June 2 | 1 Peter 1:14-25

Pastor Dave Mann
Jun 2, 2025
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

By Dave Mann

Peter, Paul, and a Consistent Message

As you know, Peter emerged as the preeminent disciple of Jesus’ band of twelve. Though he did not have formal education as the Apostle Paul had, he was quite the preacher (cf. Acts 2:14-41, ch. 3, and ch. 4). He also wrote two epistles which were circulated to the church at large.

*Saints Peter and Paul in a warm embrace (Orthodox Icon)*

Some critics of biblical Christianity have claimed that there were sharp theological differences between Peter and Paul – that they argued with each other about how we are saved and how believers are to live faithful lives. However, notice the similarities between Peter’s writing and that of Paul.

Both apostles called believers not to be conformed to the evil ways of the world.

1 Peter 1:14 -- As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

Romans 12:2 -- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Both apostles called believers to be transformed into God’s holy people.

1 Peter 1:15 -- But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

1 Thessalonians 4:7 -- For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.

Both apostles referred to our life on earth as “foreign” and that we will be “at home” when we are with the Lord in heaven.

1 Peter 1:17

2 Corinthians 5:6

Both wrote about our appearance before the Lord in judgment.

1 Peter 1:17

2 Corinthians 5:10

Both wrote about being redeemed by the blood of Jesus, our Passover lamb.

1 Peter 1:18

1 Corinthians 5:7

Both challenged new believers to leave their former way of life.

1 Peter 1:18 -- you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors.

Ephesians 4:22 -- You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.

In the end, both apostles taught that we are saved by what God does in our hearts to believe in Christ.

1 Peter 1:21 -- Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Ephesians 2:8 -- For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

We give thanks to God for the consistent message he has preserved for us in the Scriptures.

PRAYER

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for guiding the apostles to write your message in the Scriptures so that we could know your will and to believe in you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.

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