Peter exhorts his fellow elders to be good shepherds of the flock. We first consider Peter’s unusual role in the church, and then examine the historic controversy surrounding his role. Historically, the Catholic Church has asserted that Jesus established Peter as the first pope, while Protestants reject such a claim and tend to focus on
Peter says we should not think it strange when we are tested. We explore the significance and range of this word in Scripture, also translated "to try" (or even "to tempt" when Satan is involved). While the Lord tests us for good, we must never put God to the test. In view of the various
Suffering as a Christian has been the overarching theme of this letter of Peter. Here Peter addresses the personal, internal suffering that comes from denying our own desires for sins of the flesh. Then he calls us to devote ourselves to four things: being watchful in prayer, having fervent love for one another, being hospitable,
Peter begins by giving us guidance for when we face suffering, including persecution. Yet, are we really being persecuted for the sake of righteousness? Peter then explains that Jesus "preached to the spirits in prison" after His death. We examine how early Christians understood this puzzling passage, and how it sheds light on what happens
Persecuted for Righteousness; Hades and Baptism (1 Peter 3:13-22) View Lesson
Persecuted for Righteousness; Hades and Baptism (1 Peter 3:13-22) View Lesson
Teaching Notes Can you think of any stone/rock prophecies in the Old Testament? Is there any clue provided in the Old Testament, or in anything Jesus taught, suggesting that references to special stones or rocks in the Old Testament could be pointing to the Christ? This is an excerpt from a longer lesson. Find the
After addressing the wives, Peter turns his attention to the husbands. He calls them to treat their wives with honor and understanding, "that your prayers may not be hindered." We first consider the challenging New Testament teaching for Christian husbands, to lay down their lives in love to meet the needs of their wives. We
So Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered (1 Peter 3:7-12) View Lesson
So Your Prayers May Not Be Hindered (1 Peter 3:7-12) View Lesson
Peter calls slaves to submit to their masters. How do we grapple with this disturbing counter-cultural teaching, and how might its principles apply to Christians today? Peter also calls wives to submit to their husbands. Can we dismiss this commandment as a relic from a backward, unenlightened era; or does it still apply in Christian
Peter gives a sweeping statement that covers the range of our relationships: "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." In this lesson we explore his call for Christians to fear God. Why not call us to love God, instead? Isn’t loving God a much better motivation than fearing Him? Is the
Peter calls us to "honor the king," to submit respectfully to whatever governing authorities we are under. Paul also spoke about this principle in Romans 13, where he said that these authorities have been established by God. In this lesson we consider the implications of this challenging teaching, in light of Scriptural examples and early
In the last stanza of the famous hymn, "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" is the line, “Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! ...Risen with healing in his wings." Charles Wesley took this prophecy about Jesus from the end of Malachi. In this message we explore this and other prophecies that speak of Christ as being like the