Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… he has given us his very great and precious promises …
Summary: Peter is writing us a letter, but he is not a writer. His thoughts might seem a bit disconnected to us two thousand years later. (They might have seemed disconnected to his first readers, too.) Yet, if we give Peter a bit of grace, the meaning of his words shines very brightly.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:4b — Awkwardness”
… have received a faith as precious as ours.
Summary: There are simple economic principles that determine what we consider precious in a worldly sense. In the spiritual realm the same principles apply … to a point.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:1e — Spiritual Gemstones”
“To God’s elect…”
Summary: The use of the word “elect” in the NIV points to a source of division in the church. Could this division serve God’s purposes in some way?
Continue reading “1 Peter 1:1 (Flashback) — Wolf Bait”
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Summary: Peter’s message to distant churches was sent without any return confirmation. He sent it in faith that it would get there, and by faith we can enjoy it still today.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:14 (b) — Message in a Bottle”
Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Summary: Peter uses one of about seven Greek words that can be translated as ‘’love.” The one he used means selfless love. The kind that Jesus shows to us.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:14 (a) — Penultimate Ponderings”
She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
Summary: The concept of “knowledge” is widely misunderstood. We often confuse opinions for real knowledge. When it comes to the Bible, it is important to understand that our faith is in Jesus, the person, and not our opinions about the Bible.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:13 — Mysteries”
Stand fast in it.
Summary: Context is very important as we strive to understand God’s Word. Peter writes, “Stand fast in it.” The “it” is the grace of God.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:12 (c) — Stand Fast”
… encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God.
Summary: We have a choice in what we look at. The truth in Peter’s letter includes both the suffering that comes with separation from the world, and the joy of knowing God loves you. We have to choose which one we want to look at.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:12 (b) — Focal Point”
With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly…
Summary: There are many famous names in the Bible. There are also names like Silas, who are not well known but did very important work.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:12 (a) — Unsung Hero”
To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Summary: A doxology is an acknowledgement of God’s divinity and authority. The affirmation of God’s power is a unique kind of doxology that affirms our dependence on God.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:11 — Ultimate Power”