Friday 11 September 2026

Psalm 119:81-96

Background
Here, the 1 Peter letter draws to a close, with an excellent summary of the overall themes of the letter as a whole: "I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it" (v. 12). Throughout the passages we have studied this week, the author has encouraged his readers to stay true to their faith in Jesus, and the behaviour it demands, even when this results in ridicule, exclusion or abuse.

Although the letter declares at the outset that it was written by the Apostle Peter, most scholars agree that this is unlikely. It seems instead to have emerged from the Christian community in Rome, which was closely associated with Peter. Our passage today references the church in ‘Babylon', a common codeword for Rome, and a representation of a worldly power opposed to God and God’s people. The author of the letter appears to be very skilled in rhetoric and philosophy, which would be unusual for someone with Peter’s humble background as a Galilean fisherman.

Nevertheless, in speaking to the leaders of the Christian churches emerging across this part of Asia Minor, the author draws on the imagery of shepherding – a common image in Scripture, and one with meaning for Peter, who was commanded by Jesus after the resurrection to ‘feed my lambs’ and ‘tend my sheep’ (see John 21:15-19).

The encouragement to leaders to set an example, and to be humble, rather than ‘lording it over’ those newer in the faith, has continued relevance today, when we have seen too many stories in the news of church leaders whose actions have brought Christianity into disrepute. The author reminds leaders that they are shepherds under the ‘chief shepherd’ Jesus (v. 4) and that discipline and humility are the best way to avoid being ‘devoured'.

To Ponder:

• What are some of the best examples of Christian leadership you’ve experienced? What made them positive examples?
• How might the communities that received this letter have responded to the author?
• Is there someone to whom you could write a letter of encouragement?

Bible notes author: The Revd Naomi Oates
Naomi is a Methodist minister, currently serving in four churches across five communities in the North Kent Circuit. When not being rugby-tackled by her two young children, she enjoys cycling, baking and reading Golden Age detective fiction (although not all at the same time).