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The Letters from
KEFA (Peter)

FIRST LETTER FROM KEFA
Chapter 1

1. Kefa, one sent by Yahshua the Messiah, to the chosen sojourners scattered throughout Pontos, Galatia, Kappadokia, Asia, and Bithynia,

Chosen: an idiom for the people of Israel, which is who the Messiah came to restore to covenant. (Mat. 15:24) All of the locations listed here are in present-day Turkey. Sojourners: essentially what we would call "resident aliens". Why would they be called this if they were merely Gentiles who believed? They would still be living in their homeland. Those who are scattered all begin at the same place. Again, this points to Israel. Bithynia is one place it was specifically documented (by the Jews) that some of the Northern Kingdom tribes had first settled, and from there moved westward across a "river" that is thought to refer to the Bosporus Strait into Europe. Paul was specifically led not to go into Bithynia, but west into Makedonia, so it is likely that the majority of this migration had taken place by that time, but there was a remnant left which Kefa addresses.

2. according to the prearrangement of YHWH the Father, through the setting apart of the Spirit into obedient hearing and [through the] sprinkling of the blood of Yahshua the Messiah: May empowering favor and shalom be increased to you.

Prearrangement: at Mt. Sinai, where He included all of the descendants of those who had left the covenant in the meantime, and His promises through the Torah (Lev. 26:18, 40-45) and prophets (Yirmeyahu 16:16-19; 30:3; 31:31ff; YehezqÃ¢â‚¬â„¢El 4) to bring them back into their position at designated times (after 780 years and 2,730 years--the former being at the time just before Kefa was writing, and the latter being our own day). Sprinkling: as is to be done with blood from sin offerings (Lev. 4:6; 5:9), upon those being cleansed from leprosy (Lev. 14:7), on a house that was defiled (Lev. 14:57), the blood of the firstborn of clean animals (Lev. 18:17), and the blood of the red heifer to set apart the priesthood (Lev. 19:4) All of these were in various ways pictures of what Yahshua accomplished in cleansing us individually and corporately from sin and selfishness, and to make us a house fit for His dwelling once again. Shalom: Total well-being and completeness.

3. Blessed be the Elohim and Father of our Master, Yahshua the Messiah, the One who, in accordance with His great mercy, has begotten us afresh into a living hope through the resurrection of Yahshua the Messiah from [being] dead

Living: or genuine, real, vibrant; Aramaic, hope of life. Begotten us: not just individuals, but a people. Afresh: after we had rejected and forfeited all recourse to the Covenant He had once made with us as a nation, Israel. I.e., we had to have had the same hope at one time in order for it to be revived. He started over, but with the same people. Mercy: This allusion is made more overt in 2:10.

4. into an inherited possession [that is] not liable to decay, unsoiled, and unfading, having been kept under guard for you in the heavenly realms

Not liable to decay: a direct allusion to Yahshua's command to "lay up treasure in heaven, where moth or rust cannot corrupt." (Mat. 6:19) But since, as in the parable of the Prodigal Son, we had squandered it the first time He gave it to us, He has set a trustee over it so we will not do so again. It is distributed little by little as He sees fit. Only today are some of the things it includes being revealed again. This inheritance has not yet been made manifest in the present world order, but in Scripture the terminology of inherited possessions is always tied to the Land of Israel. Psalm 31:19-21 makes it even more specific: a city preserved for us. We finally see it in its completed state in Rev. 21.

5. who by the power of Elohim are being protected through faithfulness for a deliverance already prepared to be unveiled in the final decisive epoch,

Faithfulness: or trust. Notice that this is a salvation that has not come yet. The veil is beginning to be lifted, and, much to our surprise, we have a role to play in bringing it about!

6. for which [cause] you [leap because the] joy [is so] great, even if now for a little while it is necessary for you to be afflicted by tests of various sorts

Leap for joy: Aram., rejoice forever. Afflicted: Aram., discouraged.

7. so that the proving of your confidence ([which is] much more valuable than gold, which becomes useless, even though it is made acceptable through fire) might be found commendable, honorable, and worthy at [the] manifestation of Yahshua the Messiah--

Much of this pressure that would bring forth the oil to light YHWH's Dwelling-place (Ex. 27:20) came from the pagan culture around them (as it is for us today, though in a more veiled form)--whatever of their traditions and affections were not oriented toward YHWH and Israel and had to be forsaken, with whatever repercussions that brought from those around them.

8. whom you love without having seen, in whom, though you cannot see [Him] now, you nonetheless have confidence; you rejoice with indescribable joy [which] also makes it clear that [you are] worthy,

9. [thus] recovering for yourselves the aim of your confidence--[the] deliverance of souls.

