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Peter: The Zealous Teacher

While reading the Book of John, I became very curious about the ministry of Peter.  I plan to explore the other books of the Bible to learn about him and I am currently reading through Peter's letters. Similar to how I studied John, I will jot down some of my thoughts from the Books of Peter here. I'm finding these chapters interesting and full of good truths to ponder over. What strikes me is how it is plain to see how Jesus has taught Peter to be passionate about his commission and loving. This love is evident in the advice that Peter offers in his letters.

Let's look at 1 Peter, chapter 1 together.

I thought about how Peter is talking to people exiled from their homeland and living in different places. It's interesting how he encourages them to behave in a new way - a way of holiness. To me, it would seem like the natural thing to tell a person living in a strange land is to either: (1) blend in to fit in with the people in their new surroundings; or (2) stay true to their own roots to represent their culture. Peter does neither of these things. He reminds them that they are a new people now that they have experienced the truth of Jesus and know God. Peter calls them to live in a new way - to live a life of holiness and to abandon their old pursuits that do not match up with their new knowledge of God. He calls them to live a life that shows love to each other.

Peter was sure that these people could begin their lives anew. The frustrations, passions, beliefs of their upbringing, their culture - none of these would be a hinderance to them leading new lives. The reason he could believe this is because these exiles had experienced something more lasting, everlasting and real. They had experienced Jesus and the life changing power of the Holy Spirit. Because of this change, they were free from the shackles of their old selves and cultural influences and free to live in love and holiness, even through any difficult trial they still may have had to face.

I reflect on Peter's charge to these Christians and think about us living as Christians today. His hope and confidence in their faith, can be the hope we lean on today too. We don't need to be tied to our former passions that would keep us from living holy lives and from loving each other. Even when we face difficulties, we don't need to lean on, look back at, or use our former understandings to figure out how to move forward. We only need to look at the everlasting truths of God to know what is real and what will give us true peace - physically, mentally, and with each other. We, like the people Peter is talking to here, are exiles and we are being encouraged to live as people who are confident in the promises of Jesus.
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