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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE FIRST LETTER OF PETER

CHAPTER ONE:
A NEW BIRTH ENCOURAGES HOLINESS

[“Hope and Holiness”]
Key Word: Rebirth
Theme Verse: 3

1 Peter 1:1-2 – Peter to the Diaspora

1PE1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the alien residents 1 of the Diaspora 2 throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia 3

1	Alien residents: Or, strangers, sojourners, pilgrims, foreigners. A term used of the original Hebrew. [Hebrews 11:13] Compare Genesis 23:4 LXX.

2

Diaspora: Or, dispersion. The Greek is “through seed” or “scattered seed” and is regularly used in relation to the Jews scattered among the nations. Peter probably has two thoughts in his mind: the Hebrew race to which he belongs; and, more particularly Christian Jews and non-Jews who belong to the “holy nation” he later describes. Compares James 1:1. [Romans 2:28, 29; 9:6; Galatians 6:16]

3	Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia: These are areas of Asia Minor found mostly today in Turkey and Macedonia, including the Black Sea and Aegean Sea. Paul also wrote to Galatia. [Galatians 1:1] Compare Acts 2:9, 10.

1PE1:2 – those chosen by a spiritual sanctification 4 – a sprinkling [Exodus 24:8] of Jesus Christ’s blood 5 – and in harmony [with your] obedience 6 – according to God [the] Father’s foreknowledge: 7 May unmerited favor 8 and peaceful harmony be multiplied to all of you.

4	Those chosen by a spiritual sanctification: Or, KJV: elect… through sanctification of the Spirit. [2 Thessalonians 2:13]

5	A sprinkling of Jesus Christ’s blood: Compare Hebrews 9:13, 19; 10:19; 12:24. An allusion to Exodus 24:8. Compare 1 Peter 1:19.

6	In harmony [with your] obedience: Or, TCN: to learn obedience. Compare Hebrews 5:9. The sprinkling of Christ’s blood is not enough, obedience must follow. Peter mentions “obedience” several times. [1 Peter 1:14, 22; 2:9; 3:6, 20] Research the word-group “obey.”

7	According to God [the] Father’s foreknowledge: Some render the word “predestined.” [MOF] The Greek is PRO + GNOSIN [before + know]. Peter also used the word in his Pentecostal speech. [Acts 2:23] See notes on Ephesians 1:5 in Nazarene Commentary 2000© or research PROGNO.

8	Unmerited favor: Or, grace, charity, undeserved kindness. See notes elsewhere on KHARIS [CHARIS]. Peter concludes with the same word.

1 Peter 1:3-9 – A Living Hope and Tested Faith

1PE1:3 Blessed be The God and Father of our Master 9 Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy, 10 has [given us] a New Genesis 11 unto a living hope through the resurrection 12 of Jesus Christ from the dead,

9	The God and Father of our Master: Like Paul, Peter uses the dual formula, not a triune one. [Ephesians 1:3, 17] This phrase also confirms that Jesus had a God that he worships. See 1 Peter 1:17. Jesus is one of the “lords” over which Yehowah is the Lord. [Deuteronomy 10:17; Revelation 3:12]

10	Great mercy: Or, abundant mercy.

11

Has [given us] a New Genesis: Or, begotten, born anew, new life, born again, regeneration. The Greek is ANAGENNESAS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #313, born, or generated again; procreated again]. Compare John 1:12, 13; 3:3-5; James 1:18. Note similar words in Job 14:14 and Matthew 19:28 [PALINGENESIA] The Hebrews and Jews of the Old Testament had a hope of a restored Eden under Messiah’s reign. Christ introduced the hope of heavenly immortality. [2 Timothy 1:10; 1 Corinthians 15:46-54] Thus, the resurrection of Christ aroused a new hope, a new genesis – a heavenly one.

12	Unto a living hope through the resurrection: See above. The Church has “one hope” [Ephesians 4:4] of life eternal in the heavens. [2 Corinthians 5:1] For details on the subject of the resurrection see the work Where Are the Dead? or See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 1 Corinthians 15:1ff.

1PE1:4 unto an incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading inheritance. 13 [This hope] is reserved for you in the Celestialum 14 [Colossians 1:5]

13	An incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading inheritance: Or, TCN: imperishable, stainless, unfading; PME: beyond the reach of change and decay. “Incorruption” is associated with “immortality.” [1 Corinthians 15:50-54]

14	[This hope] is reserved for you in the Celestialum: Or, kept safe. The hope is a heavenly one. [John 14:2; 2 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Timothy 4:8] The phrase is identical to Paul’s own at Colossians 1:5 from which Peter may draw.

