Bible study course
A comprehensive academic and pastoral study of the First Epistle of Peter, exploring its Petrine authorship from Rome (Babylon), its historical address to elect exiles across Asia Minor facing social alienation and verbal slander, its majestic theology of a living hope through the resurrection of Christ, its radical ecclesiology of a royal priesthood and holy nation, its ethics of submission and honorable pagan witness, its pastoral theology of unjust suffering modeled on the suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, and its summons to humble vigilance against the roaring lion under the care of the Chief Shepherd.
An orienting academic introduction to 1 Peter, examining its Petrine authorship from Rome (Babylon), its destination to the dispersed house churches of Asia Minor, the historical crisis of verbal slander and civic ostracism under the Roman imperial order, its overarching theology of living hope, and its call to stand firm in the true grace of God.
An advanced theological exposition of 1 Peter 1, exploring the doxological outburst of praise for regeneration to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the imperishable heavenly inheritance, the refining crucible of trials, the prophetic anticipation and angelic longing, the summons to holiness modeled on the character of God, redemption through the precious blood of the unblemished Lamb, and new birth through the enduring Word of God.
An advanced theological exposition of 1 Peter 2, analyzing the transition from spiritual infancy to coming to Christ the Living Stone, the corporate ecclesiological titles of Israel fulfilled in the Church (chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation), the ethical mandate of civil submission and honorable conduct, and the pastoral theology of unjust suffering modeled on the suffering Servant of Isaiah 53.
An advanced theological exposition of 1 Peter 3, examining the domestic witness of Christian wives with unbelieving husbands, the call to inner imperishable beauty, husbands honoring wives as fellow heirs of the grace of life, the apologetic mandate to give a reasoned defense (apologia) with gentleness, Christ substitutionary death, His enigmatic proclamation to the spirits in prison, the typology of Noah ark, and baptism as the pledge of a clean conscience.
An advanced theological exposition of 1 Peter 4, examining the militant summons to arm oneself with the mindset of Christ regarding suffering, breaking with former pagan debauchery, living in light of the impending end, practicing mutual hospitality and diverse spiritual stewardship, rejoicing in the fiery ordeal as sharing Christ sufferings, and understanding judgment beginning at the household of God.
An advanced theological and pastoral exposition of 1 Peter 5, analyzing the solemn charge to church elders to shepherd God flock willingly and without domineering, the universal call to be clothed with humility, casting all anxieties on a caring God, watchful vigilance against the prowling devil, the great doxological promise of restoration, and personal greetings from Silvanus, Mark, and the elect sister church in Babylon.