your wives as Christ loved the
church (v.25).
c) Love your wives as you love your own
bodies (v.28).
d) Love your wives as you love yourself
(v.33).
e) The husband is to be united to his wife
(v.31), becoming one flesh.
12. Both husband and wife play differing
roles in God's plan of marriage. One is not
more important than the other. Each plays
a significant part in God's plan. If one is not
living up to God's expectations, the
marriage suffers. If both partners are in
submission to Christ, first and foremost, the
marriage will be a successful one.
LESSON SEVEN
FIRST PETER 3:8-17
1 Peter 3:8-17
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with
one another; be sympathetic, love as
brothers, be compassionate and
humble. {9} Do 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. {10} For,
"Whoever would love life and see good
days must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
1 Peter 3:8-17
He must turn from evil and do good; he
must seek peace and pursue it. {12} For
the eyes of the Lord are on the right-
eous and his ears are attentive to their
prayer, but the face of the Lord is
against those who do evil.“ {13} Who is
going to harm you if you are eager to do
good? {14} But even if you should suffer
for what is right, you are blessed. "Do
not fear what they fear; do not be
frightened."
1 Peter 3:8-17
But 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, {16} keeping a clear con-
science, so that those who speak
maliciously against your good behavior
in Christ may be ashamed of their
slander. {17} It is better, if it is God's will,
to suffer for doing good than for doing
evil.
1. Be humble and united in spirit
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one
another; be sympathetic, love as brothers,
be compassionate and humble – v.8.
a) "live in harmony with one another"
literally – “Be…of one mind” (KJV).
a) "live in harmony with one another"
 This is having an attitude of the mind
that strives for harmony. We should strive
to have the same basic goals, purposes,
& motives.
Our Vision at Our Church:
To become a biblically functioning
community of believers so that
Christ's redemptive purposes can be
a) "live in harmony
accomplished in thiswith one another"
world.
Our Mission at Our Church:
 It is a matter of uniting under the
vision & mission
To turn of thepeople
unchurched church.
into fully
devoted followers of Jesus Christ,
equipping them to reach their full
potential in Him.
b) "be sympathetic"
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with
those who mourn. – Romans 12:15
c) "love as brothers" ‑ this is one word in
the original, philadelphos. The meaning
is to have love for others within the church.
d) "be compassionate" ‑ ASV says
"tenderhearted". The idea is that we
should be easily moved by the sorrows or
joys of others.
e) be "humble" ‑ this doesn't mean to
think unfavorably of oneself, but to have a
true estimate of your own worth, ability, and
limitations.
2. Return blessing when evil is done to you
Do 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. For, "Whoever would love life and
see good days must keep his tongue from
evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He
must turn from evil and do good; he must
seek peace and pursue it. For 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.”
– 1 Peter 3:9-12
2. Return blessing when evil is done to you
The meaning is clear: if you would love life,
then guard your tongue, turn away from
evil, do good, and live at peace with your
fellowmen. As you practice these prin-
ciples day after day, you will find true
satisfaction. This is what it means when we
speak of a godly attitude toward all of life.
~ Richard De Haan
3. Conduct yourself as a Christian when
suffering for righteousness
a) Know that you are blessed.
Who is going to harm you if you are eager
to do good? But even if you should suffer
for what is right, you are blessed
– vv. 13-14a.
a) Know that you are blessed.
 Under ordinary circumstances you will
not be harmed for doing good, but if you are
remember that you are receiving the
blessings of God (see v. 12).
b) Trust Christ.
"Do not fear what they fear; do not be
frightened." But in your hearts set apart
Christ as Lord. – vv. 14b-15a
b) Trust Christ.
 "Do not fear what they fear; do not be
frightened" Do not fear what faithless
people fear.
b) Trust Christ.
 "Do not fear what they fear; do not be
frightened" Do not fear what faithless
people fear.
 The alternative to fear is to focus
attention on someone else. Peter says we
should focus on Christ‑‑"in your hearts set
apart (or reverence, make holy, sanctify)
Christ as Lord".
b) Trust Christ.
 To "set apart" Christ as Lord means
really to believe that Christ, not one's
human opponents, is truly in control of
events.
b) Trust Christ.
(1  To have
Peter 3:22)such reverence
[Jesus] who"in your
has hearts"
gone into
is to maintain
heaven continually
and is at a deep
God's right ‑seated
hand--with
inward confidence in Christ as reigning Lord
angels, authorities and powers in
& King.
submission to him.
c) Use this opportunity to witness while
doing right
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, keeping a clear
conscience, so that those who speak mali-
ciously against your good behavior in Christ
may be ashamed of their slander. It is
better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing
good than for doing evil. – vv. 15b-17.
doing right
 Concerning the testimony about our
hope in Christ, v. 15 demands:
doing right
1. We must be prepared or ready to give it.
doing right
2. We must always be ready to give it (at
any & every time).
doing right
3. We must be able to give it to everyone.
doing right
4. We must give it with gentleness &
respect.
doing right
 How can we fulfill our obligation as
Christians to the above?
doing right
1. Know what you believe.
doing right
2. Know why you believe.
doing right
2. Know why you believe.
3. To know these things you must study the
Bible & pray.
doing right
4. Practice giving your own Personal
Testimony.
3. What
Know Conduct yourself& as
You Believe a Christian
Know when –
Why You Believe
Paul Little
Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
Evidence
doingThat
rightDemands a Verdict – Josh McDowell
MoreThan
HowAcanCarpenter – Josh
we fulfill ourMcDowell
obligation as
TheChristians to the– above?
Claims of Christ Barry Davis
Give4.Me
Practice
An Answergiving yourKnechtle
– Cliffe own Personal
Testimony.
Christianity Stands True – Lynn Gardner
5. Read books on Apologetics.
The Case for Christ – Lee Stroebel
c) Use this opportunity to witness while doing right
 A large part of our witness is based on our own
personal behavior. The following is vv. 16‑17 from
the Living Bible:
Do what is right; then if men speak against you,
calling you evil names, they will become ashamed
of themselves for falsely accusing you when you
have only done what is good. Remember, if God
wants you to suffer, it is better to suffer for doing
good than for doing wrong!
LESSON EIGHT
FIRST PETER 3:18-22
1 Peter 3:18-22
For 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, through whom also he went and preached to
the spirits in prison who 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, and 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, who has gone into
heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels,
authorities and powers in submission to him.
I. The Great Exchange
For 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 – v. 18
(Luke 17:25)
For Christ diedButforfirst
sinsheonce
mustforsuffer many
all, the
things and for
righteous be the
rejected by this generation.
unrighteous, to bring you to
God. He was put to death in the
(Acts 1:3) After his suffering, he showed body but
made alive by the Spirit –
himself to these men and gave many v. 18
A.convincing
Christ is portrayed
proofs that ashe
thewas
perfect
alive.illustration
He
of the truth
appeared toof
themv. 17.over a period of forty days
and spoke about the kingdom of God.
(Hebrews 13:12) And so Jesus also
suffered outside the city gate to make the
people holy through his own blood.
(Hebrews 9:26) Then Christ would have had to
(Romans
For many
suffer 6:10)
Christ died
times Thefordeath
since thehe
sins died,for
once
creation he died
ofall,
thethe to sin But
world.
oncehe
now forhas
all;appeared
but the lifeonce
he lives, he lives to God.
righteous for the unrighteous, to bring of
for all at the end you theto
ages to He
(Hebrews
God. do 7:27)
away
was with
Unlikesinthe
put to by other
deaththe in
sacrifice
high of himself.
the priests,
body buthe
does
made
(Hebrewsnotalive
need
9:28)bytosooffer
the sacrifices
Spirit
Christ v.day
18 afteronce
was– sacrificed day,to first
take
for histhe
away own
sinssins,
of and then
many for the
people; and sins
he of the
will appear a
B. Peter states
people.time, that
He sacrificed His death
forsin,
theirbut
sins took place "once
second not to bear to once
bring for all
salvation to
for all".
when he This expresses
offered himself. its uniqueness as the
those who are waiting for him.
one act that secures forgiveness. Christ's
(Hebrews 10:10)
(Hebrews 9:12) HeAnddid
bynot enter
that will, by
we means
have of the
been
sacrifice does not needbutrepetition like the
made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Most
blood of goats and calves; he entered the Jesus
Jewish
Holy Placesacrificial system
once for all demanded.
by his own blood, having
Christ once for all.
obtained eternal redemption.
righteous for the unrighteous,
(2 Corinthians 5:21) God made to bring
himyou to
God.
who Hehadwasnoputsintotodeath
be sininfor
theus,body
so but
made
thatalive
in himbywethemight
Spiritbecome
– v. 18 the
righteousness
C. Christ of God.
died "for sins". The death of Jesus
both removes1:4)
(Galatians sin andwhocancels its effects. Sin
gave himself
no for
longer stands
our sins as an impenetrable
to rescue us from the wall
between
presentsinners
evil age,andaccording
God because to theChrist’s
death
will has
of ourbrought
God and reconciliation.
Father,
II. Preaching to the spirits in
prison (vv. 18‑20).
righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to
God. He was put to death in the body but
made alive by the Spirit, through whom also
he went and preached to the spirits in prison
who 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
– 1 Peter 3:18-20
Various Interpretations and Problems
Interpretation #1: The “spirits in prison”
were the mongrel offspring of a union
between fallen angels and mortal women
(Gen. 6:1-2). Proponents of this view
claims that when Jesus died He
descended into Hades and preached to
the mongrel offspring (imprisoned
spirits), proclaiming that He had paid the
price for sin.
Problems with Interpretation #1:
· Assumes the “sons of God” of Genesis 6:1-2
are fallen angels even though the text never
says this. It also assumes that supernatural
beings can procreate with human beings.
· The purpose for Christ’s declaration is not
given. Some claim that Christ was giving the
evil offspring a second chance. This is one
place Roman Catholicism finds a proof-text for
the doctrine of purgatory.
Interpretation #2: This is similar to Interpretation
#1, except that rather than the “spirits in prison”
being the offspring of a demonic/human union,
they are the fallen angels themselves. This view
holds that the “sons of God” of Genesis 6:1-2
possessed human men who had sexual relations
with women who had offspring that were more
evil than their fathers. Proponents of this view
claims that Christ’s purpose in descending into
Hades was to tell this group of fallen angels that
their doom was certain.
Problems with Interpretation #2:
• Assumes the “sons of God” of Genesis
6:1-2 are fallen angels (see #1).
• Why would Christ need to tell these fallen
creatures something they are already
aware of? During Christ’s ministry the
demons begged Him not to torture them
“before the appointed time (Matt. 8:29).
II. Preaching
Interpretation #3: The to the spirits
“spirits inare
in prison”
prison
wicked beings (fallen(vv. 18‑20).
angels) and Old Testament
believers. Proponents of this view claim that
between Christ’s death and resurrection He
descended into Hades to make an announcement
to the wicked spirits and to release Old
Testament saints being kept there in a special
compartment. Those who hold this view use
Ephesians 4:8-10 as a proof-text. Proponents
teach that Jesus had a dual purpose in
descending into Hades:
1) He announced to the fallen angels that He
had conquered sin and paid its penalty.
2) He went to the Old Testament believers to
proclaim His sacrifice immediately after His
death and then took them to heaven.
Problems with interpretation #3:
• Again, why must Jesus announce to fallen
angels knowledge they already possess.
• Assumes the “compartment” theory of
Hades is to be taken literally.
• Assumes the Old Testament saints could
not enter heaven until the Cross Event.
Interpretation #4: The “spirits in prison”
are the souls of people to whom Christ
preached through the person of Noah by
the power of the Holy Spirit during the 120
years the Ark was being built.
Problems with interpretation #4:
• Does “put to death in the body but made alive by
the Spirit” (v. 18) refer to Christ’s human body
and spirit or to the Holy Spirit? In other words, is
this a reference to Christ’s resurrection or to a
pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ through the
person of Noah by the power of the Holy Spirit?
• Can the word “spirits” be applied to human
beings? If so, this is the only case of it being so
applied in the entire Bible.
Preacher’s Preference at the Present Time
(subject to change without notice!):
Interpretation #4 seems to be less

