Peter writes to Paul's churches
Why did Peter write to Paul's churches
When the apostle Peter wrote to church Paul had started throughout Paul's own homeland territory, in what is now Turkey, it might have come across as awkward. Maybe even inappropriate. What does another preacher think he's doing by writing his advice to another preacher's congregation. Or in this case, congregations. Peter's letter targets troubles in the general church. Christians are facing frauds passing themselves off as church leaders. And they’re facing persecution from people outside their community of faith. That may have included some former relatives and friends who didn't like changes Christianity was making in these new believers.Risk-taker
Peter always seemed a little out there, ready to stick his neck out. He started defending Jesus when Jewish police arrested him. Peter took a sword and cut off an ear from a servant of the high priest. He led the disciples of Jesus. Look at the list of names. Bible writers always put him first. And he is the star of the disciples in the Bible stories. Here, he addresses Christians scattered throughout what is now Turkey. That was Paul’s turf. Paul was born and raised there, and that’s where Paul started planting churches among non-Jews. There’s no record of Peter ever having gone there. He’s best known for ministering to Jews in what is now Israel and Palestinian Territories.A guess about why Peter wrote
One guess about why he wrote is that he was on trial in Rome, just before his crucifixion, when he got word that churches throughout Turkey were facing some kind of persecution, which Peter never identified.Nero may have ordered his execution
Emperor Nero, credited with executing Peter and Paul, launched the first persecution of Christians after accusing them of starting the July AD 64 fire that burned much of Rome. That might explain why Peter, on trial in Rome, wouldn’t specifically identify Nero as the source of the trouble. But there are other theories too. Jews might have caused the trouble for these churches, as they had done for Turkey’s premiere church planter, Paul. 1 Peter 2 Peter For other Bible versions, see Bible GatewayMap for 1 Corinthians 16
Map for 1 Corinthians 16
Map for 1 Corinthians 16. Paul says he's going to take an offering. Not a 10% tithe. He says, "Give what you're able." Christians taught that Jewish laws, such as those requiring circumcision, tithing, and ritual cleansing for sin were no longer valid:
"Rules the Jews observed are now obsolete" (Ephesians 2:15). "God called this a new agreement. It replaced the old agreement, which became obsolete and is already on the verge of disappearing" (Hebrews 8:13).
"Give as you're able."
Map Titus collects the money
Map of Paul’s mission trip 3
Map of Paul’s Mission trip 2
Map of Paul’s mission trip 1
Bible Map of Paul’s Persecution
Bible Map of Paul's Persecution
Bible Map of Paul's Persecution. Paul's beatings, imprisonment throughout the Mediterranean world from Jerusalem to Rome.
Ministry, a dangerous business
Map Paul’s mission trip 2
Map Paul’s mission trip 2
Paul’s mission trip 2 and a stop in Philippi
Paul’s mission trip #2 & a stop in Philippi
Map Paul’s second mission trip
Map Paul's second mission trip
Paul's second mission trip
Over about 3 three years, Paul and his associated traveled about 2,700 miles (4,345 km). This was Paul's second mission trip. It started around AD 49. The Bible records Paul's travels in Acts chapter 15 to 18.The trip begins
The journey began with Paul wanting to revisit churches he had established on his first mission trip. He review the good news about Jesus with others. He chose Silas, a prophet and leader in the church, to join him on his trip. The two traveled throughout what is now Turkey, visiting churches and sharing the word of God. They even encountered some divinely orchestrated roadblocks, such as when they were prevented from entering certain areas by the Holy Spirit. Despite these setbacks, the two pressed on and eventually made their way to Philippi, where they met a wealthy businesswoman named Lydia. She was so moved by their message that she and her household became the first Christians in Europe.Paul gets beaten and thrown in prison
However, not everyone was welcoming to Paul's message. He and Silas were later arrested and beaten after casting out a spirit from a fortune-telling servant. Despite being jailed, their faith remained strong, and they sang hymns, which ultimately led to their release. From there, the two traveled to Thessalonica, where they established a thriving church, but they also faced persecution from those who were against their teachings. They then traveled to Berea, where they were welcomed with open arms, but again, opposition arose, and they were forced to leave. After leaving Berea, Paul traveled alone to Athens, where he famously preached on the Areopagus, the center of cultural and intellectual activity. His message about the "unknown God" sparked interest, and some even became believers.Starting the church in Greece
The journey ended in Corinth. That's where Paul established a church that would become one of the most influential in the early Christian world. There were many challenges on this trip. But Paul managed to spread the message of Jesus throughout Greece and Turkey. He started several thriving Christian communities. For other Bible versions, see Bible Gateway.Paul's mission trip #2