What is 1 Peter about?

Footnotes

[1] 1:11 Or what time or circumstances
[2] 1:13 Greek girding up the loins of your mind
[3] 2:7 Greek the head of the corner
[4] 2:13 Or every institution ordained for people
[5] 2:13 Or king; also verse 17
[6] 2:16 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface
[7] 3:7 Some manuscripts since you are joint heirs
[8] 3:18 Some manuscripts died
[9] 3:19 Or the Spirit, in whom
[10] 3:19 Or preached
[11] 3:20 Or when
[12] 4:1 Some manuscripts add for us; some for you
[13] 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power
[14] 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear?
[15] 5:2 Some manuscripts omit exercising oversight
[16] 5:2 Some manuscripts omit as God would have you

Introduction to 1 Peter

Timeline

Author, Date, and Recipients

The apostle Peter wrote this letter (1:1). He was once a fisherman but now was a disciple, a “witness of the sufferings of Christ” (5:1). He probably wrote the letter from Rome (see 5:13; “Babylon” almost certainly refers to Rome) around A.D. 62–63 during Nero’s reign. The letter is addressed to Christians scattered in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1:1). This is an area north of the Taurus Mountains in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These territories had been impacted by Greco-Roman culture and had been under Roman control from the mid-first century B.C.

Theme

Those who persevere in faith while suffering persecution should be full of hope. They will certainly enjoy end-time salvation, since they already enjoy God’s saving promises through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Purpose

Peter is writing to encourage his readers to endure suffering and persecution (1:6–7; 2:18–20; 3:9, 13–17; 4:1–4, 12–19; 5:9) by giving themselves entirely to God (4:19). They are to remain faithful in times of distress, knowing that God will vindicate them and that they will certainly enjoy the salvation that the Lord has promised. Christ’s death and resurrection are the model for believers. Just as Christ suffered and then entered into glory, so too his followers will suffer before being exalted.

Key Themes

Those who suffer as Christians will be proven faithful when Christ returns (1:6–9; 2:18–25; 3:13–22; 4:12–19).
The church is the new temple, the new Israel, the new people of God (1:1–2; 2:4–10).
Believers should set their hope on their end-time inheritance (1:3–9, 13–16).
Christ died as a substitute for sinners. His death is the basis for their new life (1:17–21; 2:24; 3:13–22).
Christ’s suffering is an example to his disciples (2:21–23).
At his resurrection, Christ triumphed over his enemies (3:18–22).
Christians should live righteously in their homes and in society (2:11–3:7).
New life in Christ is the basis for a life of love and holiness (1:3; 1:13–2:3).

Outline

Opening (1:1–2)
Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3–2:10)
Living as Strangers to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11–4:11)
Enduring Suffering (4:12–5:11)
Concluding Words (5:12–14)

The Setting of 1 Peter

c. A.D. 62–63

Peter, probably writing from Rome (called “Babylon” in 5:13), addressed 1 Peter to believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. These names all referred to Roman provinces in Asia Minor, north of the Taurus Mountains.

The Global Message of 1 Peter

Peter wrote this letter to encourage believers scattered around the known world to persevere through suffering. For in suffering they are following in the footsteps of their Savior, by whose death and resurrection they are saved.

First Peter and Redemptive History

Peter explicitly connects his letter to the story of redemption that has been unfolding down through history. He cites both characters and quotations from the Old Testament.

Old Testament characters. Early on in the letter Peter describes the salvation that has come through Jesus Christ and remarks that the Old Testament prophets searched with great diligence to understand the time and identity of the Messiah (1 Pet. 1:10–11). In chapter 3 Peter refers to Abraham and Sarah in discussing Christian marriage (3:6), and he later draws on the account of Noah and the flood to describe the significance of Christian baptism (3:18–22).

Old Testament quotations. Another way we see Peter connecting his letter with redemptive history is by his pervasive use of Old Testament quotations and allusions. Peter quotes from Leviticus (1 Pet. 1:16), Psalms (1 Pet. 2:7; 3:10–12), and Isaiah (1 Pet. 1:24–25; 2:6, 8). He uses the language of the Old Testament sacrificial system in referring to Christ as “a lamb without blemish or spot” (1:19) and in referring to believers as “a spiritual house . . . a holy priesthood” (2:5). The Gentile believers to whom he is writing are spoken of in the categories of the Old Testament people of God: “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (2:9; compare Ex. 19:6). Chapter 2 of 1 Peter is filled with allusions to Isaiah 53 as Peter describes the redemptive suffering of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21–25).

In all this we see that Peter views the coming of Christ and especially his death and resurrection as the climax of human history. The entire Old Testament culminates in Christ. Christ “was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you . . .” (1 Pet. 1:20). And one day soon he will come again (1:7). While we are still awaiting the fullness of salvation with the end of the age (1:5), we also live in the knowledge that we are already in the last days due to Christ’s first coming.

Universal Themes in 1 Peter

This world is not our home. Peter calls his readers “elect exiles of the Dispersion” (1 Pet. 1:1). He is drawing on the Jewish experience of being exiled from their homeland and “dispersed” in the centuries before Christ came. Peter’s point is that Christians are those whose true home is heaven. In chapter 2 he underscores this, calling believers “sojourners and exiles” (2:11). We are pilgrims in this world, journeying on to our true home in the restored new earth. For this reason the theme of hope resounds through 1 Peter, as we eagerly await our inheritance and the end of all suffering (1:3–9, 13, 21; 3:15; 4:7; 5:4, 10). Wherever believers live around the globe, this fallen world is not our home. As Paul put it, “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20).

Christ’s suffering as both exemplary and substitutionary. Throughout this letter, Peter exults in the work of Christ. He speaks of it as an example to follow (1 Pet. 2:21–23; 4:1, 13–14) as well as a saving work on our behalf (1:18–19; 2:24; 3:18). Our own suffering adds nothing to the sufficiency of Christ’s suffering in paying the price for our sins. Nonetheless, we should imitate the humble and trusting way in which he suffered. If we seek to emulate Christ’s example of suffering without understanding how his suffering saved us, we will experience only feelings of guilt and and our suffering will be joyless. On the other hand, receiving Christ’s work on our behalf while neglecting to earnestly follow his example of suffering (Matt. 16:24) is also lopsided and unhealthy.

Holy living in society and in the home. Because of the great salvation in which Christians have been included, they are called to live accordingly. Since we are now God’s children, we are to be holy as he is holy (1 Pet. 1:14–16). Peter especially highlights our conduct in the home and in our dealings with the unbelieving and often hostile society all around us. In the home, for example, wives and husbands are called to treat one another in accordance with their salvation (3:1–7). In society, believers are to be subject to the governing authorities (2:13–17). Above all, Peter urges believers to endure the suffering that comes their way due to their loyalty to Christ (2:19–21; 3:8–17; 4:12–19; 5:10).

The Global Message of 1 Peter for Today

Peter’s first epistle is strong medicine for the global church today.

A royal priesthood. Peter describes the church in terms used of the single nation of Israel in the Old Testament—“a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Pet. 2:9). Yet he has already said in his greeting that he is writing to Gentile believers scattered around the Roman empire, “in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1:1). Christians all around the world, however different they might live or look, are part of the single family of God. As we engage the world, then, in both word and deed, we do so with a glad sense of solidarity with all other believers worldwide. And just as the nation of Israel was to be a royal priesthood, mediating the blessing of God to the nations, so we today are priests of God. We as the church mediate the blessing of the gospel to all people everywhere.

Hope amid suffering. The solidarity that binds all believers together extends to our afflictions. As we suffer, we suffer together—interceding for one another, bearing one another’s burdens, advocating for one another, extending mercy and kindness to one another. As is the case for Christians today in many ways and in many places, the people to whom Peter wrote were suffering various kinds of hostility. We therefore heed Peter’s call to lift our eyes to the magnificent hope to which we have been called. Our inheritance awaits us with glorious inevitability (1 Pet. 1:4). The righteous reign of Christ, so often difficult to discern amid the moral chaos of the world, will one day soon burst onto the scene with triumphant victory.

We suffer now. But only for “a little while” (1 Pet. 1:6; 5:10). The king is coming a second time—this time in open might and glory, not obscurity (Rev. 19:11–16). Justice will be executed with perfection. His saints will be vindicated. All will be set right.

2 Peter Fact #1: Facing death

Fact: Facing death

Facing death. As Peter wrote this second letter, apparently he knew that he would die soon (1:14). He was probably martyred during the persecution of Christians following the Great Fire of Rome in A.D. 64. See also 1 Pet. 4:12.

1 Timothy Fact #4: Hospitality

Fact: Hospitality

Hospitality was encouraged within the early church (5:10). Peter teaches Christians to “show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Pet. 4:9; see Rom. 12:13) The writer of Hebrews even comments that some who offered hospitality actually “entertained angels” without realizing it (Heb. 13:2).

1 Peter Fact #5: Kiss of love

Fact: Kiss of love

A kiss of love (5:14) was simply a kiss on the cheek. It was usually practiced among family members. Both Peter and Paul encouraged believers to greet one another in this fashion because it reminded them that they were brothers and sisters in Christ. Such a greeting is still common in some parts of the world today.

Psalms Fact #63: Cornerstone

Fact: Cornerstone

The cornerstone (118:22) is the large shaped stone at the corner of the building’s foundation. It is essential to a structure’s stability. Several NT writers compared Jesus Christ to a cornerstone (e.g., Matt. 21:42; Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet. 2:4–8).

1 Timothy Fact #2: Hairstyles

Fact: Hairstyles

Hairstyles. In Paul’s day, upper-class women showcased their wealth by braiding their hair elaborately and wearing expensive jewelry and clothing. Paul tells believing women to dress modestly and respectably. Godliness is more beautiful than external decoration (2:9–10; see 1 Peter 3:3–4).

1 Peter Fact #1: Preparing your minds for action

Fact: Preparing your minds for action

The Greek phrase translated preparing your minds for action (1:13) was used to describe the action of wrapping one’s robes around one’s belt before beginning some physical activity. The modern equivalent would be “rolling up your sleeves.” Christians should be prepared to fully engage their minds in their service for Christ.

1 Peter Fact #2: What is God’s purpose for civil government?

Fact: What is God’s purpose for civil government?

What is God’s purpose for civil government? God has established civil governments around the world in order to punish wrongdoers and promote the good of society (Rom. 13:1–4). Peter teaches believers to “be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution” (1 Pet. 2:13–17; see 1 Tim. 2:1–2).

1 Peter Fact #3: Husbands and wives

Fact: Husbands and wives

Husbands and wives. Peter’s statement about wives being heirs with their husbands (3:7) was revolutionary. In Roman tradition, the husband usually decided which religion his family would follow. Christian husbands, however, are to honor their wives as their equals in God’s sight (see Gal. 3:28).

1 Peter Fact #4: The fiery trial

Fact: The fiery trial

The fiery trial. Peter warned his readers that they would soon endure a “fiery trial” (4:12). In other words, they should expect persecution. He probably wrote this letter not long before the Roman emperor Nero began a campaign of persecution against Christians in Rome.

2 John Fact #1: The elder

Fact: The elder

The elder (v. 1) is clearly a self-description of the apostle John. “Elder” was a common term for a pastoral leader in the early church (see Titus 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:1). Although “elder” does not imply “elderly,” John himself was probably quite old when he wrote this letter.

The Setting of 1 Peter

c. A.D. 62–63

New Testament Timeline

The following chart provides a detailed New Testament timeline. Most of the dates can be determined precisely by correlating biblical events with extensive historical documents and archaeological evidence. Dates with an asterisk denote approximate or alternative dates. The extensive external confirmation of New Testament dates and events encourages great confidence in the truth and historicity of both the Old and New Testaments.

5 B.C.*	Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
4 B.C.	Jesus’ family flees to Egypt to escape from Herod’s plan to kill Jesus (Matt. 2:13–18); Herod dies; Judas (of Sepphoris) and others rebel, requiring the Syrian Governor Varus to intervene throughout Palestine; Sepphoris, a city four miles from Nazareth, is destroyed by Roman soldiers; Judea, Samaria, and Idumea are given to Herod’s son, Archelaus; Galilee and Perea are given to his son Antipas; Jesus’ family, after returning from Egypt, resides in Nazareth (Matt. 2:19–23), a small village in southern Galilee.
A.D. 6	Archelaus is exiled for incompetence; Judea becomes a Roman province; Judas the Galilean (of Gamla) leads a revolt against the tax census; the governor of Syria, Quirinius (A.D. 6–7), appoints Annas high priest (6–15).
8*	Jesus (age 12) interacts with the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:41–50).
8*–28/30	Jesus works as a carpenter in Nazareth (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) and probably in neighboring villages and Sepphoris, which was being rebuilt.
28–29*	John the Baptist begins his ministry around the Jordan River (John 1:19).
28–30*	Jesus begins his ministry in Judea, but soon focuses his efforts in Galilee. In Jerusalem, Pharisees (like Gamaliel) train disciples (like Paul) in their tradition. They send a delegation to Galilee, but the delegation rejects Jesus’ teaching. In Alexandria, Philo (20 B.C.–A.D. 50) attempts to unify Greek philosophy with Hebrew Scripture.
33 (or 30)	Jesus returns to Judea, is crucified, and resurrected. James the brother of Jesus becomes a believer after witnessing the resurrected Jesus (1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 12:17). Jesus ascends to the Father’s right hand (Acts 1). Jesus’ first followers receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and begin to proclaim the gospel (Acts 2).
33/34*	Paul witnesses the resurrected Lord on the way to Damascus and is commissioned as an apostle to the nations (Acts 9; Gal. 1:15–16).
34–37	Paul ministers in Damascus and Arabia (Acts 9:19–22; 26:20; Gal. 1:16–18).
36	Pilate loses his position for incompetence.
36/37*	Paul meets with Peter in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18).
37–45	Paul ministers in Syria, Tarsus, and Cilicia (Acts 9:30; Gal. 1:21).
38*	Peter witnesses to Cornelius (Acts 10).
39	Antipas is exiled.
40–45*	James writes his letter to believers outside Palestine (see James 1:1).
41–44	Agrippa, Herod the Great’s grandson, rules Palestine; he kills James the brother of John (Acts 12:2) and imprisons Peter (Acts 12:3).
42–44	Paul receives his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7).
44	Peter leaves Jerusalem; Agrippa is killed by an “angel of the Lord” (Acts 12:23).
44–46	Theudas persuades many Jews to sell their possessions and follow him into the wilderness where he claimed he would miraculously divide the Jordan River; Roman procurator Fadus dispatches his cavalry and beheads the would-be messiah.
44–47*	Paul’s Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10).
46–47	Paul’s First Missionary Journey (with Barnabas) from Antioch to Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra (Acts 13:4–14:26).
46–48	Roman procurator Tiberius Alexander crucifies two sons (Jacob and Simon) of Judas the Galilean.
48*	Paul writes Galatians, perhaps from Antioch (see Acts 14:26–28).
48–49*	Paul and Peter return to Jerusalem for the Apostolic Council, which, with the assistance of James, frees Gentile believers from the requirement of circumcision in opposition to Pharisaic believers (Acts 15:1–29); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30) but split over a dispute about John Mark (Acts 15:36–40).
48/49–51*	Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (with Silas) from Antioch to Syria, Cilicia, southern Galatia, Macedonia, notably Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea; and then on to Achaia, notably Athens and Corinth (Acts 15:36–18:22).
49	Claudius expels Jews from Rome because of conflicts about Jesus (Acts 18:2); Paul befriends two refugees, Priscilla and Aquila, in Corinth (Acts 18:2–3).
49–51*	Paul writes 1–2 Thessalonians from Corinth (Acts 18:1, 11; also compare Acts 18:5 with 1 Thess. 1:8).
51	Paul appears before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12–17).
50–54*	Peter comes to Rome.
52–57*	Paul’s Third Missionary Journey from Antioch to Galatia, Phrygia, Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece (Acts 18:23–21:17).
52–55	Paul ministers in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20).
53–55*	Mark writes his Gospel, containing Peter’s memories of Jesus; perhaps within a decade, Matthew publishes his Gospel, which relies on Mark and other sources. Paul writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus (Acts 19:10).

