Background:

Saint Peter (born Shimon Bar Yonah; died AD 64–68), also known as Peter the Apostle, Simon Peter, Simeon, Simon, or Cephas, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and one of the first leaders of the early Christian Church. He appears repeatedly and prominently in all four New Testament gospels as well as the Acts of the Apostles. Catholic tradition accredits Peter as the first bishop of Rome‍—‌or pope‍—‌and also as the first bishop of Antioch. (Saint Peter – Wikipedia).

Key Point:

Jesus is our hope in the midst of our suffering. Suffering and persecution is an opportunity to show others the surprising generosity and love of Jesus, which is fuelled by the hope of his return.

Who Wrote the Book of 1 Peter?

Christian tradition holds that the Apostle Peter wrote 1 Peter. This is the first of two letters Peter wrote to multiple church communities in Asia-minor. The events described in 1 Peter take place in the Roman province of Asia Minor. 1 Peter was likely composed between 61 and 64 AD whilst in prison in Rome.

Themes

The letter has three main themes and can be divided nicely into four distinct parts.

1. The new identity of God’s family
2. Jesus as the new temple
3. The hope of Jesus’ future return

Peter’s letter has four parts. Chapter 1 begins with a greeting and a poem, (Greeting vs 1-3, poetic praise vs 4-11). Following on in chapter 1 and the first part of chapter 2 he focuses on our new identity in Jesus. Chapter 2 then continues through 3 and to the first part of chapter 4 exploring suffering as a way to bear witness to Jesus. The second part of chapter 4 and the concluding chapter 5 describe the future hope for Jesus’ glorious return.

Peter’s name was Simon when he became one of Jesus’ first followers and part of the inner circle of the twelve disciples. When he made his confession that Jesus was the Messiah (Matt. 16:18-19, I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”), Jesus changed his name to Kephas—an Aramaic word meaning “rock,” which would later be translated into Greek as Petros, or Peter. Jesus promised that he would become a leader among the apostles to guide the messianic community in Jerusalem through its earliest years. If we look back at Acts 1 – 10, we can see how this promise proved to be true. 

Eventually, Peter was called to carry the good news of Jesus beyond the borders of Israel, and decades into his work within the wider Roman world, he wrote this letter. We discover at the letter’s conclusion that Peter is in Rome (though he calls it Babylon), and we learn that, while Peter commissioned the letter, it was actually written by his coworker Silvanus (1 Peter 5:12-13 NIV With the help of Silas, (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 fast in it. [13] She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.).

This was a circular letter that was sent to multiple church communities in the Roman province of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Peter learned that these mostly non-Jewish Christians were being persecuted and facing hostility and harassment from their Greek and Roman neighbours (1 Peter 2:12 NIV Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. And1 Peter 3:16 NIV keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 4:16 NIV However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.). Peter wrote to encourage them in their suffering, and this context will help us understand the letter’s design and main themes.

The letter opens with a greeting in 1 Peter 1:1-2 NIV Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, [2] who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance, and then moves into a poetic song of praise to God 1 Peter 1:3-12 NIV Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, [5] who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. [10] Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, [11] trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. [12] It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. This poem introduces the key themes that are then explored in the next three parts, in which he affirms the new family identity of these Christians 1 Peter 1:13-25 NIV Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. [14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” [17] Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. [18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. [22] Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. [23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. [24] For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, [25] but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.), This helps them to see their suffering as a way to bear witness to Jesus (1 Pet. 2:11-4:11) and encourages them to focus their future hope on the return of Jesus (1 Pet. 4:12-5:11).

Part One: 1 Peter 1:1-12: Gentile Christians as Chosen Exiles

Peter opens by greeting these churches as the “chosen” people of God who are “exiled” around the world (1 Peter 1:1 NIV Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,). While he makes it clear that these Christians are Gentiles (1 Peter 1:14,18-19 NIV As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.), Peter goes on to describe them with phrases from the Old Testament about God “choosing” Israel (Genesis 18:19 NIV

For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”; Isaiah 41:8 NIV

“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend,), the family stemming from Abraham who was himself an “exile and wanderer” (Genesis 23:4 NIV “I am a foreigner and stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead.”). This is a key strategy that Peter repeats throughout the entire letter. He wants these suffering Gentile Christians to see that, through Jesus, they now belong to the family of Abraham and are wandering exiles just as he was. Like their spiritual ancestors, they will likely be misunderstood and mistreated as they wait for their true home in the promised land.

This idea is found within the opening song (1 Pet. 1:3-12). He praises God for causing people to be “born again into a living hope” through Jesus’ resurrection and the power of the Spirit. God is inviting all people into a new family centred around Jesus, a family that has a new identity as God’s beloved children and a new hope of a world reborn by God’s love when Jesus returns as King. For people with this hope, suffering and persecution can be considered a strange gift. Suffering burns away false hopes and distractions like a purifying fire and reminds us of our true home. So, paradoxically, life’s hardships can actually deepen our faith and make it more genuine. From here, Peter moves into the body of the letter and explores these ideas in greater depth.

