1-2 Peter and Jude are letters written to churches experiencing various kinds of trials—false teachers, distorted views of the gospel, and harsh persecution. If 1 Peter exults, “Jesus will return!” and 2 Peter rebuffs the claim, “Jesus won’t return,” then Jude exhorts, “Jesus is just about here!” Together, these letters form a kind of manifesto of hope for living faithfully no matter how dark the times. This study highlights the importance of holding fast to the true gospel, living distinct, holy lives, and looking ahead to the return of Christ.
“In Christ, we possess the gift of gospel optimism. Gospel optimism insists that, no matter how dark the times, we have every reason to hope in Christ.” (Page 7)
“Marriage between a woman and a man is a wonderful gift, but it is also something meant to point to something else. Paul describes it as a profound mystery that ‘refers to Christ and the church’ (Eph. 5:32). The warm, relational, loving headship and submission of husband and wife are meant to depict the church’s relationship with Christ. We honor him with our respectful obedience while marveling at his loving sacrifice for us. This gives marriage between a woman and a man great dignity and divine purpose.” (Page 32)
“Peter discusses how we should behave as a corporate community. Calling us to unity, charity, and humility, he lays the groundwork for our collective witness amid a hostile society.” (Page 35)
“envisions the church as God’s true Israel, exiled in the world. However, a” (Page 8)
“When we were due to hang on the tree, Jesus hung there in our place. Over and over we see poetic glimpses of the gospel in this passage, glimpses into the substitutionary death, sinless life, and unfathomable love of Jesus.” (Page 31)