The First Epistle of Peter: Seeing Jesus in 1 Peter
1. Precious Cornerstone:
- Peter refers to Jesus as the living stone, chosen and precious, upon which believers are built as a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:4-8).
- This builds on Old Testament imagery, particularly from Isaiah 28:16, where God lays a precious cornerstone in Zion.
2. Example in Suffering:
- Jesus is presented as an example for believers when faced with suffering.
- Just as He entrusted Himself to the one who judges justly while undergoing suffering, believers are encouraged to do the same (1 Peter 2:21-23).
3. Redemptive Sacrifice:
- Jesus’ sacrificial death and its redemptive purpose are central to the epistle.
- Believers are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, the lamb without blemish (1 Peter 1:18-19).
4. Living Hope Through Resurrection:
- Jesus’ resurrection is the foundation of the believer’s living hope.
- Through His resurrection, believers are born again to an imperishable inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4).
5. Chief Shepherd:
- In exhorting the elders to shepherd the flock of God, Peter looks to the return of Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, who will give the unfading crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4).
6. Suffering and Glory:
- The theme of suffering followed by glory, which is evident in Jesus’ own journey from the cross to the throne, is prevalent throughout the letter.
- Believers are encouraged to suffer with this perspective, knowing that after suffering, they will be restored and established by God (1 Peter 5:10).
7. Spirit of Christ in Prophets:
- Peter states that the prophets of old testified about the grace that was to come, and it was the Spirit of Christ in them indicating the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories (1 Peter 1:10-12).
8. Victory Over Powers:
- Jesus, after His suffering, has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to Him (1 Peter 3:22).
9. Harbinger of a New Life:
- Jesus is the reason believers are called to a new way of life.
- Because He is holy, they too are called to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
- And, because He suffered for righteousness, they are called to do the same, not fearing the threats of the world but sanctifying Christ as Lord in their hearts (1 Peter 3:14-15).
Conclusion:
1 Peter is saturated with Christological emphasis.
Jesus isn’t merely mentioned; His life, death, resurrection, and example permeate the believer’s call to hope, holiness, and endurance in suffering.
The epistle is a powerful reminder that the believers’ identity and mission are firmly rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ.