With reference to I Peter, what are the characteristics of Christian life in the community.

Answer Details

Characteristics of Christian life in the community (1 Peter)

Peter, writing to believers scattered as strangers and pilgrims, describes how they should live together and among unbelievers. The marks of Christian community life he sets out are:

• Holiness: "As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct," for it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." Believers must abstain from the sinful desires of their former life.
• Brotherly love: having purified their souls, they should love one another earnestly from a pure heart, showing sincere affection within the fellowship.
• Unity and sympathy: Peter urges them to be of one mind, having compassion, loving as brethren, being tender-hearted and courteous, not returning evil for evil but blessing instead.
• Submission to authority: they should obey civil rulers, and servants should respect their masters, doing good to silence ignorant accusations.
• Good conduct before outsiders: they should keep their behaviour honourable among the Gentiles so that unbelievers may glorify God.
• Humility: all should clothe themselves with humility toward one another, for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble; the younger should submit to elders.
• Patient endurance of suffering: they should not be surprised at fiery trials but rejoice to share Christ's sufferings, entrusting themselves to a faithful Creator.
• Sober watchfulness and prayer: being sober and vigilant because the devil prowls like a roaring lion, and being fervent in prayer.
• Hospitality and service: using their gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God's grace, and offering hospitality without grumbling.
• Faithful spiritual leadership: elders should shepherd the flock willingly, not for money, and not as lords but as examples.

In sum, Peter presents a community distinguished by holiness, love, humility, submission, good works and patient hope in the midst of a hostile world.