Friday 09 May 2008

Background

Peter, the traditional writer of this letter, was the firstdisciple Jesus called to follow him (Matthew 4:18). Hewas a fisherman from Galilee and was always ready with a responseto Jesus. But for all this, when Jesus stood trial, Peter deniedever knowing him (Matthew26:69-75).

Peter was also one of the first disciples to discover that Jesushad risen from the dead (Luke 24:12) andafter the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) it wasPeter who stood up to speak to the crowd that had gathered.

In this letter, Peter was writing (possibly with the help of ascribe as fishermen were often illiterate) to the Christians in thecountry we now call Turkey. He brings them a message of comfort,hope and encouragement to stand firm in the Christian faith.

He reminds them that their baptism is an outward sign of inwardgrace. It is a symbol of their faith in Jesus' death andresurrection.

Christians at this time knew what it was to suffer because of theirfaith. Most would have known someone who had been martyred or diedfor their faith at the hands of the Roman authorities. This putsthe rest of life into perspective.

The reference to Gentiles means anyone who is not a Jew. Peter wasprobably writing to non-Jews in this letter. He makes clear to thepeople that the gospel - the good news about Jesus - had alreadybeen preached to those who had gone before them.

Peter encourages them to live by the will of God, not followingtheir own selfish ways and says they need reminding of Jesus'command to love. It is God who gives the gifts that we must use toserve each other. "Amen", the word we say at the end of everyprayer, means 'so be it' or 'I agree'.

To Ponder

Think today about the gifts that God has Godgiven you. What are they? How can you give thanks for them?

If you can't think what they could be, asksomeone to help you find out what they are.

How might God want you to use those gifts?