Recovering for yourselves: We participate in the deliverance as we begin to follow it. But notice that it is getting something back--again, something we possessed once before. Aim: Aramaic, recompense or reward. Deliverance: or preservation; Aram., life--as a plural yet unified people.

10. Concerning this deliverance prophets (who were prophesying about the empowering favor that would come to you) have deeply inquired into and thoroughly investigated,

Thoroughly investigated: like a reporter--a term also used of a dog sniffing something out. And who did the prophets speak about? There are a few brief mentions of light extending to the Gentiles as Y'shua receives the bonus for His faithfulness (Yeshayahu 49:6), but the preponderance of their prophecies are about Israel's return in the last daysÃ¢â‚¬â€both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. The latter has become overt already since 1948, but the former is only now beginning to stir.

11. searching into which or what kind of [long-awaited] time the spirit of an anointed one that was within them was indicating when it gave advance witness of the sufferings the Messiah would undergo and the exalted positions that would follow them.

Exalted positions: both His own and that of those belonging to Him.

12. It was revealed to them that [it was] not for themselves but for us that they attended to the same things--those that are now announced to you by those who brought you the glad news through the Spirit of Holiness [that was] being sent from Heaven--into which angels long to [lean forward and] look.

13. Through this, tying up the undisciplined aspects of your mind, set your hope completely on the empowering favor that is being brought to you with the disclosure of Yahshua the Messiah,

14. like compliant children, not lining yourselves up with the things [you] formerly craved in your ignorance,

We are no longer to follow the goals we had when we still thought we were Gentiles. Hoshea chapter 4 enumerates which of these goals first led Northern-Kingdom Israel astray and the results: The Kings did not know the Torah and did nothing about it, so the children of the Kingdom were in turn forgotten by YHWH. But Kefa himself had seen a vision (Acts 10) that made him understand that those who had come to be called Gentiles because that was who they emulated (Hos. 7:8) were now being made clean again.

15. but rather, just as the One who is calling you is set apart, you too [need to] be set apart in every [aspect of your] conduct,

16. since it has been written, "Become set apart, because I am set apart."

This quote comes from three different passages in Leviticus: In 11:44-47, it is related directly to learning to make distinctions between right and wrong by keeping ourselves from unclean foods (so Kefa clearly knew that his vision had nothing to do with actually eating unclean animals). In19:2, it is connected with keeping the Sabbath, respect for parents, abstaining from idolatry, temple sacrifice, leaving something for the poor to glean, and thinking of our neighbors' welfare. In 20:7-8, it refers to all of YHWHÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s statutes. So when Kefa used this quote as shorthand, it would make the reader of his day recall all of these commands and know that this is how YHWH expects us to express the holiness He requires of us.

17. Indeed, if you are calling to yourselves a Father who judges impartially according to each oneÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s work, let the time of your sojourning be passed in fear,

Sojourning: living as foreigners outside our own land. Each one's work: What kind of work? The kinds delineated in the passages he has just alluded to (v. 16). Passed: or overturned, emphasizing progress as with the turning of the pages of a book. Your sojourning: Kefa himself lived right in Yerushalayim, so he was not a sojourner in the same sense as his audience was. Fear: or reverence.

18. knowing that it was not with perishable things (silver or gold) that you were ransomed out of [the] pointless way of life handed down from your ancestors,

Pointless: or profitless. (See Yirmeyahu 16:19.)

19. but with the highly-valuable blood of the Messiah, as of an unblemished and unspotted lamb,

Highly-valuable blood: not being affected by the physical aspect of "original sin" that, according to Arthur Custance, affected all of Adam's descendants, but was only passed on by males. If Yahshua was, therefore, only the seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15), without a human father (Luke 1:34), this would not have affected Him unless He Himself had disobeyed, which He did not. Thus He was the only human being who ever lived who qualified to be this sacrifice for us. No wonder His blood is so valuable! Unblemished lamb: a requirement for Passover. (Ex. 12)

20. [who] had indeed been known about before the founding of the [created] order, but was being realized upon the last of the times on account of you--

21. those who through Him place confidence in Elohim, Who raised Him from [the] dead, even giving Him preeminence so that your confidence and expectation might be in Elohim.

This way we would know that YHWH could do the same for us if we follow on the same path.

22. Having [ceremonially] cleansed your souls by true obedience, through the Spirit, into unfeigned love for [the] brothers, make a great effort to look out for one another's best interests from a pure heart,

True obedience: literally, obedience of the truth. (It is not merely something to be held as an opinion.) Through the spirit: we are supernaturally granted obedience, yet it is still walked out physically through loving our neighbors as ourselves. Indeed, if we do not know the Torah, we have no idea of what it means to love our neighbors; we would have false preconceived notions of what seemed to be nice ways to treat them, but it would not always be what was most beneficial.

