1 Peter

About 1 Peter

First Peter is a letter of hope for believers scattered across Asia Minor who were facing insults and hostility for their faith. Peter reminds them who they are, a chosen people born again to a living hope, and shows them how to live honorably as outsiders in a world that misunderstands them. It teaches that suffering for doing good follows the pattern of Christ, who suffered and was then raised to glory.

Written by

The letter names the apostle Peter as its author, writing with the help of Silvanus; most have accepted that, though some scholars think its polished Greek points to a secretary or a later follower.

When

If Peter wrote it, it dates to the early 60s AD, before his death under Nero; scholars who see a later author suggest AD 70-90.

Themes

• Living hope
• Suffering with Christ
• Holiness as God's people
• Exiles in the world
• Humility and trust

Key verses

• 1 Peter 1:3-5Blessed 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, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
• 1 Peter 2:9-10But 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. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
• 1 Peter 5:6-7Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.