problematic than the other three views. In
addition it seems to fit best into the
immediate context of this passage, as well
as the Bible as a whole.
• Earlier in this letter (1:11) Peter said that the
prophets had searched intently trying to find
under what time and circumstances the “Spirit of
Christ in them was pointing when he predicted
the sufferings of Christ and the glories that
would follow”. In this context Peter tells us that
by His Spirit Christ preached to these “spirits in
prison”. If the Spirit of Christ was in the
prophets, it stands to reason He could also be in
Noah.
• The text tells us that He (Christ) preached
to those “who disobeyed long ago when
God waited patiently in the days of Noah
while the Ark was being built” (v. 20).
Christ was not preaching to saints, but to
the disobedient. If they were from “long
ago”, doesn’t it make sense that Christ
preached to them “long ago”, rather than
sometime between the Cross and
resurrection?
• In this immediate context Peter is talking of
suffering “for doing good” (v. 17). Just like
in the days of Noah, Christ is pleading for
the souls of men. But also like in the days
of Noah, only a few will believe while
others will scoff at the preachers of good
news and cause them suffering by
persecuting those who have trusted in
Him.
III. Baptism as a Pledge (vv. 20‑22)
who 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, and 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, who has
gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with
angels, authorities and powers in submission to
him – 1 Peter 3:20-22
A. What does baptism have to do with