1PE1:5 safeguarded by God’s Power 15 by means of [your] faith leading to the revelation of a salvation at the End-Time. 16

15	Safeguarded by God’s Power: Or, kept, guarded, protects, safe-conduct.

16

The revelation of a salvation at the End-Time: Or, KJV: a salvation to be revealed; GSP: disclosed. The Greek for “revelation” is APOCALYPSTHENAI. The Nazarene uses it first at Luke 17:30. Compare 1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:7. Peter uses it twice more at 1 Peter 1:13; 4:13. Salvation does not occur upon the death of these Christians. Salvation must wait until the Parousia, or Return of Christ when he is revealed. [1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 John 2:28] This will occur at what Peter calls EN KAIRO ESCHATO [in time last; end-time]. The study of end times, eschatology, is taken from the word. Others render this: KJV: in the last time; MOF: at the last hour. The phrase is similar to “time of the end” in Daniel, but not exactly. [KAIROU SYNTELEIAS = concluding time; KAIROU PERAS = time last] [Daniel 8:17, 19; 11:35, 40; 12:4, 9] The “end-time” is that time period or generation just prior to the Return of Christ, particularly the “great oppression.” See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Revelation 7:9-17 or Daniel 7:21-25.

1PE1:6 In this [hope] you rejoice even though for a brief moment at the present you are bound to grieve in various trials, 17 [James 1:2]

17	Grieve in various trials: Or, KJV: heaviness through manifold temptation; NEB: under trials of many kinds. Compare James 1:2 where the same words are used. It is possible Peter draws on James. [2 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Timothy 3:12]

1PE1:7 in order that the proof of your faith [James 1:3] – much more precious than gold refined by fire! 18 – may be found [a cause for] praise, glory, and honor 19 at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 20 [Luke 17:30]

18

The proof of your faith – much more precious than gold refined by fire: The phrase “the proof of your faith” is identical to James 1:3 and therefore a likely source for Peter. [Proverbs 17:3] A mere statement of conviction is not enough. This faith or conviction must be tested or proven by the fire of “various trials.” [See 2 Corinthians 13:5]

19	Praise, glory, and honor: Compare the two outcomes of the Parousia judgment. [1 John 2:28; Matthew 7:21-23]

20

At the revelation of Jesus Christ: See notes above on revelation. Note the same language at Revelation 1:1. The Parousia or Presence [Arrival] of Christ is made manifest or revealed, as it is something visible over which all the globe will lament. [Matthew 24:30] See parousia notes at 2 Peter 3:4 or parousia elsewhere in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

1PE1:8 You love him 21 though you have never seen him. 22 You believe in him though you do not presently see him. [John 20:29] You triumph in unspeakable joy, 23 and having been glorified 24

21	You love him: Compare John 14:15; 15:14. Here are those of whom Jesus spoke. [John 20:29]

22	You have never seen him: These are Christians after the year 33 CE and the ascension of Christ. There would be two exceptions: James and Paul. [1 Corinthians 15:7, 8]

23	You triumph in unspeakable joy: Or, MOF: you thrill with an unspeakable joy; NEB: you are transported with a joy too great for words. An echo of Luke 24:41 and John 16:22.

24	Having been glorified: Compare notes on Romans 8:30. This “glorification” follows justification. In his the honor associated with being a child of God.

1PE1:9 you are about to capture the result of your faith 25 – a salvation of souls! 26

25	You are about to capture the result of your faith: Or, KJV: the end of; BER: procure; NEB: reap the harvest. The Greek means to “carry away as a prize.”

26

A salvation of souls: Or, souls’ salvation, salvation of your souls. There may be an echo of Luke 21:19 here. Psalm 22:29, “No one can preserve their own soul alive.” The soul in the Bible is not some immortal part of a human being that survives the death of the body. See the publication Where Are the Dead? in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [James 5:20]

1 Peter 1:10-12 – The Prophets Ministered to the Elect

1PE1:10 Concerning this salvation 27 the Prophets 28 – prophesying about the unmerited favor [shown you] 29 – explored and searched, 30

27	Concerning this salvation: Or, NEB: this salvation was the theme which prophets pondered and explored. It is likely Peter has in mind more the means of attaining this salvation [see 1 Peter 1:11], for the heavenly salvation was unknown among the ancient Hebrews. [Matthew 13:17; Ephesians 2:13-3:6]

28	The Prophets: Compare Matthew 13:17 and Hebrews 1:1.

29	Prophesying about the unmerited favor [shown you]: Examples of these would include Isaiah 11:10, 12; 25:8; 26:19; 49:8-12; Daniel 12:1-3.