54	Claudius dies (edict exiling Jews repealed); Priscilla and Aquila return to Rome and host a church in their home (see Rom. 16:3–5).
54–68	Nero reigns.
55–56*	Paul writes 2 Corinthians from Macedonia (Acts 20:1, 3; 2 Cor. 1:16; 2:13; 7:5; 8:1; 9:2, 4; see 1 Cor. 16:5).
57*	Paul winters in Corinth and writes Romans (Acts 20:3; see Rom. 16:1–2; also see Rom. 16:23 with 1 Cor. 1:14); travels to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1–16), visits with James the brother of Jesus (Acts 21:17–26), and is arrested (Acts 21:27–36; 22:22–29).
57–59	Paul is imprisoned and transferred to Caesarea (Acts 23:23–24, 33–34).
60	Paul begins voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1–2); he is shipwrecked for three months on the island of Malta (Acts 27:39–28:10).
60–70*	Letter to the Hebrews is written.
62	James the brother of the Lord is executed by the Sadducean high priest Ananus.
62–63*	Peter writes his first letter (1 Peter) from Rome (1 Pet. 5:13).
62*	Paul arrives in Rome and remains under house arrest (Acts 28:16–31); he writes Ephesians (see verses for Colossians), Philippians (Phil. 1:7, 13, 17; 4:22), Colossians (Col. 4:3, 10, 18; see Acts 27:2 with Col. 4:10), Philemon (see Philem. 23 with Col. 1:7; Philem. 2 with Col. 4:17; Philem. 24 with Col. 4:10; also see Col. 4:9). Luke, Paul’s physician and companion (see Col. 4:14), writes Luke and Acts.
62–64	Paul is released, extends his mission (probably reaching Spain), writes 1 Timothy from Macedonia (see 1 Tim. 1:3) and Titus from Nicopolis (Titus 3:12); he is rearrested in Rome (2 Tim. 1:16–17).
63–64	Work on the temple complex is completed.
64 (July 19)	Fire in Rome; Nero blames and kills many Christians.
64–67*	Peter writes his second letter ( 2 Peter). Jude writes his letter. Paul writes 2 Timothy (see 2 Tim. 4:6–8). Paul and Peter are martyred in Rome.
66	First Jewish-Roman War begins with a riot between Greeks and Jews at Caesarea; Roman procurator Gesius Florus (A.D. 64–66) is murdered and a Roman garrison wiped out; Menahem, son or grandson of Judas the Galilean, murders the high priest Ananias and seizes control of the temple; Nero dispatches Vespasian with three legions.
67*	Romans destroy the Qumran community, who beforehand hid the so-called Dead Sea Scrolls in nearby caves; the church in Jerusalem flees to Pella (Matt. 24:15–16; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20–22); John migrates to Ephesus with Mary, Jesus’ mother.
68	Nero commits suicide; year of the three emperors.
69	Rebellion quelled in Galilee and Samaria; Vespasian summoned back to Rome to become emperor.
70 (Aug. 30)	Titus, Vespasian’s son, after a five-month siege of Jerusalem, destroys the temple after desecrating it; the temple’s menorah, Torah, and veil are removed and later put on display in a victory parade in Rome; the influence of the Sadducees ends; the Pharisee Johanan ben Zakkai escapes and convinces the Romans to allow him and others to settle in Jamnia, where they found a school.
73 (May 2)*	Before Roman general Silva breaches the fortress atop Masada following a two-year siege, 936 Jewish rebels commit suicide.
75	Titus has an affair with the Jewish princess Berenice, sister of Agrippa II (Acts 25:13, 23), whom he later abandons because of the scandal.
77	Pliny the Elder writes Natural History.
77–78	Josephus publishes Jewish War in Rome.
79	Pompeii and Herculaneum are destroyed by eruption of Vesuvius; Pliny the Elder dies attempting to investigate.
81	The Arch of Titus, celebrating his destruction of the temple, is erected in Rome.
81–96	Domitian, Titus’s brother, persecutes Christians among the Roman nobility, including his own relatives Clemens and Domitilla.
85–95*	John writes his letters (1–3 John), probably in Ephesus.
89–95*	John writes his Gospel, probably in Ephesus.
93–94	Josephus publishes Jewish Antiquities in Rome.
94	Domitian exiles philosophers from Rome.
95*	Amidst persecution, Clement, a leader in the Roman church, writes his Letter to the Corinthians (1 Clement) appealing for peace between the young men and elders.
95–96*	Exiled by Domitian to Patmos, John writes Revelation (Rev. 1:9).
96–98	Nerva, the first of five “good” emperors, ends official persecution.

* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or

Regeneration in the New Testament

John 1:13	“born . . . of God”
John 3:3	“born again”
John 3:5	“born of water and the Spirit”
John 3:6	“born of the Spirit”
John 3:7	“born again”
John 3:8	“born of the Spirit”
Eph. 2:4–5	“God . . . even when we were dead . . . made us alive together with Christ”
Col. 2:13	“you, who were dead . . . God made alive together with him”
Titus 3:5	“he saved us . . . by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit”
James 1:18	“he brought us forth by the word of truth”
1 Pet. 1:3	“he has caused us to be born again”
1 Pet. 1:23	“you have been born again”
1 John 2:29	“everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him”
1 John 3:9	“No one born of God makes a practice of sinning”
1 John 4:7	“whoever loves has been born of God”
1 John 5:1	“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God”
1 John 5:4	“everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world”
1 John 5:18	“everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning”

The Epistles

Book	Author	Date	Recipients	Place of Writing
James	James	40–45	Jewish Christians in or near Palestine	Jerusalem?
Galatians	Paul	48	South Galatian churches	Syrian Antioch
1 Thessalonians	Paul	49–51	Church in Thessalonica	Corinth
2 Thessalonians	Paul	49–51	Church in Thessalonica	Corinth
1 Corinthians	Paul	53–55	Church in Corinth	Ephesus
2 Corinthians	Paul	55–56	Church in Corinth	Macedonia
Romans	Paul	57	Church in Rome	Corinth
Philippians	Paul	62	Church in Philippi	Rome
Colossians	Paul	62	Church in Colossae	Rome
Philemon	Paul	62	Philemon	Rome
Ephesians	Paul	62	Churches in Asia Minor (circular letter?)	Rome
1 Timothy	Paul	62–64	Timothy	Macedonia?
Titus	Paul	62–64	Titus	Nicopolis
1 Peter	Peter	62–63	Churches in Roman provinces in Asia Minor	Rome
2 Peter	Peter	64–67	Churches in Roman provinces in Asia Minor?	Rome
2 Timothy	Paul	64–67	Timothy	Rome
Jude	Jude	Mid–60s	Jewish Christians in Egypt? Asia Minor? Antioch?	Unknown
Hebrews	Unknown	60–70	Jewish Christians in Rome or in or near Palestine	Unknown
1 John	John	85–95	Churches near Ephesus?	Ephesus
2 John	John	85–95	Church or churches near Ephesus	Ephesus
3 John	John	85–95	Gaius	Ephesus

Church Leaders Should Likewise Lead Lives That Are Examples to Imitate

Phil. 3:17	Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
1 Tim. 4:12	Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Titus 2:7–8	Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech.
Heb. 13:7	Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
1 Pet. 5:2–3	Shepherd the flock of God . . . not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

Equivalent Expressions for the “Last Days”

The “last days” (the day of salvation, 2 Cor. 6:2) have already come but the “last day” (the day of salvation and wrath, 1 Thess. 5:1–11) has not yet arrived. The following are equivalent expressions for the “last days” (the period of time between Jesus’ death and resurrection and the final judgment).

