The Book Of 1st Peter
Who wrote the book of 1st Peter: Peter When was it written: 64 A.D.
The book of 1st Peter is written to Christians scattered throughout the known world of that day; specifically Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, which with the exception of Asia, were all located in what is now Turkey.
This area, which was part of the vast Roman Empire, was the ‘hotbed’ of Christianity.
Yes, it is true that the Church was established in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, but if you will recall in the book of Acts (chapters 5, 8, and 11), persecution at the hands of Jewish leaders, extremists, including Saul (who later became Paul), and the Roman government caused many early Christians to scatter.
This scattering resulted in small groups of dedicated and faithful Christians spreading the message of the Gospel throughout the communities where they settled. And by the grace and guiding hand of God, it spread like wildfire.
The fact that the Gospel was spreading and the Church was growing did not mean the opposition and persecution ended when they left Jerusalem, though. The early Christians experienced hardships and trials because of their faith no matter where they were.
Thus, Peter, being one of, if not the most influential leader of the early Church, wrote this letter to Christians everywhere as a reminder or pep talk to stay the course.
He goes on to say, however, that they don’t need to worry or be fearful of these things because God is in control and is watching over them.
Peter also reminds readers of God’s holy and gracious nature and that we are to imitate these things as we wait for the day of Christ’s return.
Peter’s letters (1st and 2nd Peter) are direct and to the point. He doesn’t mince words, but then we wouldn’t expect him to.
This is Peter we are talking about. When Jesus reinstated Peter in the last chapter of the book of John, Peter decided right then and there (if not before) that he wasn’t going to ever make the mistake of letting Jesus down again. This doesn’t mean Peter was perfect and sinless for the rest of his life. We are all sinners in need of the Savior.
What it does mean, however, is that Peter took his role of transferring from a disciple (one who was being taught) to an apostle (one who was teaching) very seriously.
Peter’s writing demonstrates his dedication and desire to share the Good News of the Gospel and to help others avoid being separated from Christ. He had experienced the dark hopelessness of separation for only a brief time, but it was long enough to know that he wanted to save anyone and everyone he could from going there.
So while Peter’s directness can often be blunt, that’s okay. We need that so that we don’t fall into the temptation of twisting and contorting God’s Word to justify our desires and appease our conscience. We need to know that there are things God has commanded us to do—that yes means yes and no means no.
Peter isn’t afraid to tell us these things. Are we afraid to listen and obey?
What We Learn From The Book Of 1st Peter
Peter calls readers ‘strangers in the world’; meaning we are to intentionally strive to avoid getting caught up in worldly pleasures, thought processes, and justifications. We are to see the world as God sees it and live life according to God’s standards. (1:1)
We have been chosen to be saved by the blood of Jesus and live in obedience to him. (1:2) NOTE: Being chosen by God does NOT mean that only a select few can and will be saved. Being chosen is an all-encompassing term.
We, as in the entire human race, were chosen over all other creatures God created to be like him and to spend eternity with him. Because of sin, however, we have to choose whether or not that happens.
Our hope for rebirth (eternal life) has been made possible by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. (1:3-4)
A reminder of what faith is and the value of it. (1:7-9)
A reminder that the purpose of the prophets was to prepare the way for Jesus. Jesus was the fulfillment of their messages. (1:10-12)
We are to be holy, self-controlled, and obedient to God, and we are to rely on his grace. This is not something we can feel or be in the mood for, though. It is a mindset. We have to decide to be these things.
In other words, faith is not a feeling or an emotion. Faith is a decision. We must decide…make the choice to be holy and turn away from evil desires, which are feelings. (1:13-16)
God will judge each of us fairly. (1:17)
We are to live with a reverent fear of God’s judgment—a fear that is utter respect for his holiness, power, and authority. This fear and respect should come as a result of gratitude and the knowledge that we were redeemed by the sacrificial blood of Jesus’ own body. Jesus…the one and only Son of God who is naturally his and not adopted as we are. (1:18-19)
Our salvation should inspire and drive us to be like Jesus; loving others as he does and treating them as we want to be treated. (1:22)
This world and everything in it will disappear, but the Word of the LORD stands forever. (1:24)
We are to rid ourselves of every bit of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. (2:1)
We are to strive toward spiritual maturity. (2:2-3)
We are to be active in our faith. We are to see ourselves as a living, breathing part of the Church. (2:4-6)
is the foundation of the Church—the solid rock on which it stands. Jesus is also the stone over which unbelievers stumble and fall. (2:7-8)
Peter reminds us that though we (Gentiles) were not members of God’s chosen people, Israel, we are now God’s children and recipients of his mercy, love, and grace. (2:9-10)
We are to live as strangers (there’s that word again) in this world. We are to resist and run from the evil desires Satan tempts us with. We are to live in such a way that
No one can justly accuse us of wrong and
People will automatically see Jesus in us—even if they don’t realize Jesus is who/what makes the difference. (2:11-12 and 15)
We are to submit to all authorities (law enforcement and government). (2:13-14)
We are NOT to use our freedom in Christ as an excuse for breaking the law or covering up evil. (2:16)
We are to show respect and love to everyone. We are also to fear God, and submit to our employers. (2:17-18)
We aren’t to worry about, hold grudges against, or rebel against those who treat us unfairly or harshly. Instead of taking matters into our own hands, we are to hand them over to God. When we do we can rest assured that God will bless us and deal harshly with those who mistreat us. (2:18-20)
Rather than being surprised or upset when we are ridiculed and persecuted, we should expect it and even consider it an honor to be recognized as a Christian. (2:21)
We are reminded of how and why Jesus suffered on the cross. (2:21-24)
We are Jesus’ sheep and he is the shepherd and overseer of our souls.
