Category:1 Peter (text)

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The First Letter of Peter (see Online Text) is a New Testament document.

Overview

(a) The Leader of the Twelve Disciples

Peter was the leader of the Twelve, and then the leader of Church in Rome, but not the only undisputed leader of the early Church.

Apparently he tried to mediate between James and Paul.

In his letter (and in the Gospel of Mark), Peter makes reference to both the teachings and the resurrection/death of Jesus.

(b) “Faith” and “Works”

The importance of “Faith” and “Works” is emphasized before and after justification.

People are invited to “prepare their minds” and “discipline themselves” in order to accept “the grace of Jesus Christ” (1:13). Baptism is “an appeal to God of a good conscience” (3:21).

But like Paul, he refers to Jesus as the “lamb of God without defect or blemish” and to “the precious blood of Christ” shed for forgiveness of sins (1:19).

(c) The Importance of Remaining “Blameless”

Like James and Paul, invite Christians to remain “blameless”: “like newborn infants, longing for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation” (2:2).

Peter uses the same language of James but to describe the condition of Christians after the justification: “Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time” (5:6).

(d) Social Injustice

Less emphasis on social inequality (versus James): “Fear God. Honor the Emperor… Slaves, accept the authority of your masters…” (chap. 2)

Less emphasis on the role of women (versus Paul): “Wives, in the same way, accept the authority of hour husbands,” while however inviting husbands to “show consideration” (3:1-7).

Overall, Peter’s position, as expressed in 1 Peter, was closer to Paul, but less radical, with some significant “corrections.”

External links

• Wikipedia

• Early Christian Writings -- NT Gateway

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1910)