“the last days”	Acts 2:17; 2 Tim. 3:1; Heb. 1:2; James 5:3
“the last hour”	1 John 2:18
“the last time”	Jude 18
“the last times”	1 Pet. 1:20

Silas

Silas was a Judean Christian and a leader in the Jerusalem church. After Paul and Barnabas parted ways, Silas joined Paul as a coworker on his second missionary journey. While in Philippi, Paul cast out a spirit that was enabling a girl to tell fortunes (ch. 16). The girl’s owners were furious, since they had been making money from her demonic powers. They brought Paul and Silas before the magistrates, and they were flogged and jailed. Paul and Silas were miraculously freed from their bonds—but rather than flee, they saw an opportunity to share the gospel. As a result, their jailer and his household became Christians. Silas is known by the name “Silvanus” in the NT epistles. He worked closely with the apostle Peter, and delivered Peter’s first letter to its recipients in Asia Minor (1 Pet. 5:12). (Acts 15:32)

Aquila and his wife, Priscilla

Aquila and his wife, Priscilla (also called Prisca), were close friends and coworkers with the apostle Paul. Forced from Rome by the emperor Claudius, they fled to Corinth (18:1–2). Like Paul, who stayed in their home, they were tentmakers by trade. On his way back to Antioch, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus to establish the church in that city. There the godly couple taught the Christian way “more accurately” to a gifted Alexandrian disciple named Apollos (18:26). They were eventually able to return to Rome, where the church met in their home (Rom. 16:3–5). Paul’s deep love and respect for Aquila and Priscilla is obvious in his letter to the Romans, where he declares that the couple “risked their necks” for his life (Rom. 16:3). (Romans 16:3–5)

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:1 Peter calls himself an apostle, an authoritative messenger of Jesus Christ (see note on Rom. 1:1). The people receiving his letter are elect exiles of the Dispersion. Peter is not speaking of a literal exile (compare 1 Pet. 1:17; 2:11). Believers long for their true home in the new world that is coming and for their end-time inheritance. Thus, they do not conform to the values and worldviews of this present evil age. Believers, both Jews and Gentiles, are God’s “elect exiles.” They are his chosen people, just as Israel was God’s chosen people in the OT (Deut. 7:6–8; Ps. 106:5; Isa. 45:4).

1 Peter Fact #1: Preparing your minds for action

Fact: Preparing your minds for action

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:1–2 Opening. Peter identifies himself as the author. The readers are identified as “elect exiles” and their salvation is credited to the work of the Father, Spirit, and Son.

1 Pet. 1:2 Foreknowledge does not merely refer to God’s knowing ahead of time that his people would belong to him. It also means that he chose them (compare Rom. 8:29). in the sanctification of the Spirit. Either conversion or gradual progress in the Christian life, or possibly both. The Spirit sets apart God’s people. Believers are now holy and righteous in their standing before God. They also live in ways that show they are increasingly dedicated to God. For obedience to Jesus Christ may refer to conversion, when Christians confessed Jesus as Lord (Rom. 10:9), or to God’s purpose for their lives, that they obey Christ. For sprinkling with his blood refers to Christ’s atoning work on the cross. There all the believers’ sins were washed away. Peter may be referring to believers’ entrance into a covenant with God (similar to Ex. 24:3–8), to their growth in holiness, or possibly to both (similar to Lev. 14:6–7; compare Ps. 51:7; 1 John 1:7).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:3 caused us to be born again. Peter may be connecting “born again” to through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The new birth was possible because God caused believers in Christ to be united to him in his resurrection (compare Rom. 6:4; Eph. 2:5–6; Col. 3:1). Or Peter may be linking the resurrection to the living hope of believers. The hope of Christians is that Christ’s resurrection is a promise of their own future resurrection.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:4 The “hope” of v. 3 is now described as an inheritance. This word often describes the Promised Land and Israel’s place in it (Num. 32:19; Deut. 25:19; Josh. 11:23; Ps. 105:11). The OT inheritance points to an even greater inheritance reserved in heaven for the new covenant people.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:5 Salvation in this context is a further description of the inheritance in v. 4 and the hope in v. 3.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:6–7 Little while covers all their earthly life before they inherit future salvation. if necessary. Their sufferings are God’s will. He wants their faith to be purified and shown to be real. revelation of Jesus Christ. Christ’s return.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:10–11 The OT prophets did not know when their prophecies would come true, but they did foretell that Christ would suffer and then be glorified. See Overview of the Bible. The Spirit of Christ is the Holy Spirit, who was speaking through the prophets.

