1 Peter 1 - 3:7

First Peter was written by Peter, from Rome in 67 AD, to the churches scattered throughout Asia. Peter encourages the people of God to stand firm in the faith, not because they will be punished if they don’t, but because of all that God has done for them, and will do for them when Christ returns.

There are two characteristics to this letter that give insight to the work of the first church. First, there was a consistent theme and form to the preaching in the early church. Peter’s words here are very similar to the record we have of his preaching in the Book of Acts. This message was so consistent in the early church it was given the name Kerygma. Essentially this form of preaching contained six points:

11 - The era of the New Covenant, foretold by the prophets, has dawned.

22 - This has taken place through the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

33 - By virtue of the resurrection, Jesus has been exalted at the right hand of God as head of the church.

44 - The Holy Spirit in the church is the sign of Christ's present power and glory.

55 - The era of the New Covenant will reach its consummation in the return of Christ.

66 - An appeal is made for repentance with the offer of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and salvation.

In addition to consistency of preaching there was also consistency of teaching in the first church. As an example, in our reading today, there are striking similarities to the teaching of Paul in the book of Ephesians. Consider:

1 Peter 1:3 & Ephesians 1:3 – And -- I Peter 1:13 & Ephesians 6:14 – And -- 1 Peter 1:20 & Ephesians 1:4

The forms of our worship and fellowship gatherings have changed a great deal over the centuries. That’s OK because our culture and circumstances are substantially different than those of the first church. What is important is that we do not change the Gospel. I believe when it is all said and done, God will judge my preaching on the basis of my consistency to the Kerygma. And, my life will be judged on the basis of how I lived out the truth of the Kerygma.

What does today’s reading

reveal to you about God?

What does it reveal to you about yourself?

Think about what God wants you to do

or remember about this passage.

Does God want you to change

anything in your life?

28-Sep-11     1 Peter 3:8-5:14