The Book of I Peter looks at the persecution of Christians.
It was written from Rome by the apostle Peter in roughly 65 AD, shortly after the great fire in Rome which had devastated the city. Christians were being persecuted at the time, and a false rumour had started which blamed them for the fire. Amidst all this hostility, Peter wrote this letter to Christians throughout the Empire, showing them how to withstand these dangerous times.
Peter tells his readers not to lose hope. They must not become resentful of their persecutors, but rather live obediently so as to be good witnesses for God. They should trust in Christ and look for His return.
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They stumble because they will not listen to or obey God's word.
I Peter 2:7-8 "Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed" |
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No matter what our oppressors do, we should live within the law to silence our critics.
I Peter 2:13-17 "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king" |
When Jesus was unjustly killed He accepted it as God's will. We should do likewise.
I Peter 2:20-21 "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" |
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Our internal beauty is all that matters to God.
I Peter 3:3-4 "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" |
We are to pray for those who act poorly, for if we are kind to others, God will bless us for it.
I Peter 3:8-9 "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing" |
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Whether it be as a minister or as a preacher, whatever gift we have been given, we should do it as best we can so as to glorify God.
I Peter 4:10-11 "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" |
We will all be judged, but if suffering comes even to Christians, then how much worse will it be for those who do not believe?
I Peter 4:16-17 "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" |
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The Chief Shepherd is, of course, Jesus.
I Peter 5:2-4 "feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" |
Satan, the tempter, waits to pounce on us and claim another victim from the path to God.
I Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" |
I Peter 2:4-5
"To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ"