By COGwriter
Peter's first epistle was probably written around 63 A.D./C.E.
The Apostle John placed Polycarp over the Church of God in Smyrna.
Furthermore, in his Letter to the Philippians, Polycarp quotes 1 Peter 1:8, 2:11,21,22,24, 3:9, 4:47 as scripture, plus also refers to 2 Peter 2:1-2.
Hence, the Church of God accepted these books from the beginning.
One reason to mention thisis, that about four to six decades later,some Latins came up with something called the Muratorian Canon (c. 175). It was “composed in the Roman Church in the last quarter of the second century” (Reid, Canon of the New Testament. The Catholic Encyclopedia). It did NOT include the Book of Hebrews James, 1 Peter, or 2 Peter (plus it refers to two epistles of John, though John wrote three that are part of the canon), but did include the false Apocalypse of Peter (Bruce, The Canon of Scripture, pp. 164-165).
In Origen of Alexandria's Homologoumena, he mentioned Hebrews, 2 Peter, 1 and 2 John, James, and Jude as “contested writings,” while (c. 250) “St. Cyprian, whose Scriptural Canon certainly reflects the contents of the first Latin Bible, received all the books of the New Testament except Hebrews, II Peter, James, and Jude” (Reid, Canon of the New Testament).
Around 320 A.D., Eusebius writes that Hebrews, James, Jude, 2 Peter, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation are disputed (Eusebius. The History of the Church. Book III, Chapter III verse 5 and Chapter XXV, verses 3-4, pp. 44, 59-60).
So, the Greco-Roman churches had canonical confusion that the Church of God did not have. For more details, see the free online book:Who Gave the World the Bible? The Canon: Why do we have the books we now do in the Bible? Is the Bible complete?
1 PETER
(Here is a link to a related sermon: 1 Peter: Humbly love, God's plan is eternal.)
Chapter 1
1 Greeting to the Elect Pilgrims
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, (NKJV throughout unless as otherwise noted or in literature quotes)
To whom did Peter address his letters? ...
These were not Gentiles. Peter was not the apostle to the Gentiles (Gal. 2:8). Paul was. Peter was chief apostle to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.
Notice the word "strangers." It does not mean Gentiles. The original Greek is parepidemos. It means "a resident foreigner," literally, "an alien alongside." It refers not to Gentiles, but to non-Gentiles who dwelt among Gentiles, as foreigners and aliens. Abraham, for example, was a stranger, an alien, when he lived among Gentiles in the land of ancient Canaan.
Peter was addressing part of the lost ten tribes who dwelt among the Gentiles as aliens or strangers. He was not writing primarily to the Jewish people. He would not have addressed them as "strangers," for he was himself a Jew.
Now notice the regions to which Peter addressed his letter. You may have to look at a Bible map to locate them. They are all located in the northern half of Asia Minor, modern Turkey. These lands lay immediately west of the Parthian Empire.
Paul did not preach in these districts. Paul spent his years in Asia Minor in the southern, or Greek half. "Yea, so have I strived," said Paul, "to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation" (Rom. 15:20). Paul did not preach in the areas where Peter and others of the twelve apostles had carried the gospel.
Nowhere in your New Testament can you find Paul preaching in Pontus, or Cappadocia, or Bithynia. These regions were under the jurisdiction of Peter and certain of the twelve.
Paul did spread the gospel in the province of Asia — but only in the southern half, in the districts around Ephesus. Paul was expressly forbidden to preach in Mysia, the northern district of the Roman province of Asia. "After they" — Paul and his companions — "were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered [permitted] them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas" (Acts 16:7, 8). Those were the regions in which the lost sheep of the House of Israel dwelt as strangers among the Gentiles!
Paul did preach, on his first journey, in southern Galatia, in the cities of Iconium, Lystra, Derbe (Acts 14). But nowhere in the New Testament do you find Paul journeying into northern Galatia — the area to which Peter addresses his letter to the tribes of Israel. (Hoeh H. Where Did The Twelve Apostles Go? Worldwide Church of God, 1973)
More on the indentity of the various tribes of Israel can be found in the article:Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel.