Noah and his family?
1. The people in the ark correspond to
Christians.
2. The water of the flood corresponds to
the water of baptism.
3. The escape of Noah's family from
drowning corresponds to the salvation of
believers.
B. Baptism...."saves" you (v.21).

1. It saves you because you have made
a "pledge of a good conscience toward
God".
2. It saves you because of the
resurrection of Christ.
3. Baptism does not save you by virtue
of the water.
4. Baptism is meaningless if not
accompanied by the above.
"Baptism saves you" is simply a

shorthand way of saying, "God saves
you in and through the act of baptism,
which is the outward expression of the
twin facts that He regenerates you by His
Spirit on the basis of the atonement
wrought by Christ and that you come
committing yourself in faith and
repentance to Christ as your Savior."
~ I. Howard Marshall
LESSON NINE
FIRST PETER 4:1-11
1 Peter 4:1-3
Therefore, 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. As
a result, he does not live the rest of his
earthly life for evil human desires, but
rather for the will of God. For you have
spent enough time in the past doing
what pagans choose to do--living in
debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies,
carousing and detestable idolatry.
1 Peter 4:4-6
They think it strange that you do not
plunge with them into the same flood of
dissipation, and they heap abuse on
you. But they will have to give account
to him who is ready to judge the living
and the dead. For 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.
I. Don't Live In Your Pagan Past (vv. 1‑6)
A. Follow Christ
(1 Peter 4:1) Therefore, 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.
A. Follow Christ
1. We are to have the mind (or attitude)
of Christ.
A. Follow Christ
of Christ.
(Matthew 22:37) Jesus replied: "'Love

the Lord your God…with all your mind.”
A. Follow Christ
of Christ.
(Romans 8:6) The mind of sinful man

is death, but the mind controlled by the
Spirit is life and peace;
A. Follow Christ
of Christ.
(Romans 12:2) Do not conform any
longer to the pattern of this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your
mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God's will is--his good,
A. Follow Christ
of Christ.
(Philippians 2:5) Your attitude should

