Category: Bible

The Excellent Glory

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2Peter 1:16-18 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

‘Cunningly devised fables’ Peter evidently refers to the fables of the heathen priests about their gods. He declares that he and others were eyewitnesses of Christ and His transfiguration (1:16-18). Today we have the fables (1Tim. 4:7; 2Tim. 4:3-4) are made up when so-called preachers tell stories to entertain and make their hearers feel good about themselves and their relationship with God instead of teaching the Word of God (2Tim. 4:2, 5) that was given that we can live purified lives (Tit. 2:14; Jas. 4:8) instead of in bondage (2:19-22; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 5:1) to the dictates of this world, sin and satan 1Jn. 5:18).

‘Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty’ this refers to the transfiguration which was an actual demonstration of Christ coming in His glory to earth to set up His kingdom (Matt. 16:27-28; 17:1-8; 24:29-31; 25:31-46; Rev. 19:11-21).

‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ God has declared by an audible voice that Jesus of Nazareth is His beloved Son (Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Mark 1:11; 9:7; Luke 3:22; 9:35; 20:13).

‘We heard, when we were with him in the holy mount’ three disciples heard God’s voice and saw the glory of God and the appearance of Moses and Elijah (Matt. 17:1-8) at the transfiguration when they were sent to confirm the following: The abolition of the lawof Moses (Matt. 11:11-13; Luke 16:16; Gal. 3:19-25; 4:21-31; 2Cor. 3:6-15; Col. 2:14-17). The fulfilment of prophecies of the sufferings of the Messiah (Luke 24:25-27, 44-45; John 1:45; Acts 13:29-41). Christ as the Messiah, the sole authority from God and the Mediator between God and man (Acts 3:22-23; Heb. 1:1-2; 1Tim. 2:5). The reality and consciousness of departed spirits (Luke 16:19-31; Eph. 4:8-10; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 6:9-11). The immortality of the soul (1Pet. 3:4; 4:6; Ps. 16:10; Luke 20:38). The second coming, rewards and punishments (Matt. 16:27; 24:29 – 25:46). Physical resurrection (Matt. 17:9; John 5:28-29; 1Cor. 15:1-58; Rev. 20:4-15). The reality of the future eternal kingdom (Matt. 16:28; 17:1-9; Rev. 5:10; 11:15; 20:1-10).

In Remembrance

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2Peter 1:11-15 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ has showed me. Moreover I will endeavour that you may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. 

‘For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly’ ten things that guarantee abundant entrance into the Kingdom of God: Obtain like precious faith (1:1); increase in grace and peace (1:2); live a godly life by God’s power (1:3; 5-13); partake of the divine nature (1:4); escape the corruption of the world and the lust of the flesh (1:4); add the graces of 2Peter 1:5-7; let these graces abound (1:8); be fruitful in knowledge (1:8); live free from past sins (1:9); give diligence to make personal calling and election sure (1:10).

An allusion is made here to Roman generals who were given triumphal parades as a reward for some signal victory or conquest. A public and solemn honour was conferred upon a victorious general, by allowing him a magnificent procession through the city of Rome. This was not granted by the Senate unless he had gained a very decisive victory or conquered a province. On such occasions, the general was clad in purple and gold woven in figures setting forth his achievements. He wore a crown and in one hand held a branch of laurel, the emblem of victory. In the other, he carried his staff. He rode a magnificent chariot, adorned with ivory and plates of gold, and drawn by white horses. To keep him humble in the midst of all this a slave rode at his back, casting railings and reproaches and enumerating his vices and failures. Musicians led the procession; young men led sacrifices to be offered; then came loads of spoil, followed by the kings, princes, and generals that were taken captive. After these came the triumphal chariot before which people strewed flowers and shouted triumphant cries. Following this, came the senate, priests, and the rest of the parade.

‘Everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ this is the 1st New Testament prophecy in 2Peter that is unfulfilled. Scripture is clear that Christ’s kingdom will be eternal (Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-14, 27; Luke 1:32-33; Rev. 11:15; 22:4-5). He will reign 1,000 years for the purpose of ridding the earth of all rebellion, and then continue reigning over the restored and perfect earth forever (1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 5:10; 20:1-10).

