Beginning with the work of the Spirit at conversion, the apostle shows the plan of the resurrection in saving faith, then describes purifying of the soul and obedience to the truth, as he builds up to the great exhortation to brotherly love, here explained.

The first motive is the goal and purpose of our calling- obedience to God and His Word in all aspects of life and behaviour. The second is the purity of God. The third is the eminence of the Redeemer who shed His blood for us.

Inexpressible joy is the privileged possession of every believer, a joy distinct from the short-lived pleasure of, say, amazement or humour, or of unexpected kindness, or a gift. Spiritual joy endures alongside trial and grief, but it must be held tightly. Here is how.

We are, with Peter, born again into an ever-active anticipation (expectation) of a heavenly inheritance. Our duty is to reflect on this, resulting in security and loyalty to Christ. Here also is the testing and refining of faith.

Introducing 1 Peter with the opening themes, including - why we should love and worship the whole Godhead, the significance of the 'sprinkling' of the blood of Jesus Christ, and the fruit of constantly keeping active and alive our anticipation of eternal glory.

After the Great Commission (Mark and Matthew) and the personal, pastoral Great Commission (of John) we turn to the commission in Luke and Acts, noting the accelerated education of the apostles, new reliance on the Holy Spirit and primary work of evangelism.

From study of the great commission we turn to Christ's personal word to Peter and other disciples. Here is the searching question to all who are saved, and its implications for bearing fruit. Our answer determines the kind of service we will render to Him.

To Mark's Gospel we add the promise of the great commission in Matthew, viewing the scope of the Lord's words to all who uphold His name and message to this hostile world. Here is the essence of the nearness and power of the risen Lord.

The risen Lord's command and commission to the disciples (and their successors) refers to their hearers who 'believe'. Here we show that belief in Christ means dependence upon Him as a Saviour from sin; faith and repentance being inseparable graces. We define true repentance.

None of the Lord's disciples and immediate followers, men or women, expected the resurrection. All lost sight of His teaching of His rising again the third day. Only the hostile chief priests remembered it. Here is why, and what we should learn from it.