1 Peter

Introduction

First Peter is a letter from the apostle Peter to Christians scattered across the Roman provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, regions in present-day Turkey (1 Peter 1:1). Peter identifies himself as "an apostle of Jesus Christ" and appears to have composed the letter with the help of Silvanus (Silas) as secretary or amanuensis (1 Peter 5:12), which may explain its polished Greek despite Peter's Galilean background. Probably written from Rome, referred to cryptically as "Babylon" in 1 Peter 5:13, around AD 62–64, the letter reflects a time of growing hostility toward Christians under Nero, before full imperial persecution began. Mark, Peter's close associate and the author of the Gospel bearing his name, is also with him there (1 Peter 5:13).

The letter responds to the suffering and social alienation Peter's readers were experiencing. These believers, many of them Gentile converts (1 Peter 1:14, 1 Peter 1:18, 1 Peter 4:3), were enduring slander, hostility, and other forms of social pressure because of their faith. Peter writes to strengthen them by grounding their identity in the living hope of Christ's resurrection and an imperishable inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5). Several themes run through the letter: the call to holiness shaped by God's own character, the redemptive meaning of unjust suffering, the example of Christ, who bore injustice without retaliation, and the posture of humble submission within society, the household, and the church. Throughout, Peter draws on the Old Testament to show that his readers, though Gentiles and exiles, now belong to the people of God: a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Structure

Greeting (1:1-2)

Peter addresses the elect exiles scattered throughout five provinces of Asia Minor, greeting them with grace and peace and describing their election as grounded in the foreknowledge of God the Father, the sanctifying work of the Spirit, and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

Living Hope through the Resurrection (1:3-12)

Peter opens with a doxology praising God for new birth into a living hope through Christ's resurrection, an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven, and a faith refined through trials, a salvation the prophets searched out and even angels long to see.

The Call to Holy Living (1:13-25)

Peter exhorts his readers to set their hope fully on the grace to come, to live as obedient children in holiness after the pattern of God himself, to revere the Father who redeemed them not with perishable silver or gold but with the blood of Christ, and to love one another earnestly from a pure heart as those born again through the living and enduring word of God.

The Living Stone and the People of God (2:1-12)

Peter calls believers to crave the pure spiritual milk of the word, portrays Christ as the living stone rejected by men but chosen and precious in God's sight, and declares that believers are living stones being built into a spiritual house and a holy priesthood, a chosen people called out of darkness into God's light, who as foreigners and exiles must conduct themselves honorably among the Gentiles.

Peter instructs believers to submit to governing authorities and servants to submit to their masters, even unjust ones, grounding this exhortation in the example of Christ, who committed no sin, did not retaliate when he suffered, and entrusted himself to the righteous judge, bearing our sins in his body on the tree so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Instructions for Households (3:1-7)

Peter addresses wives, urging them to win over unbelieving husbands through reverent and pure conduct rather than outward adornment, and he addresses husbands, calling them to live with their wives in an understanding way as fellow heirs of the grace of life, so that their prayers will not be hindered.

Doing Good and Suffering for Righteousness (3:8-22)

Peter calls all believers to unity, compassion, and blessing in the face of insult, assures them that no one can ultimately harm those who are zealous for good, and urges them to be ready to give a defense for their hope with gentleness and respect, pointing to Christ, who suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God, and who now reigns at God's right hand with all authorities subject to him.

Living for God in Light of the End (4:1-11)

Peter urges believers to arm themselves with Christ's resolve in suffering and to break with their former pagan way of life, reminding them that the end of all things is near and calling them to sober-minded prayer, deep love for one another, generous hospitality, and faithful stewardship of God's gifts for his glory.

Suffering as Christians (4:12-19)

Peter encourages believers not to be surprised by the trials they face but to rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings, knowing that the Spirit of glory rests on them. He reminds them that judgment begins with the household of God and calls those who suffer according to God's will to entrust their souls to their faithful Creator.

Instructions to Elders and Final Exhortations (5:1-14)

Peter appeals to the elders as a fellow elder and witness of Christ's sufferings to shepherd the flock willingly and humbly, exhorts the young to submit to their elders, calls all to cast their anxieties on God and resist the devil with firm faith, and closes with a benediction of restoration and eternal glory, greetings from the church in Babylon and Mark, and a final blessing of peace.

Chapter Summaries

1Peter greets the elect exiles of the Dispersion, blesses God for the living hope of the resurrection and an imperishable heavenly inheritance, encourages believers whose faith is being refined through trials, and calls them to holiness, reverent fear, and sincere love as those redeemed by the blood of Christ and born again through the living word of God.
2Peter portrays Christ as the living cornerstone and believers as living stones in God's spiritual house, declares them a chosen people and royal priesthood, instructs them to submit to governing authorities and to endure unjust suffering patiently, and holds up Christ's own suffering, bearing sins in his body on the tree, as the example to follow.
3Peter gives instructions to wives and husbands about conduct within marriage, calls all believers to unity and compassion, encourages them to endure suffering for righteousness with a ready defense of their hope, and points to Christ's once-for-all suffering for sins, his proclamation to the spirits in prison, and his exaltation at God's right hand.
4Peter urges believers to live for the will of God rather than human passions, reminds them that those who malign them will answer to the judge of the living and the dead, calls for sober-minded prayer and deep mutual love as the end draws near, and encourages those suffering as Christians to entrust themselves to their faithful Creator.
5Peter exhorts elders to shepherd the flock willingly and by example, promises the unfading crown of glory from the Chief Shepherd, calls all believers to humility and vigilance against the devil, and closes with a benediction of grace, greetings from Silvanus, Mark, and the church in Babylon, and a final word of peace.