‘Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them, and be established in the present truth’ in view of the reasons Peter have stated as necessary to enter into eternal life, he said that he will not neglect to remind believers of these things, though they already know them, and are established in them.

‘As long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance’ Peter stated here that as long as he alive he will keep believers in mind that there are certain conditions they must meet in order to enter into eternal life (1:11). ‘Tabernacle’ the human body (1:13-14; 2Cor. 5:1-9).

‘As our Lord Jesus Christ has showed me’ referring to the prediction of Christ in John 21:18-19.

‘Endeavour’ [Greek: spoudazo] to be diligent; zealous; earnest (Eph. 4:3). This word is translated “diligent” in 2Peter 1:10 and 3:14, showing Peter’s concern for Christians to make their calling and election sure by meeting the terms of eternal life. ‘Remembrance’ the third time Peter makes reference to keep in remembrance the conditions of entrance into eternal life (1:12, 13, 15; 3:1). Many today emphasize forgetting any conditions of eternal life. In fact, they teach that there are no conditions other than accepting Jesus, that the rest of the Christian program is up to God and that if one is lost it is God’s responsibility, not man’s.

Give Diligence

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2Peter 1:8-10 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall 

‘If these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ’ a guarantee against backsliding (1:8-10). We see from Philippians 1:9 “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment” that our love for God will increase as we increase in knowledge of His Word (His thoughts, His will; etc.) and we will increase in all judgment which is the Greek word aisthesis meaning discernment. His knowledge allows us to discern between right and wrong (Heb. 5:14).

‘He that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins’ this proves that one can have the graces and experiences of 2Peter 1:3-7 and then lose them even to the point of actually forgetting he was purged from his old sins (1:8-9). Peter exhorts everyone to be diligent, making his “calling and election sure,” declaring that they who do the things of 2Peter 1:4-7 will never fall (1:10). The doctrine of calling and election has been surrounded by many traditional theories and mysteries down through the centuries, but there is no excuse for this, as the term simply means chosen. Any person or group of persons selected or chosen of God for any particular purpose is the elect of God. Christ is called God’s elect (Isa. 42:1; 1 Pet. 2:6). A particular woman in a local congregation is called an “elect lady” (2John 1:1, 13). Israel as a nation is spoken of as the elect of God (Isa. 45:4; 65:9, 22; Matt. 24:22-31; Mark 13:20-27; Rom. 11:7, 28; 1Pet. 1:2). The body of Christ, made up of both Jews and Gentiles, is called the elect of God (Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; 1Thess. 1:4; Tit. 1:1). Angels are also called the elect of God (1Thess. 5:21). Anyone called to be saved and chosen for any particular mission is elected of God for that work (John 6:70; 13:18; 15:16; Acts 1:2; 9:15; 15:7). Every person saved is the elect or chosen of God to salvation (John 15:19; 2Thess. 2:13; Jam. 2:5; Rev. 17:14).

It is very clear from Scripture that final election to salvation is man’s own responsibility. The Bible is very clear that man looks on the outward appearances and God looks on the heart (1Sam. 16:7; Isa. 55:8, 9). It says that God’s ways are always righteous (Ps. 145:17). He is no respecter of persons (Rom. 2:11; Jam. 2:9). His will is for all to be saved (John 3:16; 1Tim. 2:4, 5; 2Pet. 3:9). God’s will and ways are made plain in His word and all who conform to them are loved on an equal basis according to the degree of obedience. This is how God will be able to judge all men according to his ways (Prov. 24:12; Jer. 17:10; Ezek. 18:30; 33:20; Hos. 12:2; Matt. 16:27; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 10:9, 10; 2Tim. 4:4; Rev. 20:11-15). God repeatedly declares that He demands wholehearted service from every man (Deut. 11:13; Josh. 22:5; 1Sam. 12:20, 24; Matt. 22:37). God constantly searches the hearts of men and deals with them in order to bring them to righteousness (Job 33:14-30; Ps. 139:23; Jer. 11:20; 17:9, 10; 20:12; Heb. 4:12). Therefore, God does not choose some to be saved and others to be lost and He is not responsible for those who will be lost.

