Ransom, Re-begetting, and Rescue: The Soteriological Web of 1 Peter

Doering Lutz

Research article (book contribution)

Abstract

This article elucidates the soteriological themes deployed in 1 Peter, which form a “web” distinctive in the New Testament. It is argued that the concept of re-begetting, which has both soteriological and ecclesiological implications and is the dominant theme of the first part of the letter, should be distinguished from baptism, mentioned only at 3:20–21. Moreover, the various statements about Christ’s suffering and his blood are analysed and evaluated. The former is not limited to Christ’s death and has vicarious qualities modelled on the Suffering Servant. The latter evokes both the blood of the covenant and images of lamb sacrifices that are not generally related to atonement. Additionally, “ransom” as effected by Christ’s blood carries notions of redemption from exile and manumission from slavery. Finally, the paraenetical role of Christ’s suffering for the addressees’ suffering notwithstanding, it is specifically Christ’s resurrection in which their salvation grounds.

Details zur Publikation

Publisher: du Toit David S., Gerber Christine, Zimmermann Christiane
Book title: Sōtēria: Salvation in Early Christianity and Antiquity. Festschrift in Honour of Cilliers Breytenbach on the Occasion of his 65th Birthday
Release year: 2019
Publishing company: Brill
Language in which the publication is written: English
Event: Leiden