Perhaps we think of the Apostle Peter as being bombastic—all personality. That is far from accurate.

Notice what Lange’s Commentary says about Peter’s first epistle: “No portion of the New Testament is so thoroughly interwoven with quotations from and allusions to the Old Testament. (It contains, in 105 verses, 23 quotations, while the epistle to the Ephesians has only seven, and that to the Galatians, only 13.)”

Peter knew the Bible—probably more than any of the other apostles. He was much more than just personality. A major reason why he excelled was because of his understanding of Scripture. His writings are filled with Old Testament quotes. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Peter had strong faith—based on a deep knowledge of the Bible.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).

Peter set them a marvelous example in always being ready to answer questions about our hope. He knew the Old Testament extremely well and quoted it frequently.

He set an example of hope, and his profound Bible understanding stirs and inspires us today.

Why was Peter chosen as chief apostle? One of the major reasons was that he knew the Bible! Are you known as a person who really knows his or her Bible? Christ said we would be held accountable for every word.

The Bible is Jesus Christ in print. What a mind-jarring blessing this book is for God’s very elect. We must know the mind of God and be deeply grounded in the Bible in order to have the hope we need.

Why is this so important? God is preparing us to teach billions of people about this hope in the wonderful World Tomorrow! Throughout the Millennium and the period represented by the Last Great Day, we will teach billions. All humanity will be filled with living hope.

Before long, all of God’s people will be surrounded by millions of people wanting to learn what we know. We must let Christ prepare us for that awesome job.

Our hope today is a vision of mind-staggering magnitude. God is going to have a hope-filled Family of billions.

Today, we see only a tiny beginning. We must work hard and study hard to etch this vision in our minds now. Are you ready to give an answer for that hope within you?

The accelerated time frame demands that we be more urgent. Peter’s writings confirm that.

Every effect has a cause. There is a cause for hope and joy, and a cause for depression and discouragement.

You will not find hope outside the source in which Peter found it. We must search deeply into God’s Word—because within it there is boundless hope!

For more understanding of the hope Peter had, request my free booklet The Epistles of Peter—A Living Hope.