As we continue our study of the book of Peter we now enter into a section in which Christians are called to “arm themselves” with weapons that are “mighty in God”. It is important to note such weapons are spiritual, not physical… Understanding the fact believers will inevitably be involved in spiritual struggles as we […]

Continuing along in our study of the third chapter of First Peter we now focus on verses about suffering, more specifically persecution for doing good. Therefore Christians must prepare themselves for the battle that will be brought on by evil. One way we can prepare for the suffering that awaits us involves acknowledgement of the […]

Thus far in the book of Peter we have become familiar with Christians responsibilities when relationships are concerned. Our responsibility versus those of the world (1 Peter 2:11-12), also versus government authorities (1 Peter 2:13-17), our responsibilities as servants or masters (1 Peter 2:18-25) and, our responsibility in spousal relationships (1 Peter 3:1-7). In the […]

Keeping up with the submissive theme found in the last few verses of 1 Peter 2, the next verses focus on marital submission and respect. “1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by […]

Throughout our study of 1st Peter, we have noticed that as “pilgrims” those who are Christians have many blessings and responsibilities. For example, in our previous study we saw that as pilgrims of the world we are to have our conduct honorable among those with whom we live. But what about our responsibilities to those […]

In the second chapter of his letter to the believers in Asian Minor, Peter focuses on loyalty, obedience and submission. Addressing the pilgrims of the day Peter invites his readers to seek spiritual nourrishment through the word of God. In the first part of this chapter Peter’s use of the word ‘crave’ implies believers are […]

In the first dozen or so verses of First Peter, we studied that the apostle Peter wrote about discipleship, obedience and hope. In the remaining verses Peter addresses fear, faith, love and salvation. Peter tells us to live in reverent fear as strangers of the world. The author points out that God’s judgment is without […]

ritten around A.D. 62-64, First Peter contains valuable teachings meant to encourage Christians enduring trials and persecution. Likely to be written by the apostle Peter, a close friend of Jesus and the “rock” onto which Christ built His church, the fisherman and deacon of the early Christian church is believed to have written this letter […]

Serving as a warning to rich oppressors, the first part of the fifth chapter of the Epistle of James singles out the wealthy among us, those pointed out by Christ to have great difficulty to enter the kingdom of God, “And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through […]

In his epistle to Jewish Christians of the first century, the apostle James addressed wars and strife among the world and the church. Wars within ourselves as we battle temptation and give in to sin. Wars with each other as we allow jealousy, envy and judgment to steer us from the narrow path. Wars against […]