When Peter wrote his second letter to the early church from a prison near the Roman Forum, he knew that Nero was going to have him executed. Knowing these would be his final words to the church, Peter packed the letter full of passionate words of encouragement and of warning. He encouraged them to remember all the promises of Jesus. He exhorted them to “make every effort” to live in obedience to Jesus’ commands, to love others as He loved, and to grow in holiness. Living in this manner would be a testimony to Whom they belonged and worshiped, and an assurance of their eternal destiny. He closed his letter with the declaration for them to continue to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ—beneficial words for us today.
Last Words
November 26, 2023 • Jonathan Kollmann
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Peter: The Unlikely Disciple
Suffering
November 19, 2023 • Jon Ferguson
In the Gospels, we saw that Peter wanted the kingdom of God to come immediately and without human suffering. Now in his first epistle, Peter writes about our heavenly hope—the kingdom of God which will come after the saints’ suffering for their faith. He proclaims that the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary becomes the pattern for Christian living and service in this life. Suffering is not represented as an exception, but as the rule for true believers. While Peter encourages the church to live a holy life, different from the world, he also comforts those who are suffering by reassuring them of their identity and purpose. Peter exhorted his readers to turn to one another in love, and to strengthen one another.
Set Apart
November 12, 2023 • Jonathan Kollmann
Peter wrote this letter to help the church stand firm in the grace of God, particularly in the face of suffering. He reminds them of their identity: they are God’s chosen people, so they are like temporary foreign residents living outside of their true homeland. Peter was calling them to live a holy life. Christ is distinct, separate, out of the ordinary, and He calls His followers to be like Him. The Biblical word “holy” describes the contemporary word “different”. A holy person is not an odd person, but a different person. Being holy means that we live differently. It means that we love differently, and this love displays holiness. Love is the litmus test for Christians.
Signs, Wonders, and Miracles
November 5, 2023 • Jon Ferguson
At the end of the Gospels, we find Peter forgiven and restored, but the evidence of his transformation becomes quite apparent in the Book of Acts through Peter’s preaching and practice. Starting at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit worked through Peter to do amazing things—doing things that he had only seen Jesus do and experience other signs and wonders. The early church witnesses Peter’s transformation and leans on his leadership. We also see a man who, while devoted to Jesus, was still clearly capable of making poor decisions.