be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
(1 Corinthians 2:13-16) This is what we speak,
I. Don't
not in wordsLive In Your
taught Pagan
us by human Past (vv. 1but
wisdom ‑6) in
words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual
A. Follow Christ
truths in spiritual words. The man without the
Spirit1.does
We not
are accept
to havethe
thethings
mind (or
thatattitude)
come from
of Christ.
the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to
him, and he cannot understand them, because
they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man
makes judgments about all things, but he
himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that
he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of
Christ.
A. Follow Christ
of Christ.
 In this context, we are to have the
same attitude as Christ toward
suffering.
A. Follow Christ
of Christ.
 We are willing to suffer because
we have chosen to live righteous
lives.
A. Follow Christ
of Christ.
 We are convinced that it is better
to do right and suffer than to do
wrong.
A. Follow Christ
2. To be “done with sin" means to make
a clear break with sin.
A. Follow Christ
 This does not mean we will never
sin again.
A. Follow Christ
 This does not mean we will never
sin again.
(1 John 1:8) If we claim to be

without sin, we deceive ourselves
and the truth is not in us.
A. Follow Christ
 The idea here is that our
obedient mindset, in the face of
suffering, carries over into an obedient
lifestyle.
B. Follow God’s will
(1 Peter 4:2) As a result, he does

not live the rest of his earthly life for
evil human desires, but rather for
the will of God.

1. Our commitment is for life.

the will of God.

2. Our struggle is with our own evil
desires. Whenever we give in to the
flesh we declare ourselves in opposition
to God’s will for our lives
the will of God.
C. Forget the Past – (Don't live like this

anymore).
(1Peter 4:3) For you have spent

enough time in the past doing what
pagans choose to do--living in
debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies,
carousing and detestable idolatry.

anymore).
1. debauchery = living without any
regard for moral restraints, especially in
giving oneself over to acts of sexual
immorality or acts of physical violence.

anymore).
2. lust = unbridled and uninhibited
cravings of the flesh.

anymore).
3. drunkenness = characteristic of a
life bent on following physical
desires.

anymore).
4. orgies (KJV, "revellings") = this
term refers to banquets and feasts that
were given to wild immorality, hence
"orgies".

anymore).
5. carousing = descriptive of a
couple or group who sat down and
competed against each other to see
who could drink the most.

anymore).
6. detestable idolatry = this was
idolatry that was not only against
God's Law but also against the laws of
the government. This type of idol
worship was often connected with
immorality.
D. Face the Facts

(1 Peter 4:4-6) They think it strange that you do
not plunge with them into the same flood of
dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But
they will have to give account to him who is
ready to judge the living and the dead. For 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.
D. Face the Facts

1. Your pagan friends won't understand you.
2. Some will treat you badly because of the changes
you've made.
3. They will have to give an account of their actions
to God.
4. Though men living in the realm of the flesh
condemn and abuse us by speaking against us, we
(and those who accepted the gospel who are now
dead) live in the spirit realm, approved by God.
II. Do Live Like A Christian Now
(1 Peter 4:7-11) The end of all things is near.

Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that
you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer
hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one
should use whatever gift he has received to serve
others, faithfully administering God's grace in its
various forms. If 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.
A. The End is Near
(1 Peter 4:7) The end of all things is near.

Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled
so that you can pray.
A. The End is Near

1. This could be a reference to the
destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

A. The End is Near

2. Most likely he is referring to the
dissolution of the present world order with
the final intervention of God in history to
set up His own rule in the new world.

A. The End is Near

3. Associated with the concept of the end
of the world was the general belief that it
would immediately be preceded by a time
of increasing persecution of God’s people
as the forces of evil engaged in one last
attack before their final doom.
A. The End is Near

4. This is why we have the pictures of
fearful conditions in the teaching of Jesus
in Mark 13 and similar passages (and
especially in Revelation).

A. The End is Near

5. Peter’s line of thought here is that the
persecution afflicting the church should be
viewed as one sign of the world’s imminent
end.

A. The End is Near

6. The universal Christian belief was that
the End was near as a result of the first
coming of Jesus.

A. The End is Near

coming of Jesus.
 The manifestation of the kingdom of
God in Him was the first stage in the
complex event that we regard as the End
of the old order.
A. The End is Near

coming of Jesus.
 The vital fact was that the coming of
Jesus had inaugurated the “last days”
and that from that point onwards
everything must be seen in the light of
the approaching End.
A. The End is Near

coming of Jesus.
 The persecution experienced by
Christians took its place as an expected
sign of the End – something that would
not go on indefinitely, or even successfully,
but as a response by the powers of evil to
the coming of Christ.
B. Live Like A Christian

(1 Peter 4:7-10) The end of all things is near.
so that you can pray. Above all, love each
other deeply, because love covers over a
multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one
another without grumbling. Each one should
use whatever gift he has received to serve
others, faithfully administering God's grace in
its various forms.

