1st and 2nd Peter
1st and 2nd Peter
The Christians around the time I Peter was written were undergoing some intense persecution. Socially they were shunned, abused, insulted and ridiculed, and Peter realized that the circumstances were getting worse. Nero was Emperor of Rome during the time I Peter was written. He oversaw the persecutions of Christians. Peter wrote this letter to offer encouragement to Christians suffering this persecution. (I Peter 2:18-20) As a result the church in Jerusalem was being scattered throughout Asia Minor. Some of the ways Christians were being persecution during Nero’s time were, being nailed to crosses or sewn up in the skins of wild beasts and left in the sun to die a horrible and painful death. They were used as torches to illumine Nero’s parties.
Through this time it was Peter who reminded them that Jesus has set an example for everyone and that although there is much suffering on Earth, they are promised an imperishable inheritance in heaven. It states in I Peter 2:21-23 that “this suffering is all part of what God has called to you. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” That is what the letter rejoices. Although the Christians wanted so bad to get even with Emperor Nero and his people, they stayed humble, and pulled through their suffering (I Peter 3:9). The author calls Christians to be holy as God is holy, for they are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s chosen people.
In the Bible it does state that as a Christian you have decided to not go back to the evil desires such as immorality and lust, feasting and drinking and wild parties and worshipping other idols, but you will be anxious to do the will of God (I Peter 4:2-3). The Bible says that there will be people who are surprised that you
The Christians around the time I Peter was written were undergoing some intense persecution. Socially they were shunned, abused, insulted and ridiculed, and Peter realized that the circumstances were getting worse. Nero was Emperor of Rome during the time I Peter was written. He oversaw the persecutions of Christians. Peter wrote this letter to offer encouragement to Christians suffering this persecution. (I Peter 2:18-20) As a result the church in Jerusalem was being scattered throughout Asia Minor. Some of the ways Christians were being persecution during Nero’s time were, being nailed to crosses or sewn up in the skins of wild beasts and left in the sun to die a horrible and painful death. They were used as torches to illumine Nero’s parties.
Through this time it was Peter who reminded them that Jesus has set an example for everyone and that although there is much suffering on Earth, they are promised an imperishable inheritance in heaven. It states in I Peter 2:21-23 that “this suffering is all part of what God has called to you. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” That is what the letter rejoices. Although the Christians wanted so bad to get even with Emperor Nero and his people, they stayed humble, and pulled through their suffering (I Peter 3:9). The author calls Christians to be holy as God is holy, for they are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s chosen people.
In the Bible it does state that as a Christian you have decided to not go back to the evil desires such as immorality and lust, feasting and drinking and wild parties and worshipping other idols, but you will be anxious to do the will of God (I Peter 4:2-3). The Bible says that there will be people who are surprised that you
Cited: Nosotro, Rit. "Nero." 13.05.2007. 13.05.07 . Christian, Imanual. "bible.org." I Peter: how should we live in a Pagan Culture. 13 May 2007 .