Peter describes women as “weaker vessels” (1 Pet 3:7). That sounds like an insult. Is it? First, vessels in Scripture are almost always temple vessels, implements of temple worship. Hebrew 9:21 is one of the NT passages that uses the word in this specific sense. . . . . Continue Reading »
“Abstain from fleshly lusts,” Peter says in this morning’s sermon text, “which war against the soul.” It sounds as if Peter is saying that our bodies are evil, but that’s not what he means. Later in the letter, Peter warns us to put aside the flesh and the “lusts . . . . Continue Reading »
“How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb?” Nicodemus’ way of putting the question sounds childish; but it’s a common question. My life is a mess, and what’s done cannot be undone. Then along comes . . . . Continue Reading »
An SBL paper yesterday suggested that Zechariah 9-14 forms the narrative substructure for 1 Peter. Both passages speak in terms of a new exodus, both talk about the death of a shepherd, both describe the fiery trials of the people of God as an inherent part of the exodus. Why is there a fiery trial . . . . Continue Reading »
Wives, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or . . . . Continue Reading »
Another student, Peter Rae, came up with a chiastic outline of 1 Peter: A. Greeting, 1:1-2 B. Rejoicing in trial, 1:3-25 C. Abstain from flesh, 2:1-12 D. Submit to those in authority, 2:13-3:17 C’. Christ the example, 3:18-4:11 B’. Rejoicing in trial, 4:11-5:11 A’. Farewell, . . . . Continue Reading »
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