The Surprising God

This post exegetes 1Peter 2:11-25, providing context for the Epistles reading on 4/26/26, the 3rd Sunday in the season of Easter. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and by David Wheaton ("New Bible Commentary). "The Penitent Saint Peter" by van Dyck (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction In 1Peter 2:5, 9, Peter notes that as followers of Jesus, we serve as priests of God who are called to “declare the praises of him who called [us] out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Now as chapter 2 continues, Peter instructs us concerning the exercise of our priesthood. He tells us that our priestly calling includes living “good lives among the pagans” (1Pet 2:12). As priests of God, we are called to demonstrate to non-believers the reality of God’s goodness by living “good lives” in their presence. Peter defines this good life as living in submission to God’s will. And he goes on to show what this looks lik...

This post exegetes 1Peter 1:13-21, providing context for the Epistles reading on 4/19/26, the 3rd Sunday in the season of Easter. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and by David Wheaton ("New Bible Commentary). "Peter Preaching in the Catacombs" by Jan Styka (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction in 1Pet 1:1-12 Peter rejoices in what God reveals in the gospel: we are included in Jesus within the circle of God’s triune love and life where we share God’s glory. And now, in 1Pet 1:13, the connecting word “therefore” begins a new section  in which the apostle calls forth our response to this grace, which is to share actively and purposefully in God’s holiness. Let's now read 1Pet 1:13-21: Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you...

This post exegetes 1Peter 1:1-12, providing context for the Epistles reading on 4/12/26, the 2nd Sunday in the season of Easter. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and by David Wheaton ("New Bible Commentary). "St. Peter" by El Greco (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction Peter begins his first Epistle with these encouraging words: 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… .(1Pet 1:3) Jesus is alive—and we are alive in him! And though we face various trails, we are sustained by a “living hope.” This hope is not “pie-in-the-sky” wishful thinking; but the sure hope of a secure future that is assured by Jesus, the unique Son of God and son of man. In our union with him we have a “new birth.” We share his resurrection life. We are adopted as God’s dear children, and no ...

This post exegetes Colossians 3:1-11, providing context for the Epistles reading on Easter Sunday, 4/5/26. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and Peter T. O’Brien ("New Bible Commentary"). "Lost and Found" by Greg Olsen (used with permission of artist) Introduction  The theology of Paul’s epistles centers fully on Jesus and the creation and outworking of the union that all humanity has with him. Our personal realization of and active participation in that union proceeds in three interrelated steps :   1. Belong . This is the declaration of what is true already of all humanity, namely, that in and through Christ (our Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer), God includes all humanity in his life and love. He has made us all his dearly beloved children. And he has done this for us and to us, apart from any work or merit of our own. It is thus his gift of pure grace. And now the Spirit brings us a choice: to believe o...