2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
The letter was to the elect, who in the case, were primarily of Israelite origin who were scattered Christians. Notice the God had foreknowledge of who He would call. More on God's calling can be found in the free online booklet: Is God Calling You?
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
We are begotten again in this life, so we can be born again in the resurrection. See also Born Again: A Question of Semantics? and
What Did Early Christians Understand About the Resurrections?
4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Notice! The trial of faith drives us closer to God. It is more precious than gold, because under duress we build character when we stay steadfast.
We experience many trials that are blessings. For after the trial is over, we are closer to God than before. We learn vital and important lessons from trials. In the face of trials people have to pray more, fast more, study more, and examine themselves! No wonder the Bible says the trial of your faith is more precious than gold! (TW, July 1971)
8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.
John 20:29
29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,
11. Searching into what way and what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them was indicating, testifying beforehand of the sufferings of Christ, and these glories that would follow; (A Faithful Version)
12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things which angels desire to look into.
We get to see things that the ancient prophets and the angels wanted to understand but were not able. We have a free booklet about some of those titled The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;
15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
Here is something from the free online book Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism:
Now where is that first written in the Bible: to “be holy because God is holy”?
It is Leviticus 11:44 & 45 where God is talking about avoiding unclean meat! The statement Peter quoted about being Holy as God is holy is repeated only three more times in the Hebrew Bible. The first is in Leviticus 19:2-3 where it then discusses the Sabbath and the second in Leviticus 20:7-8 where it teaches about not being involved with witchcraft and then keeping God’s statutes. Does your church teach that you are to be holy as God is?
Protestant churches, however, generally do not teach that a sign of being unholy would be eating biblically unclean meats or violating the Sabbath.
The final time “be holy because God is holy” occurs is in Leviticus 20:25-26 where God explains about avoiding unclean animals and being holy.
So what could Peter have been talking about? The only subjects from the Old Testament could have been unclean meat, the seventh-day Sabbath, or the statutes in the Law, including witchcraft. However, the context says to avoid lusts. Lust is unlawful desire. Apparently, Peter is including desires such as eating that which is unlawful.
Paul emphasized that Christians were not to be unclean nor be misled by those who did not teach that:
7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8)
Notice that God says that eating unclean animals makes one abominable and that God’s people are to be separate:
25 You shall therefore distinguish between clean animals and unclean, between unclean birds and clean, and you shall not make yourselves abominable by beast or by bird, or by any kind of living thing that creeps on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. 26 And you shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine (Leviticus 20:25-26).
Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote:
17 Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Now, see something the Apostle John was inspired to write:
11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still (Revelation 22:11).
Notice that the holy are distinguished from the filthy (the unclean). Notice also that the Bible warns about those who love and believe a lie:
15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:15)
And, in my view, those who believe that God’s people are to eat biblically unclean animals are accepting a lie. Consider also that dogs are biblically unclean animals.
All should realize that Paul did not want Gentile Christians to participate in uncleanness and that is something that they should repent of. Paul also wrote:
5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them (Ephesians 5:5-7).
Is eating biblically prohibited foods or not eating them a sign of disobedience? Is not consuming what the Bible prohibits covetous?
17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
God is in control. He has had a plan since BEFORE the foundation of the world. And that plan involves YOU!
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,
God is love (1 John 4:8,16) and God's plan for you is based on love--furthermorer He wants us to love one another.
23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
Here is the Literal Standard Version:
23 being begotten again, not out of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through a word of God—living and remaining—
throughout the age;
24 because "All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever."
This life does not last long. Notice what happens to grass, pets, your ancestors, etc. Even material many possessions that were never alive rust or otherwise corrode.
Chapter 2
1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,
Do you really love the brethren enought to ALWAYS do that?
Plus, unlike the Pharisees, we are not to live hypocritically.
2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
We are still to grow spiritually--and that is in grace/character and knowledge.
4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,
Most rejected Jesus and most have rejected His prophets throughout history (cf. Acts 7:52).
