1 Peter: Living hope in a hostile world

Where 1 Peter sits

In the story

Act VI, Church · Rome, AD 60s and later

In the Bible

New Testament · Letters · book 60 of 66

Before it in the story

Titus

After it in the story

Hebrews

The risen and exalted Messiah gathers His people through the gospel. They possess salvation and await its final unveiling while living as exiles among the nations (1:3–12; 2:9–12; 3:22).

1 Peter summary

Peter writes to God's chosen people scattered across Asia Minor. God's mercy has given them new birth through Jesus' resurrection, an imperishable inheritance and hope beyond their trials (1:1–12). They must set their hope on coming grace, live in holiness and love one another through the enduring word that gave them life (1:13–2:3). Coming to Christ, the living stone, they become God's house and priesthood, a people formed to proclaim His goodness (2:4–10). Their life among outsiders must honor God in public conduct, work, marriage and the church's shared life (2:11–3:12). Unjust suffering does not cancel their hope. Christ suffered for sins to bring them to God, rose from the dead and reigns over every power (3:13–22). His people must leave their former sins, pray, love, serve and entrust themselves to their faithful Creator through testing (4:1–19). Elders shepherd under the Chief Shepherd; all practice humility and resist the devil. God will establish those He called to eternal glory. Peter's final appeal is to stand firm in this grace (5:1–14).

1 Peter in context

Written by

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ and witness of His sufferings (1:1; 5:1). Silvanus assisted in the letter's transmission or production; his precise role is uncertain (5:12).

Written to

Believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, addressed as elect exiles (1:1). Many likely came from Gentile backgrounds, given their former idolatry (4:3–4); Jewish believers need not be excluded.

Setting

Slander, exclusion and unjust treatment accompany the readers' changed lives (2:12, 18–20; 3:16; 4:3–4, 12–16). Babylon probably means Rome (5:13). The letter does not identify an empire-wide persecution decree.

When

Probably in the AD 60s, during Peter's final years; the exact year is uncertain.

Why

To sustain faithful obedience amid suffering by testifying to God's saving grace in Christ and urging the churches to stand firm in it (4:19; 5:12).

Themes of 1 Peter

• Living hope
• God's holy people
• Christ's saving suffering
• Honorable witness
• Suffering and glory
• Grace in community

Key verses in 1 Peter

• 1 Peter 1:3

  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

• 1 Peter 2:9

  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

• 1 Peter 2:24

  He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”

• 1 Peter 3:18

  For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,

• 1 Peter 4:19

  So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

• 1 Peter 5:12

  Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

1 Peter chapter by chapter

Part 1 · Hope, holiness and God's people 1–2

1. 1
   1 Peter 1: A living hope

   God's elect exiles have new birth into a living hope; so set your hope on grace, be holy, and love one another.

2. 2
   1 Peter 2: Living stones and exiles

   Built on Christ the living stone, God's people bear Israel's titles, live well among the nations, and follow His steps.

Part 2 · Doing good through suffering 3–4

1. 3
   1 Peter 3: Christ suffered once for all

   Spouses honor each other and all bless those who insult them, for Christ suffered once to bring us to God, and reigns.

2. 4
   1 Peter 4: The fiery trial

   Armed with Christ's mind, live for God's will, serve with His gifts, and rejoice to share Christ's sufferings.

Part 3 · Shepherding and steadfast faith 5

1. 5
   1 Peter 5: The God of all grace

   Elders, shepherd the flock; all, be humble and resist the devil: the God of all grace will restore and establish you.

See the outline of 1 Peter