The message of Peter's first letter turned the world upside-down for his readers. He saw the people of the young church of the first century as strangers, aliens who were only temporary residents, travellers heading for their native land.
Peter speaks to our own pilgrimage when he tells of suffering now and glory to come. Stormy seasons of persecution were beginning for the church in Asia Minor. These storms rage on in the modern world.
Edmund Clowney believes that no true Christian can escape at least a measure of suffering for Christ's sake. Out of his firsthand knowledge as an apostle of Christ, Peter shows us what the story of Jesus' life means for us as we take up our cross and follow him.
Autorentext
Edmund Clowney (1917-2005) was formerly President of Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, USA, where he also served as Emeritus Professor of Practical Theology. He many books including The Unfolding Mystery and The Church in IVP's Contours of Christian Theology series.
Inhalt
Contents
General preface vii
Author's preface ix
Chief abbreviations xi
Introduction 1
1. The apostle to the Jews blesses God's true people (1:1-2) 11
2. Bless God for our hope in Christ (1:3-12) 27
3. Live obediently in hope (1:13 - 2:3) 42
4. Live as the people of God
I: The life of the spiritual temple (2:4-10) 60
5. Live as the people of God
II: The new lifestyle (2:11-20) 74
6. Live as the people of God
III: The new lifestyle (continued) (2:21 - 3:7) 89
7. The blessing of living with Christian suffering (3:8-22) 107
8. The blessing of living as stewards of grace (4:1-11) 135
9. The blessing of suffering for Christ's sake (4:12-19) 152
10. Living in the suffering church of God (5:1-11) 159
11. Final greetings (5:12-14) 180
Appendix A: 'Resident aliens' - literal or figurative? 185
Appendix B: Living rock, living water 187
Appendix C: The office of elder in the New Testament 189
Study guide 192