Unlocking The New Testament

1 & 2 Peter 1

David Pawson says that 1 Peter is relevant wherever Christians are fearful of persecution. Peter tells believers how to endure for Jesus. So we need this letter today. It is warm and encouraging. Peter had known what it was to fear threat, now he knew how to face it without fear. Jesus had reinstated him after his betrayal of Jesus because Peter still loved him. Now he wanted to encourage others. He had gone from timid to bold with the filling of the Holy Spirit. In this letter, suffering is one theme, submission to it is another and salvation is the third theme. (He lived up to his own advice when he was finally crucified himself, asking to be crucified upside down.) Peter urged his readers to be sure of their salvation as it was their firm foundation, but also to stick together to encourage each other in the face of trials. He speaks of their ‘living hope’. Like Paul, he emphasizes faith, hope and love, as well as the priesthood of all believers, and that we believers are a holy nation.

 See Video

1 & 2 Peter 2

David Pawson shows that Peter is teaching what various aspects of true submission are. He also gives advice to wives to win their unbelieving husbands. David sees that Peter is advising his readers on good attitudes which will stand them in good stead when severe persecution comes. David quotes a friend: ‘If you are faithful in the little battles now, he will give you the grace when the big crunch comes.’ Peter reveals what Jesus did while his body was in the tomb. While the first letter is preparing the people for persecution from outside the church, the second letter of Peter emphasizes dangers within the church. When life is easy, people become materialistic but under persecution the church grows. Heresy is a subtle pressure. David says there were four symptoms of disease within the church: A corrupt Creed – their beliefs were being changed. Corrupt Conduct as a result of the first. Corrupt Character so that they became ‘more animal than human’, operating by base instincts – greedy and lustful. Corrupt Conversation – grumbling, rebellion. Peter shows how to grow in character and maturity.

 See Video

 Select Pages

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13  14 15 16 17 18 19