The Message of 1 Peter

The Bible Speaks Today: New Testament

by Edmund P. Clowney

The message of Peter's first letter turned the world upside-down for his readers. He saw the people of the young church of the first century as strangers, aliens who were only temporary residents, travelers heading for their native land. Peter speaks to our own pilgrimage when he tells of suffering now and glory to come. Stormy seasons of persecution were beginning for the churches in Asian Minor. These storms rage on in the modern world. Edmund Clowney believes that no true Christian can escape at least a measure of suffering for Christ's sake. Out of his firsthand knowledge as an apostle of Christ, Peter shows us what the story of Jesus' life means for us as we take up our cross and follow him.

Genres: Theology, Christian, New Testament, Reference, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction, Christianity

250 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College in 1939, a Bachelor of Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1942, a Master of Sacred Theology from Yale Divinity School in 1944, and a Doctor of Divinity from Wheaton College in 1966.

Reviews

[Abigail Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

While all of this was good, for me the middle chapters landed best: somehow Clowney's commentary here felt like it matched the enthusiasm and thrill of Peter's letter better than some other sections of the book did. That's a very subjective take, though. As usual with the BST series, I especially appreciated Clowney's pointing out allusions to Old Testament passages as well as New Testament parallels; it's both encouraging and exciting to see how the different parts of the canon fit together, and how the presentation of the gospel by Peter complements that by (for instance) Paul. I also liked how Clowney brings up points from the Gospel narratives to shed light on how Peter's own experience informs what he says in his letter. It just all helps create a more well-rounded picture, especially as we, or at least I, tend to read books of the Bible in isolation.

There were some points of the exposition here I didn't agree with, e.g. Clowney seeming to take the command to submit to earthly authorities as still allowing for resistance to very corrupt governments (I don't see how you get that from the passage), as well as his treatment of the office of elder in a short appendix (citing passages that aren't referring exclusively to elders but to the gifts given to all believers). And I'm still scratching my head over the passage about Jesus preaching to the spirits in prison (!).

[Jared Mcnabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid pastoral commentary on one of my favorite epistles. Reformed and evangelical in perspective.

[CJ Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent pastoral and homiletic introduction to 1 Peter. Clowney is very strong on the OT themes and images that give Peter his vocabulary. Good treatment of the spiritual priesthood, helpful wisdom on the relationship of wives and husbands, really good on elders as shepherds. Not sold on his view of the spirits in prison, and he could have been more forceful on "baptism now saves you" but you can't win 'em all.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb in every way: faithfully expounds the text, is historically informed, richly weaves in biblical theology, includes practical application, and is written to serve the thoughtful lay reader.

[Jared Criswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this commentary as a companion for our College Ministry weekly Bible Study. The commentary is written mostly from the reformed perspective. I think it would be best described as a reading/study companion, rather than as a technical commentary. Clowney’s comments go more into the practical/devotional aspects of how Peter’s 1st letter intersects with the life of the Christian, particularly in the midst of distinctly Christian suffering. Although I am not a part of the Reformed camp, what I appreciate about this commentary is that Clowney highlights the relationship between the indicatives and imperatives throughout the letter.

[Kofi Opoku · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more of a devotional commentary, but it is still very good. I appreciated how Clowney examines Peter’s teachings through the lens of what he may have learned from his own struggles as a disciple of Christ. However, due to the devotional nature of the work, I found some sections tedious to get through. Also, while this is not a critique of the book's content, I wish the font size were slightly larger for my aging eyes. Overall, a reliable commentary.

[Arron · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

While the book has some good textual observations and does a good job of connecting Peter's letter with broader scriptural themes, Clowney too often uses the text as a jumping off point to share his own theological opinions.

[Rick Dobrowolski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d include this in a top 5 list of 1 Peter commentaries. Clowney shines in his depth and breadth of knowledge of the church. This is apparent in his commentaries, and very helpful in dissecting the Scripture.

[Daniel Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from a volume in this series. It is a non-technical commentary. But his insights into 1 Peter are indeed astounding. It is an easy read, but such an invaluable resource. I will have to give other volumes in this series a chance.

[Dale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read the book with my men's Bible Study. Found a lot of the book just reiterated what 1 Peter already said. There were some take aways, but in general I enjoyed reading 1 Peter and had to pull myself through the subsequent commentary.

[Paul Veldhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good review of 1 Peter. It isn't too terribly academic, but does delve into the book of 1 Peter verse by verse. We did it as a Bible study and there were some weeks with great discussion. There are some questions in the back to help guide discussions.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful commentary.

[Danieltituscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a helpful book in a great series. Pair this devotional commentary with a more technical one, and you'll be set!

[Jon Anderson]

Solid

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, more devotional commentary on I Peter. Clowney has good insights throughout that help to understand the text. I would recommend this alongside a more exegetically rigorous commentary.

[J.E. Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally like this series of commentaries (IVP's "The Bible Speaks Today" series) a lot, and there's usually good material to be found here. These are, in my estimation, very good lay-level commentaries, and I often already have the meat of its content in mind before I turn to them. Still, the 1 Peter volume is rich and full of great insight from Dr. Clowney. I love to pass these along to folks who indicate their desire for some good help with reading along in devotional ways with the sermon series, and I have great confidence in recommending this one in that way.

[Lucas Nosal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is an underrated commentary on 1 Peter. Clowney shows a deep knowledge of the text, and gives practical wisdom from the book of 1 Peter. This is not an academic commentary, so if you are looking for a more in-depth study of the introductory questions regarding the letter, I'd look elsewhere. However, if you're looking for a pastoral commentary with helpful insights into the text, look no further.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent little commentary. Of the three I read for this book this was my least favorite. At times the author seemed to ramble and the format was a little difficult to navigate at times. Still a solid commentary, if I could give half stars this would be a 3 1/2 stars

[Sean-david · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put: you need to read this.

[Guy Bellerby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sound.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, practical, and clear commentary on 1 Peter.

[Jim Howe]

Clowney has a clear focus upon the center of scripture: Jesus Christ. Great reading and very helpful for pastors.