Week of May 3, 2020
Bible Study for Easter 5A
I Peter 2:2-10
You will remember that last week’s Second Reading and this week’s are out of sequence, likely because of the reference in last week’s text to sheep and shepherd which was appropriate for Good Shepherd Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Before we go more deeply into this week’s reading, take a moment to recall some of the background of this letter.
It has been dated to the late first century, perhaps as late as 90AD, two decades after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70AD. It was written to the Christians in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) who have been chosen by God and sanctified by the Spirit and are described as “exiles.”. These were Gentile Christians. At those times, 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.
Read I Peter 2:2-10 out loud. (you might also include verse 1 – so, as you put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander…) What are the words or phrases that stand out to you? List them here. Which of these strike a chord with you? Take a moment or two to reflect on them.
This section of Scripture uses many phrases to describe the people to whom it is written – exiles, aliens scattered throughout Asia Minor. See verses 4, 5 and 9 especially. What are those phrases? You may want to underline or highlight them in your Bible. What might they mean to those who heard them? Which of them resonate with you?
There are several references to “stones” and “living stones.” For Christians who were aware of the total destruction of the Temple by the Romans, not a brick left upon a brick, what might it mean that they are called “living stones?”
As the people to whom this was written were new members of the Christian community living in a society that was at odds with their faith, they were called a “royal priesthood.” At that time, a priest was commonly understood as being one who mediated between God and humankind. What do you think it means that these Christians were called collectively a “royal priesthood?” How would this priestliness be expressed and experienced? What difference does this make to us today?
In verse 9, the people are described as God’s own possession. Please look back at Exodus 19:5-6. There, the Hebrews newly free from Egypt by God’s hand are described as God’s “treasured possession.” What does it mean to you to be God’s chosen one? God’s “treasured possession?”
Also in verse 9, there is an important phrase. You have heard me say that “so that” are two of the most important words in Scripture. This phrase appears in a couple of different forms in the English. The NRSV translates it as “in order that.” This is the purpose of what precedes it. How is it now, in the midst of quarantine and uncertainty, that you see the Gospel proclaimed? What is something that you can do, however small, to proclaim it?
Let us pray: In our baptisms, you drew us into the community of faith and made us living stones. You marked us with the cross of Christ forever and we are yours. In this time of peril, we look to you and are grateful that you have made us a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and your own people, a cherished possession. Thank you. Equip us. Encourage us. Abide with us. Amen.
