Peter’s Letters to the Church

Peter was a glass-half-full kind of guy! Even in his early days of following Jesus, he was often the one who spoke first and acted first. Including stepping out of a boat in a storm, to walk with Jesus on water.

Peter seemed to have great faith and hope. And yet, that experience taught him that faith and hope in his own abilities could only get him so far. He would need to focus that faith and hope on Jesus. Otherwise he would sink in the water, and in life.

Later in life, Jesus put Peter’s optimism to use.

Jesus would use his natural disposition to step-out in faith, and his ability to choose hope when hope seemed lost. Jesus would call Peter to build up the church, bringing hope to those who were in hopeless situations.

Peter’s writings would in turn, bring hope to millions all over the world, and throughout history for over 2000 years. Years later, Peter’s writings would have such an impact, that scholars and theologians would give him the label, “The Apostle of Hope”.

Peter’s Writings

In the First Century, Peter is serving as an Apostle (a Follower or Disciple who served with Jesus), and is now a key leader in the church. He is writing to “…exiles of the Dispersion…”, from an area of the world that would eventually become the country of Turkey.

This is a group of people who chose to follow Jesus, but who have faced abandonment and persecution for it. This is a difficult situation for Peter to address. How will he begin?

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.”

1 Peter 1:1-2

The Foundation of Hope

If you’re new to Christianity, you may have heard Christians and church-goers throw around the word “Trinity”. This is a theological term used to describe God, as three Persons eternally existing as One God. And this is exactly what Peter is describing to these exiled and dispersed Christians in his opening statements.

Throughout Peter’s letters he will describe numerous specifics on how to find hope during times of struggle. However, in his greeting, God leads him to focus on the foundation for all hope, found in the Triune God, moving from the big picture (the grand Gospel story) to our individual lives.

1. The Foreknowledge of God the Father
   • God the Father knows you and desires relationship with you.
2. The Sanctification (Purifying) of the Spirit
   • God may be calling you even now, into relationship with Him.
3. The Obedience to Jesus Christ & Sprinkling with His Blood
   • God has made a way through His Son, to remove the sin that would prevent a relationship with Him.

If you’re struggling, this is where hope begins!

Do I need hope?

Today, some of us might need to ask ourselves that question. Do I need a firm foundation of hope?

The foundation of hope is found in Jesus. He has made a way to right relationship with God. And you can speak to him now, and give your life to Him today.