1. Therefore – because the End is near,
live like this…

2. Be clear minded and self‑controlled =
literally "sober", be mentally and spiritually
prepared so that you will be in a state of
mind that is conducive to prayer life.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-5) Love is patient,
3. Love each other deeply = If the church is
love is kind. It does not envy, it does not
to deal with difficult times both in Peter's
boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is
day and today we must be a loving and
not self-seeking, it is not easily
harmonious unit. When love is the
angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
controlling force in our lives, we will not be
(Proverbs
looking for 10:12) Hatred
sins in our stirs up
brother's lives.
dissension, but love covers over all
wrongs.

4. Offer hospitality = more is involved in
this than just having Christian guests in our
home. We should want them there, and
treat them kindly & helpfully.
(1 Corinthians 12:7-11) Now to each one the
II. Do of
manifestation Live
theLike A is
Spirit Christian
given forNow
the
common good. To one there is given through the
B. Live
Spirit theLike A Christian
message of wisdom, to another the
message
5. Useoftheknowledge
gifts Godby hasmeans
givenofyou
the same
=
Spirit, to another
Whatever faithGod
gift(s) by the
hassame
givenSpirit,
us, weto
another
must gifts
use of
in healing by that
His service one Spirit, to
– “administering
another
God’smiraculous powers,
grace in its variousto forms”
another prophecy,
to another distinguishing between spirits, to
another speaking in different kinds of tongues,
and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
All these are the work of one and the same
Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he
determines.
C. Speak and Serve Like a Christian

(1 Peter 4:11) If 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.

1. When we accurately preach/teach/witness
to the Word of God it is the same as if God
were speaking Himself. The Word of God is
authoritative whether it is heard audibly or it
is in written form.

2. We serve God, not in our own strength,
but in the strength He provides.
(Acts 17:28) 'For in him we live
and move and have our being.' As
some of your own poets have said,
'We are his offspring.'

3. The ultimate purpose of our service is to
bring glory to God.
LESSON TEN
FIRST PETER 4:12-19
1 Peter 4:12‑15
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the
painful trial you are suffering, as though
something strange were happening to
you. But rejoice that you participate in
the sufferings of Christ, so that you may
be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
If you are insulted because of the name
of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit
of glory and of God rests on you. If you
suffer, it should not be as a murderer or
thief or any other kind of criminal, or
even as a meddler.
1 Peter 4:16‑19
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not
be ashamed, but praise God that you bear
that name. For 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? And, "If
it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what
will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
So then, those who suffer according to
God's will should commit themselves to their
faithful Creator and continue to do good.
I. Christian Suffering
A. Suffering for Christ should be a normal
occurrence.
(2 Timothy 3:12) In fact,
1 Peter 4:12-13 everyone who
wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus
Dear
willfriends, do not be surprised at the
be persecuted
painful trial you are suffering, as though
something strange were happening to
you. But rejoice that you participate in
the sufferings of Christ, so that you may
be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
occurrence.
 We should not be “surprised” by it.
This means to be astonished, upset,
and bewildered. It doesn’t refer to the
short-term shock or surprise that we
might experience in the face of pain.
occurrence.
 This suffering is a cause for rejoicing
(v. 13)! We rejoice because through
suffering we identify with Christ.
(Philippians 3:10-11) I want to know Christ and
occurrence.
the power of his resurrection and the fellowship
 The word “participate” is koinoneo –
of sharing in his
to share sufferings,with
or fellowship becom-ing
someone.like him
in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the
resurrection from the dead.
But rejoice that you participate in the
sufferings of Christ – v. 13
occurrence.
 When Christ’s glory is revealed (2nd
Coming), our joy from suffering with Him
becomes complete (“overjoyed”).
(1 Peter 1:11) trying to find out the time
and circumstances to which the Spirit of
Christ in them was pointing when he
predicted the sufferings of Christ and
the glories that would follow.
occurrence.
 Joy occurs when our pain drives us
to depend on God.
B. When we suffer it must be for the
name of Christ.
(1 Peter 4:14-16) If you are insulted
because of the name of Christ, you are
blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of
God rests on you. If you suffer, it should
not be as a murderer or thief or any
other kind of criminal, or even as a
meddler. However, if you suffer as a
Christian, do not be ashamed, but
praise God that you bear that name.
name of Christ.
 v.14 "because of the name of Christ";
v.16 "if you suffer as a Christian"...
(Acts 11:26)I. andChristian
when Suffering
he found him, he
brought
B. Whenhim weto Antioch. So forbe
suffer it must a for
whole
the
year Barnabas
name and Saul met with the
of Christ.
church and taught
 Apart from two great numbersinofActs
references
people. The disciples
this (v.16) is the onlywere called
other use of
Christians firstinatthe
"Christian" Antioch.
New Testament. Many
Bible
(Acts scholars
26:28) Thenbelieve
Agrippaopponents of
said to Paul,
"DoChristianity usedinthis
you think that suchterm in a time
a short
youderogatory
can persuadesense.
me to be a Christian?"
name of Christ.
(Matthew 5:10-11) Blessed are those who
 The blessings that come from
are persecuted because of righteousness,
suffering are only promised to those
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
who suffer as a result of being a
"Blessed are you when people insult you,
Christian, not for just any type of
persecute you and falsely say all kinds of
suffering.
evil against you because of me.
name of Christ.
 Peter stresses that we will be
blessed during these times because the
Holy Spirit “rests” on us. This indicates
that the Holy Spirit is within the believer
continually to strengthen and refresh.
C. Our suffering should be “according to
God’s will”
(1 Peter 4:19) So then, those who