5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the foundational rock (Matthew 16:18), and we are to be added to His spiritual house:
Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,
"Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,
"The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,"
8 and "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense."
They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
This also applies to modern Laodecians! Most will not believe that Peter's words in Acts 2:17-18 for the last days are applicable now--but they are (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
For more on calling, see our free online booklet: Is God Calling You?
10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
No matter how you have been, remember, "Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13b). Verse 10 is including descendents of the tribes of Israel who were scattered abroad.
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
We are sojourners--ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. And yes, even we need to be careful in our conduct. We are to be examples now as well as later.
The old Worldwide Church of God published the following:
The apostle Peter wrote that real Christians should have “your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation [when God calls them]” (I Peter 2:12).
There is, therefore, a heavy responsibility on those whom God has called out of the unreal world to maintain their standards ... at all times. (GN Focus: Unreal! Good News, September 1984)
If you are being called now, your life (cf. Matthew 5:16) should be a witness to others you come in contact with. This witness will begin in this life and will be remembered in the age to come. During that age to come, those not called now will be resurrected--when they have their "visitation." Therefore, hopefully, your example should encourage them to be converted. Your calling has many purposes!
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men — 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Be kind.
18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
We are to imitate Jesus as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:1.
21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth";
23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Why suffer? Here is the 4th chapter of our free online book:
4. Why Does God Allow Suffering?
If Jesus came so that we could have life “more abundantly” (John 10:10), does God allow suffering?
Yes.
Is there a purpose for it?
Yes.
31 For the Lord will not cast off forever. 32 Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion According to the multitude of His mercies. 33 For He does not afflict willingly, Nor grieve the children of men. (Lamentations 3:31-:33)
Notice that God does not willingly afflict nor grieve us. He wants us to do well (cf. 3 John 2).
Seemingly bad things happen to decent people.
Jesus never sinned (Hebrews 4:15), but suffered for us (1 Peter 2:21). And “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).
Why does God allow humans to suffer?
There are a couple of reasons. One is as punishment for/result of our sins to encourage us to not sin and to turn back to God (Lamentations 3:39-40; Leviticus 26:18). And, we should understand that the Bible teaches that God punishes us less than our iniquities deserve (cf. Ezra 9:13; Job 11:6). Now, even people who believe at least those parts of the Bible, realize that.
But there is another, more complicated, reason.
The Apostle Paul tells us that “the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope” (Romans 8:20). He also wrote:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
People are in the process of being refined—which includes grief and affliction—yet there is hope. Those not called in this age are refined one way (Isaiah 48:10; Jeremiah 9:7), whereas those called are to be refined and purified more like silver and/or gold (Zechariah 13:9; Psalm 66:10; Daniel 11:35, 12:10; 1 Peter 1:7; cf. Revelation 13:8). Hence there are “fiery” trials in this age (1 Peter 1:7; 4:12).
There is a hope for what will be better:
9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:9-12)
Thus, we are to be patient and confident that God’s ways will result in “better things”.
Sometimes people suffer for doing good:
17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:17)
Note that the above does NOT SAY it is the will of God to inflict suffering on ourselves so that we would be miserable.
Now, the Bible is clear that there are benefits that will arise from the suffering that afflicts us:
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, For by a sad countenance the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. (Ecclesiastes 7:3-4)
16 The Spirit itself bears witness conjointly with our own spirit, testifying that we are the children of God. 17 Now if we are children, we are also heirs—truly, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer together with Him, so that we may also be glorified together with Him. (Romans 8:16-17, AFV)
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13)
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; 12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:11-12)
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:5-11)
Suffering is allowed so that people will be corrected, be trained, build character, and be better from it (see also Romans 5:3-4, 8:17; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5; James 1:2-4; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Revelation 21:7-8). Trials and problems help build faith, teach humility, teach us lessons, and can help us draw closer to God.
While it can seem overwhelming now, God understands and makes it so His people can bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). Jesus essentially taught to take it one day at a time (Matthew 6:34). And what He has planned in the future is so beyond what physical sufferings will be in this life (Romans 8:18).
