Beyond the Book with Dr. Akin: “Exalting Jesus in 1 Peter”

In the Q&A below, Akin, who also serves as senior professor of preaching and theology and Ed Young, Sr. chair of preaching, takes some time to answer a few questions about this recent publication.

What is the purpose of this commentary, and who is its target audience?

The purpose of “Exalting Jesus in 1 Peter” in the Christ-Centered Exposition series is the same as in all the other volumes: to present thorough and careful exposition of the truths of God’s word and the centrality of Christ in all of Scripture. By the way, with the completion of the 1 Peter volume, the New Testament series is finished! David Platt, Tony Merida, and I are very excited to see this come to fruition.  We are also very close to completing the Old Testament as well. All the commentaries, including 1 Peter, are intended for serious students of the Bible and pastors. That is our target audience. Though there are academic aspects to the commentaries, our audience has always been the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ.

How does the book of 1 Peter uniquely contribute to the Christ-centered narrative of Scripture?

1 Peter is written to believers who are scattered among the nations. They are actually referred to as “elect exiles” in 1 Peter 1:1. In many ways, the book continues the theme of God’s people who were exiled from Israel and Judah in 722 BC and 586 BC. God’s people may be scattered, but wherever they are, God is there with them comforting and guiding them with his presence. 1 Peter uniquely contributes to this theme as it reaches its climax in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ who lives with his people and promises to return to gather them to himself.

What has surprised you most as you have written about and grown more familiar with this book of the Bible?

I would say the most surprising thing is what is indeed the major theme of the book: “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.” Suffering is coming and it should not surprise us (4:12-19). Peter writes as conditions are worsening for Christians across the Roman Empire. The theme that rings out again and again in the five chapters and 105 verses is “Hope in the Midst of Suffering.” Repeatedly, believers, no matter where they are and no matter what they are going through, are admonished to rejoice when they suffer for Jesus because the glory of their salvation is on the way. Maintain your hope even if you are suffering, Peter is telling them. God is at work.

Maintain your hope even if you are suffering, Peter is telling them. God is at work.

What are the major themes and lines of argument in 1 Peter?

In addition to the theme of “Hope in the Midst of Suffering,” we also find the themes of “Holiness in Living,” “Submission to God Ordained Authorities,” “Trust in God’s Providence,” and “Leadership in the Church.” All of these come together to encourage those who are scattered everywhere to continue to walk with the Lord no matter what may be going on in their lives.

What are some of the primary challenges and encouragements that Peter gives to the Church then and now?

There are a number of challenges and encouragements in the book. As we have seen, “Hope in the Midst of Suffering” dominates the five chapters. However, Peter also wants to encourage believers in their walk with the Lord in very tangible ways. He wants us to live holy lives. He wants us to honor the God ordained authorities in our lives (It is important for us to remember that Nero was the Roman Emperor when Peter wrote that!). Peter has wisdom for marriage in 1 Peter 3:1-7 with challenges both to wives and husbands. He also wants us to understand the importance of Godly leadership which is made so plain in 1 Peter 5:1-4. However, I would be remiss if I did not note that, several times throughout the book, Peter draws attention to the atoning work of Christ and what he has accomplished on our behalf. He notes that we have been ransomed with the precious blood of Christ like a lamb without blemish or spot (1:18-19). He helps us understand that Christ bore our sins in his body on the tree (2:24). He affirms in 1 Peter 3:18 that “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (ESV). Everything that he says in the book finds its grounding in the perfect atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ and his resurrection as he bore in his body our sins and paid in full the penalty of our sins.

Everything that he says in the book finds its grounding in the perfect atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ and his resurrection as he bore in his body our sins and paid in full the penalty of our sins.

How does this commentary further equip readers to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission?

Peter is writing to believers who are scattered. They have been sent out by God to bear witness to Christ. Interestingly, the means God uses to accomplish this is persecution. Yet, Peter encourages his audience to remember that God is at work in the midst of all that is taking place as they live for Christ among the Gentiles, among the nations.

How has researching and writing this commentary shaped you spiritually?

This commentary has caused me to fall more in love with the writings of Peter and also to recognize once again how the person and work of Christ is the foundation upon which the Christian life is to be built and lived. There is so much practical advice in the book, and yet, again and again, Peter draws us to Christ and what he has done for us. He died for our sins and was gloriously raised from the dead. He is a living Lord who gives us a living hope. I could sum all this up by simply saying I loved Jesus when I began working on this book, and my love for him has only grown as a result of working through it. 1 Peter is a wonderful book for every Christian to soak in.