Pastor’s Notes
After spending 14 months in Matthew, we find ourselves with one of the main characters of Matthew, now in 1 & 2 Peter. At this point in scripture, Peter is older in life and in a much different place than where we left him at in the end of Matthew. In 1 Peter, Peter is writing primarily to Jewish converts who fled from Jerusalem, expelled under the rule of Emperor Claudius for their faith in God. The circumstances that prompted the writing of this letter were the ongoing sufferings under persecution while being people of God spread out through poor communities in Asia Minor.
Peter begins his letter with first identifying the author, but then highlights who the audience is in this scripture. Peter says, “Greetings to the elect pilgrims.” In his letter, Peter is speaking to the chosen people of God who are suffering in what it means to be “dispersed,” but also chosen; to truly struggle, but also be loved.
Peter reminds his readers as well as you and I today that even though we are pilgrims (aliens) and are exposed to suffering and pain, we ought not to forget who we are in Christ. Peter points those who have forgotten or who have trouble seeing who they are and what they have towards the promise of their inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading.
I hope you join us in person for this wonderful series titled “Strangers in the World.” Our time together on Sunday mornings will dive into what it means to struggle in this life while holding on to the promises of the next life.
I also encourage you to be dedicated to our weekly devotion series that will be posted each week by Wednesday night that will follow the upcoming scripture studied on Sunday mornings!!
Scripture to go along with the message
Read Matthew 4:18-22, 10:5-15, 16:13-20, and 26:69-75.
These are all verses in Matthew that are helpful to read again as we venture into the story of Peter’s life after the gospel.
Also if we have people wanting to go the extra mile, read Acts chapter 4.
Highlight in your Bibles
Highlight verses 4 and 5 in 1 Peter chapter 1.
Questions to consider
1.) After going through the study of Matthew together, how would you describe Peter? What did you see as his strengths and weaknesses? What did you have in common with him?
2.) “Elect Pilgrims” or “struggling, but cherished.” How can you relate to this opening seen in the first 5 verses of 1 Peter?
3.) Read verse 4 and 5, what do these verses mean to you as a believer?
