Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 155th. Edition.
Dear People Who Have Received a Faith as Precious as that of the Apostles,
Today we start our meditations in 2 Peter. In today’s passage (2 Peter 1:1-2) Peter introduces himself and his readers, as was the common practice in the writing of letters at that time.
Focus (v. 1a). Peter’s introduction of himself is worthy of note. Apart from his name, the other references to his identity point away from him to Christ. This tells us right away, what Peter considers the most important aspect of his existence. Choice. Peter identifies himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. As we have seen elsewhere in our meditations, a bondservant was a slave who had waived his right to freedom and chosen to serve the master, instead. This was a commitment for life. Peter was not forced into the Lord’s service. It was his choice. Commission. Peter also identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. The word apostle is from Greek and means one who is sent.
Its usage in common language implied a fleet and by extension, the admiral (commander) of the fleet. Although a commander was in charge, he always went out to accomplish the mission of the sovereign (king, emperor) who had commissioned him. Peter makes it clear that he is on Jesus Christ’s mission.
Faith (v. 1b). Peter identifies his readers as “those who have obtained like precious faith with us.” By “us”, Peter means the apostles. He wants his readers to know that in Christ there is no hierarchy of class. No doubt the Christians held the apostles in great honor and Peter probably more than the others. But all of us are where we are in Christ because of his righteousness, not our own. Peter is a sinner saved by the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed (ascribed, credited) to those who believe. While it is important to respect those whom God has placed in leadership over the church, we must not worship them or obey them unquestioningly. We should always weigh what is taught, to confirm that it is so said in the word of God.
Favour (v. 2). Peter wishes his readers grace and peace. As we have noted elsewhere, grace was the usual Greek greeting and peace in Hebrew. The church then was a mixture of Jewish and Gentile converts, so the use of both forms of greeting is deliberately inclusive. But there is more to the greetings than inclusivity. Peter adds “the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” In this, he gives both words a new perspective. Grace from God means favour that is undeserved. God has favoured us with salvation, although we did not deserve it. Peace from God is the unique bringing back to sonship, sinners who were estranged from a holy God. Grace and peace do not come to us automatically or inadvertently. We come to this wonderful experience when we hear the good news and believe (Romans 10:9-15).
Once we believe, we ought to continue to grow in the knowledge of God. The study of the word of God is not a preserve of theologians and preachers. It ought to be a daily exercise for every believer. This is how we grow in knowledge. So get that Bible out of the shelf. Dust it clean and begin your journey of knowledge.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.