Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 110th. Edition.
Dear Chosen Ones,
Today we begin a new series in our devotions in 1 Peter. This is one of two letters written by the apostle Peter and believed to be the first. This letter is written to Christians facing persecution, most likely during the reign of the evil emperor, Nero. It is a call to persevere, in view of the fact that their salvation was bought with the blood of God’s son (1:18-19). Today’s passage (1 Peter 1:1-2) is typical of the preambles in letters of that time.
Introduction (v. 1). Peter describes himself as “an apostle of Jesus Christ.” Jesus had many disciples. Of these, he chose twelve, whom he designated apostles (Luke 6:13). This term, apostle, applied to a fleet or an admiral in common usage. In the New Testament, it means “one who is sent.” Jesus is referred to as “the apostle… of our confession” (Hebrews 3:1). Those sent by churches are also referred to as apostles (2 Corinthians 8:23). But the apostles of the Lord Jesus sometimes referred to simply as the “twelve” (Mark 3:14; Acts 2:14 – in this case eleven, with Peter as the twelfth) or “the apostles” (Acts 2:43). This was a special designation for the people who would represent Jesus. It was an exclusive club, to which only two were added, Matthias, to replace Judas (Acts 1:21-26), and Paul (1 Timothy 1:1). There are people who claim to be apostles today. That is okay, but whose apostles are they?
Identification (v. 2a). Peter says that he is writing to “pilgrims of the dispersion.” The word pilgrim means stranger, foreigner, or alien. Christians do not belong in this world. We are aliens without a home, looking forward to our home with our savior. These pilgrims are scattered in an area that forms part of modern Turkey.
Invocation (v. 2b). Peter wishes his readers grace and peace. As we have seen elsewhere, grace was the Greek greeting, peace (shalom) the Hebrew. Early Christians were a mix of Jews and gentiles (generally referred to as Greeks). But this was much more than a culturally sensitive greeting. Grace is God’s favor to undeserving sinners. It is a gift that is freely given, not earned by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace is what provides salvation, it is what sustains us. Peace is much more than the absence of war. The greatest turmoil is not in our relationship with others but is within us. A sinful heart is at loggerheads with God and is in a state of turmoil. When we come to Christ, we are reconciled to God (Romans 5:10-11). This reconciliation brings about peace with God (Romans 5:1), peace in our hearts (Colossians 3:15), and peace with one another (Romans 12:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:13).
The long and short of it is that there is no real peace unless it starts with peace with God, and that is only through Jesus Christ. Do you have that peace?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.