Week of April 20, 2020
Bible Study for Easter 3A
I Peter 1:3-9, 17-23
The Second Readings appointed for several Sundays of Easter are found in I Peter. I thought that during this Easter Season our Bible Studies would take a look at these texts to see what we might mine from these words of two thousand years ago. Last Sunday’s reading was I Peter 1:39 and Easter 3 is I Peter 1:17-23. The lectionary does not proceed verse upon verse, but rather employs sections of this letter in sequence for our consideration. We will do a bit of a look back verses 3-9 (Easter 2) as well as look at verses 17-23 (Easter 3.)
This epistle was written to encourage Christians experiencing hardships and suffering because of their faith in Christ. The letter opens by blessing God for the living hope we have through Christ’s resurrection even amid difficult circumstances and surroundings. In I Peter 1:17-23, the imagery of exile is used to help the readers of this letter understand that they are strangers in a strange land. Christians no longer belong to this age. Through the death of Christ we belong to God, so that our focus, faith, and hope are no longer on such things as silver or gold.
I Peter is one of the most beautiful and encouraging books of the New Testament. While it claims authorship by Peter, the disciple, that is almost certainly not the case. It has been dated to the late first century, perhaps as late as 90AD, a generation after the death of Peter and Paul in the 60’s AD. In ancient times pseudonymous writing was not unusual and was typically a sign of respect and reverence for the teachings of the master rather than an attempt to deceive.
The audience to whom it was written is described in the first verses – the exiles in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) who have been chosen by God and sanctified by the Spirit. These certainly were Christians but were not Jewish Christians. In the earlier years after the Resurrection, Christianity was considered a Jewish sect (remember that Jesus and the disciples were all Jewish.) As Christianity spread farther throughout the Roman Empire, it became to be understood as its own faith tradition, related to but not a part of the Jewish faith.
We need to consider a bit of history of the time – after the destruction of the Temple and before the turn of the century. Some scholars believe that this time was rife with persecution of Christians by the Romans. That may or may not have been the case. What is clear though is that following Jesus meant that one was outside the societal expectations of the time. Christians were excluded from various occupations, social occasions, even family gatherings because they were viewed as having joined a cult or some other unpatriotic sect. Life was difficult and suffering was common. Our time in quarantine may feel a bit like that. What are you missing the most during these days?
Read I Peter 1:3-9 out loud. What are the words or phrases that stand out to you? Note that this starts out with words of blessing and thanksgiving to God. And then we read of a “new birth,” “living hope,” “imperishable inheritance,” a “faith that will result in praise and glory and honor.” Which of these strike a chord with you? Or is there another? Read I Peter 1:17-23. How does “Peter” want people to live during their time of exile? How might like that look today? The writer urges them to have genuine mutual love for one another? How do we do this in these times?
In verse 3 and in verse 23, the writer speaks of a “new birth” or being “born anew.” This has connotations of being regenerated. I think about the tulip bulb beneath the soil enduring the cold of winter and then bringing forth beautiful flower. I think about a seed planted and watered and then eventually germinating – shedding its outer shell as a sliver of green appears. Where would you most desire seeing “new birth” today?
Let us pray: Eternal God, amid all the turmoil and changes of the world, your love is steadfast and your strength never fails. Amid this time of sickness and trouble and distress, be to us a sure guardian and rock of defense. Guide the leaders of our nation with your wisdom, comfort all who serve in this time of need, grant healing to the sick and comfort to the dying, give us courage and hope to face the future because of the resurrection of your Son, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
