1 Peter

The book of 1 Peter was written by the apostle Peter around 62-64 AD while he was serving as a church leader in Rome. Peter wrote the letter to Christians in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) facing persecution to encourage them to remain faithful to Jesus. He reminded believers of their identity as God’s chosen people and called them to live in holiness and hope despite their trials. He instructed them to live such honorable lives that even their accusers would be drawn to glorify God. Peter acknowledged the reality of suffering for their faith but reassured them that this aligned with Christ’s own experience. He encouraged unity, humility, and steadfast trust in God’s grace, assuring them that their perseverance would reveal God’s glory and faithfulness.

Chapter 1

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, addressed his letter to God’s elect, who were exiles scattered across various provinces. He affirmed that they were chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, and called to obey Jesus Christ and partake in His redemptive work. Peter extended a blessing of abundant grace and peace to his readers.

Praise To God For A Living Hope

Peter praised God for His great mercy through Jesus’ resurrection. This hope included an eternal inheritance, imperishable and secure in heaven. He told believers to rejoice despite their present trials, emphasizing that such hardships refine their faith. Peter explained that the prophets understood their message was for future generations and anticipated the Messiah's suffering and subsequent glory. Even the angels longed to see the gospel preached by the Holy Spirit.

Be Holy

Peter urged believers to remain vigilant and set their minds on the grace to be revealed at Jesus’ return. He called them to abandon former sinful desires and pursue holiness. He reminded them that they are foreigners on earth and to be aware of their redemption through Christ’s precious blood, rather than perishable things like silver or gold. Peter taught that Christ was revealed for their sake, making faith and hope in God possible through His resurrection. He instructed them to love one another deeply and sincerely. Peter reminded them of their rebirth through God’s enduring word, while contrasting His word to the fleeting nature of humanity.

Be Holy (cont.) - Chapter 2

Peter encouraged believers to rid themselves of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. By longing for spiritial nourishment, they would mature in their salvation, having already experienced the goodness of the Lord.

The Living Stone And Chosen People

Peter described Jesus as the living Stone, as prophesied in the Old Testament. He also compared believers to living stones, being built into a spiritual house and called to serve as a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. Citing Scripture, Peter identified Jesus as the cornerstone in Zion, precious to those who believe but a stumbling block to those who reject Him. Believers were called a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and God’s treasured possession who are set apart to proclaim His praises.

Living Godly Lives In A Pagan Society

Peter urged believers them to live exemplary lives among nonbelievers so their good deeds would glorify God. Peter emphasized submission to human authorities as an act of obedience to God’s will. By doing good, they would silence critics and demonstrate their freedom as servants of God. He called them to respect all people, love fellow believers, fear God, and honor the emperor. Peter told slaves to submit to their masters, even when treated unjustly. Peter taught that it was good to suffer for good, using Jesus as the example. Christ suffered without sin or retaliation, entrusting Himself to God and bearing humanity’s sins on the cross. Through His wounds, believers were healed and called to die to sin and live righteously. Once like wandering sheep, they had now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls.

Living Godly Lives In A Pagan Society (cont.) - Chapter 3

Peter taught wives to submit to their husbands, even if the husbands were unbelievers, so that their pure and reverent conduct might win them over to the faith without words. He emphasized that true beauty comes from the inner self, specifically a gentle and quiet spirit. Peter pointed to the example of holy women in the past, like Sarah, who trusted in God and submitted to their husbands. Peter instructed husbands to be considerate and respectful toward their wives, recognizing them as co-heirs of God’s grace. He warned that failing to honor their wives could hinder their prayers.

Suffering For Doing Good

Peter encouraged believers to live in unity by showing love, humility, and forgiveness. He reminded them to pursue peace and righteousness, trusting that God hears the prayers of the faithful. Peter taught that suffering for good is a blessing and an opportunity to honor Christ as Lord, and instructed to always being ready explain why they are gentle and hopeful (i.e. be ready to share the gospel). Peter highlighted Christ's suffering for sins to bring humanity to God, His triumph through resurrection, and His exaltation over all spiritual authorities.

Living For God - Chapter 4

Peter urged believers to arm themselves with the same attitude Christ had in His suffering. He emphasized that they should no longer live for earthly desires but for the will of God. He reminded them of their former way of life, filled with sinful indulgence. Peter highlighted the nearness of the end times, while urging alertness and prayer. Above all, love for one another was to be deep, as it covers a multitude of sins. Believers were encouraged to use their gifts to serve others, doing so with the strength God provides, so that God might be glorified.

Suffering For Being A Christian

Peter warned believers not to be surprised by suffering for their faith and urged them to rejoice in the opportunity to join Christ's suffering. He assured them that if they were insulted for Christ's name, they were blessed. Suffering should not come as a result of criminal actions, but if it was due to being a Christian, they should not be ashamed. He encouraged those who suffered according to God's will to entrust themselves to their Creator and continue doing good.

To The Elders And The Flock - Chapter 5

Peter appealed to the elders to shepherd God’s flock willingly and eagerly, not out of obligation or for dishonest gain. He emphasized the importance of leading by example, not lording over others, as they would receive a crown of glory from the Chief Shepherd when He appeared. Peter instructed the younger members of the church to submit to their elders in humility, quoting Proverbs 3:34: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” He encouraged them to give their anxieties to God, who cares for them. Peter warned believers to be sober minded (alert), as the devil seeks to devour them. He urged them to resist the devil and stand firm in faith, knowing that Christians worldwide suffer similarly. He assured them that God would restore them after suffering, making them strong and steadfast.

Final Greetings

Peter concluded the letter by acknowledging Silas helped him write the letter. He sent greetings from "she who is in Babylon" (likely referring to the church) and Mark, who was considered a spiritual son. Peter urged the believers to greet one another with love and peace, wishing peace to all those in Christ.