30	Explored and searched: Or, NEB: pondered and explored. [Matthew 13:17]

1PE1:11 searching into what [season] – or what type of season 31 – the Messianic inspiration in them was pointing to 32 when giving advance evidence of Messiah’s sufferings, 33 [Isaiah 53:1ff] as well as the glories to follow these [sufferings]. 34

31	What type of season: Or, KJV: what manner of time; NEB: the circumstances; WMS: the nature of the times. Compare Daniel 9:25-27 where the coming and death of the Christ is precisely identified.

32	The Messianic inspiration in them was pointing to: Or, KJV: the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify.

33	Advance evidence of Messiah’s sufferings: Or, predicting, foretelling. Examples would include Psalm 22, Isaiah 53, Daniel 9:25-27, Zechariah 12:10.

34	The glories to follow these [sufferings]: Surely Isaiah 53:10-12 would be included.

1PE1:12 It was revealed to [the Prophets] that they ministered, not regarding themselves, but rather they were ministering unto us. 35 [Ministering the very things] that have been proclaimed to you by those who have declared the Good News 36 to you by means of the holy Pneuma sent forth from the Celestialum. 37 Into these very matters angels desire to obtain a closer look. 38

35	They were ministering unto us: Compare 1 Corinthians 10:11 and Romans 15:4; 16:26.

36	Proclaimed to you by those who have declared the Good News: Beginning with Peter’s Pentecostal speech to the Jews of all nations. [Acts 2:4, 14]

37	By means of the holy Pneuma sent forth from the Celestialum: Peter could not have written this without the influence of the words of the Nazarene spoken at John 16:5-15 and John 17:

38

Into these very matters angels desire to obtain a closer look: Or, KJV: angels desire to look; MOF: long to get a glimpse; WMS: long to take a peep. The Greek carries the idea of stooping to get a better look. The Church has become a source of information to even the celestial heavens. [Ephesians 3:10]

1 Peter 1:13-16 – Active and Holy

1PE1:13 Because of this fortify the strength of your mental determination. 39 Remain completely sober. 40 Persist in your Hope 41 of unmerited favor until [the] Revelation of Jesus Christ. 42 [Luke 17:30]

39	Mental determination: Or, KJV: loins of your mind; NEB: stripped for action; MON: brace up your minds; TCN: concentrate your minds; GDS: prepare your minds for action; BAR: stripped for action. Perhaps a strong echo of Luke 12:35.

40	Remain completely sober: Or, NEB: perfectly self-controlled; MOF: keep cool; TCN: strictest self-control; GDS: with perfect calmness. Note 1 Peter 4:7.

41	Persist in your Hope: Or, NEB: fix your hopes.

42	Until [the] Revelation of Jesus Christ: Regarding the Revelation see notes on 1 Peter 1:6, 7. BAR: when Jesus Christ will appear again.

1PE1:14 As obedient children 43 do not fashion yourselves 44 [Romans 12:2] according to your former ignorant passions. 45

43	As obedient children: See notes on “obedience” at 1 Peter 1:2, 22.

44

Do not fashion yourselves: Or, TCN: do not let your lives be shaped; WMS: stop molding your character; GDS: do not adapt; BAR: not allow your lives to be shaped by the influence of the passions. Compare notes on Romans 12:2 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. Paul uses the same Greek word. It is possible Peter is familiar with it having read Romans.

45	Your former ignorant passions: Or, KJV: your former lusts in your ignorance. An echo of Ephesians 4:17, 18.

1PE1:15 Rather, in harmony with the Holy One who invited you, 46 you also become holy in all of your conduct. 47

46	In harmony with the Holy One who invited you: Or, called. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Matthew 22:1-14 on the divine call or invitation.

47

Become holy in all of your conduct: Or, KJV: conversation; ASV: manner of living; PME: every department. [Deuteronomy 28:9; Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 7:1] In the Hebrew Bible “holiness” is from QO’DHESH which means separate, exclusive, sanctified. It involved three primary areas: spiritual, physical, and mental.