Part Two: 1 Peter 1:13-2:10: The New Family Identity of Jesus

Peter first develops the theme of their new family identity (1 Pet. 1:13-2:10) by taking memorable Old Testament images about the family of Israel and applying them to these Gentile Christians. Like the Israelites who left Egypt, they should “gird up their loins” (1 Pet. 1:13; Exod. 12:11) and leave their former life behind on the way to a new future. They are the “holy people” of God journeying through the wilderness (1 Peter 1:15-16 NIVBut just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”; and Leviticus 11:44 NIV

I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground.) as well as the people of the new exodus, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, the ultimate Passover lamb (1 Peter 1:17-21 NIV Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. [18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.; and Exodus 12:15 NIV

For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel.). They are the people of the new covenant who have God’s word buried deep inside, restoring their hearts and minds (1 Pet. 1:22-25; Isa. 40:6-8; Jer. 31:31-34). Finally, they are the new temple built on the foundation of Jesus himself (1 Pet. 2:1-8; Isa. 28:16; Ps. 118:22), and they are the new kingdom of priests who serve God as his representatives to the nations (1 Pet. 2:9-10; Exod. 19:4-6; Isa. 43:21).

Part Three: 1 Peter 2:11-4:11: Suffering as a Way to Bear Witness to Jesus

By applying all these images to persecuted Gentile Christians, Peter places their suffering within the context of a new story. This leads into the next section (1 Pet. 2:11-4:11), where their persecution can actually help clarify their mission in the world. They are called to bear witness to God’s mercy among the nations. Peter first encourages them to submit to Roman rule, even if it’s oppressive (1 Peter 2:13-17 NIV

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, [14] or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. [15] For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. [16] Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. [17] Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.). While their persecution and suffering are indeed unjust, resisting with violence will solve nothing and betray the teachings of Jesus, who loved his enemies instead of killing them.

Peter then specifically highlights the difficult situation that enslaved Christians and wives faced when they lived in Roman patriarchal households that did not follow Jesus (1 Peter 2:18 NIV Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.; 1 Peter 3:7 NIV Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.). Peter was well aware that giving allegiance to Jesus would generate suspicion because it was expected that everyone in the household would submit to and worship the patriarch’s gods. And while it is true that all Christians, including Roman wives and enslaved people, have been fully liberated by Jesus, they are not to demonstrate that freedom through rebellion. Rather, they are to resist evil in the same way Jesus did, by showing love and generosity to his enemies. And that’s what Peter calls these wives and enslaved people to do as well. But in homes where the husband is a Christian, it is a different story. These husbands were to treat their wives in a totally different way than their Roman neighbours by regarding them as equals before God who are worthy of honour and respect.

Peter is hopeful that this imitation of Jesus’ love and the upside-down Kingdom will give power to their words as they bear witness to God’s mercy and show people the beautiful truth about the way of Jesus. However, Peter is also a realist. He knows that these Christians will continue to be persecuted, so he reminds them of their future vindication (1 Pet. 3:8-4:11). He recalls how Jesus himself was unfairly persecuted and murdered by corrupt human powers. But, in reality, he was dying for the sins of his enemies and was vindicated and given resurrected life by the Spirit. That’s when he was exalted as King over all human and spiritual powers.

Peter goes on to show how baptism points to the same future vindication of Jesus’ persecuted followers. Like Noah, they’ve been saved through the waters not as a magic ritual but as a sacred symbol that shows their change of heart and desire to be joined to Jesus in his death and resurrection. So even if they are killed for following Jesus, their hope is in future vindication and exaltation alongside him.

Part Four: 1 Peter 4:12-5:14: Hope for Jesus’ Return

As we proceed into the final movement (1 Pet. 4:12-5:11;

Share the Sufferings of Christ. 12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Serve God Willingly

1Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.), Peter recalls Jesus’ words that his disciples should consider it an honour and a joy to be persecuted like he was (1 Pet. 4:12-19; Matt. 5:11-12 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.). Peter then calls on the church leaders to care for these suffering Christians (1 Peter 4:1-5 NIV

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. [2] As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. [3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. [4] They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. [5] But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. showing the same kind of servant leadership that Jesus showed to his followers. Finally, Peter reminds these Christians of the real enemy they’re facing. This hostility isn’t just cultural or political; there are dark forces of spiritual evil at work inspiring hate and violence (1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. [8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.) They are to resist this evil by staying faithful to Jesus and his teachings, anticipating his return and ultimate victory.

Peter concludes verses (1 Peter 5:10-14 NIV And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. [11] To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. [12] With the help of Silas, 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 fast in it. [13] She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. [14] Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.) with a prayer for divine strength and a greeting from the church in Rome, which he calls Babylon. Peter is adopting here the tradition of the Old Testament prophets, for whom the name “Babylon” became an archetype for any corrupt nation (see Jerimiah Chapters 50-51). Rome has become the new Babylon and the empire where God’s people are exiled from their true home in the renewed creation.

Peter’s first letter is a powerful reminder of Christian hope in the midst of suffering. God’s people have been a misunderstood minority from the beginning. They should expect to face hostility because they live under the rule of a different king, Jesus. However, persecution can become a strange gift to followers of Jesus, offering a chance to show others the surprising generosity and love of Jesus, which is fuelled by the hope of his return.

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