Future Directions in Scholarship

For those of us who read the Bible from a Messianic Jewish perspective, 1 Peter presents a problem. On the surface, Peter seems to be telling an audience of Gentiles that they, and not Israel, are now the chosen people. Dr. Kelly Liebengood has recently released a manuscript called Reading 1 Peter after Supersessionism, in which he shares his research on Peter’s inclusive language. Gentile followers of Jesus have always faced a challenge when forming a new identity, but the nature of this new identity does not preclude the continuing status of Israel as the people of God. Join us as we wrestle through post-supersessionist scholarship to find the message of Peter that applies even today. 

👉 Key Discussion Points: 

► The Concept of “Gentile Israelhood” is a concept Dr. Liebengood uses to express that Gentile believers are invited into a shared identity where they belong to the God of Israel. Dr. Liebengood argues they are “grafted-in” to Israel’s story without erasing their own Gentile identity or stealing the unique status of the Jewish people. 

► The Challenge of Audience Identification in 1 Peter is a scholarly tug-of-war. A Jewish audience fits the letter’s “national” language but contradicts descriptions of the readers’ former pagan ignorance; conversely, a Gentile audience risks supporting “replacement theology” unless read through a post-supersessionist lens. How can this tension be resolved? 

► A post-supersessionist reading of 1 Peter underscores the trustworthiness of God. The debate over 1 Peter is ultimately about the character of God. If God were to abandon his specific promises to Israel to start over with a new group, he would be fundamentally untrustworthy. A post-supersessionist reading ensures that God is seen as a faithful promise-keeper to all. 

🔖  Chapters 

00:00 Kelly's Journey to Post-Supersessionism 

13:22 1 Peter and the Significance of Audience 

07:56 Understanding Suffering in 1 Peter 

19:03 Theological Implications of Audience Interpretation 

26:29 Understanding “Israelhood”  

31:42 Challenges of Gentile Identity Formation 

34:21 Viewing Peter's Audience as Converts 

39:48 Dating 1 Peter 

44:32 Suffering in 1 Peter 

48:10 Ecclesiology and Gentile Identity 

51:24 Future Directions in Scholarship 

1:00:20 Theological Implications for Gentile Followers 

1:05:10 Re-narrating the Bible’s Bigger Picture 

1:07:57 The Need for Dialogue in Scholarship 

👉  Resources: 

► Reading 1 Peter after Supersessionism, Dr. Kelly Liebengood 

► Dismantling Replacement Theology

► Biblical Blueprint of Peoplehood

► Israel – Forgetfulness

–  Who is Messiah Podcast?  –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel. 

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.