As we look at Peter’s letter to people in various places we see how he was encouraging them, preparing them for a most important, earth-shattering event was to take place. The Jerusalem temple and the Jewish religion as known for centuries, would be destroyed and replaced by a new creation (read Matthew 21:33-46). This would impact them and many Jews where they lived. Here we look at the second half of chapter 2. In this part of his letter, let’s look at several behaviour matters Peter calls on his readers. Please let’s start by reading verses 11-12 . . .
Peter dubbs his readers “temporary residents and foreigners” who must live exemplary lives in their society and amonng their neighbours. Note how this is linked in with ‘preserving their eternal souls’. Like us today, they were on Planet Earth for a very brief time. We too face a very short stay in this world. It’s as though we were aliens–‘Just a passin’ through’–we are en-route—as though merely on a journey. It is so important to reflect on how short our time is here. This ‘time’ cannot be compared to the eternal life we will experience, just no comparison. Right?
He continues the need of honorable behavior, so that their neighbours when they face their Maker, their Judge, they will have to give honour to God. Just imagine that all the unbelieving people we deal with and have related to in our lifetime will be forced to acknowlege God’s glory and his work in our lives! Now look at verses 13-17 . . .
Peter continues the theme of believers showing the best of behavior as believers “for the Lord’s sake”. The Lord’s sake is the important part. We live in His world and this is the day He has made. This is emphasised in v. 15 “the Lord’s will”. It’s all about the behaviour of Christians being seen as exemplory in the place where they (we) live. So our critics have no leg to stand on. We too must live a law-abiding life before a watching world.
Although you are free, he says (v16), yet don’t forget that you are God’s slaves! So important to understand we are free. This is very applicable for us today. We must never use that freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect is due to everyone: the family of believers and especially the fear of God. Obey the law and rules of the road. Respect the king? Which one? Yes, King Jesus!
Then follows vs 18-20 about relationships between slaves and masters. In the ancient world slaves were an essential part of the ecomony, In the Roman world there were more slaves than free. Was this God’s will? Of course not, and in due time slavery would be discontinued though it remains in our world today. It was the law that slaves obeyed masters, their ‘owners’.
That word ‘submit’comes up a few times here. The Greek original is hypertasso which according to Strong’s can carry the idea of a voluntaryattitude, giving in, cooperating, or assuming responsibility. Still for us today if we are employed and have an obligation to do what the boss tells you.
Note v.19-21: “God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.” Like those first century believers we might have to suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, following Christ’s example and “follow in his steps.”
Thus as Jesus (v22) never sinned or deceived anyone. Because he did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor must we. “He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly”. We are called to do the same, though our conditions have changed vastly compared to the Roman world.
In V 24 here are two exciting and wonderful promises: Because “he personally carried our sins in his body on the cross” the result is that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right! How good is that!
But not only that: By his wounds you are healed. Not will be healed some day. Not provisionally healed. Not possibly healed. Not maybe healed. Not were healed . But are healed!
What a great declaration this is (v25) . . . “Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” These two verses wonderfully echo Isaiah 53:5-6.
Let’s talk some more again next time.
Ian Thomson 