Thursday 22 January 2015

Psalm: Psalm 86

Background

The first letter of Peter begins in a conventional way by sayingwho wrote it, to whom it was written, and offering a greeting. Theauthor is said to be "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ" (v. 1) butthis and the date of the letter are debated by scholars. The letterwas addressed to Christians living in the northern provinces ofAsia Minor who are called "the exiles of the Dispersion" (v. 1).This phrase recalled the experiences of Jews before them andemphasised that they lived in alien cultures. On the other hand, inverse 2 the writer immediately stressed the readers' specialcalling by God. Much of the letter is exhortation to the newlybaptized to live out that calling in challenging circumstances. Thesalutation ends with a greeting: 'May grace and peace be yours inabundance.' The normal Greek word for 'greetings', 'chairein', isreplaced by 'charis', 'grace'; 'peace' has the positive sense ofwholeness or well-being.

Verses 3-9 are an act of thanksgiving (blessing) for the "newbirth" given "through the resurrection of Jesus Chris from thedead". The opening phrase, "Blessed be …" followed by the name ofGod, appears frequently in the Scriptures and often states thereason for offering thanks (eg Psalm28:6; Luke 1:68). The contrast between the readers'old and new life is talked about in terms of an imperishableinheritance (verse 4), entered through Baptism, and the varioustrials they will experience, which are understood as a way oftesting their faith and proving that it is genuine (verses 6-7).All this, says the writer, leads to them receiving the outcome oftheir faith, the salvation of their souls (verse 9).

To Ponder

• In what ways do you find the idea of being an 'exile' helpfuland/or challenging?

• Do you receive sufficient exhortation and encouragement fromothers to live the Christian life in your situation?

• How do you react to the understanding that faith is tested andproved genuine through trials and suffering?