23. [since you] have been begotten afresh, not out of perishable seed, but imperishable, through the living word of Elohim and continuing into perpetuity.

His seed: we have a new parentage, and thus a new history, with His highly-valued blood thus transfused into us as well. The Aramaic version, which is most likely the original (since it is doubtful that Kefa spoke fluent Greek), starts this verse with, "As a man"--that is, the one (united) new man Paul speaks of in Eph. 2:15. Practicing the Torah makes us more than mere individuals and more than mere mortals; anything that is in us that is only of ourselves will decay away, but whatever is His doing cannot; it lasts forever. Where, then, should our priority be?

24. For "all flesh [is] like grass, and all of humanity's glory [is] like a wildflower; the grass has dried up, and its flower is falling off...

25. "But the utterance of Elohim endures into eternity." [Yeshayahu 40:6-8] And this is the [very] utterance that is being proclaimed to you [as glad news].

Chapters 2 - 3

CHAPTER 2

1. Accordingly, casting off any ill-will or deceit or any play-acting or envyings [that are within yourselves], as well as all put-downs.

Put-downs: Aramaic, back-biting. (Trimm)

2. Like just-born babies, long intensely for the unadulterated logical milk, so that by it you may be made to grow up,

Logical: learned in the right orderÃ¢â‚¬â€milk before meat (Heb. 5:12ff), so that the heavier parts are on an already-firm foundation; or mind-nourishing; alt., pertaining to the Word [of YHWH].

3. since, after all, you have tasted [for yourselves] that the Master is "palatable",

The Master: in this case, Yahshua. Palatable: The Greek term means useful, beneficial, manageable, and mild, not bitter. This is probably an allusion to Psalm 34:8. To an outsider, the Torah seems bitter, restrictive, foreign--a "strange thing" (Hos. 8:12), but to one who knows He is part of Israel, when eaten, His words are a joy and rejoicing to the heart. (Yirmeyahu 15:16)

4. [as you] come near to Whom, a living stone, having indeed been rejected by humanity, but hand-picked by YHWH [and] held in high honor,

5. you too, just like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house--a set-apart order of priests to offer up spiritual "slaughters", well-acceptable to YHWH through Yahshua the Messiah.

Spiritual does not mean unreal or barely there in outline form. Just the opposite is true; spiritual things are more real than visible ones (2 Cor. 4:18), but they are borne out in the physical realm, because YHWH has put the pattern right in the earth. We will literally draw the blade to animals. That is how we learn certain aspects of spiritual reality best. YHWH does not call us to blind faith, for He gives us proof of His deeds in the deeds He calls us to do.

6. Because of this, it is also surrounded by the Scripture, "Look, I am laying down in Tzion an outermost-corner stone, hand-picked, held in high honor, and the one who [rests his] confidence on Him will not be put to shame." [Yeshayahu 28:16]

Put to shame: Heb., hurry about in a confused way.

7. To you who believe, then, [is the] proper estimation of value, but to those who refuse to be convinced, "a stone that the builders rejectedÃ¢â‚¬â€this one came to be the head of the corner" [Psalm 118:22]--

Proper estimation of value: or, [is conferred] the honor. The Aramaic version does not include the quote here.

8. indeed, a stumbling-block and a boulder that traps those who strike their foot against [it], refusing to comply with the Word toward which they were also laid down.

Toward which: that is, in line with the cornerstone (v. 6), which sets the standard. We are meant to uphold Him, not vice versa. Instead, we have chiseled Him into our image--into someone who prefers the Gentile way, and thus His words lead us toward conclusions like that seen in v. 16. Paul's writings were already being twisted. (2 Kefa 3:16) Laid down: or, appointed. Israel was designed to serve His purposes, but we decided to serve what we thought was our own, which was really the agenda of the world order whose cornerstone was Nimrod the rebel, echoing haSatan.

9. You, on the other hand, are "a chosen race [Deut. 7:6; 14:2; Psalm 33:12], a royal order of priests, an ethnic group in a separate category, a people kept back as His own possession", so that you may divulge the excellent virtues of the One who has called you out of darkness into His incomprehensible light--

A chosen race: i.e., Israel (Yeshayahu 44:1-2). Called: summoned or invited. Royal order of priests: Aramaic, that serves as a priest for the Kingdom. People kept back: Aramaic, a rescued congregation.

