The Author’s Background
The author of the passage 1 Peter 2:1-12 is Saint Peter the Apostle, one of Jesus’ main disciples and his closest companions. He was originally named Simon, but Jesus later called him Cephas. This name can be translated as “rock” from the Aramaic language, so Peter is frequently referred to as stone in the Bible. This fact is associated with his role as one of the founders of the Christian Church.
The Author’s Message
The passage 1 Peter 2:1-12 urges people to unite under God, receiving his glory through righteous behavior (New International Version, 1 Peter 2:1-12). Peter was one of the primary people disseminating the teaching of Jesus. He acknowledged that the people of Israel have no unified religion; they are isolated in their pagan beliefs.
Peter wanted to spread the knowledge about Jesus’ teaching among the people of Israel. He saw that people lack good and kind conduct, which prevents them from getting God’s mercy. Jesus was chosen by God and knew the way to attain God’s glory through righteous behavior and discipline. However, the people of Israel could not understand the value of this person and did not believe his teaching. Peter, after the resurrection of Jesus, wanted to draw their attention to his blessing. Jesus, as a stone, was dead, but he came back from the dead to lead people to God. The author is saying that people need to believe in Jesus and together build his church as the priesthood. He states that every believer will be heard and blessed, while non-believers will see God’s glory when he comes.
The Message of the First Passage Lines
Peter, in lines 1-8, taught believers will gain spiritual growth by valuing Jesus as God’s chosen. The passage urges people to put aside all the behaviors that represent evil conduct. Instead, they need to strive for righteous conduct in order to achieve salvation. Peter considered people newborn babies, which does not necessarily mean recent converts. It also implies a new beginning and a new journey to God and salvation through the Christian faith. Peter underlines the importance of coming to God as he himself once did. Jesus, who is considered a stone as well, may not be considered precious by humans, but he is special to God. Believers should behave righteously to become precious stones as well. Believers will build a church that will contain a priesthood. Every person in Jesus’ church will be valued and will be a part of the community. Believing in Jesus as the one chosen by God will allow to acquire God’s glory.
The Message of the Last Passage Lines
In lines 9-12, Peter refers to the believers as God’s possession and the nation chosen by God. Believers should form a new nation united by God and under his mercy. Non-believers have no bonds together; they are isolated and have no nation of their own. Believers are members of God’s family, representing his value and mercy. They need to fight their human desires that come from their flash to attain excellence. Peter urges believers to keep their righteous conduct in the pagan society. When God visits people, non-believers will see the glory that believers received through their good and honest deeds. This will make them believe in the mercy of God and his glory. Therefore, Peter urged both early and modern Christians to trust in Jesus and his unique role in their spiritual development.
Reference
New International Version. (n.d). Bible Gateway. Web.