Jesus and God’s people have suffered:
1 Therefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, leaving behind all the weight of the sin which surrounds us, let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who having been offered joy, endured the cross {Gr. stauros – stake}, despising the shame and was seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied in your souls and faint. (Hebrews 12:1-3, Jubilee Bible)
Suffering will end:
12 … Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more; 13 For now I will break off his yoke from you, And burst your bonds apart. (Nahum 1:12-13)
While this was given as a prophesy related to Nineveh, other scriptures confirm that suffering will end (Revelation 21:4) and the yoke of Satan will be broken (Isaiah 14:12-17; Revelation 20:1-3).
It needs to be pointed out that suffering does not always result from our actions. We, like Jesus, can suffer wrongfully:
19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;
23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; (1 Peter 2:19-23)
Jesus set an example to us about suffering (1 Peter 2:21-24. As did the prophets (James 5:10-11)
We are to imitate Jesus, as well as the prophet Paul (1 Corinthians 13:2), as he imitated Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Children
What about children who suffer?
The Bible tells of children who suffer. At least one man was born blind so “that the works of God should be revealed in him” (John 9:3). But the other reason is so that they will build character as well.
What about children who die, are aborted, or killed at an early age?
While those are human tragedies, God has a plan for them—He has not forgotten them (cf. Isaiah 49:15). They, like others uncalled and unchosen in this age, will be part of the second resurrection (Revelation 20:5, 11). And, the Bible says that they will live again—but that time for 100 years per Isaiah 65:20.
Moving Towards Perfection
In the Old Testament, Moses wrote that God’s “work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:3). In the New Testament, the Apostle James wrote:
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:2-5)
Suffering looks to be part of moving towards perfection. This DOES NOT mean we are to torture ourselves intentionally like some do, but to patiently endure the trials and sufferings we encounter.
And yes, that is easier to write than to experience—and God knows this (cf. Hebrews 12:11):
8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; (Psalm 138:8)
God is working to perfect YOU!
Consider that the Bible teaches Jesus learned obedience from suffering:
8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, (Hebrews 5:8-9)
His followers should learn that as well.
Jesus taught:
48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
Does that mean Christians are now perfect?
No.
The Apostle John clearly taught that true Christians still sin and need forgiveness (1 John 1:8-10).
So, does this mean that Christians should just conclude since this is impossible, that it is okay not to try?
No.
Christians are to overcome with God’s help (Romans 12:21; 1 John 2:4) the tests and trials in this life, which helps bring us closer to perfection (James 1:2-4).
The Apostle Paul, while suffering from an affliction, related something Jesus told him:
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
We are being perfected now through what we go through.
It is when Christians are resurrected as God’s children that they will be fully perfected (cf. Ephesians 4:13; Hebrews 11:40).
Chapter 3
1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward — arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel — 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
Act and dress like a holy woman, not one of the world's millions/billions of sedutresses.
7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For
"He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
You should know the Bible and church doctrine well enough to answer many, many questions.
2 Timothy 2:15-16
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. KJV
16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,
Jesus suffered for the just and the unjust. We seem to have to as well.
19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
The Apostle Paul taught that Jesus died and that is essentially like being asleep:34 … It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:34)
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 4:14)Yet, many falsely claim that Jesus did not really die, but that He descended into ‘hell’/hades to preach to fallen angels and/or others after His physical death on the stake. This is what the Church of Rome teaches happened on the day they call Holy Saturday:
What happened on the first Holy Saturday?
Here on earth, Jesus' disciples mourned his death and, since it was a sabbath day, they rested. ...
What happened to Jesus while he was dead?
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
633 Scripture calls the abode of the dead, to which the dead Christ went down, “hell” - Sheol in Hebrew or Hades in Greek - because those who are there are deprived of the vision of God.
Such is the case for all the dead, whether evil or righteous, while they await the Redeemer: which does not mean that their lot is identical, as Jesus shows through the parable of the poor man Lazarus who was received into “Abraham's bosom”:
“It is precisely these holy souls, who awaited their Saviour in Abraham's bosom, whom Christ the Lord delivered when he descended into hell.”
