Outline of 1 Peter: Living hope in a hostile world
God gives His holy people living hope in the risen Christ; they do good, endure suffering and stand firm in grace until glory comes.
Part 1 · Hope, holiness and God's people 1–2
God gives living hope and makes believers His holy people; their new identity shapes life among outsiders.
- 11 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.
The elect who are exiles of the Dispersion 1:1–2 · New birth into a living hope 1:3–5 · More precious than gold 1:6–9 · The sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow 1:10–12 · Be holy, because I am holy 1:13–16 · The precious blood of Christ 1:17–21 · The living and enduring word of God 1:22–25
- 21 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.
Crave pure spiritual milk 2:1–3 · The living stone 2:4–8 · A chosen people, a royal priesthood 2:9–10 · As foreigners and exiles 2:11–12 · For the Lord's sake 2:13–17 · Servants, submit yourselves 2:18–20 · Follow in His footsteps 2:21–25
Chosen and scattered 1:1–2
Peter greets the exiles whom the Father chose and the Spirit set apart for Jesus Christ.
Hope beyond trials 1:3–12
God guards His people for the salvation promised by the prophets and revealed through the gospel.
Hope, fear and love 1:13–2:3
Ransomed by Christ and born through God's word, believers pursue holiness, reverence, love and growth.
Built on the living stone 2:4–10
Those who come to Christ are God's house and priesthood, recipients of mercy and witnesses to His goodness.
Doing good among outsiders 2:11–17
Exiles resist sinful desires, honor others and submit to authorities for the Lord's sake.
Following the suffering Savior 2:18–25
Servants enduring injustice follow Christ, who bore sins and entrusted Himself to the righteous Judge.
Part 2 · Doing good through suffering 3–4
Christ's suffering, resurrection and authority sustain faithful marriage, gentle witness, service and endurance.
- 31 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.
Wives, in the same way 3:1–6 · Husbands, in the same way 3:7 · Finally, all of you 3:8–12 · Sanctify Christ as Lord 3:13–17 · The spirits in prison 3:18–20 · The baptism that now saves you 3:21–22
- 41 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.
Arm yourselves with the same resolve 4:1–2 · Him who is ready to judge 4:3–6 · The end of all things is near 4:7–11 · Do not be surprised at the fiery trial 4:12–16 · Judgment to begin with the family of God 4:17–19
Conduct and honor at home 3:1–7
Wives show reverent conduct; husbands treat wives with consideration and honor as fellow heirs.
Answer insult with blessing 3:8–12
The whole community seeks peace and refuses retaliation, trusting the Lord's care for the righteous.
Hope in the reigning Christ 3:13–22
Give a gentle answer for your hope: Christ suffered to bring you to God and now reigns over every power.
Leave the old life 4:1–6
Choose God's will over former passions; the coming Judge will vindicate the gospel's saving promise.
Serve while awaiting the end 4:7–11
Pray soberly, love deeply, welcome others and use God's gifts in His strength for His glory.
Entrust yourself to the Creator 4:12–19
Suffering for Christ is no disgrace; rejoice in coming glory and continue doing good under God's care.
Part 3 · Shepherding and steadfast faith 5
Leaders serve by example, all walk humbly and resist the devil, and God establishes those called to glory.
- 51 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.
Be shepherds of God's flock 5:1–4 · Clothe yourselves with humility 5:5–7 · Resist him, standing firm in your faith 5:8–11 · The true grace of God 5:12–14
Under the Chief Shepherd 5:1–4
Elders care willingly and eagerly for God's flock, looking to Christ's appearing.
Humble under God's hand 5:5–7
Receive God's grace in humility and entrust your anxieties to His care.
Stand firm in faith 5:8–11
Resist the devil alongside suffering believers worldwide, trusting God's promise to establish you.
Stand in this grace 5:12–14
Peter commends Silvanus, sends greetings and calls the churches to remain firm in God's true grace.
Plus What TheoMaps holds for the outline of 1 Peter
- The 29 section notes, one for every section of 1 Peter
- How each of its 16 movements leads into the next, in its own words
- The shape of 1 Peter: 3 repeated words and phrases and 2 literary patterns
TheoMaps Plus opens the Outline of every book the way Genesis is open, on the map.