… a servant of God …
Summary: Paul introduces himself as a “servant of God.” This sets the tone for the rest of the letter. These words are not about Paul, but about God.
Continue reading “Titus 1:1(b) — Servanthood”Titus 1:1(b) — Servanthood
1 Peter 5:14 (b) — Message in a Bottle
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”1 Peter 5:14 (a) — Penultimate Ponderings
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”1 Peter 5:13 — Mysteries
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”1 Peter 5:12 (c) — Stand Fast
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”1 Peter 5:12 (b) — Focal Point
… 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”1 Peter 5:12 (a) — Unsung Hero
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”1 Peter 5:11 — Ultimate Power
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”1 Peter 5:10 (e) — Lighthouse
…and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Summary: Peter uses the language of physical strength to describe the resoluteness God gives to those who put their faith in Him.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:10 (e) — Lighthouse”1 Peter 5:10 (c) — Thorns
… after you have suffered a little while …
Summary: Peter uses the word “suffering” throughout his letter. What the context of this letter tells us is that choosing to serve God rather than our flesh creates tension with the flesh. We call this tension ”suffering.“
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:10 (c) — Thorns”