INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTER.

Verse 1. Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ.

In the ancient Roman world, letters started with the writer signing the letter or stating who the letter was from. You then had the salutation, the person to whom it’s being addressed, and then the intent of the letter.

This is unlike our letters, which start with "Dear ..."

Peter is one of the twelve and a chosen Apostle from the start, unlike Paul, who introduces himself as an apostle or servant by the will of God. Peter wrote this letter 30 years after Jesus' resurrection, around 60 AD.

THE WRITER

Let’s look at this writer's credentials. Peter is one of the first disciples Jesus called to Himself. He is most mentioned in all the gospels. Some fun facts about him.

• He was the most rebuked by Jesus and the only one to dare to rebuke Jesus.
• He made the boldest confession of all (You are the Christ) and the greatest denial of all (I tell you I don’t know the Man)
• He was the most publicly praised by Jesus and told off most harshly (get behind me, Satan)
• He denied Jesus 3 times and was affirmed by Jesus 3 times.
• He was one of the 3 that Jesus took on some unique trips viz. Mount of Transfiguration.
• He was one of the first to run away from Jesus when he was arrested and one of the first disciples who ran to the empty tomb.
• He was absent at the crucifixion but was one of the first to whom Jesus appeared.

So, you see how much importance you give to a letter is based on who is writing it. Today, we get many spam emails promising all kinds of things. But when you get a letter from O.I.G.S (On Indian Government Service), you take its content seriously.

This book, written by Peter, is part of the canon of scripture and is, therefore, God-breathed and inspired. Therefore, we must pay attention to what it says.

It is interesting to note how Peter addresses himself. He did not use Apostle as a title before his name. He used the word to describe what he does. Many today have begun to use words that describe our calling and function as gifts to the body of Christ as titles. That was never the original intent.

Reflections:

• How would you describe yourself?
• How would you describe yourself concerning the Body of Christ?