Born Again to a Living Hope: A Messianic Commentary on 1 Peter
Author: David Wilber
How do we remain faithful to God in an ungodly world that opposes our beliefs and values? The apostle Peter addresses this question in his first epistle. Writing to persecuted believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, Peter urges them to remain steadfast in their faith, even though they are facing hardship and social rejection. Why? Because their everlasting inheritance is far more precious than any cultural acceptance or comfort the world can offer. Peter reminds them that the living hope secured through the Messiah's resurrection gives them reason to rejoice, even while they are suffering.
In this commentary on 1 Peter, David Wilber explores how the apostle's message continues to speak powerfully to believers today as we seek to navigate the tension between faithfully serving God and being good citizens of a society that rejects his ways. Combining careful scholarship with modern application, this work invites believers to stand firm in hope and holiness.
This commentary is part of the Messianic Jewish Application Commentary Series (MJAC).
Endorsements
David Wilber's commentary on 1 Peter is a rare and valuable achievement. As a scholar who teaches and preaches both the Old and New Testaments, I can attest that 1 Peter is a crucial, and often misunderstood, bridge between them. To read Peter well, one must read the Tanakh well. Wilber navigates this territory with impressive skill and theological clarity. He masterfully avoids the common pitfall of supersessionism, demonstrating that Peter's message is not one of Israel's replacement but of the nations' inclusion into Israel's story and covenants. Wilber's Pronomian (Torah-positive) framework is a particular strength. His exegesis of the "holiness" command (1 Pet. 1:16) is rightly grounded in its original Levitical context, and his handling of the "royal priesthood" (1 Pet. 2:9) correctly connects it to God's promises of restoration. This is a commentary that takes the Hebrew Scriptures as seriously as Peter did. Combining solid academic arguments, like his robust defense of Petrine authorship, with warm, practical application, Wilber has created a resource that is at once deep and accessible. Born Again to a Living Hope is a vital contribution for pastors, students, and laypeople, and it will be a welcome guide for any believer seeking to understand this foundational epistle.
—Matthew C. Nappier, Ph.D.
Few commentaries succeed in combining rigorous research with cutting-edge scholarship while also encouraging the reader's faith. David Wilber's commentary on 1 Peter achieves this balance, prompting us to consider the text carefully in its original context and reflect on its meaning for our time.
—Ryan C. Lambert, director of the Bridge Builders Forum and author of The Weird Apostle
David Wilber provides interesting insight into the epistle of 1 Peter. He cites a great amount of scholarship to support his positions and offers valuable insight into the mind of Peter.
—Michael Jones, director of Inspiring Philosophy
In Born Again to a Living Hope, Wilber has masterfully gifted the believing community with a study on 1 Peter that perfectly balances exegetical diligence with clarity for all audiences to benefit immensely from. This short yet deeply stimulating and insightful commentary provides the reader with all they could ask for and belongs on every believer's shelf, taking its worthy place among great studies on Petrine literature.
—R. M. Bailey, author of Whom God Has Made Clean and Purity, Politics, and Parables
About the Author
David Wilber is an author, Bible teacher, and CEO of Pronomian Publishing LLC. He has written several books and numerous theological articles, with his work appearing in outlets such as the Christian Post and the Journal of Biblical Theology. David has spoken at churches and conferences across the nation and has served as a researcher and Bible teacher for a number of Messianic and Christian ministries. David earned his BA in Biblical Studies from Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary, where he had the honor of being chosen as Valedictorian of his graduating class. He is currently working toward his MA in Religion at Southern Evangelical Seminary. Connect with David at https://davidwilber.com/
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