1 Peter

Although the author of this epistle addresses "those who reside as exiles, scattered throughout" (v1:1) in an obvious reference to the Jews who were lost among the 10 tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, this is a text written for the primary audience of Gentile (or non-Jewish) Christians. The locations of the churches (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia), though far away from Rome, where Peter (the presumed but debatable author of the book) would have written this epistle, were known to him as Gentile churches, with Gentile congregations. Chapter one comprises the largest part of the first of three sections generally considered for 1 Peter (Identity of the People of God - 1:1-2:10; Responsibilities of the People of God - 2:11-4:11; Benediction and Responsibilities of a Church and It's Elders - 4:12-5:14). Verses 3-12 establish the identity of God's people on the basis of the great salvation Christ has accomplished, laying the foundation for the responsibilities of the people of God that follow in vv.13-25. As you read this first chapter, do not miss the themes of our salvation (hope - vv.3-5, joy - vv.6-9) and responsibilities (holiness - 10-12, reverence 17-21, genuine, eternal love - 22-25).

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." - Mt 16:18
The strength of the Old Testament Foundation laid by Peter in this passage deserves to be set apart for us to appreciate it better.
(v3) "Taste and see that the Lord is Good!"- Psalm 34:8
(v6) "I lay in Zion a choice cornerstone," - Isaiah 28:16
(v7) "The stone that the builders rejected became this cornerstone." - Psalm 118:22
(v8) "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." - Isaiah 8:14
(v9) "But you are a chosen people "- Deuteronomy 10:15
(v9) "A royal priesthood" - Isaiah 61:6
(v9) "A holy nation" - Exodus 19:6
(v9) "a people for God's own possession" - Deuteronomy 14:2
(v10) "For you were once 'not a people.'" - Hosea 1:10
(v21-22) But you were called according to the example of Christ "Who did no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth" - Isaiah 53:9
(v24) "Having died to sin, we might live to righteousness; by His 'wounds you were healed.'" - Isaiah 5:3.

As Peter opens chapter three with a 6:1 ratio of marital directives regarding spousal conduct toward each other (vv1-7), it is easy to consider this passage as chauvinistic. Modern worldly teaching would suggest this. We are quick to forget that the world desires to unbalance the order God perfectly created in all things. We lose sight of the fact that all things were created with a purpose, with our prosperity and welfare built into them (Jeremiah 29:11). The same is true here. Peter is not saying that the wife is to submit to her husband (v1) in her morals, intellect, or spirituality. This is a submission in function for the welfare of the household, the church, and the unbelieving community that can see the order of a household that reveres God and right relationships. The same is true in verse 7, as the wife is to be treated with honor "as a fellow heir of the grace of life," in an understanding way - "as with a weaker vessel." Obviously, such reverence paid to the spouse would not be coupled with a disrespectful use of "weaker." Because identically to submission, she is not weaker in morals or intellect, or spirit - but merely in physical strength. This is part of God's design that assigns the husband's role as her physical protector and provider. Otherwise, Peter would have found himself at odds with Paul, who clearly identified men and women as equal in Galatians 3:27-28. Note, too, that despite the protections of a greater caution given to women (six verses to one vv1-7) in a Christian marriage regarding their conduct toward their husbands, in both v1 & v7, Peter refers the wife and the husbands, "in the same way" back to 2:13,18 for being "subject to EACH OTHER. Hence "live with YOUR wives (v7)" (sunoikountos, dwelling together), harmoniously like-minded (v8), or literally "same-thinking."

As we continue through the Bible, the harmony of the biblical author's messages become more and more clear. James 5:20 and 1 Peter 4:8 both quote Proverbs 10:12. In James, "Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." This speaks to the covering of sin through action. James is calling believers to be active in turning sinners away from their errors and guiding them towards truth. He connects this act of restoration to the covering of sins, suggesting that those who are successful in carrying out this duty can save a sinner from death and spare them from the consequences of their sinful actions.
1 Peter 4:8 emphasizes the importance of showing love to one another and how it can cover a multitude of sins. It is written in the context of suffering and persecution, and it stresses the need for believers to love one another generously, even in the midst of difficulties.
Though different in context and emphasis, both James 5:20 and 1 Peter 4:8 indicate the way for faults to be "covered over." James calls for believers to be active in helping sinners repent and find restoration, while 1 Peter encourages believers to show love and compassion towards one another. Both verses convey how sin can be covered and dealt with in a way that promotes unity, restoration, and forgiveness in the church.

Just as in the previous chapter, the shared affinity for Proverbs between James and Peter is applied in similar but distinct ways. Here quoting from Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6 says, "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" This verse emphasizes the importance of humility before God, highlighting that God's grace is given to the humble. By opposing the proud, James is teaching that God is not pleased with those who are arrogant and self-reliant. Instead, the verse implies that humility is a commendable quality and that it opens the door to receiving more of God's grace.
1 Peter 5:5 also emphasizes the importance of humility, but it is specifically directed toward relationships within the Christian community. Peter is calling for believers to humbly submit to their elders and to treat each other with gentleness and kindness while echoing the same message as James 4:6, that God gives grace to those who are humble.
Both James and Peter emphasize that God's grace is given to those who are humble, while those who are proud are in direct opposition to God. While James 4:6 speaks generally about humility, Peter addresses humility in the context of relationships between believers and involves a call to submission to one another. However, both verses illustrate the importance of humility when dealing with others and before God.