Thoughts In 2 Peter 1:1-3 – Number 5 - Grace And Peace Be Multiplied To You Series

THOUGHTS IN 2 PETER 1:1-3 – Number 5 - GRACE AND PEACE BE MULTIPLIED TO YOU

[1]. THE INTRODUCTION

What does one place in the introduction to a letter? I suppose that depends on how familiar you are to your readers, and what previous information has been imparted to them. We shall now see what particulars were raised in the first three verses of the introduction to Peter’s second letter, and it will be noted that these were of significance to Peter.

An interesting exercise is to compare the openings to each of the New Testament books to see the immediate thoughts of the writers. I love the way the Gospel of Luke comes face to face with us – {{Luke 1:1-2 “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word have handed them down to us,”}}

Luke wants to establish the authenticity of His historic account and sets that out in the first 4 verses. Of all the New Testament writers Luke comes over as precise and accurate, though every book is covered by the inspiration of God. The letter to the Hebrews gets right to the point.- {{Hebrews 1:1-2 “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”}}

I do not doubt Paul’s authorship of Hebrews, and as it is appealing to his fellow countrymen who despised Paul, it is natural that his name would be withheld from the book. Hebrews sets out the arguments Paul would have used in the synagogues in presenting the gospel to the Jews.

[2]. PETER’S INTRODUCTION IN HIS SECOND LETTER

We look at what Peter wrote in this letter’s introduction – {{2 Peter 1:1 “SIMON PETER, A BOND-SERVANT AND APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the RIGHTEOUSNESS of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ:”}}. His first letter is not dissimilar to this one – {{1 Peter 1:1 “PETER, AN APOSTLE OF JESUS CHRIST, to those who reside as aliens scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen”}}

Initially Peter states his credentials. Paul always gave his authority as “an Apostle” whereas Peter declares himself as “bond-servant and Apostle”. What an interesting pairing this is. Some think the position of Apostle resides at the top of the tree, as some sort of primary hierarchy and exclusive position, an office to feel justly proud of. It does reside at the top of the tree, but carries an equal amount of humility in God’s sight. Yet here, just to let the readers know that Peter is a man of great humility, the Holy Spirit caused the word “bond-servant” to be written.

A bondservant is bound to his master/Master through choice and Peter knows he is just a servant in active service. Paul was the same. There is nothing of Pope Peter here! Nothing of being carted around in a papal chair with everyone bowing down to him. That is 100% paganism.

Thus you have a person designated as “apostle” by God, yet in his own estimation, no more than a grateful bond-servant, who in love and dedication, would bind himself to his Lord forever. It is interesting to see that Peter puts “bond-servant” first, a touch for certain, of true, unassuming humility. How beautiful was that relationship with his Lord. This is the man who writes this letter to scattered Christians (mainly to Jewish Christians). Even more than that, it is a true identification with his blessed Saviour in complete humility, for he follows the Master in this very attitude:-

{{Philippians 2:7-8 “but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”}}

In verse 1, Peter uses a lovely word (righteousness), one refreshing in its deeper application. All the “like common faith” “a faith of the same kind as ours” is with every Christian of every age and place, and is all bound up in the righteousness of God. What a position! God’s righteousness has been satisfied by the expiatory sacrifice of Christ, and flowing from that, is the impartation of His righteousness to us, making us acceptable in His sight. What a precious faith we have.

[3]. A SHORT LOOK AT VERSE 3

Let us move straight to verse 3 and it will not be a major focus in this message, but another time. In verse 3 there is the explanation of what this imparted righteousness means in our lives:-