The Life Of Faith
THE LIFE OF FAITH
1 PETER 1:13-21
Do we live every day with a humble trust in God?
Our salvation is so wonderful that “angels stoop down to look” (1:12), so Peter turns to our responsibility. His readers were to “pull themselves together.” The growing hostility to the Christians which came to a climax in Nero’s persecution in Rome and was no doubt copied in the provinces, clearly made them feel sorry for themselves. It is not clear whether we are to take “be sober” literally or “to exercise self-control” (NLT); Ephesians 5:18 is sufficient evidence that undue drinking did take place. They were to set their hope “fully”: there is always the temptation to hope that there may be some private relaxation. The thought is that his readers are to set their hope fully on the grace that is being given to them in the Lord’s appearing.
Since their hope was set on the future, they had to be “obedient” (1:14). The combination of “passions” and “ignorance” strongly suggests Gentile readers. Since they were children, they should show the character of the Father (1:15-17). Note that 1:16, just like Leviticus 19:2, can just as well be rendered “You will be holy …” Sanctification, making holy, is the work of the Holy Spirit, who sets apart his people for God—the meaning of holy—who are willing to be separated. “Reverent fear” is better than simply “fear” (1:17). “Your exile”: see on 1:1.
“You were ransomed” (1:18): to ransom or redeem belongs to the standard language of salvation in the Old Testament. The question to whom the price is paid is never raised; what is important is that God frees the slave. Mark 10:45 makes clear that a price has to be paid, though even here no recipient is suggested. The “futile ways” (1:18) are probably idolatry. Many are tempted to think of God like an earthly ruler, adapting his policy to circumstances.
The cross is an essential part of God’s purpose dating back to before creation (1:20). Neither the fall of Satan nor of humanity took God by surprise. “At the end of the times” (1:20), or ages; we are in the final age already, though only those who know Christ can enjoy the powers of the coming age.
Thought We must not tarnish God’s triumph.