This letter is from Peter, a “sent one” of Jesus Christ. He’s writing to the elect exiles in various places of Asia Minor. Not to wade too far into what is an often contentious discussion, but the word “elect” here is linked to the items that follow, “…according to…” So, these folks are identified as “chosen” or “elect” based upon 1.) the foreknowledge of God, 2.) evidence of the work of the Spirit, 3.) their obedience to Jesus and 4.) because of what Jesus did on the cross. There is still a response, an obedience in here (as opposed to a blanket “God chose you and that’s it” type of thing) and this will generally drive the context as we continue to see language like this from Peter going forward.
Peter’s encouragement starting in v.3 is the assurance of not only what has been graciously given to these folks but of the fact that what awaits them is protected. Don’t read too quickly over “living hope” as it rightly casts the impact of how the promises of the future inform how we live today. We are a hopeful people, a joyful people, because we live in our current state full of anticipation of what is yet to come. If you’re missing this in your life, it may be because you’re missing a long-term view on not only what is yet to come but also how what you do today points to that and shares it with others.
This inheritance is imperishable, undefiled and unfading and they are being guarded as they wait by God’s power, even as they see persecution and trials currently. What feels odd here is the element of “testing” that Peter describes in this section. I think the right way to look at it is being able to see how God’s power has given you the ability to persevere through various circumstances, which actually results in your faith being emboldened because the genuineness of your faith is revealed to you through the trial. Refinement is good. Sometimes it seems corny when people talk about God putting them through a refining process, and it comes off that way because it implies God is doing something specifically that is more likely to be just a circumstance of the world. However, the concept is still good. We praise God when we find ourselves being sifted or tested because we know it produces stronger faith on the other side (or reveals no faith at all. Might as well deal with reality either way).
And this faith, worth more than the most refined gold, results in praise and glory and honor when Jesus is finally revealed forever. And this faith is all the more beautiful because these folks, like us, and unlike Peter, have never seen Jesus, yet they love him and believe in him and rejoice at what he has done. And like us, they obtain the outcome of that faith, that trust, and that’s the eternal reward and rest for our souls.
The anecdote about salvation is an interesting one, especially concerning Peter’s most likely Gentile audience here. He says that the prophets, whom the Holy Spirit worked through to proclaim that these things of Jesus would come to pass some day, were knowingly working in the service of those who get to experience the world post-Jesus. And the things these dispersed Christians now know are things the angels have longed to know. Nothing theologically huge here, just kind of an interesting perspective.
Peter ends the chapter talking about the right reaction today based upon what they know is ahead. Basically, in light of the promise, how then shall we live? Well, they keep calm, remain hopeful, and walk righteously by being obedient to Jesus and not falling back into old habits (like people who have no hope and don’t know any better. That’s not them and it’s not you either.) God is set apart from the world and he asks His people to be that same way as well. Once you proclaim your fealty to Jesus, you’re a citizen of His Kingdom which means your citizenship doesn’t belong to this earthly world and your behavior shouldn’t reflect it either. Live like a Kingdom citizen (see Matthew 5-7 for a quick reminder).
And as you call upon God as your Father (which indeed He is), stay consistent with the identity of people who are permitted to do such a thing. Basically, your relationship with God should be consistent. If you’re going to call Him Father, obey Him like one, don’t go back to your old ways acting as if your brother Jesus didn’t pay a huge ransom for your return to the family. Stay reverent, hopeful, obedient; it’s how you shall live as you wait to live forever.
The chapter ends with a note to remain steadfast (same theme), be confident in the good news you have heard and to love one another purely. Peter continues to intertwine forever promises of God with what that means for your day to day earthly living. It’s not just a “hey, you should consider doing x, y an z while you wait to go to heaven” Instead it’s, “Because heaven awaits you. live like this right now!”