The Socio-Historical Analysis Of 1 Peter 1: 1-10

Introduction

The essay endeavours interpret 1 Peter 1:1-10 with regard to the social location, literary characteristics and the reception of the text. The hermeneutical process serves as point of departure and provides the framework wherein the text is interpreted.

1 Peter 1:1-10, New Revised Standard Version

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood: May grace and peace be yours in abundance.

A Living Hope

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a

Scholars are uncertain of the composition of the congregations to whom the letter is addressed (Achtemeier 1996:51). There are references to Jewish Christians as there are others to Gentile believers. Thus, the race of the recipients cannot be determined. The other issue of relation to the recipients is the socio-economic status of the recipients. Achtemeier argues that early Christianity advocated for “the socially and economically depressed, a glorification that such classes would find attractive…” (1996:55). Achtemeier proceeds to highlight that the Christian communities of the provinces were composed of salves, aliens and exiles, and people of means (1996:56). What is clear from Achtemeier’s observation is that these faith communities were a collect of diverse

Thus, an effort is made to highlight how Bible interpretation – through its publication – has developed in the history of Christianity.

By comparing 1 Peter 1:1-10 from the Tyndale Bible and The Message bring forth two prominent inconsistencies worth observation. Firstly, the dating of these works supposes their theological focus differ greatly. The Tyndale Bible, published in 1522, has a greater Catholic inclination and uses more traditional or formal language. The Message published after the Protestant Reformation and in the light of scholastic Biblical studies (which is more rational) has a much less traditional inclining – thus, a dynamic equivalency.

Secondly, the imagery used by the sources differs greatly. One example is worth noting: verse 7 in the Tyndale translation speaks of the testing of the faith; whereas The Message uses the imagery of gold to communicate the same idea. What can be deduced from the differences is the interpretive freedom which developed over the history of Bible exegesis.

Conclusion

The essay investigated the process of interpretation for 1 Peter 1:1-10. It discovers the socio-historical origin of the text. It examines the literary composition as piece of literature conforming to the laws of language. The essay, thus, aims to further contemporary hermeneutical