The lectionary reading for Easter 7 in Year A is split over two chapters in 1 Peter: 1 Peter 4.12-14; 5.6-11. The first part returns to the question of suffering, and both connects with previous teaching on suffering, and adds in new striking dimensions, in particular the mention of the Spirit.
The second part includes well-known encouragements to cast all our cares on God, because he cares for us.
In both, Peter echoes the teaching of Jesus, draws on the Old Testament, but also points to the reality of suffering for his readers.
The gospel reading for this week is John 17.1–11, the start of Jesus’ so-called High Priestly prayer.
The video discussion of that is here, and the written commentary is here.
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The passages you’ve discussed seem to be talking around the area of persecution or unfairness towards Christians.
Does 1 Peter 5:7 open that out to all suffering? For example chronic or acute illness? I’m not sure that it does. For that I’d think we’d need to find other verses.
What do you think? I’m uncertain.
Excellent and I understand you are discussing a specific lectionary but would have loved a take on the two immediately subsequent verses:
“12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it” – not sure of the antecedent for the pronouns “this” and “it”. The entire letter? Parts of it?
“13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.” Who is she who is in Babylon, and can we assume Mark to be John Mark the evangelist?
The sufferings, the standing, the grace and the Glory of God
Peter, as all the NT writers, uses the same format to describe life in The Way.
The which is reflected in the Gospel reading this week remarkably.
Chip Brogden at the School of Christ has a quite brilliant piece on this format@
https://theschoolofchrist.org/the-secret-of-spiritual-power
“Stand Fast in the Faith” is developed in “Stand fast in the Liberty,” Stand Fast in the Lord
Philippians 1:27 has, a call to believers to stand firm “in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” Stand[fast] in the evil day Eph6.
One might reasonably say Stand fast in the Grace of God, the power that works mightily in us, and in the Glory of God. Shalom.
Just started reading Tom Austin ~Sparks on the book of Judges* , on the right Way and the disastrous way. Chimes well with Chip Brogden at The School of Christ.
It really is important to be in and on the right Way.
*The Recovery of Spiritual Power @ austinsparks net.