178. What is the Function of an akrogōniaios Stone (1 Peter 2:6 = Isaiah 28:16)?

The adjective akrogōniaios is first attested in Greek literature in the Greek translation of Isaiah 28:16, where it describes a stone prophesied by Yahweh to be “the foundations of Sion.” The translator uses four adjectives to characterize this stone (lithon). It … Continue reading

177. Peter’s Critique of the ‘Ancestral Lifestyle’ (patroparadotos anastrophē 1 Peter 1:18)

The adjective patroparadotos occurs once in the New Testament in 1 Peter 1:18, a hapax legomenon in technical jargon. Nor was it used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament. The writer of 1 Peter uses it in an extended, … Continue reading

142. “A People for Possession” (peripoiēsis) 1 Peter 2:9.

In his summary description of the people of God one of the phrases Peter employs is “a people for possession (peripoiēsis)” (1 Peter 2:9). This terminology comes from Isaiah 43:20-21 where Yahweh addresses Israel, “my chosen race, my people whom … Continue reading

87. “Searching the Word” – A Prophetic Task
(eraunō/exeraunō 1 Peter 1:10-11)

We know that God spoke through selected people prophetically. Rarely do we consider, however, that these people themselves earnestly sought to discern the full meaning of the messages they were given to proclaim. The apostle, Peter, however, in his first … Continue reading

86. Getting Access to God (prosagein 1 Peter 3:18)

Within Jewish tradition gaining access to God was risky business. Those who saw God expected to die. When God gave instructions for building the Tabernacle, He was very careful to protect Himself from unwarranted human contact. Only the High Priest, … Continue reading