1PE1:16 Just as it is written: “You must be holy, because I am holy.” 48 [Leviticus 11:44]

48	You must be holy, because I am holy: Peter quotes Leviticus 11:44. As a nation Israel failed to attain holiness, however, the Church does not. [1 Peter 2:5, 9]

1 Peter 1:17-21 – Conduct Yourselves with Fear

1PE1:17 And so when you call upon the Father – who judges impartially each person’s work 49 [Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 62:12] – conduct yourself in fear 50 during this period of your alien sojourn, 51

49

Who judges impartially each person’s work: Or, he judges each man by his actions [BAR]. Compare Peter’s speech to the first non-Jewish Christian at Acts 10:34, 35. The language is possibly a combined paraphrase of Romans 2:6, 11 or a conflate from the Hebrew Bible. [Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 62:12; 2 Chronicles 19:7] God will judge humanity according to “each one’s work” upon their resurrection, whether the Church or humanity in general. [2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12, 13] On the judgment of the Church see 1 Peter 4:17. On the subject of God and Judgment see the Nazarene Commentary 2000©, or notes on Matthew 12:35, 36. On “works” see 1 Peter 2:12. Research the word works in the Christian Bible. When Jesus promised to send the spirit-helper to the apostles he said it would teach them about four things: sin, righteousness, judgment, and the future. [John 16:8, 13] Peter covers all of these subjects.

50

Conduct yourself in fear: Or, TCN: reverence of spirit; PME: reverent fear; NEB: stand in awe; WMS: live reverently; BAR: spend your time on earth in reverent living. The Greek rendered “fear” here is PHOBO from which the English “phobia” is drawn. “Fear” of God has always been part of worship. One can see this by researching the word fear. The first occurrence in relation to God is Genesis 20:11. David taught it. [Psalm 2:11] Jesus taught it. [Matthew 10:28] Paul taught it. [2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:12] Peter uses it again at 1 Peter 2:17.

51

During this period of your alien sojourn: Or, TCN: during your stay on earth; MOF: your sojourn here below; NEB: you live out your time on earth; WMS: your fleeting stay on earth. Like this is the meaning for Christians have their citizenship in heaven and that is where they will spend eternity. [Philippians 3:20, 21; 2 Corinthians 5:1 KJV] We are “temporary residents” on earth.

1PE1:18 realizing that you were liberated from a futile [form of] conduct 52 handed down from your forefathers 53 – by means of a ransom 54 [Matthew 20:28] – not with corruptible gold or silver –

52	Liberated from a futile [form of] conduct: Or, KJV: redeemed… from your conversation received by tradition; GDS: futile way of living. Whether Peter means Jews or non-Jews the principle is still meaningful.

53	Handed down from your forefathers: He likely is referring to those man-made traditions and human doctrines related to the Law of Moses which render worship useless. [Matthew 15:8, 9]

54	Ransom: Peter knew of the ransom from the Nazarene. [Matthew 20:28]

1PE1:19 but rather with the precious blood of an unblemished and spotless Lamb 55 [Exodus 12:5] – Christ’s.

55	The precious blood of an unblemished and spotless Lamb: There is an allusion here to the sacrificial lambs of Israel that had to be “unblemished and spotless.” [Exodus 12:5; Leviticus 22:20] Compare Isaiah 53:12. [Hebrews 9:14] On “lamb” see John 1:29, 36; Acts 8:32; Revelation 5:6, 8, 12.

1PE1:20 Indeed, he was foreknown before the founding of the world order of humanity, 56 but was made visible for your sakes 57 at the time of the end 58 [Daniel 9:26; 11:40]

56

He was foreknown before the founding of the world order of humanity: Or, KJV: foreordained before the foundation of the world. On the word “foreknown” see the notes on 1 Peter 1:2. The Greek on “founding of the human social order” is KATABOLES KOSMOU, or literally, “throwing down of seed.” See Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2602 and the idea of conception. Jesus provides the clue to the meaning at Luke 11:50 where such a founding begins with the birth of Abel. The Bible clearly teaches the pre-existence of the Son of God. Research pre-existence in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. What was particularly foreknown here – before the birth of Abel – was Messiah as a foretold Seed of God’s Woman. [Genesis 3:15]

57

Was made visible for your sakes: Or, manifest, revealed; WMS: brought out into public view. Compare Hebrews 9:26 where the language and context are very similar. The Greek word [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5319, make actual and visible] for “visible” is from the meaning of a lamp that is lit illuminating a subject; that is, making things visible. In the Christian Bible there are two manifestations of Christ: a] at his first coming as a human being; and, b] his second manifestation when he is made visible as a glorified spiritual being. [Matthew 24:30]

