January 9, 2012 – 1 Peter 1 - 2:10

A few thoughts on these verses. Peter, from the introduction, is writing t encourage those that are being persecuted for their faith. Keep that in mind as you read it. Also keep in mind that we, Christians, are persecuted by the world today with all of its secular ideas and beliefs. So, as you read, think about those Christians that were in fear for their lives but continue to believe, but also take the lessons to heart and use them to persevere in your own faith journey.

Verse 17 says that we will be judged impartially according to our works. This is just one verse among many that point this out, but I wanted to highlight it in opposition to the theology of salvation by faith alone. Catholics do not believe in “faith alone” nor do they teach works alone, but a unity of the two with works being done with faith and both stemming from the Grace of God. Peter talks throughout the letter about the faith that will save and the faith that is had in something unseen, but here he does mention that we are judged on our works as well. And judged impartially, by God, not as the world sees.

Wondered what anyone thought of 2:3 and the idea that Peter says they have “tasted that the Lord is good” and whether that might be a allusion to the Eucharist. It jumps out at you that he uses the verb “tasted” when talking about coming into contact with the Lord. And directly before this he talks about infants longing for milk, that which they will consume and nourishes them. Two similar descriptions of the Eucharist, that we consume it and it nourishes us.