‘Give diligence to make your calling and election sure’ the second time in six verses Christians are warned to give diligence to meeting certain terms of God lest they fall into sin and be lost (1:5, 10).

‘If you do these things, you shall never fall’ one will not fall away from grace (Heb. 6:4-6; 10:26-31) when living according to the given standard of diligence (1:5-8).

‘Fall’ [Greek: ptahyo] a form of [Greek: pipto] to trip, that is, (figuratively) to err, sin, fail (of salvation): – fall, offend, stumble, meaning to be slain, or to lose one’s favour or grace.

Life and Godliness

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2Peter 1:3-7 According as his divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 

‘Divine’ [Greek: theios] that which belongs to the Godhead. ‘Power’ [Greek: dunamis] inherent power; power to reproduce itself, like a dynamo.

‘All things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us’ this divine power is capable of giving one all things of life and godliness through the proper knowledge. ‘To glory and virtue’ the object of Christian calling.

‘Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises’ by His glorious power (1:3). ‘By these you might be partakers of the divine nature’ seven blessings of the promises are given: Like precious faith (1:1; Rom. 10:17); righteousness (1:1; 1Cor. 1:30); grace and peace (1:2); all things that pertain to life and godliness (1:3; Tit. 2:11-12); glory and virtue (1:3); the divine nature (1:4); escape from corruption and lust (1:4).

‘Corruption’ [Greek: phthora] moral corruption, decay, ruin, depravity, wickedness (1:4; 2:12, 19; Rom. 8:21; 1Cor. 15:42, 50; Gal. 6:8). Also translated “perish” (Col. 2:22) and “be destroyed” (2:12).

‘Beside this’ along with this, or by the side of your obtaining precious faith (1:1). ‘Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge’ there are seven steps in spiritual arithmetic: Add to faith virtue (Christian Virtues); add to virtue knowledge (1:5); add to knowledge temperance (Gal. 5:22); add to temperance patience; add to patience godliness (1Tim. 3:16); add to godliness brotherly kindness; add to brotherly kindness love (1Cor. 13:4).

Through the Righteousness

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2Peter 1:1-2 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord 

‘Peter’ he was one of the 12 apostles (1Pet. 1:1; Matt. 10:2); called Simon and Cephas (John 1:42); a native fisherman of Bethsaida (Matt. 4:18; John 1:44. Peter was a married man (Matt. 8:14; 1Cor. 9:5). He ministered primarily to Jews (Gal. 2:7) and was an elder among many others (1Pet. 5). Peter went east and wrote an epistle from Babylon. Nothing is given of his death other than what is given in John 21:18-19. The theme of this epistle is to exhort believers to stand true in all kinds of suffering, and to set forth the true grace of God (1Pet. 5:12).

‘An apostle of Jesus Christ’ the Greek word apostolos meaning a delegate, one sent with full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of Christians, it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went.

‘Precious’ [Greek: isotimos] equal honour. It refers to valuable and costly faith; faith of a great price.

‘Righteousness of God’ the true and costly faith comes through the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ, or through their method of redemption of the lost world (Rom. 10:17).

‘And our Saviour Jesus Christ’ the Greek reads, “our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Peter thus declares that Jesus is God as much as the Father and the Holy Spirit.

‘Jesus our Lord’ ten things about Jesus Christ: Peter’s Master – servant of Christ (1:2); made Peter an apostle (Mark 3:14-19); source of precious faith (Acts 3:16); source of righteousness (1Cor. 1:30); He is God (John 1:1-2); He is Saviour (John 4:42; Acts 5:31); source of grace (John 1:16-17); source of peace (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14); associated with God the Father as the source of knowledge (Eph. 1:1-23;17; 4:13); a separate person from God the Father (1:2; 1Jn. 5:7).

