Tuesday 13 August 2013

Background

The Peter to whom this letter is ascribed was Peter thedisciple, although his authorship is somewhat disputed. The letteris written to Gentile (non Jewish) Christians living in Asia Minor(around where Turkey is today), a vast area with a diversepopulation. Throughout 1 Peter there are numerous references to thereaders' suffering, particularly persecution for their faith asthey are "accused of doing wrong"' (1Peter 2:12) and "reviled for the name of Christ" (1Peter 4:14).

The key message is of hope. Peter encourages the people topersevere, trust in God and the salvation given to them, and tolive godly lives despite their trials.

Peter speaks of being filled with "an indescribable and gloriousjoy" (v. 8). He does not deny the reality of suffering, speaking ofit clearly in verse 6 that "you have had to suffer various trials",but believes that joy can occur alongside and amidst pain.

The passage details two things which can be seen as the root ofthis joy. One is the idea that through trials faith is refined. Theother is "an inheritance ... kept in heaven for you" (v. 4), whichcan never perish, spoil nor fade. The inheritance of the Israelitesin the Old Testament was Canaan, "the land which the Lord is givingyou to possess as your inheritance" (Deuteronomy 15:4), a land which could beinvaded by enemies. Another inheritance was that passed downthrough family. In Luke 12:13-21 when asked a question aboutfamily inheritance Jesus shows that storing up wealth on earth ispointless because it will be left behind when life on earthends.

The inheritance described here outshines both that of the OldTestament land and that of material family inheritance. Here theinheritance is one which is stored up in heaven, "where neithermoth nor rat consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal"(Matthew 6:20). It is in the knowledge of this that Peter hopesthat suffering Christians will be revitalised; an assurance of the"living hope" (v. 3) of their salvation and inheritance as God'schildren.

To Ponder

• How do you think being a Christian can help when facing thereality of "various trials"?

• Have you ever experienced this "indescribable joy" (v. 8) in adifficult time?

• What do you think the inheritance spoken of actually is?