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 - May 23, 2003
Profiles in Providence #5
Timothy came from a home with a Jewish mother and unbeliever father (Phi 2:19-24). Timothy had "proven character" - refined through testing. Epharoditus "a brother.... a fellow worker.... fellow soldier ... a messenger (courier) ... a minister" (Phi 2:25-30). Similarly, Abraham,, Moses, David have summaries (Ecc 7:1, Ecc 7:8) of their life (Heb 3:5, Gen 15:6, Act 13:22). The "end of the matter": the providence is necessary for a good name; no one is born with a proven reputation; the only way to gain a proven reputation is to seek the things of Christ; the only way to make us whole is by breaking us; God uses the crooked things of life for our humility; as we submit to God's refining process, we begin to "lay hold of that which Christ has layed hold of us" (Phi 3:12, Luk 19:10). Circumcision is separation from our flesh. Paul had to let go of his reputation in the law to gain the reputation of faith in Christ (Phi 3:9).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Philippians 3:12, Philippians 2:19-24, Acts 13:22, Genesis 15:6, Hebrews 3:5, Ecclesiastes 7:8, Philippians 3:9, Ecclesiastes 7:1, Luke 19:10, Philippians 2:25-30
From Series: "Philippians - Profiles in Providence - Florida 2008"
Philippians 1:12 starts out "Now I want you to know brethren that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the Gospel". It's a key verse in the letter Paul wrote to those faithful believers while he was in chains.