‘Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord’ as our knowledge of the Father and Son increases when we study the Word (Php. 1:9) our relationship grows and so the blessings we receive from the gospel which includes grace and peace. To be kept in continued grace we have to live and walk in the Spirit (Rom. 8:1-13; Gal. 5:5; 16-26; Col. 3:5-10); be patient in hope (Rom. 8:24; Gal. 5:5; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:19); continue in Christ (John 15:1-8; Gal. 5:6; Col. 2:6-7; Heb. 3:14), and continue in faith (Gal. 5:6; Col. 1:23). To have the peace of God one must be in Christ Jesus, which means to be in unity with Him and of one mind with His Word. We must permit the peace of God to garrison or keep your heart and mind through Jesus Christ (Php. 4:7) without allowing the cares of this world to consume our hearts and minds.

Peace Be With You

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1Peter 5:12-14 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein you stand. The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, salutes you; and so doth Marcus my son. Greet you one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen. 

‘Silvanus’ the same as Silas (2Cor. 1:19; 1Thess. 1:1; 2Thess. 1:1). Paul’s companion on his second missionary journey. He took part in the founding of the congregations in Macedonia (Acts 15:40-18:18). He was a chief man in the congregation at Jerusalem. Took Peter’s letter to Asia Minor (5:12).

‘The church that is at Babylon’ the congregation of believers at Babylon, not the modern version of churches as we know it today.

‘Babylon’ this refers to the city of Babylon on the River Euphrates, the only literal Babylon mentioned in Scripture. It is a historical fact that Babylon was still in existence at that time and that there were many Jews there. Josephus writes of Babylon about the same time.

‘Marcus’ this is John Mark, a convert of Peter and the author of the Gospel of Mark. He was the nephew of Barnabas (Col. 4:10) and a disciple of Jesus (Acts 12:12). Paul and Barnabas took him on the first missionary journey but he got homesick and left the party (Acts 12:25; 13:5, 13). Paul and Barnabas separated over Mark when they started on the second missionary journey (Acts 15:33-39). He later worked with Paul (Col. 4:10-11; 2Tim. 4:11; Phm. 1:24). He was not the actual son of Peter, but a son in the faith in the same way that Timothy and Titus were sons of Paul (1Tim. 1:2; Tit. 1:4).

‘Greet you one another with a kiss of charity’ this was the eastern greeting, as well as a way that the Christian believers greeted one another (5:14; Rom. 16:16; 1Cor. 16:20; 2Cor. 13:12; 1Thess. 5:26).

‘Peace be with you’ to have the peace of God one must be in Christ Jesus, that means to be in unity with Him and of one mind with His Word. We must permit the peace of God to garrison or keep your heart and mind through Jesus Christ (Php. 4:7) without allowing the cares of this world to consume our hearts and minds. Men have peace societies, temples, and plans, but arm for war all the while. They killed the Prince of Peace (Acts 4:27) and ignore Him still, so they will have no peace until He comes to reign (Ps. 2:1-12; 1Thess. 5:3; 1Cor. 15:24-28). In John 14:27 we have the following reassurance of Christ: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” To maintain this peace we must not allow our hearts to be troubled (John 14:1) and not be afraid or fearful (2Tim. 1:7).

Be Sober and Vigilant

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1Peter 5:8-11 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

‘Sober’ [Greek: nepho] to live soberly, to drink no intoxicants; live soberly and righteously (Tit. 2:11-12). Translated be sober (1:13; 5:8; 1Thess. 5:6, 8) and watch (4:7; 2Tim. 4:5). It was counted a disgrace even among the heathen to be drunk in the day, hence the admonition to live as children of light and of the day (1Thess. 5:5-8).

‘Vigilant’ [Greek: gregoreo] to be awake. Translated “vigilant” (5:8); “wake” (1Thess. 5:10); “watchful” (Rev. 3:2); and “watch” 20 times (Matt. 24:42-43; 25:13; Acts 20:31; 1Cor. 16:13, Col. 4:2; 1Thess. 5:6; Rev. 3:3; 16:15; etc.). Never be off your guard. Be ready every moment to resist the devil (5:9; Jas. 4:7; Eph. 4:27).

