Sharing in God’s Community (preaching resource 5/3/26, Easter 5)
This post exegetes 1Peter 1:22-2:10, providing context for the Epistles reading on 5/3/26, the 5th Sunday in the season of Easter. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and by David Wheaton ("New Bible Commentary). "Jesus, the Cornerstone" by Tissot (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction The Jesus-followers to whom Peter originally wrote this epistle were facing the likelihood of increased persecution from the Roman government. Knowing this, Peter urged them to “hang in there” together—hold to the true source of their unity, namely their sharing together in God’s own nature. From all eternity, God—Father, Son and Spirit—is a triune communion (“common-union” or "community") of love. Through Jesus, who is in himself the union of God and humankind, all humanity has been included in God’s triune community. Now the Spirit calls and gifts Jesus-followers to both be and proclaim God’s community to t...