Exegetical Studies in 1 Peter Part 17 -- By: John Henry Bennetch
Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 101:404 (Oct 1944)
Article: Exegetical Studies in 1 Peter Part 17
Author: John Henry Bennetch
Exegetical Studies in 1 Peter
Part 17
[Author’s Note: The exegesis of 1 Peter, begun in 1940 by Dr. E. F. Harrison and continued in 1942 by the present writer, will be concluded now, although not every verse has been expounded. It is hoped that Dr. Harrison will again contribute material to this department of Bibliotheca Sacra, commencing with the next issue.]
All of three chapters have passed before us in scrutiny of the first epistle of Peter. The author’s final exhortation-his longest and most characteristic statement-was started in chapter 3, but not to close until 5:11. Several minor divisions make up the one grand appeal for the godly to suffer. First the fisherman asks his readers to endure woe because it spells blessing (3:13–4:6), second, because it spells fellowship with Christ (4:12–19), third, because it spells fellowship with the brethren (5:8–11). Just as the third main appeal of the epistle (2:11–3:12) closed with an appendix, so the apostle employs an aside in his present thought. 4:7–11 discourse on spirituality and its kinship with cordiality, 5:1–7, on authority and its relations with humility. A conclusion to the letter is drawn in 5:12–14.
Students of the New Testament observe that a closing doxology will summarize the apostolic work in which it appears. 1 Peter 5:10, 11 may do that very thing for the epistle here. “But the God of all grace [cf. the conclusion, 5:12–14 ] who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while [cf. the salutation, 1:1, 21, make you perfect [cf. the exhortation to spiritual growth, 2:1–10 ], stablish [cf. the exhortation to godly suffering, 3:13–5:11 ], strengthen [cf. the exhortation to hope, 1:13–25 ], settle you [cf. the exhortation to spiritual testimony, 2:11–3:12 ]. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (cf. the doxology, 1:3–12). With this sugg...
Click here to subscribe