Scripture Study for

The new life in Christ manifested itself in the lives of the disciples through learning the Christian proclamation, caring for each other,  and prayer. The apostles themselves not only teach but heal and,  as with Jesus, the crowds are amazed at what God accomplishes through them. Communal life is marked by simplicity and sharing,  countering cultural tendencies toward selfishness. The prayer of  the disciples involves traditional forms of Jewish liturgy but also  specifically Christian prayer of “breaking bread.” In all they do followers of Christ present a powerful, positive witness to what it means to live the Way, and this evangelization in word, deed, and prayer draws many others to Christ.

Peter is writing to Christians who are struggling to remain faithful to their baptismal calling, which has alienated them from their society and perhaps their families. Thus his letter begins with encouragement: They have received an inheritance from God that can never be taken away from them against their will. This inheritance is an imperishable treasure that others cannot touch, steal, or destroy because it is not here on earth, but with God. Peter focuses on the necessity to have faith (mentioned three times) that Christ will see their souls through any persecution. Suffering is cause for joy because it strengthens faith. Suffering for Christ brings them closer to their goal, the inheritance waiting for them safely with Christ. 

The fearful disciples have hidden from the world. Into their fear comes Christ, who twice proclaims peace and sends them back out into the world. Their mission is not only to forgive (or retain) sins,  but to proclaim Jesus as God’s Messiah, proof of which claim is his resurrection. While the disciples have the advantage of actually seeing the resurrected Christ, those to whom they are sent will not.  Thus the story of Thomas emphasizes the necessity for those who  are not able to “see the mark of the nails in his hands” to believe on  the strength of the witness of others that Jesus of Nazareth, crucified as a criminal, is in fact “Lord and God.”