Читать книгу 1, 2 Peter and Jude Through the Centuries - Rebecca Skaggs - Страница 17

Although all three of these epistles are some of the smallest in the whole Bible, they are filled with richness and vitality. In fact, 1 Peter addresses at least briefly all of the major doctrines of Christianity. Of course, these “kernels” would be elaborated, debated, and developed as the Church moved through the centuries, but this text indicates that these ideas existed at a very early time. However, the main theme of 1 Peter is the transformed life which for Peter almost always (necessarily?) includes the element of suffering. Peter also weaves throughout admonitions on the behavior of the transformed life and how to embrace this joyfully by God’s grace and hope.

In our Chapter 1 (1 Peter 1–2:12), he provides three special metaphors of the holy life for the individual as well as the community – grass, milk, and living stones.

In Chapter 2, Peter applies these concepts to three particular cultural situations of his time – the government, slavery, and marriage. His words on these issues have influenced and shaped theology, society, culture, the arts, and even relationships through the centuries.

Chapter 3 includes a special passage (3:18–22: “Christ’s visit to the spirits in prison”), which has not only been extremely controversial theologically, but has notable effects in culture, literature, and art. It is particularly important since it has led to several interpretations of the doctrine of the descent of Christ into Hades. Also, although it began as an emphasis on the work of Christ by the Resurrection, it expanded into the tradition of the harrowing of hell, which has affected literature, music, drama, culture, and especially art. A consideration of its reception in art especially sheds light on the development of this concept and leads to a greater appreciation for the effect and message of 1 Peter.

Chapter 4 is perhaps one of the most extensive passages on suffering in the New Testament – how one should respond to it personally, and how it comprises a component of the transformed life. The aspect of suffering as a Christian versus suffering in general is also considered.

In Chapter 5, Peter revisits the main themes of the epistle and applies them to the leaders in the church. He concludes with information about his location and authorship along with his signature doxology.