10. [you] who once were "not a people" [Hoshea 1:9], but now are the people of El [Hoshea 1:10]; those "Not Pitied", but now having experienced mercy! [2:23]

Not a people: Aram., not counted a people. But now: 780 years laterÃ¢â‚¬â€after the doubling (Yirmeyahu 16: 18; Yeshayahu 40:2) of the sentence of 390 years (Yehezqel 4:9). After Kefa wrote this, despite his reminders (2 Kefa 1:13-15), we chose once again not to continue living as a people (the nation Israel), but the mercy of YHWH kept us from totally losing contact with Him until the day has again come when we have another occasion to fulfill all that this means.

11. Beloved ones, I urge you as [those who are] foreigners and sojourners, keep yourselves from appetites for what is forbidden, which wage war against the soul,

Foreigners and sojourners: living in exile, while still outside their proper Land of Israel. Trimm also sees this as alluding to Gen 23:4; 47:9, showing that it refers to the descendants of Avraham and Yaaqov in particular. What is forbidden: that is, to Israelites, who are called to remain set apart, even though dwelling in the midst of peoples for whom such a high standard has not been required. These lusts find a foothold in our natural selves as human beings with the same weaknesses as anyone else, but we are given more empowerment to overcome them--including the very knowledge once again of who we are, a knowledge that had been totally lost twice in our history.

12. holding yourselves to surpassingly-commendable behavior among the Gentiles, so that in whatever they [may] defame you as "evildoers", they may acknowledge the worthiness of YHWH at a time of inspection [because they] have seen [the evidence] from your beneficial deeds.

Among the Gentiles: therefore, those he is addressing are NOT Gentiles in the classic sense, but only those who had left Israel, but were still Israelite in fact. Evildoers: for example, first-century believers were called "atheists" because they did not recognize the lower gods of the Romans --though, of all people, they were pious believers! We who insist on the higher standard will also be thought of as unkind for standing strong against traditions like Christmas and Easter that at best dilute the truth about Yahshua and at worst mislead people into veiled paganism.

13. Be in subjection, then, to any human ordinance for the Master's sake--whether to a king, who possesses superior rank,

Superior rank: an outstanding, prominent position clearly rising above others; Aramaic, authority.

14. or to administrators, as those who indeed are sent by Him to avenge evildoers, but [also] to commend those who act appropriately--

15. because this is YHWH's intention: to keep the ignorance of senseless human beings in check by [your example of] doing what profits others,

Senseless: or foolish. The Aramaic adds, who do not know Elohim.

16. as exempt from obligation, yet not holding to your license as a pretext for evil, but rather as bondslaves of the [highest] Elohim.

Exempt: because we are not truly citizens of these lands, subject to their spiritual rulers, but follow the higher law of Israel in direct relation to the Creator who is above all others. But it would not serve His purposes for us to break human laws simply because they are merely human, because this would encourage disorder among those who have nothing but the threat of punishment to restrain them from flagrant selfishness. (v. 15)

17. Hold [them] all in high esteem: act for the best interests of the brotherhood, fear YHWH, honor the king.

Note that we can find value or worth in anyone YHWH has made, but we are only called to love (act for the best interests of, agapate) those who also love Him.

18. Domestic servants, be subordinate to your masters with all due respect, not only to those who are agreeable and gentle, but also to those who are unfair,

Unfair: Aramaic, hard and difficult.

19. because this is a [way to wield] favorable influence, if someone for the sake of being conscious of YHWH endures annoyance, suffering undeservedly,

Being conscious of YHWH: remembering that it is His dignity, and not merely our own interests, that we represent by our every deed.

20. because what is newsworthy about it if you calmly endure being mistreated for making mistakes? But if you patiently endure suffering [for] doing what is right, this is a favorable influence from YHWH.

Influence: One of the chief reasons for our continued exile was specifically that Israel could more directly fulfill its calling as a "light to the nations" in this age.

21. For it was to this [very thing] that you have been called, since even Messiah suffered on our behalf, leaving us an example so that you should follow closely in His footsteps

Example: model, pattern, or paradigm, literally "under-letter", from a practice of allowing children to trace a stencil-like guide when beginning to learn to write the letters of the alphabet.

22. "who made no errors, nor was any deceit found in His mouth" [Yeshayahu 53:9]--

Deceit: here, craftiness, specifically meaning to lure someone with bait to become one's prey.

23. who, when having abuse heaped on [Him], did not hurl abuse back; when undergoing suffering, He would not make threats, but entrusted [Himself] into the care of the One who judges with justice--

24. who "took it upon Himself [to intervene by making an offering for] our sins" in His body on the beam, so that, having died to sins, we might live unto righteousness (by whose wounds [trickling with blood] you were healed).

The quote is from Yeshayahu 53:4, 12. Unto righteousness: Aramaic, by His righteousness.

