First Peter Study Session 1

Background of First Peter

• First Peter is written approximately 32 years after the Gospels, showing the growth and transformation of Peter since he first encountered Jesus.
• The writer contrasts his personal journey with the experience of many believers who may not want their early failures documented.

Peter's Transformation

• Initially depicted as a rebellious individual, Peter evolves into a significant leader within the early Christian community.
• The contrast of Peter’s early life and his later character demonstrates a profound change due to his relationship with Jesus.

Key Biblical Encounters

• Luke 5 & Matthew 4 introduce Peter's first encounter with Jesus, illustrating Peter’s reluctant obedience to Jesus’ command to cast nets into deep water despite prior failure.
• Peter’s command to Jesus to “depart from me” highlights his recognition of his sinful nature upon witnessing a miraculous catch of fish.

Significance of the Miraculous Catch

• The extraordinary catch of fish symbolizes not just Peter's successful fishing career but foreshadows his future role in “catching men” for Christ.
• Peter's immediate response to follow Jesus marks a pivotal moment in his life, transitioning from a businessman to a disciple.

Peter's Denial and Restoration

• Peter famously denies knowing Jesus during the crucifixion, showcasing his vulnerability and fear.
• Following this, he encounters the resurrected Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21), reflecting his complex relationship with Christ even after failure.

The Fishing Trip Post-Resurrection

• Peter returns to fishing post-resurrection, which signifies a temporary retreat to former ways after the overwhelming events leading to Jesus' death.
• The subsequent event of Jesus instructing Peter to cast nets again mirrors their first meeting, emphasizing continuity in Peter's calling.

The Redeeming Meal

• Jesus cooks and shares breakfast with Peter and other disciples, reinforcing the theme of fellowship and redemption after Peter's denial.
• The specific number of fish caught (153) is noted, although its significance is debated, illustrating a miraculous intervention.

Peter’s Restoration

• Jesus privately questions Peter in front of the other disciples, referring to him as "Simon," indicating a return to their initial relationship.
• This personal encounter is crucial for Peter's restoration, reframing his identity and affirming his commission as a leader among the apostles.

Growth as a Disciple

• Peter ultimately becomes an example of a good disciple, embodying the teachings and transformation through learning from Jesus.
• Emphasizes that following Jesus requires leaving behind previous life for a greater calling—something Peter exemplifies decisively in his life's journey.### Jesus and Peter's Encounter
• Jesus addresses Peter by his pre-Christian name, Simon, highlighting his previous identity and upcoming betrayal.
• The term "agape" represents sacrificial love, while "phileo" denotes brotherly love; Peter responds with phileo after denying Jesus.
• Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, emphasizing the importance of commitment in leadership.
• Jesus commands Peter to tend His lambs and shepherd His sheep, indicating a transition from follower to leader.

Significance of "Tend" and "Shepherd"

• Different terms for caring for the flock are used: "tend" (Bosco) and "shepherd" (Poimaino).
• Contextually, "Bosco" refers to feeding and tending livestock but has been linked with negative memories (e.g., demoniacs and the prodigal son).
• "Shepherd" implies a broader responsibility and care for God's people, a role Peter transitions into throughout his ministry.

Peter's Transformation

• The Peter of the Gospels is different from the Peter who writes 1 Peter; he has developed a shepherd's heart after years of following Jesus.
• Peter's growth is evidenced by his exhortation to elders in 1 Peter, reflecting personal responsibility and a call to shepherd God's flock.

Historical Context of 1 Peter

• Written during the reign of Emperor Nero, known for persecution against Christians, illustrating the severe challenges faced by early believers.
• Many original recipients likely experienced persecution and martyrdom under Nero’s regime, which influenced the urgency and brevity of Peter’s doctrinal message.

Key Themes of 1 Peter

• The doctrine section is brief (12 verses) yet profound, containing foundational teachings for Christian suffering and living out faith amidst persecution.
• Emphasis on the eternal perspective: Peter instructs believers to focus on their identity as aliens and strangers in the world.
• Encouragement to imitate Christ, who also suffered, reminding readers that their struggles are part of a larger narrative of faith.

Practical Application

• Christians are called to submit to authorities, reflecting how Jesus modeled submission even in oppressive circumstances.
• Peter emphasizes the importance of practicing faith actively, suggesting Christians cannot afford leisure in their spiritual duties due to imminent dangers.
• Throughout, Peter balances encouragement and exhortation with practical steps for living a holy life in the face of adversity.### Walking with God
• Emphasis on an eternal perspective brings clarity; seeking heaven on earth can lead to confusion.
• Following God’s direction (e.g., moving from North Carolina to Los Angeles) aligns with purpose; personal ideas may lack significance.

Residing as Aliens

• Believers are seen as temporary residents in various regions (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia).
• The original epistle addressed multiple churches; specific testimonies from individuals remain unknown until the afterlife.

Sovereignty of God

• Peter emphasizes God's love and the concept of being chosen according to God’s foreknowledge.
• Scattering of believers is part of God’s divine plan; nothing occurs by chance.

Foreknowledge and the Trinity

• Foreknowledge predates the foundation of the world, illustrating God’s pre-existing plan.
• The introduction of the epistle mentions each member of the Trinity:
  • God the Father’s foreknowledge.
  • The Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work.

Role of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit sets believers apart to obey Jesus Christ.
• Emphasis on the difficulty of obeying Jesus without the Holy Spirit’s sanctification.

Questions of Divine Intervention

• Potential questions during Peter’s time about God’s presence and intervention during suffering.
• Peter’s perspective focuses on God's providential work rather than immediate circumstances or martyrdom.

Final Thoughts

• Grace and peace are extended, indicating the importance of divine support in enduring trials.
• Focus on God’s sovereignty reassures believers amidst adversity and reinforces the significance of divine choice and the spirit’s work.

Join us for the first of five sessions exploring the epistle of First Peter. This session will cover the background and reasoning behind Peter's writings, providing insights into the context from the Gospels to his epistle. Whether you're familiar with the text or new to it, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Peter's message.