suffer according to God's will should
commit themselves to their faithful
Creator and continue to do good.
God’s will”
 This does not mean that God always
chooses suffering for us, but that if we
are suffering for the right reasons (v.16)
God can use our suffering.
God’s will”
 In other words, if the forces of evil
impose suffering on Christians, then this
falls within the sphere of what God
allows and what He can use as part of
His purpose.
God’s will”
 This suffering can be used for our
good: It is purifying us; drawing us
closer to our Lord; and making us more
like Him in our lives.
II. The Nature of Christian Suffering
A. It is painful.
(1 Peter 4:12) Dear friends, do not be

surprised at the painful trial you are
suffering, as though something strange
were happening to you.
A. It is painful.
 Literally, "fiery trial".
(1 Peter 4:12) Dear friends, do not be

surprised at the painful trial you are
suffering, as though something strange
were happening to you.
A. It is painful.
 Fire is painful, but it is also
necessary in the refining process.
(1 Peter 1:7) These have come so that

your faith--of greater worth than gold,
which perishes even though refined by
fire--may be proved genuine and may
result in praise, glory and honor when
B. It is a Participation in Christ's suffering
(v. 13).
 Union with Christ involves not only
union with Him in His death and resur-
rection, but also union with Him in the
whole pattern of His life, which includes
His suffering for righteousness.
(Romans 6:4-5) We were therefore
buried with him through baptism into
death in order that, just as Christ was
raised from the dead through the glory
of the Father, we too may live a new life.
If we have been united with him like this
in his death, we will certainly also be
united with him in his resurrection.
(1 Peter 2:20-21) But 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 before God. To this you
were called, because Christ suffered for
you, leaving you an example, that you
should follow in his steps.
(1 Peter 3:17-18) It is better, if it is
God's will, to suffer for doing good than
for doing evil. For 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,
(Romans 8:17) Now if we are children,
then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-
heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in
his sufferings in order that we may also
share in his glory.
(Colossians 1:24) Now I rejoice in what
was suffered for you, and I fill up in my
flesh what is still lacking in regard to
Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his
body, which is the church.
(1 John 2:6) Whoever claims to live in
him must walk as Jesus did.
III. The Church and Suffering
(1 Peter 4:17-18) For 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? And, "If it is
hard for the righteous to be saved, what
will become of the ungodly and the
sinner?"
A. The word for judgment (krima v. 17)
does not necessarily mean 'condemn-
ation' (which would be 'katakrima') but is
a broader term, which can refer to a
judgment that results in good and bad
evaluations, a judgment which may
issue in approval or discipline as well as
condemnation.
 The picture is that God has begun
judging within the church, and will later
move outward to judge those outside
the church.
 The refining fire of judgment is leaving no
one untouched, but Christians are being
purified and strengthened by it‑‑sins are
being eliminated and trust in God and
holiness of life are growing.
B. Verse 18 is a direct quote from Proverbs
11:31.
(1 Peter 4:18) And, "If it is hard for the
righteous to be saved, what will become of
the ungodly and the sinner?"
(Proverbs 11:31) If the righteous receive

their due on earth, how much more the
ungodly and the sinner!
11:31.
 If a Christian is saved under the disci-
plining and chastening hand of God, what
will be true concerning the future life of the
unsaved?
11:31.
 If there are difficulties involved in saving a
godly and holy person, how much more
difficult is it for one to be saved who does
not have the reassuring promises of the
Gospel?
11:31.
 The salvation of such a man is not only
difficult‑‑it is impossible!
PRINCIPLES:
• Followers of Jesus Christ are to adopt His attitude
toward suffering.
• God’s final judgment could come at any time.
• God can use our suffering for Christ to benefit both
the Kingdom as well as us.
• The Holy Spirit continually strengthens the
believer.
• Faithfulness to Jesus Christ will produce suffering
and persecution in a believer’s life.
• Follows of Jesus Christ are not out of God’s will
when they suffer for Christ.
LESSON ELEVEN
FIRST PETER 5
1 Peter 5 ~ Final Instructions
I. To the Elders...
To 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: Be 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; not lording it over those
entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will
receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
– 1 Peter 5:1-4
I. To the Elders...
A. The word "elder" (presbuteros)‑‑where we
get our words "presbyter" "presbyterian".
I. To the Elders...
1. The word generally refers to an older
person.
I. To the Elders...
2. Seventeen times in the NT this word is
used, as it is here, of those who are
shepherds, overseers and caretakers of the
house of God.
I. To the Elders...
3. Two other terms in the NT for the same
office are:
I. To the Elders...
office are:
a) Elder, Bishop, or Overseer
(episkopos) compare Acts 20:17 with 20:28;
also Titus 1:5 with 1:7.
(Acts 1 PeterFrom
20:17) 5 ~ Final Instructions
Miletus, Paul sent to
Ephesus for the
I. To the Elders... elders of the church.
(Acts
3. 20:28)
Two otherKeep watch
terms over
in the NTyourselves
for the same
and all are:
office the flock of which the Holy Spirit has
made a)youElder,
overseers.
Bishop,Beorshepherds
Overseer of the
church of God,
(episkopos) which he
compare bought
Acts 20:17with
withhis own
20:28;
blood.
also Titus 1:5 with 1:7.
episkopos
(Titus11:5)
PeterThe5reason
~ Final Instructions
I left you in Crete was
that you might
I. To the Elders...straighten out what was left
unfinished and appoint elders in every town,
as I directed you.
office are:
(Titus a)
1:7) Since
Elder, an overseer
Bishop, is entrusted
or Overseer
with God's work,
(episkopos) he must
compare Acts be20:17
blameless--not
with 20:28;
overbearing,
also Titus 1:5not quick-tempered,
with 1:7. not given to
drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing
dishonest gain.
episkopos
I. To the Elders...
office are:
b) Shepherd or Pastor (poimen) In 16
occurrences of this word in the NT, it is
rendered Shepherd, in one instance (Eph.
4:11) it is rendered Pastors.
I. To the Elders...
office are:
c) Using biblical terminology the
names elder, bishop, overseer,
shepherd, and pastor all refer to the same
person or persons.
I. To the Elders...
B. Peter was not only an Apostle he was an
elder.
(1 Peter 5:1) To 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:
I. To the Elders...
elder.
1. Peter can relate to the position
since he is a fellow ‑elder.