‘Adversary’ [Greek: antidikos] an opponent in a suit; properly the defendant, but also the plaintiff or the one who brings suit.

‘Devil’ twenty-one names and titles of satan: Devil (5:8; Matt. 4:1-11; Eph. 6:11); adversary (5:8; 1Tim. 5:14); satan (Luke 10:18; 11:18; Rev. 12:9); Belial (2Cor. 6:15; Deut. 13:13); Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14); dragon (Rev. 12:3-17; 13:2-11; 20:2); serpent (2Cor. 11:3; Rev. 12:9); enemy (Matt. 13:39; Luke 10:19); tempter (Matt. 4:3; 1Thess. 3:5); wicked one (Matt. 13:19; 1Jn. 5:18); Beelzebub (Matt. 10:25; 12:24); the god of this world (2Cor. 4:4); the prince of this world (John 12:31); accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10); prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:1-3; 5:12); the anointed cherub (Ezek. 28:11-17); angel of light (2Cor. 11:14); prince of devils (Matt. 12:24); the thief (John 10:10); king over all the children of pride (Job 41:34); leviathan (Job 41:1; Isa. 27:1).

‘Roaring lion’ seven things satan is compared to a roaring lion (5:8); a fowler (Ps. 91:3); fowls (Matt. 13:4, 19); a wolf (John 10:12); a thief (John 10:10); a serpent (Rev. 12:9; 20:3); a great red dragon (Rev. 12:3-12).

‘Walks about, seeking whom he may devour’ clear examples of how satan seeks to devour believers as clearly seen in Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7. He cannot devour just anyone therefore he constantly seeks those who will allow him through disobedience and ignorance of God Word.

‘Devour’ [Greek: katapino] to gulp down. Translated “devour” (5:8); “drown” (Heb. 11:29); “swallow” (Matt. 23:24); and “swallow up” (1Cor. 15:54; 2Cor. 2:7; 5:7; Rev. 12:16). It is not everyone that satan can gulp down. Those who obey the eight commands of 1Peter 5:5-9, cannot be swallowed up by him.

‘Whom resist stedfast in the faith’ this method of satanic defeat is open to every child of God (Jas. 4:7).

‘Same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world’ these refer to persecutions of Christians in all the world and not to diseases. The word for afflictions means the same as the sufferings of Christ in 1Peter 5:1, and not to sicknesses and diseases. It is [Greek: pathema] a hardship or pain; subjectively an emotion or influence – and it is not necessary for Christians to be sick in order to enjoy the blessings of 1Peter 5:10. ‘Make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you’ four blessings from suffering persecutions are given: (1) Perfection – to be perfect (2Cor. 13:11). The Greek word katartizo meaning to adjust; put in order again; restore; repair; settle by mediation. Translated “mend” (Matt. 4:21; Mark 1:19); “restore” (Gal. 6:1); fit (Rom. 9:22); “prepare” (Heb. 10:1-39); “frame” (Heb. 9:3); “perfectly joined together” (1Cor. 1:10); “be and make perfect” (5:10; Matt. 21:16; Luke 6:40; 1Thess. 3:10; 2Cor. 13:11; Heb. 13:21). (2) Establishment in the faith [Greek: sterizo] strengthen (Luke 22:32; Rev. 3:2); establish (5:10; 2Pet. 1:12; Rom. 1:11; 16:25; 1Thess. 3:2, 13; 2Thess. 2:17; 3:3; Jas. 5:8); fix (Luke 16:26); and set (Luke 9:51). (3) Spiritual strength [Greek: sthenos] to bind together and strengthen so there will be no danger of warping, splitting, or falling apart. (4) Settling or grounding one in the faith [Greek: themelioo] having a good foundation.

Humble Yourselves

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1Peter 5:5-7 Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.

