1 Peter 1:3-9
This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on April 23, 2017.
First Peter addresses people changed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are newborn children in communities of holy believers on a journey of discipleship with him. Even though they are scattered among society, they are easily recognized because of their allegiance to Jesus as Lord. They are known for their fidelity to Jesus’ teachings, their love for one another and their enemies, their hopeful attitudes, their respect and obedience to authority figures, their gentleness in the face of mistreatment from authority figures, and their ability to speak extemporaneously when challenged about their faith.
Ironically, this lifestyle evokes greater resistance from those who do not follow Jesus (1 Peter 1:15). They suffer not because God is testing their faith or punishing them for wrongdoing. They are not facing the challenges of aging or disease. Their suffering comes as a result of their holy conduct (1 Peter 1:6). People push back on a believer because a Christian’s loyalty is to the resurrected Lord. For the converts, however, their trials are a source of joy (1 Peter 1:6; 3:13), a path of discipleship that Jesus demonstrated for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21), and an opportunity to bear witness to others (1 Peter 3:16-17).
In light of these circumstances, the opening passage from 1 Peter addresses a theme that believers facing similar conditions need. They find hope in their identity as newborn believers and heirs of an eternal inheritance.