First and Second Peter. I like to read these and think about the great disciple, Peter the fisherman. I have to admit that although I have studied these two letters a time or two, they've never left a huge impression on me. Except, perhaps, for a few thoughts.
When I was in seminary, I read the passage 2 Peter 3:6-7; "By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." And, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare" (2 Peter 3:10). I have this uncomfortable feeling that this "prophecy" could tie in with global warming. Perhaps the world is slowly being burned up?
But, I don't like to think about eschatology. Way too disturbing, and way too many theories. And there's not a whole lot I can do in any event.
I presume there is a great deal of profound Christology and theology in 1 & 2 Peter. I've forgotten most of what I ever learned. I remember hearing a friend talk about the Bible study she was in where the teacher (a pastor) spent several sessions on the passage in 1 Peter 3:19-20 "...through whom also he [Jesus] 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..." The big question here is, "What does 'spirits in prison' mean?" I don't have a clue.
To me, the big message of 1 & 2 Peter is "Live good, godly, loving lives; especialy if you are living among hostile pagans." It's The Right Thing To Do, and the pagans may be shamed or swayed by your goodness.
Another big message is the hope we have based on Christ's work; his triumph over death and evil, and his ultimate return and restoration. Peter wrote to people who were undergoing persecution. His message of hope and perseverance applies to anyone going through trials.
There are some wonderful quotable passages from 1 & 2 Peter:
"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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander" (1 Peter 3:15-16).
"Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).
"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" (1 Peter 5:6-7).
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love" (2 Peter 1:5-7).
And finally, as kind of an antidote to the scary passage mentioned above, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:8-9).
There is still hope.
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