1st Peter- John McCarthy
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class provided a concluding review of 1 Peter, with significant focus on linguistic and theological insights. The teacher examined 1 Peter 5:13, explaining the Greek grammar behind the cryptic reference to "she who is at Babylon," where a feminine noun (ekklesia, church) is implied but not explicitly stated. This literary technique reflects Peter's careful communication during a time of persecution, possibly referring to Rome under coded language. The congregation engaged in rich discussion about whether 1 Peter was written specifically to Jewish Christians, noting how concepts like "royal priesthood," "chosen race," and "holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9) would have carried profound theological weight for Jewish believers familiar with Old Testament covenantal language. The class also explored the connection between baptism and spiritual rebirth, linking 1 Peter 1:3 (born again through Christ's resurrection) to Romans 6 (baptism into Christ's death). Finally, the teacher highlighted how Peter's instruction to expect persecution and maltreatment (1 Peter 4:4) connects to Jesus's command in Luke 6:28 to bless those who curse us, demonstrating that believers should anticipate opposition while trusting in God's ultimate judgment.
Key Scriptures
She who is in Babylon, elected together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark.
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,