‘Submit yourselves unto the elder …’ eight commands were given to Christians in verses 5-9: Let the younger submit to the elder (5:5); all submit to one another (5:5); be clothed with humility (5:5); humble yourselves to God (5:6); cast all your care upon God (5:7); be sober (5:8); be vigilant (5:8); resist satan in the faith (5:9).

‘Humility’ [Greek: tapeinophrosune] translated “humility” (5:5; Col. 2:18, 23); “humility of mind” (Acts 20:19); “humbleness of mind” (Col. 3:12); “lowliness” (Eph. 4:2); and “lowliness of mind” (Php. 2:3). Humility is the secret to the following things: The glory of the creature (Luke 17:10; Rev. 4:11); redemption (Php. 2:5-8); riches and honour (Pro. 15:33; 22:4; Matt. 5:3); fellowship (Isa. 57:15; 66:2); soul rest (Matt. 11:29); personal salvation (Matt. 18:3; Luke 18:1-43); greatness (Matt. 20:26-27; Luke 22:26); exaltation (Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11); revelation (Matt. 11:25; Luke 10:21); unity (5:5; Eph. 4:1-3; 5:21); victorious Christian living (Rom. 12:10, 16; 1Cor. 13:1-13; Gal. 5:26; Php. 2:1-4; Col. 3:5-14; 1Jn. 4:20; 1Tim. 1:15; Tit. 2:11-14); faith (Mat. 8:8; 15:28; John 4:50).

‘For God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble’ quoted from Proverbs 3:34 and repeated in James 4:6.

‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God’ mourners and penitents used to lie on the ground and roll themselves in the dust (Jas. 4:10). When forgiven, penitents arose from the earth and clothed themselves in clean and better garments. People are privileged to humble themselves and seek mercy or exalt themselves and refuse mercy. Mercy is the result of the right attitude, and hardening is the result of stubbornness or the wrong attitude toward God (Rom. 9:18). Humble and godly people go through life with as little show and parade as possible (Rom. 12:16).

Feed the Flock

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1Peter 5:1-4 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away. 

‘Elders’ [Greek: presbuteros] presbyters, bishops, pastors, and overseers of the churches In the Gospels and Acts it generally refers to the Sanhedrin (Matt. 15:2; 16:21; 21:23; 26:3; Acts 4:5, 8, 23). In the early stages of the body of Christ, elders were the ministers and deacons, or preaching elders and business elders of the local congregations (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 16:4; 20:17, 28; 21:18; 1Tim. 5:17; Tit. 1:5; Jas. 5:14). All apostles were elders (Acts 11:30; 1Pet. 5:1; 2Jn. 1:1; 3Jn. 1:1), but all elders were not apostles (Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4). The elders of Acts 20:17 were the overseers of Acts 20:28. The elders of 1Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5-10 and 1Peter 5:1-2 were preaching elders or bishops. The business elders were deacons (Acts 6:1-15). Bishops and deacons are mentioned in Philippians 1:1 and 1Timothy 3:1-13. The word presbuteros is also used of older men and women (Luke 15:25; John 8:9; Acts 4:22; 17:1-34; 1Tim. 5:2). It is used also of heavenly ranks (Rev. 4:4, 10; 5:6, 8, 11, 14; 7:11, 13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4). It is found 68 times and is translated “elder” except in John 8:9 and Acts 2:17; 4:22.

‘Elder’ [Greek: sumpresbuteros] a fellow elder; one on the same level with yourselves. Peter was not the first pope, the prince of the apostles, or the head of the church, as is falsely claimed by false religions, because he certainly missed the opportunity here of making this clear to all believers. Five things that Peter did claim to be: A servant of Jesus Christ (2Pet. 1:1); an apostle of Jesus Christ (1Pet. 1:1); a fellow elder (1Pet. 5:1); a witness of the sufferings of Christ (1Pet. 5:1; Acts 5:32) and a partaker of the glory (1Pet. 5:1).

‘Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly’ six commands to the elders (5:2-3): Feed [with the Word of God] the flock of God, but don’t fleece them. Take oversight of the flock of God. Serve God and His flock willingly. Serve readily, not for personal gain. Do not be lords over God’s heritage. Be examples to the flock.

