I Peter

The Epistle of Peter was written between 60 and 63 AD.  This epistle starts off by encouraging all believers to praise God for the living hope he has presented to them.  This Epistle is basically Peter's way of setting the record straight.  Peter was a man of many flaws in the Bible.  He was even rebuked by Paul when Paul was first beginning his ministry and Peter had been a veteran of ministry.  Peter writes encouraging the believers to be holy and to rid themselves of the filth of sin.  peter is the epistle that specifically refers to all believers in Christ as the new priesthood- one that does not operate a building made by human hands but rather a symolic building of svaed soulds made by the hands of God Himself.  There are various points in Peter which help us to distinguish his knowledge of Jewish customs as he ties in Jewish principles to Christ.  According to classical Christian tradition, Peter was the first pope.  Peter writes encouraging his followers to submit to their rulers and masters.  He writes one portion which gives gudielines for building a healthy family based on the Word of God.  Peter tells the wives that their husbands will be more attracted to them when they see the purityand reverence of theor lives.  In this he is speaking of nonverted husbands who through their wives' reverance may become saved.  Peter also writes with guidelines for Christian conduct.  he encourages the believers to always be prepared to give a reason for the hope they have.  Most people give the revelation for the hope they have.  This falls too much into the category of other religions when they do such because Christianity is the religious tradition that stands up best to the test of reason and even a lot of non-Christians would acknowledge that.  Peter writes a dpecial section on suffering for Christ.  Peter speaks of how he thinks it is great joy and that no one should be ashamed of the honor of suffering for the cause of Christ.  Peter writes the last chapter to elders and young men. He encourages them to be shepherds of God's flock.  He warns them to always be self-controlled and alert for Satan is always on the prowl like a lion looking for someone to devour.  If you want to know how a lion hunts after its prey, then I suggest you watch the Lion King.  Peter then proceeds to close the book with final greetings.