Be Humble
Christians were under social pressures and physical persecution was at hand. The wolves (or the lion as 5:8 will address) were attacking the flock, causing it to scatter. Therefore, the shepherds were exhorted to diligently tend the flock.
WOMEN IN THE ROMAN WORLD
During the first century Roman world, women were in no way considered equal to men—being systematically regulated to certain well-defined roles. There were variations within this system due to social standing, wealth and other factors, but for the most part in the Roman culture the woman’s main role was to marry (usually very young), have numerous children (due to the…
But Also for Us
Be Unashamed
In the present context for those studying this booklet, our suffering is mostly along the line of inconveniences at best and insults at worst. However, we should remember that Christianity Today magazine issues a World Watch List each year. That is a listing of the 50 countries where it is most dangerous to follow Jesus. North Korea is the highest rated. It categorizes…
Every Nation, Tribe and Language
Be Decisive
Jesus warned his disciples about the response of the world to their decision to follow him: “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20). Sometimes the cost of discipleship is being maligned; sometimes it is being martyred. Since Christ suffered, Christians must be resolved to suffer whenever and however necessary.
Worship
Consider a couple of citations from two quite different sources concerning worship practices in the first/second century church.
They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternative verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud,…
Little Children and Jesus
Be Righteous; Be Baptized
Be Righteous, 1 Peter 3:8-17 If you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed.
Be Baptized, 1 Peter 3:18-22
Baptism…now saves you
Christian Identity and Community in the Roman Empire
Even though Christianity began as a rural movement (Christ emerging from the agricultural region of Galilee; Peter a small-town fisherman, etc.), the real growth and spread of Christianity came in the large Roman cities. Christianity, lived out in faith, in these large, close-quartered cities such…