Peter is without question the most prominent of the disciples of Jesus. Based on Peter's prominent role, one would expect any letters associated with Peter to play an equally significant role among the New Testament canonical writings. But this has not been the case.
This inattention is unfortunate, because 1 Peter contains significant theology and pastoral care. Wherever the church has undergone suffering, 1 Peter has proven to be extremely relevant. Suffering is not usually a popular or attractive theme. But if Jesus and Paul are correct, the church will suffer. Whenever that occurs, 1 Peter stands as a source of comfort and guidance.
2 Peter offers a message today's believers should not be so quick to ignore. Believers can learn from the ancient message of 2 Peter to be on guard against postmodern forms of ethical relativism and theological pluralism. This letter reminds Christians that the only solid foundation for truth is found in the Scriptures and the apostolic tradition.
Jude is one of the shortest letters in the Bible. Sandwiched between the letters of John and the Revelation, Jude is arguably the least well-known writing of the Christian Scriptures. Nonetheless, the message of Jude is a relevant and needed warning against false teaching and pseudo-Christianity. Jude sounds the alarm against a form of Christianity that tries to separate Christian belief from Christian behavior. The chords of Jude's message seem out of tune in the cacophony of today's popular clamor for tolerance and moral relativity. But its message is as necessary as ever.
Daniel Powers moves verse-by-verse through 1 & 2 Peter and Jude after providing in-depth introductions to each book.
