Off the Shelf Sunday School--1 Peter 5
Warren Mueller
Christian Author & Lake Ecosystem Scientist. Manager Environmental Assessments at Ameren (Retired).
Benediction & Greetings (1 Pet 5:10-14)
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
1. Peter concludes by reminding believers that God has and will provide for them through his loving grace which brings blessings and enables us to endure. The eternal glory with Jesus far outweighs the temporary sufferings of this life. (2 Cor 4:16-18)
2. Suffering for the cause of Jesus strengthens our faith and commitment to persevere while enduring trials. The strength we need comes from God. We need to seek his will and trust that he will provide what is needed to accomplish it. God is almighty and he graciously gives Christians what is needed to become more like him.
3. The reference to Babylon is unclear but it may refer to Rome or to the city on the Euphrates River. In either case, Peter says that he is writing from a place where there are Christians who likewise have been called and saved (chosen) by the grace of God.
4. Likewise, the reference to Mark could be his actual son or a younger believer who is a son in a spiritual sense (perhaps John Mark who wrote the gospel?)
5. Love among Christians is a sign of the presence of God. We love other Christians because we share the same Holy Spirit, faith and identity in Jesus Christ. We serve the same Lord; we desire to please and follow Jesus; we love his word and cherish it as sacred; we desire to become more like Jesus and we look forward to the coming of his kingdom and being perfected in his glory. A kiss is one way to express this affection and common bond. Many families kiss or hug to show this affection and God given relationships.
6. Peter concludes by reminding them that their faith in Jesus has enabled them to be at peace with God and have a joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. (Php 4:6-7)