Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 181:723 (Jul 2024)
Article: The Warning Passages Of 1 Peter: The Power Of Indirect Appeal
Author: Timothy E. Miller

BSac 181:723 (July-September 2024) p. 349

The Warning Passages Of 1 Peter: The Power Of Indirect Appeal

Timothy E. Miller

Timothy E. Miller is Vice President of Academics and Dean of Faculty at Shepherds Theological Seminary in Cary, North Carolina.

Abstract

Though similar in background and context, 1 Peter and Hebrews differ in their strategy for encouraging endurance. This article examines Peter’s most implicit warning passages (1 Peter 1:17–21; 4:17–19) and considers his strategy in warning his readers. Though Peter never directly mentioned apostasy and never associated his readers with defectors, he creatively encouraged them to consider the fate of those outside the people of God. By doing so, he encouraged them to remain within.

The phrase “The Warning Passages of 1 Peter” may appear to be an odd title, yet an article on the warning passages of Hebrews would surprise no one. Hebrews is notorious for substantial warnings that punctuate the letter. First Peter, on the other hand, has no such reputation.

Hebrews and 1 Peter are in other ways quite similar. Both were likely written around AD 60 to assemblies under severe persecution (Heb 13:3; 1 Pet 4:12–16).1 Both epistles address audi-ences who were in danger of abandoning their faith in an effort to find relief from suffering. The emphatic warnings in Hebrews make this theme explicit (2:1–4; 3:7–4:13; 5:11–6:12; 10:19–39; 12:14–24). First Peter makes this theme explicit in its concluding purpose statement: “I have written to you briefly, exhorting and proclaiming

BSac 181:723 (July-September 2024) p. 350

that this is the true grace of God—Stand firm in it!” (5:12).2

Despite these two books’ similarities in context and theme, their strategies to promote endurance differ. Hebrews prefers a direct, strong warning, highlighting the result that will occur if one abandons Christ. First Peter, on the other hand, prefers an indirect warning. That is, though 1 Peter never mentions apostasy or hints that its readers might choose that path, at least four passages highlight the esch...