A Time To…Politick! - First Peter - Exiles in the Diaspora
Nov 2, 2023
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In this episode, the hosts analyze the challenges faced by followers of Jesus in a hostile political and cultural environment. They discuss living a morally excellent and aesthetically beautiful way of life among other ethnic groups, accommodating societal structures without compromising faith, promoting goodness within systems, and the power of generosity to bring awareness to lack of generosity.
Believers in the Roman Empire should strive to live in a way that is socially pleasing while remaining faithful to their Christian convictions.
Peter encourages believers to be known for their good works and socially acceptable conduct, promoting justice in the public sector.
Deep dives
Living as Exiles in the Roman Empire
In this episode, the hosts discuss the first letter of Peter and its relevance to the politics of the New Testament. They highlight how Peter's message aligns with Paul's teachings and both their strategies for living as followers of Jesus in the Roman Empire. They emphasize the social location of the believers, who were temporary residents and exiles. The hosts argue that Peter encourages these believers to live in a way that is socially and aesthetically pleasing to the Roman Empire, while also remaining faithful to their Christian convictions. They discuss the concept of 'agathopoia,' which refers to doing good works in the public sector for the common good. The hosts underline the importance of believers building their public reputation as 'good people' in order to compel others to consider the Christian way of life.
Compelling Conduct and Aesthetic Excellence
The hosts delve into Peter's call for believers to have conduct that is aesthetically excellent and compelling among the ethnic groups who observe them. They explain that Peter encourages believers to be known for their good works and to live in such a way that their actions are socially acceptable and respected by others. They highlight that 'agathopoia' includes acts of kindness, public service, and promoting justice in the public sector. The hosts also discuss the significance of believers ordering themselves under the human-created systems of the Roman Empire and their households, while also advocating for a Christian way of life that counters societal norms and promotes respect and honor for all.
Shaming Evil with Goodness
The hosts explore how Peter's teachings connect to Jesus' example of suffering and doing good in the face of oppression. They emphasize Peter's call for believers to shame those who do evil by leading lives of extraordinary goodness and extravagant generosity. The hosts highlight that this strategy aims to grab the attention of others, compel them to reflect on their own actions, and possibly lead to transformation. They discuss the principle of honoring everyone, loving the siblingship, fearing God, and even honoring the emperor, despite the challenges faced under Nero's rule. The hosts draw attention to the sufferings of Jesus as the model for believers, who are encouraged to entrust themselves to the one who judges justly.
In this episode Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett continue their series on the politics of the New Testament (A Time To…Politick!) within which they will examine political themes, texts, and theories from Jesus of Nazareth to John of Patmos.
1 Peter 2.10-3.7
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