25. For you were "like sheep, being led astray" [Yesh. 53:6], but now you have been turned back to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. [Yirm. 31:10; Yehezqel 34]

The quoted Scripture goes on to say we had each turned to our own way, so Yaaqov plays on this phraseology to indicate the reparation Yahshua made for us. Again, if we are turning back, we are returning to a path we walked on once before. Who but Israel (aside from a few of its predecessors) had ever walked with YHWH before?

CHAPTER 3

1. In the same way, the wives, being subjected to their own husbands, in order that, even if any are not persuaded by the logic, they may be won over without the intervention of a word through the wives' [pattern of] conduct,

Husbands: literally, simply "men", but note the qualification of "their own", not simply all men in general. Not persuaded by the logic: or, disobedient to the word. Without the intervention of a word: Aramaic, without much difficulty. The context of this type of submission is in the wives' speech (of which Yahshua was an example, 2:21-22), not a blind submission to a husband who demands that she violate YHWH's instructions or keeps her from assembling with YHWH's community. These women believed on Messiah before their husbands did, and he is saying, "Youâ€™ve done enough talking; now just be quiet, let it sink in, and show them that you practice what you preach."

2. observing your faultless behavior with respect.

Faultless behavior: Aramaic, beautiful manners.

3. Donâ€™t let that [behavior] be the outward, elaborate weave of hair and the wearing of gold or the putting on of decorative garments;

4. rather, the hidden person of the heart, which will not wear outâ€“that of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is of surpassing value in the eyes of Elohim.

Rather: often an idiom for "put the most emphasis here" without necessarily negating the other completely. If any emphasis is put on the outward appearance, the inward emphasis must at least supersede this. Wear out: or decay, with the sense of contrast with a beauty that would fade with the aging process. Tranquil: Aramaic, without corruption, or, not altering [it].

5. For indeed this is how the set-apart women of the past who set their expectation on Elohim adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands,

6. as Sarah listened in submission to Avraham, calling him "master", [as] whose children you have received your existence, doing right and not being frightened away by any threat.

Sarah: an especially beautiful woman, which is why he makes the disclaimer in v. 3. This account is in Gen. 18:12 and its midrash, Tanchuma on portion Chayei-Sarah, 29a. (Trimm). Received your existence: or become--either again after leaving that heritage or by joining it from outside. Doing right: what you say amounts to nothing otherwise . Threat: that an unbelieving husband may make.

7. Likewise, husbands, make your home together with them in [a way] commensurate with understanding, allotting consideration to the woman as a more fragile instrument, as indeed being co-recipients of the benefits of life, to avoid having your prayers cut off.

Consideration: or, valuation. If the woman is not properly honored, the husband's prayers will lose their effectiveness, because he is a hypocrite if he thinks he is less dependent on YHWHâ€™s favor just because he is a little bit stronger physically. If he is not keeping in mind the fact that she cannot take as much stress as he, he is not loving her as himself, and thus does not deserve the same consideration from YHWH. On the other hand, if the husband is naturally more inclined to spiritual things, the husband should not leave to her the responsibilities that belong to him as the family's priest and guardian. Do not depend on her to be the strength of your relationship. If she is more faithful than you, you as a couple are not an acceptable picture of Messiah's relationship to His bride. Deut. 22:5 teaches us not to usurp one another's gender roles. Cut off: or hindered; Aramaic, lest you stumble in your prayer.

8. The goal, then, [is that you] all [be] of the same mind, sympathetic, loving the brothers, tender-hearted, courteous,

Sympathetic: the literal etymology is, suffering with one who suffers. Tender-hearted: literally, having strong intestines (able to put up with one anotherâ€™s need to bring difficult truths to the surface so that healing can come--bearing one another's burdens with oneâ€™s ear).

9. neither paying back wrong for wrong nor mischief for mischief, but, to the contrary, blessing, seeing that [it is] to this that you are called, in order that you might receive an assigned blessing.

Wrong: or, what is worthless. Again, the context is speech; i.e., even if your spouse is giving you what amounts only to empty talk, do not give back the same, but respond with a teaching, and make what is pointless profitable. Blessing: or, speaking well of.

10. For "the one who is determined to love life and see pleasant days must restrain his tongue from injurious [things] and his lips, so that they speak forth no deceit.