NOTE: To be Jesus’ sheep is quite a compliment. Why? Because in spite of what most people think, sheep are NOT dumb, stupid, or whatever synonym you might want to use. Sheep are trusting, compliant, and creatures of habit.
They want to be led. They want to be taken care of and they trust and even expect the shepherd to always be there to tend to their needs. And THIS is exactly what Jesus wants from us.
We are again reminded of God’s command to wives to be submissive to their husbands. Wives of unbelieving husbands are also to submit in hopes that they will come to know Christ as Savior because of their actions and faith. (3:1-2)
The true beauty of a woman is NOT found in her outward appearance—clothes, makeup, hairstyles, and jewelry. The true beauty of a woman comes from her inner self—an inner self that is gentle and has a calm, serene, and discreet spirit. (3:3-5)
Husbands are to treat their wives with TLC and respect. In doing so they are fulfilling a God-commanded spiritual duty. Christian men who do not treat their wives in this manner place an obstruction or hindrance between their prayers and God. (3:7)
Women are the weaker sex. NOTE: This is not a criticism or meant to be derogatory. It is a fact. Women are, generally speaking, less muscular and their bodies are built to bear up under pregnancy and childbirth rather than continuous, hard physical labor. Women and men are also wired differently mentally and emotionally.
This doesn’t make one right and one wrong. It makes us different—equipped to excel at different things. So in giving men the responsibility to watch over women and respect them as the “…weaker partner….” God is not slamming us. He is giving us an extra dose of TLC. (3:7)
Once again we are told to get along with one another. We are told to live in harmony, to be sympathetic, compassionate, loving, and humble. We aren’t to repay evil with evil or insults with insults, but rather overcome evil with good and extend kindness to those who insult or hurt you as a means of
Setting a Christ-like example and
Receiving a blessing from God for doing good. (3:8-9)
Most of the time we won’t be harmed for doing what is right and good, but if we are, God will bless us for it. (3:13)
Jesus is to be the LORD of everything in our life. We are also supposed to be ready, willing, and able to answer questions concerning who Jesus is and why we claim him as LORD and Savior. (3:15-17)
Jesus Christ is the ultimate and only sacrifice that can save us from our sins. Accepting Jesus as Savior happens when we are baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins for the purpose of washing away our old self in exchange for a new and good conscience toward God.
This “…new conscience…” is reflected by living obediently so that we can receive our reward, which is a home in heaven for all eternity. (3:18-22)
We should be willing to suffer for Christ and the Church since he suffered for us. (4:1)
We will all have to give an account of our lives on the day of judgment. (4:5-6)
We are to live as if each day is our last—prayerfully and with a clear conscience. We are to love one another, show hospitality to one another, and use our God-given talents and abilities to serve the Church, serve others, and minister to those in need. In other words, we are to live 24/7 for Christ and like Christ. (4:7-11)
Peter once again reminds us that any suffering, persecution, or ridicule we receive because of our faith is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of. He says we should see it as a blessing and that God will bless us even more when we endure it with grace, dignity, and continued faith. (4:12-19)
Elders are to be shepherds/leaders of the congregation. They are to serve willingly, faithfully, and humbly. (5:1-4)
Young men in the church are to be respectful and submissive; learning from the older men so that they will be ready to take their place when the time comes. (5:5)
We are to humble ourselves before God; putting all our cares, worries, and fears in his capable and loving hands. (5:6-7)
We are to be always ready to resist the devil. We should be constantly on guard against him; watching for his devious schemes. We are also told in these verses that the best way to do this is to know the truth of God’s Word and know it well. (5:7-9)