First Peter

In the first chapter we have the Christian’s hope—a living hope. Though there are trials, the results will have an eternal weight (1 Peter 1:7). God’s daily government is to be recognized, and we pass this time of sojourning in fear, not because we are uncertain as to salvation, but because we have been redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:16-19).
In chapter two, verses one through ten, we have Christian privileges. In contrast to the Jewish temple, we are, as living stones, “built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). Christ is the corner stone. With our service God-ward thus established, we find there is also a testimony to man: “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
In connection with these two—our service before God and our testimony before this world—we experience God’s moral government in our lives. The ark and Dagon could not dwell together (1 Sam. 5:3). “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
Peter begins his exhortation with, “Beloved, I exhort you, as strangers and sojourners, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11 JND). He views the Christian’s pilgrimage as a pathway of suffering, in the midst of which we are to conduct ourselves in such a manner so as to bring glory to God. This applies both in connection with governments and masters, as well as in domestic relationships. “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14).
When our lives are governed by the will of God, we will suffer; such a walk must be at the expense of our own will (1 Peter 4:1, 2). A path of worldly excess may have its pleasures, but those that walk in it will have to give an account to Him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead (1 Peter 4:4-5).
We have a gift; we are to use it for the glory of God as faithful stewards (1 Peter 4:10). If we suffer for the name of Christ, then happy are we (1 Peter 4:14). None are to suffer as an evildoer (1 Peter 4:15). God works his ways of government first with those nearest Him, and so judgment must begin at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17).
The book closes with the aged Peter exhorting the elders, “Feed the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2). And to the younger, “Submit yourselves unto the elder” (1 Peter 5:5). “The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).