Jesus did not descend into hell to deliver the damned, nor to destroy the hell of damnation, but to free the just who had gone before him.
634 “The gospel was preached even to the dead.” The descent into hell brings the Gospel message of salvation to complete fulfillment.
This is the last phase of Jesus' messianic mission, a phase which is condensed in time but vast in its real significance: the spread of Christ's redemptive work to all men of all times and all places, for all who are saved have been made sharers in the redemption. http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/12-things-you-need-to-know-about-holy-saturday3
632 The frequent New Testament affirmations that Jesus was "raised from the dead" presuppose that the crucified one sojourned in the realm of the dead prior to his resurrection.478 This was the first meaning given in the apostolic preaching to Christ's descent into hell: that Jesus, like all men, experienced death and in his soul joined the others in the realm of the dead. But he descended there as Savior, proclaiming the Good News to the spirits imprisoned there.479 (479 Cf. 1 Pet 3:18-19.) (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 632)
While Jesus' disciples mourned His death and would have rested on the Sabbath, when Jesus was dead, He was actually dead. Though He was raised from the dead on the day we now call Saturday.
There are several theological problems with the Roman view of 'Holy Saturday". Consider:
- If Jesus did not really die, which He did (Romans 5:8, 8:34; 1 Thessalonians 5:10), then He did not really give His life.
- Jesus said He would be like Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish (Matthew 12:40)--does anyone really claim that Jonah preached in 'hades' (called sheol in Hebrew) during that time? It is certainly not recorded that Jonah did that in the Old Testament.
- There is no New Testament teaching that Jesus descended into Hades to preach to various spirits or dead humans.
- Plus dead humans are dead (see Did Early Christians Believe that Humans Possessed Immortality? and What Happens After Death?).
- This doctrine seems to have developed from the falsely named Gospel of Peter.
On that third point, first let me quote the Bible:
27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (Acts 2:27)
That passage does NOT say that Jesus descended and preached. Consider also the word translated as Hades means the grave or place of the dead.
It is NOT the same word as Gehenna (which had a fire) that is often translated as hell in many New Testaments.
It is also NOT the same word as Tartarosas which is used as a place of restraint for fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4). The Bible never teaches that Jesus went there after He was executed.
Note, in his Latin Vulgate Bible, Jerome used the word for Tartarosas and not the word for Hades:
4 si enim Deus angelis peccantibus non pepercit sed rudentibus inferni detractos in tartarum tradidit in iudicium cruciatos reservari (2 Peter 2:4, Latin Vulgate)
Furthermore, realize that Acts 2:27 is a quote (per Acts 2:25) of something David wrote in the Psalms:
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (Psalms 16:10)
Sheol also means grave or place of the dead. Notice the following where Sheol is translated as grave:
5 For in death there is no remembrance of You; In the grave who will give You thanks? (Psalms 6:5, NKJV; both the Roman Catholic NJB and NABRE leave the word as Sheol, instead of using the translation as grave--see their Psalm 6:6)
So, in Sheol one will not give God thanks.
Now, for the fifth point, notice what the falsely named Gospel of Peter says (Peter the apostle did not write it)::
[35] But in the night in which the Lord's day dawned, when the soldiers were safeguarding it two by two in every watch, there was a loud voice in heaven; [36] and they saw that the heavens were opened and that two males who had much radiance had come down from there and come near the sepulcher. [37] But that stone which had been thrust against the door, having rolled by itself, went a distance off the side; and the sepulcher opened, and both the young men entered. [38] And so those soldiers, having seen, awakened the centurion and the elders (for they too were present, safeguarding). [39] And while they were relating what they had seen, again they see three males who have come out from they sepulcher, with the two supporting the other one, and a cross following them, [40] and the head of the two reaching unto heaven, but that of the one being led out by a hand by them going beyond the heavens. [41] And they were hearing a voice from the heavens saying, 'Have you made proclamation to the fallen-asleep?' [42] And an obeisance was heard from the cross, 'Yes.' [43]
So, that may be the first reference to the claimed descent. The Church of Rome does not recognize the Gospel of Peter as canonical, though some associated with it in the 2nd century apparently did.