Since Kefa is addressing many of the same people Yaaqov wrote to, Paul, who knew what it was like to have trouble with a spouse (Rom. 7), was likely to eventually see a copy of this letter. Most of the apostlesâ€™ extant writings are responses to one situation or another, and reading them is like listening to one side of a telephone conversationâ€”clear if one is familiar with the context, but very cloudy if not. The same type of "injurious things" that a family quarrel can precipitate were resulting from Paul's saying too much to immature audiences (as Yaaqov's letter emphasizes). Yahshua, on the other hand, kept silent even in the face of injustice, for a higher purpose. (Yeshayahu/Isa. 53:7)

11. "He must turn away from evil and do right. Let him strive for harmony and earnestly desire to acquire it,

12. "because the eyes of YHWH are on a righteous [person], and His ears [open] to their cry for help", but "the face of YHWH is over [any] who do evil [things]." [Psalm 34:12-16]

13. And what is there to harm you if become imitators of what is excellent?

Imitators of what is excellent: or, zealous for [Kingdom] profit, in contrast to the worthlessness mentioned in v. 9.

14. But even if you [do] suffer on account of righteousness, you are blessed. So "donâ€™t be afraid of their threats, nor should you be troubled,

You are blessed: Kefa may be quoting Yahshua's beatitudes (Mat. 5:10) here. (Trimm) Their terrorizing: Heb., a conspiracy. (Yeshayahu 8:12-13)

15. "but in your hearts acknowledge YHWH as in a category of His own", and invariably [be] prepared to give a reasoned argument to everyone who asks you [for] an explanation of the expectation that is within you, with gentleness and respectfulness,

A reasoned argument: Aramaic, an exuding spirit. Being learned and able to answer, though, does not always mean every question is worthy of a response. Some may just be intent on causing trouble or wasting your time. Do not put pearls (entrances to the Kingdom, Rev. 21:21) in front of swine. (Mat. 7:6)

16. having an upright conscience, so that when they defame you as evildoers, those who are falsely accusing your beneficial conduct in Messiah will be put to shame,

Upright conscience: or, complete understanding (consciousness); i.e., know where you stand--as only part of the whole body, yet an integral part nonetheless. As Yaaqov says, look in the mirror and remember who you are. (1:23) When the high priest saw h is reflection on the Temple's gold-plated walls, he would see "set apart unto YHWH". The same is true of all of Israel.

17. since it is more useful to suffer for doing right, if Elohim's choice has determined it, than for doing wrong--

18. because even Messiah once suffered on account of sins, the righteous on behalf of the unrighteous, so that He might open for us a way of access to YHWH, being indeed put to death physically, yet being restored to life in the spirit,

Suffered: Aramaic, died.

19. with which He also went across and made a proclamation to the spirits [that were] under guard--

1 Chanokh (Enoch) 10:12; 12:4 give more background on this concept. (Trimm) Compare Yehudah (Jude) verse 6 .

20. the ones that had previously been noncompliant during the one grace period in which YHWH waited patiently in the days of Noach while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, [only] eight souls, were brought safely through [the deluge of] water,

Waited: Aramaic, hoped for their repentance.

21. the counterpart of which (immersion) indeed now preserves us (not getting rid of the physical dirt, but rather the earnest craving for a proper consciousness toward Elohim) through the resurrection of Yahshua the Messiah,

Immersion: a picture of turning away from self. It preserves not me or you, but us, in unity.

22. who is at YHWH's right hand [Psalm 110:1], having crossed over into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subordinate to him.

Chapter 4 & 5

CHAPTER 4

1. Since Messiah has suffered physically on our behalf, you also arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has left sinning behind,

Left sinning behind: restrained sin or been released from sin, perhaps due to physical death itself (as the Aramaic takes it), but alternately through the added maturity that the experience of undergoing the suffering brings (Heb. 12:12ff)â€”which seems to be the intent according to the verse 2. This is the meaning of the immersion seen in 3:21.

2. so as to no longer pass the rest of his time in the flesh for human cravings but rather for what YHWH wants.

3. For the time that has [already] passed by is enough for us to have carried out the purposes of the Gentiles, having led our lives in unbridled excess, lusts, silly babblings due to wine, riotous parading, drinking parties, and criminal vices [springing from] idolatry.

Idolatry: or avarice, as the worship of Mammon. Drinking parties: the Aramaic term includes the aspect of singing as well.

4. They are amazed that you don't rush into the same wasteful abandon with [them], for which they hurl abuse [at you];

Amazed: shocked by the strangeness of this novel idea.

5. the same will give a logical accounting to the One who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6. For this purpose the glad news was also proclaimed to the dead, so that they might indeed be judged as [if] people in a physical body, yet might be among the living in the spirit as far as Elohim is concerned.

This may refer to the same event as in 3:19.

7. Now for all things the finale has drawn near. In keeping with this, sober up and calm your spirit [in a way suitable] for prayers,

Sober up: act sanely, in your right mind, with self-control, curbing your passions and impulses. Calm your spirit: be collected and dispassionate.

