I Peter
Purpose
First Peter is a letter of resilient hope written to scattered Christians in Asia Minor who are facing hostility and slander for their faith, encouraging them to stand firm as the people of God in a world that no longer understands them. Peter grounds their identity in what God has done: by his great mercy he has given them "new birth into a living hope" through the resurrection of Jesus, into "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading," even as their faith is refined like gold in the fire of trial. He calls them "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession," the living stones built on the rejected cornerstone into a spiritual house that offers spiritual sacrifices. Because Christ suffered for them, leaving an example, they are to follow in his steps — submitting to authorities and within households, and enduring unjust suffering with the same entrusting of themselves to a faithful Creator. The letter is a steady, pastoral call to holiness, love, and humility under pressure, sustained by the promise that "the God of all grace… will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
Author
Peter the apostle, written "by Silvanus," with Mark present
Time Period
Written c. 62-64 AD, likely from Rome ("Babylon"), before or during Nero's persecution
Key Themes
- Living hope amid suffering
- Identity as God's people
- Holiness and submission
- Unjust suffering and Christ's example
- Steadfastness
Outline
Salvation and a living hope (ch. 1): new birth, an unfading inheritance, refined faith, and the salvation prophesied by the prophets. The living house and submission (ch. 2–3): living stones and a chosen people, submission to authorities, slaves following Christ's example, wives and husbands, and suffering for doing good. Suffering as a Christian and shepherding (ch. 4–5): living for God's will, the end of all things and love, fiery trials and sharing Christ's sufferings, elders shepherding the flock, and casting anxiety on God with a final doxology.