‘Feed the flock of God’ Peter was commanded this by Jesus Christ in person as we see in John 21:15 “Feed my lambs” and verses 16 and 17: “Feed my sheep” [Greek: bosko] to feed, tend a flock, provide pasture for, take care of, guide, lead, defend, govern, and shepherd My lambs.

‘Filthy lucre’ the Greek word aischrokerdos that means eagerness for base gain.

‘Lords over God’s heritage’ not exercising lordship or rulership over the flock that is under you, but being examples in utter humility and service. ‘Ensamples’ [Greek: tupos] example (5:3; Php. 3:17; 1Cor. 10:6, 11; 1Thess. 1:7; 2Thess. 3:9; 1Tim. 4:12); pattern (Tit. 2:7; Heb. 8:5); manner (Acts 23:25); fashion (Acts 7:44); form (Rom. 6:17); figure (Acts 7:43; Rom. 5:14); and print (John 20:25).

‘Shepherd’ Jesus Christ is the “when the chief Shepherd shall appear.” Hebrew 13:20 says: “our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep.” Ten titles of Christ: The shepherd (Gen. 49:24; Zech. 13:7; Matt. 26:31; Mark 14:27); my shepherd (man’s, Ps. 23:1); o shepherd of Israel (Ps. 80:1; Isa. 40:11; 63:11); one shepherd (Ezek. 34:23; Ezek. 37:24); My shepherd (God’s, Zech. 13:7); the shepherd of the sheep (John 10:2); the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14); great shepherd of the sheep (Heb. 13:20); the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls (2:25); the chief Shepherd (5:4).

‘Crown of glory that fades not away’ crowns are laid up for all who prove true, but possessed of none until time of reward. Ten crowns are mentioned in Scripture, of which five will be given to believers at the judgment seat of Christ (2Cor. 5:10) after the Rapture: Crown of honour (Pro. 12:4; 17:6; Est. 8:15; Job 19:9); crown of kings (2Sam. 12:30; Est. 1:11; 2:17; Rev. 19:12-16); High Priest’s crown (Ex. 29:6); a crown of pride (Isa. 28:1-5); the crown of thorns (Matt. 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2-5); crown of glory (5:4; Pro. 4:9; 16:31; Isa. 62:3); crown of righteousness (2Tim. 4:8); the crown of life (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10); incorruptible crown (1Cor. 9:25); soul winner’s crown (1Thess. 2:19).

Them that Suffer

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Peter 4:15-19 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 

‘Busybody’ the inspector of another; meddling in the affairs of others and forgetting his own (Lev. 19:16; Pro. 20:3; 2Thess. 3:11-12; 1Tim. 5:13).

Christian suffering does not consist of suffering for murder or as a thief, for being an evildoer or a busybody (4:15); or for suffering for any crime listed in Romans 1:18-32; 1Corinthians 6:9-11 and Galatians 5:19-21.

‘Christian’ this so-often misused word means Christ-like or to be like Christ. The meaning of this definition are clearly explained in 1Peter 2:21-23 when He is given as the example for us to follow in.

‘Judgment’ [Greek: krima] meaning judgment, damnation and punishment. If the righteous are found sinning He judges them first, and if they are found righteous He delivers them from judgment (Gen. 18:23-32; 19:22; Ex. 14:13-31; Ezek. 9:1-11; etc.). The idea here is that if God will punish the righteous when they sin, He will surely punish the ungodly. If the ones who are righteous are scarcely saved, there is no possible hope of sinners being saved.

‘Let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator’ let them that suffer for well-doing endure it and commit themselves to God who is faithful to avenge all such (Heb. 10:30-31). ‘The will of God’ always refers to living for God on His moral standards alone, not those set by traditions or society, or our own opinion of what a Christian should look like, so that we can set an example through our daily lives (not preaching) for others to give them hope, thus it will always be important to live godly lives (1:16; 2:21-23; Matt. 5:48) so that we do not cause stumbling through half-truths to others (1 Cor. 10:32; 1Jn. 2:10).