Wednesday 14 August 2013

Bible Book:
1 Peter

1 Peter 2:4-10 Wednesday 14 August 2013


Background

The author of this letter is cited as Peter (the apostle)although some believe it was written by someone else. The audienceare the Gentile (non Jewish) Christians in Pontus, Galatia,Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, a large area around where Turkey isnow.

The passage contains a large number of Old Testament references,including quite clearly the three in verses 6-8 but also referencessuch as the four names of God's people in verse 9 which can also befound in Exodus 19:5 and Isaiah43:20. A key reference is that of the 'chosen and preciouscornerstone.' The cornerstone imagery is first found in Psalm118:22, quoted here in verse 7 and in numerous placesthroughout the Bible. The concept is developed further in Isaiah28:6 where it says that God will lay "a precious cornerstone[for] a sure foundation".

A cornerstone is the first stone which is laid in thefoundations of a building. It is particularly important as it setsthe direction of the walls and so determines the quality of thewhole building. Jesus is described here as this 'chosen andprecious cornerstone'.

Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian Church not in thesense of a building but of a living people. In verse 9 the peopleare described as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,God's own people". These four Old Testament titles used to describethe people of Israel show that this Church, built upon Jesus thecornerstone, is a living Church; the people of God.

One view is that as the cornerstone is laid at an angle wheretwo sides meet to form part of a building, it shows that in JesusJews and Gentiles can be united. A unified community can be builtupon his example.

The passage says "like living stones, let yourselves be builtinto a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood" (v. 5). Theimplication is that these living stones should pay attention to thecornerstone, Jesus, and align themselves to his ways.


To Ponder

  • To what extent is Jesus the cornerstone of your local church?How far are actions and decisions influenced by his direction?
  • To what extent is Jesus the cornerstone of your life? How farare your actions and decisions inspired by his example?
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