Now let me quote a statement from the late French Cardinal Jean-Guenole-Marie Danielou on whether the New Testament teaches the descent:
The Descent Into Hell...This doctrine appears nowhere in the New Testament,1
1 So W. Bieder, Die Vorstellung von der Hollenfardt Jesus Christi, p. 128
(Danielou, Cardinal Jean-Guenole-Marie. The Theology of Jewish Christianity. Translated by John A. Baker. The Westminister Press, 1964, p. 233)
Anyway, Jesus was dead for three days and three nights. Jesus emptied Himself of His divinity upon incarnation (Philippians 2:7) and did not receive it back until He was resurrected (cf. John 20:24-29).
As far as WHEN He preached to certain fallen angels, the idea is claimed to come from 1 Peter 3:18-20. So let's look at what the old Worldwide Church of God published about that:
Jesus Christ was the same God who walked and talked with Moses in the wilderness — the same "I AM" (see Ex. 3:14) who brought the children of Israel out of Egypt. Paul makes this plain. "I want you to know, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the [Red] sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.... For they drank from the same supernatural Rock which followed them, and the ['that,' KJV] Rock was Christ" (I Cor. 10:1-4).
This same Personage in the Godhead presided over the Flood in Noah's day. Peter gives us the facts: "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put. to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: by which also he [Christ] went and preached unto the spirits [demons] in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a-preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water" (I Peter 3:18-20, KJV). (Schroeder JR. Who Was Jesus? Good News magazine, November 1975)
The timeframe of the 'descent' was the time of Noah and that flood. Thus, it DID NOT happen during the time called the 'crucifixion week.'
21 There is also an antitype which now saves us — baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
So, baptism is a type that shows we can be saved now, like the Ark of Noah. But the reality will come at the resurrection.
Chapter 4
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles — when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
Many speak evil of the Continuing Church of God, basically through false accusations and distortions.
5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
The old Worldwide and Radio Church of God published the following:
"What does Peter mean when he states that the gospel was preached to 'dead men' (Greek), that they 'might be judged . .. in the flesh, but live ... in the spirit'?" Nicholas M., Mt. Zion, West Virginia
A: I Peter 4:5-6 reads: "But they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to the dead, that though judged in the flesh like men, they might live in the spirit like God." This scripture is referring to people who are now dead, but had the gospel preached to them while they were alive. The context (verse 5), which refers to God judging "the living and the dead," refers to the time of the resurrection when those who are now dead will be made alive once again.
... Other scriptures show that God is "not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him" (Luke 20:38, KJV). (QUESTIONS & ANSWERS. GOOD NEWS November 1976, p. 21)
Some churches say that 1 Peter 4:6 proves there is a purgatory. Will you please explain this verse?
If we understand who “the dead” are and when they heard the Gospel preached it is immediately apparent there is no support for the false doctrine of purgatory in this verse. At the time I Peter was written Christians had been living according to the Gospel they had heard preached (I Pet. 4:l-4). Some had lived out their lives, died and were buried in their graves where they awaited the promised resurrection.
Many of these had been martyred-killed-and were dead-because of their religion. Prejudiced pagans had judged and sentenced them according to “the flesh.” Nonetheless, the faithful were assured that they would be resurrected to “live according to God in the spirit” (I Cor. 15:16-54).
When did these dead people have the Gospel preached to them? Why, when they were alive, of course! Notice! The word “preached” is in the past tense. These dead people had the Gospel preached to them while they were yet alive. This verse is NOT saying that dead people hear preaching. The Bible positively tells us that ‘rthe dead know not nnything.. .I’ and “ . . . there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave . . . If (Eccl. 9:5, 10). Nothing could be plainer!
The dead simply can receive no communication whatsoever. The Gospel cannot be preached to a dead man. “The dead” of I Peter 4:6 may also refer to the spiritually dead. Jesus mentions such people in Luke 9:60. Paul explains further in Ephesians 2:1 where he says that such people are “dead in trespasses and sins.” Some people are alive physically but dead spiritually because they reject the Gospel of the Kingdom.