I. To the Elders...
elder.
2. Peter never claims to be THE elder
(Roman Catholic Teaching).
I. To the Elders...
elder.
3. Peter was a witness (martus) of
Christ's sufferings.
(1 Peter 1:5) who through faith are shielded
I.byToGod's
the Elders...
power until the coming of the
B. Peter
salvation thatwas not only
is ready anrevealed
to be Apostle he was an
in the
last elder.
time.
4. Peter will share "in the glory to be
revealed"
I. To the Elders...
C. Peter appeals to the elders [both ancient
and modern].
(1 Peter 5:2-3) Be 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; not lording it over
those entrusted to you, but being examples to
the flock.
I. To the Elders...
1. Positive commands:
I. To the Elders...
a) Be shepherds of God's flock
1 Peter17:34-36)
(1 Samuel 5 ~ FinalButInstructions
David said to
I. ToSaul, "Your servant has been keeping
the Elders...
his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear
came and carried off a sheep from the
a) Be
(John shepherds
10:12-13) of
TheGod's
hired flock
flock, I went after it, struck it and hand is not
the1.shepherd
A shepherd who owns
protects
rescued the sheep from its mouth. the
the sheep.
flock So
from
when
those
When ithe
who sees on
would
turned the wolfI or
destroy
me, coming, it he
scatter
seized it. its
by
abandons the sheep and runs away.
hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant
Then the wolf attacks the flock
has killed both the lion and the bear; thisand
scatters it. The man runs away
uncircumcised Philistine will be like one because
he is a hired hand and cares
of them, because he has defied the nothing for
the sheep.
armies of the living God.
(Psalms 23) The LORD is my shepherd, I shall
not be in want. He makes me lie down in green
I. To the Elders...
pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he
restores my soul.
1. Positive He guides me in paths of
commands:
righteousness for his name's
a) Be shepherds of God'ssake.
flockEven though I
walk through the valleygoes
2. A shepherd of the shadow
before the of death, I
sheep,
will fear no evil, for you are with me;
leads them, and guides them safely. your rod and
your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table
before me in the presence of my enemies. You
anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely
goodness and love will follow me all the days of
my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
I. To the Elders...
a) Be shepherds of God's flock
3. A shepherd finds nourishment for
the flock.
(Psalms 23:2) He makes me lie down in green
pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
(Luke 15:3-7) Then Jesus told them this
parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred
I.sheep
To theandElders...
loses one of them. Does he not
leave the ninety-nine
1. Positive commands: in the open country and
go after
a) Bethe lost sheepofuntil
shepherds heflock
God's finds it? And
when he finds
4. A it, he joyfully
shepherd watchesputs
theit flock.
on hisHe
shoulders and goes home. Then he
tries to keep them from straying, but if calls his one
friends and neighbors together
goes astray, he goes after it and and says,
brings it
'Rejoice
back towith me; I have found my lost sheep.' I
the fold.
tell you that in the same way there will be more
rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who
repents than over ninety-nine righteous
persons who do not need to repent.
I. To the Elders...
b) Serve willingly as "overseers" = look
upon, inspect, care for, look after.
I. To the Elders...
c) "Be eager to serve". Serve with zeal and
enthusiasm.
I. To the Elders...
d) Be an example to the flock. The elder
should be one who so lives in his everyday
life that he provides a pattern for imitation to
the members of the congregation.
I. To the Elders...
2. Negative commands:
I. To the Elders...
a) Don't serve because you must (someone
talked you into it).
I. To the Elders...
b) Don't serve for money.
I. To the Elders...
c) Don't "lord it over" the flock.
(Matthew 20:25-27) Jesus called them
together and said, "You know that the rulers of
the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high
officials exercise authority over them. Not so
with you. Instead, whoever wants to become
great among you must be your servant, and
whoever wants to be first must be your slave--
I. To the Elders...
D. A Crown Awaits the Under-Shepherd.
(1 Peter 5:4) And when the Chief Shepherd

appears, you will receive the crown of glory
that will never fade away.
I. To the Elders...
(Hebrews 13:17) Obey your leaders
1. Jesus is Head, not only of the Church,
and submit to their authority. They keep
but also of the Church’s Shepherds.
watch over you as men who must give
an account. Obey them so that their
(1work
Peterwill
5:4)
be And
a joy,when
not athe Chief for
burden, Shepherd
that
appears,
would be you
of will receive theto
no advantage crown
you. of glory
I. To the Elders...
2. The Chief Shepherd will honor those who
have been faithful, godly, shepherds with
an unfading Crown of glory.

