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Acts 8:20
Peter answered [Simon the Sorcerer], “May you and your money go to hell, for thinking that you can buy God’s gift with money!”
Three Little Pigs
Only higher-quality material like brick could withstand the Big Bad Wolf’s attacks.
In verses 12-15, Paul reassures us that anyone who builds his life on Jesus’ foundation will be OK. However, if we won’t build well, we may jsut barely make it through trials.
So pick the right foundation, then build on it well.
Style
I appreciate Peter’s writing style. He bounces around from idea to idea, and you never quite know where he’ll end up.
Suffering II
In verses 12-19, Peter tells us not to be surprised by our suffereing. It is to be expected.
Outline of 1 Peter 1
- Greeting
- Confidence in Jesus
- Hope through Jesus
Relationships
Peter has a lot to say about relationships in this letter. This is an important focus.
College Study
I last studied 1 Peter with Mr. and Mrs. Babcock and a group of college students at Pearce Memorial Church when I was a freshman at Roberts back in 1996.
What I remember most clearly is our focus on the many names Peter uses for Christians in this letter: living stones, spiritual house, holy priesthood, chosen people, holy nation, God’s special possession, the people of God.
Difficult to Understand
Peter writes in 4:6 that the Good News was preached to the dead.
This is a huge stretch theologically for a conservative Protestant. But it’s exactly what Peter writes.
I wonder what this means.
Peter and Paul
The argument over which person is the greater Christian is unnecessary.
Both were devoted followers of Christ.
See Paul’s own words on this matter in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.
Peter’s Vision Review
In verses 7-11, Peter again tells about his vision of the sheet with the unclean animals.
This is more evidence that the early believers should make it easier for Gentiles to join the church.