8. and before everything [else] having love among yourselves that stretches itself [to do what the others need most], because "looking out for one another's best interests will hinder a great number of errors". [Prov. 10:12]

Hinder: Hebrew, cover over. Errors: Heb., rebellionsâ€”a specific kind of sin in the context of a unified community. (Yaaqov 5:19-20 quotes the same passage in the context of commitment to one another.)

9. Exercise hospitality toward one another without complaints,

One another: Aramaic, strangers.

10. each in proportion to the gifting he has received, rendering the same service among yourselves as commendable trustees of the multi-faceted favor of Elohim.

Managers: Aramaic, rabbis of the House.

11. If anyone speaks, [let it be] as the wise utterances of Elohim; if anyone renders service, [let him do so] as from the provision that Elohim furnishes abundantly, so that in everything Elohim may be honored on account of Yahshua the Messiah, to whom be the reputation resulting in praise and the dominion into the aeons of the ages. So may it be indeed!

12. Beloved ones, do not be amazed at the burning that is coming on you as a test [to determine] your [quality], as if something strange were happening to you,

Burning: as with a fire in a smelting-forge.

13. but be glad to the extent that you are sharing in what Messiah has suffered, so that you too may [experience the] gushing forth of surpassing joy when His exalted position is made public.

At present it would seem to an onlooker that we are trading away tangible assets and giving up the gains we have already made for imagined benefits that might never pan out, but when the true dividends of laying up treasures in heaven are brought out in the open, it will be clear that this was the best investment anyone could have ever made.

14. If you have reproach undeservedly cast in your teeth in the name of Messiah, [you are] blessed, because the spirit of dignity and of Elohim is coming to rest over you. Certainly as far as they are concerned, He is being treated reproachfully, but as far as you are concerned, He is being rendered [even more] honorable.

Coming to rest: stopping in one's midst, exactly like the pillar of cloud and fire that told our ancestors in the wilderness that they were in exactly the place YHWH wanted them to be at the time.

15. Now none of you should undergo suffering as a murderer, an embezzler, an evildoer, or as a meddler in other people's affairs,

16. but if [he undergoes suffering] as a follower of Messiah, he should not be ashamed, but [rather] praise Elohim in this regard,

Follower of Messiah: literally, "Christian", a derogatory term applied to them by outsiders, which is why there would be the temptation to be ashamed. Being called a Christian was in itself a form of suffering, not something they would want to perpetuate, yet in a strange twist of events this became the name by which the field of wheat mixed with tares (Mat. 13:25-40) came to be known.

17. because the appointed time [has arrived] for judgment to begin from the household of Elohim, and if [it proceeds onward] from us first, what will be the limit [of the toll imposed upon] those who refuse to comply with Elohim's glad proclamation?

Begin from the household (or house) of Elohim: an allusion to Yehezq'El (Ezk.) 9:6, in which the righteous are sealed before the Easter sunrise-service celebrants are marked for destruction. (Trimm) Glad proclamation: of amnesty for those who left His covenant and mingled with the Gentiles, if they will return to Him now. Comply with: the Gospel is not just something to be believed, but to be obeyed, and this includes leaving behind that paganism that has become "married" to the true Hebraic observance of YHWH's feasts. (Compare Ezra 10).

18. And if the righteous are [barely] rescued, with great difficulty, where will the irreverent and those who are especially sinful ever be seen?

This is a paraphrase of Prov. 11:31.

19. So as those who are indeed suffering according to what YHWH wants, let them, by doing right, entrust the safekeeping of their own souls as to a Creator who can be counted on.

CHAPTER 5

1. As [one who is] a fellow elder and an eyewitness of the sufferings of the Messiah (and one who shares in the honor that is on the verge of being revealed), I beg those [with the rank of] elders among you:

Elders: the term has to do with seniority, often of age, but sometimes simply of maturity. (Compare Qoheleth/Eccles. 4:13; 1 Tim. 4:11-12.) Someone with more skill in Torah is always the elder; the immature are not permitted to lead. (1 Tim. 3:6) Honor: or authority; Kefa had already been told that he would be on one of the twelve thrones of judgment in Israel (Mat. 19:28). But he was passing on to them the order from the top: "Feed My sheep." (Yoch. 21:15ff) He had grasped Yahshua's teaching that the leaders of His Kingdom were not to take their cues from the way the Gentiles ruled, but that the greatest would be those who serve (Mat. 20:25ff):

2. Shepherd the flock of YHWH that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly; not out of greed for gain, but eagerly,

Shepherd: includes providing pasture, tending to particular needs, and governing. Under compulsion: or, by necessity.

3. nor lording it over those entrusted [to you], but being examples to the flock.