The Church has always been commissioned to preach the Gospel as a witness to the world (Matt. 24:14). The spiritually dead do not heed the Word of God and its judgment. They remain in their sin. They prefer to be judged according to the ways men devise in spite of the fact that God wants them to “live according to the spirit.” With this understanding it is clear that this verse simply cannot be made to mean that men remain alive in hell, heaven, or purgatory after death as some try to teach. I Peter 3:19 is another scripture which some churches twist in an attempt to support the deceptive theory of purgatory. (The Bible Answers Your Questions. Good News, September 1964, p. 19)
More on purgatory can be found in the article: Did the Early Church Teach Purgatory? Part of why that doctrine came about was because certain aspects of God's plan of salvation were rejected in the 6th century. More on God's plan can be found in the free online book: Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God's plan of salvation.
7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
Romans 13:11-14
11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
Love and be kind.
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
Severe persecution is coming per Daniel 11:28-36 (see also Persecutions by Church and State).
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.
Work and do not be a busybody.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
People wrongly speak bad of us, but we are not to give up.
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Yes, we face more tests and trials than most in the world.
Why?
Because this is the age we are being called.
We are to develop character in this life and tests and trials are allowed to assist us in that.
Though it may be discouraging at times, we are not to give up.
18 Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
Others are NOT getting away with it--though it may look like that now.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
Galatians 6:7-10
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Yes, we are to do good, despite what looks to be happening with others.
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Chapter 5
1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
The old Radio Church of God published the following:
Jesus also told Peter THREE TIMES to feed the flock — which forms the secondary part of the great JOB which was given to the Church to accomplish! (John 21:15-17.)
Later, Peter repeated this great commission to those under his charge. He said, "Feed the flock of God which is among you" (I Peter 5:2). (Plain Truth, May 1958)
3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
Those of you in North America realize that that neither myself nor deacon Richard Close go around trying to "lord it" over others.
5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
All, whether young or old, in or out of the ministry, male or female, need to practice humility.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
This may take faith at times, but three times, the New Testament states that "the just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). We also have a free online booklet on faith:Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
James wrote:
James 4:7-10
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
Yes, submit to God, resist temptation, resist sin. Being double-minded shows lack of faith. Be humble.
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Yes, we endure and suffer for a while, but we are called to ETERNAL GLORY!
Do you believe that?
Do you live with that in mind?
11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Notice the following:
I Peter 5:13. NOT at Rome. But at Babylon on the Euphrates! Where thousands of Jews still lived, descended from those anciently carried there captive by Nebuchadnezzar. (Lesson 49 - I Will Build My Church. 58 Lesson: Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, 1967)
Bengel's Gnomen {Commentary} 1 Peter 5:13. Ἐν Βαβυλῶνι, in Babylon) This was Babylon of the Chaldeans, which abounded with Jews. See Lightfoot, Hor. on 1 Cor., p. 269.
Vincent's Word Studies There is no reason to suppose that, at the time when this epistle was written, the city of Rome was currently known among Christians as Babylon. On the contrary, wherever it is mentioned in the New Testament, with the single exception of the Apocalypse (and even there it is distinguished as 'Babylon, the great'), it gets its usual name, Rome. So far, too, from the Assyrian Babylon being practically in a deserted state at this date, there is very good ground for believing that the Jewish population (not to speak of the heathen) of the city and vicinity was very considerable.
1 Peter tells us to rely on God. To understand that all flesh is grass--it is temporary.
That God has a plan.
That we are not to allow Satan, the world, or various lusts to get in the way.
And if we will humble ourselves, submit to God, resist Satan, live humbly as a true Christian, even though others may speak against us, that we can have eternal glory. And other scriptures teach that this eternity that is far above anything we have been able to imagine.
Believe the word of God.
Continue in the faith.
Here is a link to a related sermon: 1 Peter: Humbly love, God's plan is eternal.
COGwriter (c) 2021 Thiel B. 1 Peter: Scriptures and Commentary. https://www.cogwriter.com/first-peter.htm 2021 0724