The primary theme in 1 Peter is the believer's living hope in the midst of persecution and suffering. The trials endured by Christians identify them with Christ and His suffering. Peter refers to trials in 1:6, 2:19, 3:14, and 3:17. Peter encourages believers to meet trials with the knowledge that victory would be theirs at last, for after they have suffered, the Lord will give them eternal glory. In 2 Peter, the writer stresses the need for followers of Christ to have true knowledge in order to offset the inroads of error. Chapter 1 declares that Christians are partakers of the divine nature (1:4). In chapter 2, Peter castigates false teachers, and in chapter 3 he declares that God's judgment is delayed so that unbelievers may repent.

The writer of the commentary on 1 and 2 Peter is J. Eric Brubaker who serves on the plural ministry team in the Middle Creek Church of the Brethren (Atlantic Northeast District). The General Editor of the series is Harold S. Martin, a Church of the Brethren elder, former public school teacher, and editor of the BRF Witness.

Matthew's book is often called "The Gospel of the King." It was written especially for those who were looking for the Messiah, and were expecting him to be a King who would lead a revolt against Rome, and make Israel a free nation again. Matthew's purpose is to show his readers that the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament were indeed fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth.

Matthew begins his account by giving the genealogy of Jesus, and then tells of Jesus' birth and early years. Following His baptism by John, and His defeat of Satan in the desert, Jesus began His public ministry by calling the disciples, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Of all the four Gospel accounts, Matthew is the most systematic in presenting the teachings of Jesus.

The book of Matthew was used almost universally in the early church as a source book for instructing new converts in the faith.

The General Editor of the series is Harold S. Martin, a Church of the Brethren elder, former public school teacher, and editor of the BRF Witness. Harold and his wife Priscilla live at the United Zion Retirement Community near Lititz, Pennsylvania. Harold is also the writer of this Commentary on Matthew.

Luke did not personally witness most of the events that he wrote about in the Gospel. He refers to six miracles not named in the other Gospels—including the miraculous drought of fish, the raising of the widow of Nain's son. the cleansing of ten lepers, and the healing of the wounded ear of Malchus, Also, Luke names seventeen parables not described elsewhere—including the Good Samaritan, the rich fool and his barns, the builder who did not count the cost to finish his building, and the Pharisee and the publican.

Luke traces the ancestry of Jesus back to Adam, and makes clear the truth that God is interested in all people everywhere, He supplies more information about faithful women than the other Gospel writers. He pictures Jesus as the champion of the poor and distressed.

The General Editor of the series is Harold S. Martin, a Church of tht Brethren elder, former public school teacher, and editor of The BRF Witness, Harold and his wife Priscilla live at the United Zion Retirement Community near Lititz, Pennsylvania. Harold is also the writer of this Commentary on The Gospel of Luke.

John also emphasizes the humanity of Jesus. He speaks of Jesus as having been tired, hungry, troubled, loving, brave, and loyal to His friends. Jesus, who was the God-man, was functionally subordinate to the Father who sent Him into the world. He was obedient to the Father, and He always did the Father's will, even unto death on the cross.

It is from the Gospel of John that we decide the length of Jesus' public ministry. John mentions at least three Passover journeys, and refers most likely to a fourth Passover (although the feast named in John 5:1 is not clearly identified as the Passover). The Synoptic Gospels mention only one Passover in connection with the ministry of Jesus—the one at the time of His crucifixion.

The book of Romans has two large sections—a doctrinal section in chapters 1-8, and a practical section in chapters 12-16. Between the two main sections there is a parenthesis relating to the nation Israel. The primary theme of the book of Romans centers on salvation—a free gift, offered by God's grace, grounded upon Christ's death, and received by our personal response.

Numerous problems beset the young believers at Corinth. The church was divided into competing factions; some were suing each other at the law; there was a case of flagrant immorality; problems related to marriage and divorce troubled the church. Questions about the role of women, the Lord's Supper, and spiritual gifts had plagued the congregation.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul addressed these issues and set down instructions for God's people down through the ages.

In the early part of the epistle, Paul explains that God comforts us in our afflictions so that we can encourage others with the comfort which we have received from the Lord. The object of Paul's preaching was to win people to faith in Jesus Christ. There is also a plea for God's people to separate from sin and from alliances with unbelievers.

In the mid-section of the letter, Paul speaks about the collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. In the final section Paul vindicates his apostleship, and closes with the only Trinitarian benediction found anywhere in the Bible. In 2 Corinthians we learn about some of Paul's experiences which are not mentioned at any other place in the Bible. We read about his escape from Damascus in a basket, his being caught up into "the third heaven," his "thorn in the flesh," and his unusual trials and sufferings.