Justin Houtz

Judges 12, 1 Peter 1

DateVersionReading Plan
August 11, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Judges 12

Observation & Interpretation

Judges 12:1-4 – The men of Ephraim confronted Jephthah and asked him why he crossed over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call them to go with him. They told Jeththah that they would burn his house with fire.

  • The men of Ephraim were jealous of Jephthah’s victory, complaining that they had not been allowed to share in it. Jephthah reminded them that he had appealed to them in vain for help. The Ephraimits mocked Jeththah’s people, the Gileadites, saying that they were nothing but fugitives from Ephraim. (The Ephraimites were troublemakers. They took issue with Gideon when he defeated the Midianites [chap. 8] and now they quarreled with Jephthah without cause.) (BBC)

1 Peter 1

Observation & Interpretation

1 Peter 1:2 – Peter’s opening greeting includes all three persons of the Trinity

1 Peter 1:6-7 – Peter speaks of how they have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of their faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ

  • The purpose of the trials is that faith would be tested and found to be genuine, resulting in praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ
  • True faith is indestructible. The believer may undergo severe tests and trials, but instead of destroying his faith, they become food for faith to feen on…Genuine faith will result in praise, honor and glory when Jesus Christ is revealed. This simply means that God will reward every instance of faith that stood the test. He will praise those who are joyful through surrounded by trouble. He will award honor and glory to tried and suffering believers who were able to accept their tribulations as a vote of confidence for Him. (BBC)

1 Peter 1:10-12 – Peter speaks of the careful search of the prophets who inquired what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and subsequent glories. It was revealed to these prophets that they were not serving themselves but believers in Christ in the things that have now been announced by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look

  • God’s ancient spokesmen prophesied the undeserved favor which we would receive. But they did not fully understand what they were writing (see Dan. 12:8) (BBC)

1 Peter 1:14-16 – As obedient children, believers are called to be holy as He who called is holy

  • The subject is the obedient mind. Obedient children should not indulge in the sins which characterized them in their former life. Now that they are Christians, they should pattern their life after the One whose name they bear. If they conform to the ungodly world, they are denying their heavenly character. The things the did in the days of their ignorance should be put away now that they have been illuminated by the Holy Spirit. The former lusts means the sins they indulged in while they were still ignorant of God. (BBC)

Application

1 Peter 1:1-12 – …we are aliens and sojourners on this earth…but we are more than exiles. We are elect exiles, the chosen people of God. Our core identity is as God’s elect, members of His spiritual family, the church…God has chosen you. The Spirit has set you apart for His unique and beloved possession. And your life has been designed for obedience to Jesus. (ESVEC – Response)

  • For those who are in Christ, suffering is far from senseless or discouraging; it is, rather, an expression of God’s love, a divinely orchestrated test that purifies our faith in preparation for the return of Jesus (ESVEC – Response)

Resources