Daily Devotions
1 Peter
"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ"
Text: 1 Peter 1:1
THE IDEA OF A CHURCH
The idea of forming a Church was first introduced by the Lord Jesus Christ. This information was communicated to only three Disciples, Peter and two brothers, James and John at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13-20). They did not fully comprehend what Jesus really meant till much later. But they knew that Jesus would be personally involved in making the Church a very strong institution!
THE FIRST CHURCH
Peter and his fellow-apostles and a faithful band of disciples founded the first Church (Acts 1). The Church had the blessing of God and the Spirit of God was given to all those who believed in Jesus as Saviour and Lord!
The Church swiftly grew from 120 to 3000 and shortly after to 5000 (Acts 2:41; 4:4). The believers were committed to growing their faith in the Lord. The Church kept growing in spirit and in numbers.
PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH
The growth of the Church was alarming to the religious leaders of the day. The leaders felt threatened. They began to persecute Christians and the Church. The persecution escalated significantly.
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To the pilgrims of the Dispersion
in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.”
1 Peter 1:1