Examples: This is the only type of leader that will be respected anyway, as with the modern Israeli generals, who do not send their troops into battle without them, but say, "Follow me!" A shepherd serves be detaching himself from his own interests and putting the sheep's needs first. (Mat. 19:21-29) So while the Kingdom is not yet overt, we need to take the right attitude toward leadership so that when we have more freedom to exercise it openly, we will not be tempted to abuse it. In this way, we can be all that we need to be as Israel in exile.

4. Then when the chief Shepherd is made manifest, you will receive the [promised] crown of honor--[one] that does not wither away.

Chief Shepherd: see Yehezq'El 34:11-15; Aramaic, Rabbi Shepherd. Crown: wreath or garland, as presented to the winners of a race or victors in war--which would wither. Yet these crowns will ultimately be cast at YHWH's feet. (Rev. 4:10)

5. In the same way, [you who are] younger, be submitted to elders; all of you indeed be [mutually] subjected to one another. Belt yourselves together with humility, since YHWH "sets Himself against those who place themselves above others, but grants favor to those who do not rise far from the ground." [Prov. 3:34]

Mutually subjected to one another: i.e., each submit his own interests to that of the whole body. Humility: the deep recognition of how much less important each individual is than the whole group. The compound word here means "keeping oneself near the ground, bowed at the waist". True humility, though, is not always wallowing in our inferiority, but recognizing who we are (what are giftings are and are not), and fulfilling the particular responsibilities He has given each of us. (Gal. 6:4-5)

6. Be lowered, then, under the prevailing hand of Elohim, so that He may raise you to honor at the right time,

Compare Yahshua's command to take the lowest seat at the banquet until called up higher. (Luke 14:10)

7. throwing all your doubts on Him, because it matters to Him concerning you.

Doubts: or anxiety; from a root word meaning to divide (one's attention or make him waver).

8. Be sensible, be [constantly] watchful, because your adversary the accuser, like a roaring lion, prowls around, seeking someone to devour.

Sensible: or sober, not throwing self-control to the wind in an attempt to escape the reality of our suffering. We need to remain in our right mind, because there is a "wrong mind" that wars against it and will look for any foot in the door. Watchful: not slacking off but keeping one's caution and suspicion up at all times; Aramaic, remind! Adversary: a courtroom term, meaning one who wants to sue you. We must not show up in the courtroom drunk, but be alert for the weakness in his case. Yahshua found a loophole in his right to the earth, and thereby sued him for the keys of death, but haSatan still tries to get us to walk in sin so that he will again have a claim on us. Even if externally we look well-guarded, our opponent is aware of our weaknesses, so we must keep our eyes open. Prowls: or simply, walks around. In Iyov (Job) 1:7; 2:2, we see him going to and fro throughout the earth; indeed he begins with an accusation, which leads to much suffering for that faithful man.

9. Resist him, solid in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being completed by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Solid in the faith: Aramaic, when you are established in the trust. Completed by: or, imposed upon. Knowing that we are not alone in our sufferings brings some comfort through the pain.

10. Moreover, the Elohim of all grace--the One [who is] calling you into His never-ending position of honor with Messiah Yahshua (after you have suffered to a slight degree)--will Himself restore you, fix [you] firmly, strengthen, and stabilize [you].

Restore: has the connotation of making adjustments and repairs. Stabilize: make us a sturdily-built community. (Heb. 13) There is a reason for the pain; it is not just YHWH's--or haSatan's--whim, but is designed to bring reparation both to us and for the evil in the world. (Heb. 12:5-13) He is speaking specifically to younger people, and suffering is especially effective in one's youth (Lam. 3:27), to brig us to maturity.

11. "The honor and dominion [belong] to" Him into the aeons of the ages. [1 Chron. 29:11-13] Trustworthy indeed!

12. I wrote to you by way of what I consider a few [words] through Silvanos, the faithful brother, encouraging [you] and establishing by testimony that this is the true favor of Elohim, into which you have been made to stand firm.

What I consider: Aramaic, I presumed to write a few words to you. Silvanos: a longer name for the more familiar Silas. This is the true favor: as opposed to the former Gentile pursuits which we regarded as His blessings (4:3) and the power-hunger that leads some to lord it over others (v. 3). What looks trouble-free is not necessarily His kind of peace.

13. The fellow-chosen [one] in Bavel and Markos my son greet you with open arms.

Fellow-chosen: Aramaic, the assembly of the chosen. Bavel (Babylon) was where most of the Jewish sages stayed after the captivity was over, and the more widely-circulated version of the Talmud was compiled there. Perhaps a significant following for Yahshua was drawn from among the Jews there as well as in Yerushalayim.

14. Greet one another with a [holy] kiss of love. Shalom to all of you who are in Messiah Yahshua. So may it be indeed!

SECOND BOOK OF KEFA
Chapter 1