Wednesday 9 September 2026

Psalm 119:49-64

Background
We noted earlier in the week that the original recipients of 1 Peter were scattered across a huge area in modern-day Turkey. Professor Judith Lieu in her series of Bible studies on 1 Peter, notes that "They were probably in small groups and communities, a dozen here, may be 20 there, perhaps hardly aware of who there might be in the next town or village. Indeed, it may have been receiving this letter itself that made them aware of the wider network of which they were a part."

Here, 1 Peter’s readers are instructed as to how they should behave towards one another – including the members of this wider network they might never have met. They must love one another, be generous towards one another, and serve one another, to the glory of God.

1 Peter focuses on its readers’ identity as ‘outsiders’. This could be construed in several ways – the passages we have studied so far this week suggest that they will be rendered outsiders partly because their Christian faith prevents them from joining in the same ‘excesses of dissipation’ as other members of their societies. But here, they find a new identity – a new community. 1 Peter 2:9 describes them as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people." They are no longer ‘exiles’ but are part of a new community through Christ. But this community is not intended to be insular – according to the same verse, its purpose is to "proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." In this respect, verse 8 of today’s passage resonates with the words of Jesus: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

To Ponder:

• Are there times when you have felt like an outsider? What happened? Looking back, can you see where God was at work in that situation?
• Do you think that love, generous hospitality and service are hallmarks of the Christian Church today? Where and how could we improve?

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).