58

The time of the end: Or, last times, end of the times, last days, end of the ages. The Greek is ESCHATOU TON CHRONON and literally means “last of the times.” When Jesus told four of his apostles that Jerusalem and its temple would be destroyed, they asked when would “the conclusion of the age” occur. [Matthew 24:1-3] Matthew’s Greek version has them using SYNTELEIAS TOU AIONOS. The language is doubtless from Daniel 9:26, 27. The Nazarene’s answer described the desolation of Jerusalem and he provided the “sign” [Matthew 24:15 LAM] of Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies. [Luke 21:20-24] Peter likely wrote in the year 63 AD as tradition has him crucified upside down during Nero’s persecution in 66 AD, the very year Jerusalem was first attacked by the Romans. Thus, there were only three years left between Peter’s writing and the beginning of the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy. In Daniel the phrase “time of the end” always has an application to Jerusalem’s end. Or, the end of the Temple Age.

1PE1:21 – those who by means of [Christ] believe in God, the One who raised him up from the dead, 59 giving [Christ] glory, so that your faith and hope would be in God.

59	Raised him up from the dead: Compare Peter’s speech to the Jews and the non-Jews at Acts chapters 2 and 10.

1 Peter 1:22-25 – As New-Born Love One Another

1PE1:22 Having purified your souls by obedience to the Truth, 60 earnestly show compassionate affection for one another 61 from the heart with unhypocritical brotherly affection. 62

60

Having purified your souls by obedience to the Truth: Or, KJV: purified your souls in obeying the truth. It is not Christ’s blood alone that brings this about. “Obedience to the truth” is also necessary. The words echo the Nazarene’s at John 3:16-19, 36. On “obedience” see notes on 1 Peter 1:2. Compare 2 Corinthians 7:1.

61

Earnestly show compassionate affection for one another: Or, TCN: with all your hearts; GDS: intensely and heartily; NEB: whole-heartedly with all your strength. [1 Timothy 1:5] Related to the Truth of the Nazarene love is a key element. It is actually a commandment. [John 15:9, 10, 13, 17] Compare 1 John 3:23.

62	Unhypocritical brotherly affection: Or, KJV: unfeigned love of the brethren; TCN: genuine brotherly affection. [Romans 12:9] Both love and affection may be out of a hypocritical heart with a hidden agenda or bad motive.

1PE1:23 For you have been born again, 63 [John 3:3] not of corruptible seed, 64 but incorruptible [seed] 65 by means of the Word 66 of a Living and Abiding God. 67 [Daniel 6:26 Theodotion]

63

You have been born again: Or, born anew, new birth. BAR: born all over again. The Greek is ANAGEGENNEMENOI which is literally “generated again.” [New Genesis] Jesus never actually says “born again” but rather “born from above” [John 3:3, 7] but the parallel is very strong. Compare James 1:18. John has it “God-born.” [1 John 3:9] This new birth begins after a person has accepted the Nazarene and his teachings [John 1:12, 13] and through baptism begun a course of discipleship. [Matthew 16:24]

64	Not of corruptible seed: Or, mortal, perishable. John uses similar language in 1 John 3:9, but where he uses SPERMA, Peter uses SPORA. [The Latin is semen.] He surely echoes the words of John 1:12, 13.

65	Incorruptible [seed]: Or, immortal, imperishable.

66

By means of the Word: The Word of God cannot be separated from this God-birth. No one can be born again without at least a fundamental knowledge of the Word. James 1:18 calls this “the word of truth.” It is the Word which first begins to implant the Seed that arouses the awareness of sonship and a heavenly hope.

67	Of a Living and Abiding God: The phrase is borrowed from Theodotion’s version of Daniel 6:26.

1PE1:24 For, “all flesh is grass, and all its glory is as the flower of the field. The grass has withered, and the flower has fallen off, 1PE1:25 but [the] Saying of YHWH remains throughout all future periods of time.” 68 [Isaiah 40:6-8] Now this ‘Saying’ is what has been declared to you as Good News. 69

68	Saying of YHWH remains throughout all future periods of time: Peter quotes Isaiah 40:6-8 where the Tetragram YHWH occurs. The lack of the article in Greek suggests the name Yehowah ought to appear here.

69	Good News: Or, Gospel. This application of the “Saying” [RHEMA] to the Gospel demonstrates that the Divine Name is also involved. It is the “Saying of Yehowah” that “remains into the Age.”

Review Questions On Chapter One