I. To the Elders...
3. This crown is most likely not a physical
crown; rather, the crown is the glory and
honor itself that is bestowed by God.

(1 Peter 5:5-11) Young men, in the same way be
submissive to those5 who
1 Peter are older.
~ Final All of you, clothe
Instructions
yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
II. Toopposes
"God Everyone the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety
on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and
alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring
lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing
firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers
throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of
sufferings. And 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. To him be the power for ever and ever.
Amen.
II. To Everyone
A. The term, young men (v.5), identifies all
those in the church, both men and women,
who are not pastors and who, most likely, are
younger in the faith.
II. To Everyone
B. "those who are older" is a reference to older
people in general, not the office of elder.
II. To Everyone
C. Be "submissive" = be respectful, kind,
courteous, and thoughtful to "those who are
older".
II. To Everyone
D. Be humble toward each other.
(1 Peter 5:5) …All of you, clothe yourselves
with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the
humble."
II. To Everyone
E. Be humble toward God.
(1 Peter 5:6) Humble yourselves, therefore,
under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you
up in due time.
II. To Everyone
F. "Cast all your anxiety (lit. "To draw the mind
in different directions") on Him because He
cares for you“.
(Hebrews 13:6) So we say with

confidence, "The Lord is my
helper; I will not be afraid. What
can man do to me?"
II. To Everyone
H. After a time of suffering God will:
(1 Peter 5:10) And 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.
II. To Everyone
a) Restore you;

steadfast.
II. To Everyone
b) Make you Strong;

steadfast.
II. To Everyone
c) Make you Firm;

steadfast.
II. To Everyone
d) Make you Steadfast

steadfast.
II. To Everyone
e) In other words, all loss will soon be made
right, and that for eternity.
III. Final Greetings
(1 Peter 5:12-14) With 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.
She who is in Babylon, chosen together with
you, sends you her greetings, and so does my
son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of
love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
III. Final Greetings
‑ "She who is in Babylon" = the church at
Rome.

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LESSON ONE

FIRST PETER AUTHORSHIP

(1 Peter 1:1) Peter, an

1. Peter claims to be an "apostle of Jesus

2. According to Thayer's Greek Lexicon an

3. Peter, at the very beginning,

4. He addresses this letter to "God's elect".

4. He addresses this letter to "God's elect".

5. These believers had been "scattered"; many

1. These Christians were "chosen according to

2. Notice we have been chosen as a group, not

2. Notice we have been chosen as a group, not

3. God invites everyone to be a part of this

4. All three members of the Godhead take part

4. All three members of the Godhead take part

4. All three members of the Godhead take part

4. All three members of the Godhead take part

1. Christians have been given the new birth.

3. The Christian's hope is not dead, it is very

4. The basis of our hope

1. The word "inheritance" signifies an estate

1. The word "inheritance" signifies an estate

(Romans 8:18) I consider that our present

1. Peter's recipients had not seen Christ

1. Peter's recipients had not seen Christ

3. We rejoice because we will soon have

1. Neither the prophets nor the angels have

(Psalms 26:2) Test me, O LORD, and try

(Romans 8:19) The creation

(James 3:13) Who is wise and

(Ephesians 5:8) For you were once

(Hebrews 12:28) Therefore, since we are

(John 5:24) "I tell you the truth, whoever hears

(1 Peter 1:21) Through him you believe in

“Therefore” – Function: Result of what

(1 Corinthians 3:6-7) I planted the seed,

In contrast to the temple at Jerusalem and

 The word rejected (vv. 4, 7) means to

(Matthew 12:30) "He who is not with me is

 The Christian (“holy priesthood) does not

Christ became a stone over which the

 vv. 9‑10 give us four descriptions of

 vv. 9‑10 give us four descriptions of

 vv. 9‑10 give us four descriptions of

 vv. 9‑10 give us four descriptions of

 vv. 9‑10 give us four descriptions of

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and

Verse 11 repeats a now familiar theme in 1

* The above passages seem to support

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to

Show proper respect to everyone: Love

Marriage is like twirling a baton, turning

Interpretation #4 seems to be less

who disobeyed long ago when God waited

A. What does baptism have to do with

B. Baptism...."saves" you (v.21).

"Baptism saves you" is simply a

(1 Peter 4:1) Therefore, since Christ

(Matthew 22:37) Jesus replied: "'Love

(Romans 8:6) The mind of sinful man

(Philippians 2:5) Your attitude should

(1 John 1:8) If we claim to be

B. Follow God’s will