Review article
Faith in the First Letter of Peter
Ivica Čatić
; Catholic Faculty of Theology in Đakovo, University of J. J. Strossmayer Osijek
Abstract
Exploring the topic of faith in the First Letter of Peter, the author of this
article speaks about the position of the recipients of the letter. He analyses their close
sociological context as well as the broader historical context of social conditions in the
Roman Empire.
The article also gives an overview of the structure of the First Letter of Peter.
Then it analyzes individual occurrences of the terms “faith/to believe” in their closest
biblical-theological context. The focus is on faith as a means by which God’s power
protects us for salvation (1 Pet 1:5); faith that will gain praise and glory and honor (1:7);
the purpose of faith – that is, the salvation of souls (1:9); faith presented as knowledge
(1:14); the relationship of faith and hope in God (1:20-21); and faith’s final goal – by faith
and love the Christian enters into a spiritual house of holy psrtiehood (2:4-10).
In the last section of the article the author gives a very concise overview of
practical consequences, i.e. acts of faith as reflected in the specific attitude of Christians
towards socio-political realities, and in the obligations of their own lives (such as slaves,
women, men) and beofre the forthcoming eschaton.
Keywords
First Letter of Peter; faith; persecution of Christians; the social context of the early Christians; the effects of faith.
Hrčak ID:
266216
URI
Publication date:
2.2.2014.
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