First and Second Peter are grouped in what are called the General Epistles, written to the Church at large. The theme of First Peter is the refining and growth potential in our sufferings, 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:6; 1Pe 2:2. This epistle was written to believers scattered by persecution throughout Asia Minor (1 Pe 1:1). The date was circa 64-65 A.D.—the beginning of Nero’s persecutions. First Peter is the best known and loved of these epistles, called by E.J. Goodspeed, “One of the most moving pieces of persecution literature.” This epistle is written to suffering believers, and is styled by Isaac Walton as, “affectionate, loving, lowly, and humble.” This epistle conveys an intense expectation of the Lord’s return as seen in 1Pe 1:5, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:13, 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 5:1, 1Pe 5:4.
Gene Cunningham - January 20, 2003
A Faith That Endures #1
The book of James is about suffering: Jam 1:1-2, Jam 1:12, Jam 5:11. There's a parallel to the Beattitudes in Matthew 5-7. The Greek words for trial and temptation is the same; God tests; Satan tempts. James may have been listening to his brother, Jesus who visited him after the resurrection (1Co 15:7). James and Job are the first writings of respective testaments and each is about suffering. Paul responded to suffering with confidence in God (2Co 12:1-10). We are being refined into the likeness of the Lord (Heb 5:8). James is writing to believers; "salvation" in the book means deliverance (5 times he mentions it in the context of trials). Rightly dividing the word of truth (2Ti 2:15, Jam 1:12): (1) Reconize source (2Ti 3:16, 2Pe 1:20, Mat 5:17-18); (2) Unity of scripture -- doesn't contradict itself (Mat 24:35, Joh 10:35); (3) Progressive revelation (Heb 8:6, Heb 11:13); (4) Every book has a purpose/theme; (5)Context, context, context (Gal 3:16); (6) spiritual illumination (1Co 2:10-13; (7) humility is paramont (2Ti 2:20-21).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Hebrews 5:8, Hebrews 11:13, James 5:11, Hebrews 8:6, James 1:12, John 10:35, James 1:1-2, Matthew 24:35, Matthew 5:17-18, James 1:12, Galatians 3:16
From Series: "James - A Faith That Endures"
Given a the Washington DC Conference in November 2007 this 8-part study in James examines our faith. We are to be 'doers' and not 'hearers' only. By this we are 'justified' before men (not God). In this way James complements (and precedes) Paul writings.