(A.D.65?) [A letter written by Peter shortly before his death in (Rome?). Addressed to Jewish and Gentile Christians of Asia Minor, those founded by Paul's ministry, possibly to comfort them after hearing the news of his impending or recent martyrdom. The first imperial persecution under Nero had begun in Rome and was finding its way into regions throughout the empire.] Peter begins by identifying his Apostolic authority in writing and their Heavenly citizenship in Christ -- although "strangers," (parepidemois = Greek), sojourners, a stranger among Earth people, yet citizens of a heavenly country. As a type, Israel grew into a nation as strangers in Egypt to be called out at their appointed season; so too are all those circumcised of heart now being united in faith presently growing into a heavenly nation to be called out at Christ's coming! And we shall cross Jordan into that eternal city not made with the hands of man (Heb.11:9-10,13-16; Rev.21:1-2): chosen now in this latter day, adopted into the faith through Christ, the Seed of Abraham, joint heirs then to his promise, "elected according to the foreknowledge of God..." ( Rom.2:29; 11:25-33; Gal.3:7-9, 26-29). This is the mystery of the gospel hidden from the beginning. The prophets saw it, preaching it long before Christ came, but now it is revealed through Christ Himself! Consequently, there is no more heathen in Christ; all are one, sanctified by His blood. Knowing that He is able to finish all that he begins, we are to take confidence in our security in Him. Trials through tribulations are temporal, but the reward in Christ when endured far exceeds the small price one has to pay. Ours was a holy calling, from a holy God, redeemed by a holy Savior; therefore, it is incumbent that we should likewise live holy. As the outward man perishes, the inward man is renewed daily, who will be revealed at the resurrection. Heaven and Earth will pass, but His Word which quickens us, though ancient, remains eternal, forever standing. It can be trusted!

Though citizens of another nation forming, a coming kingdom ruled by Christ, we have not yet been separated out, but called to live holy among an unholy people, who ourselves were once as they are still. When the House He is building is completed, having begun upon Himself, and each lively stone is perfectly fitted into its proper place, He will redeem the land upon which it is to stand! (Isa.60; 65:17-25; Zech.14:4-11; Rom.8:18-25; Rev.21:1-2) Although He is an offense for now to the blind, He is an anchor for the souls who see, and because our anchor is eternally secure to Heaven's throne, we should not be moved when buffeted by the temporal tides of our lives. Christ is our example of proper conduct in daily Christian living. He asks of us nothing He Himself did not do. Through His stripes and strength we are healed and made strong. He is worthy to lead us. (Jn.10:26-30; 5:4-9; 7:25; 10:12; 4:14-16)

Peter continues his instructions in conduct for daily living. The life is to be lived as such to win those with whom we have intimate contact, beginning inside the home and extending beyond. God watches over all and will reward or punish each as one has behaved toward others. Many, in times past, failed to heed His voice. For this reason alone our lives should be sanctified unto Christ who gave Himself for us and has now been given authority over all in Heaven and Earth.

Peter reasons that believers are to share in the suffering of Christ, since it was His suffering that made Him the perfect sacrifice for our sins ( Heb.5:8-9). It is when men are at ease, living in the luxury of their earthly fruit, that lust rears its ugly head, casting its tentacles about to snare a soul at the point of a moment of fleshly human weakness. It is when men suffer, little thought is given to those petty carnal desires that so strongly vie for the soul's affection. The greater the suffering the less the lust. (Each has one's own examples to draw from.) Therefore, it is likely that God will allow the very thing we are weakest toward to afflict us that His strength might overcome our weaknesses, making us wholly strong in Christ. (Job 1:5,13-22; 3:25-26, key vs.1:22. The very thing Job most feared came to pass, and in his suffering he could only think of his relationship with God!) As Christ kept a quiet spirit about Himself, railing not against his undeserved tribulation, amazing all about Him, even His cross becoming the supreme symbol of His silent suffering that draws men still, our lives are to be so lived! This is the meaning of taking up our cross daily, that others might see for whom we suffer, and they too be drawn to Him through us. (If your suffering draws for you only pity from your family and friends, then Christ is not seen at its center, rather your own pitiful life! There is no honor in this, Christ is not glorified, and men are repulsed from your pitiful life, continuing on their road to destruction.) Suffering for suffering sake, or for wrongful deeds, is not suffering for Christ. Christ is only glorified in our suffering when His death is seen lived out in us! ( Jn.17:1; II Co.4:8-11) And know this: by what means we suffer is solely His choice. (If it is something you brought upon yourself, you can almost be assured that it is insufficient in rendering witness to His death and resurrection! Therefore, there is little or no glory He will derive from it. Examine your own suffering, and see whether it be self-inflicted, or brought on because of your faith and commitment to Christ. Only the latter is beneficial to growth of the inward man and glory for the Christ who dwells within!)

[As a contrast to this latter day Peter who is now speaking instructions from a lifetime of personal experiences, read of his earlier days and lessons learned: Mat.16:23; Mk.8:33; Lk.12:1; Lk.22:24-34, key vs.31-32; Jn.13:6-10a; Jn.15:3; Jn.15:20; Mk.14:29; Lk.22:60-62; Jn.21:7,14-22. Gone is his arrogance and human pride in his calling, now a seasoned knight in humble service to his Lord. And so he encourages others.] Peter has learned the lesson of humility in service quite well, his pride having earlier taken him to the very brink of Satan's sifter, but kept back by Christ's prayers and cleansing and his own willingness and faith, though weak as it was. Thus knowing firsthand the dangers of human pride and hypocrisy, he now pleads with his peers in service to learn from his life and avoid the pitfalls he himself has been through. He knows God watches over His flock, resisting those shepherds who exploit His sheep, putting at risk to the wolf who constantly preys at the perimeter of the flock upon those who are neglected and weak in their faith and practice (daily following close to the True Shepherd), including themselves who are given to Satan's deceitful divisive ploys. He has learned personally that walking humble before God and close to Christ are sure safeguards against Satan's snares. This has been a common sermon he and his Church pastor in Jerusalem have been diligent in preaching for years (Js.4:6-10). He closes with assurances that God is able to keep and finish to perfection a work begun in each believer submitted to the Lordship of Christ. Thus, it is to Him all glory should be given, for man, even the new man, is forever under His dominion and at His mercy! Final salutations from those present with him: Silas, John Mark, and the Church at Babylon (either at the city Babylon, or a cryptic allusion to Rome, Rev.14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2,10,21) are mentioned. Charitable greetings and peace are to abound throughout the family of Christ.