Overview of the Bible

How does the Bible as a whole fit together? The events recorded in the Bible took place over a span of thousands of years and in several different cultural settings. What is their unifying thread?

One unifying thread in the Bible is its divine authorship. Every book of the Bible is God’s word. The events recorded in the Bible are there because God wanted them to be recorded, and he had them recorded with his people and their instruction in mind: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).

God’s Plan for History

God also has a unified plan for history (Eph. 1:10, 12). The work of Christ on earth, especially his crucifixion and resurrection, is the climax of history. It is the great turning point. The present era looks back on Christ’s completed work but also forward to the consummation of his work when he will come again in the new heavens and earth.

God’s Promises and Predictions

The Old Testament directly points forward to Christ through promises of God’s salvation. God gave some specific promises in the Old Testament relating to the coming of Christ as the Messiah, the Savior in the line of David. But God often gives more general promises concerning a future great day of salvation, without spelling out all the details of how he will accomplish it. Sometimes the promises take explicit form (e.g., the coming of the Messiah), and sometimes they take symbolic form (e.g., the animal sacrifices). All of the Old Testament promises find their “yes” in Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20).

God’s Warnings and Curses

God’s relation to people also includes warnings, threatenings, and cursings, which anticipate and point forward to Christ in two distinct ways. First, Christ is the Lamb of God who bore the curse of sin on the cross (John 1:29; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 2:24). Every instance of the wrath of God against sin, and his punishment of sin, looks forward to the wrath that was poured out on Christ on the cross. Second, Christ will wage war against sin and exterminate it at his second coming. All earlier judgments against sin anticipate the final judgment.

God’s Covenant Commitment and Instruction

The promises of God in the Old Testament come in the context not only of God’s commitment to his people but also of instruction about the people’s commitment and obligations to God. When God makes a covenant with man, God is the sovereign, so he specifies the obligations on both sides. “I will be their God” is the fundamental obligation on God’s side, while “they shall be my people” is the fundamental obligation on the human side.

For example, in the first call of Abram (Gen. 12:1–2) God’s commitment takes the form of promises, blessings, and curses. The promises and blessings point forward to Christ, who is the fulfillment of the promises and the source of final blessings. The curses point forward to Christ both in his bearing the curse and in his execution of judgment and curse against sin, especially at the second coming.

Christ fulfilled the obligations of God’s covenants through perfect obedience (Heb. 5:8), receiving the reward of obedience in his resurrection and ascension (Phil. 2:9–10). By dealing with God’s wrath against sin, Christ reconciled believers to God, bringing about the intimacy with God that all of the Old Testament covenants anticipated.

Christ Is the Offspring of Abraham and the Last Adam

God’s promises to Abraham were the foundation for the nation of Israel. Abraham was obligated to walk blamelessly before God (Gen. 17:1). But only Christ is without sin (Heb. 4:15), making him the ultimate offspring to whom the other offspring all point (Gal. 3:16). Through Christ, believers are united to him and thereby themselves become “Abraham’s offspring” (Gal. 3:29). Believers, Jews and Gentiles alike, become heirs to the promises of God made to Abraham and his offspring (Gal. 3:28–29).

Christ is not only the offspring of Abraham, but—reaching back farther in time to an earlier promise of God—the offspring of the woman: “I will put enmity between you [the serpent] and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15). The conquest over the serpent, and therefore the conquest of evil and the reversal of its effects, is to take place through the offspring of the woman. One can trace this offspring down from Eve through Seth and his godly descendants, through Noah, and down to Abraham, where God’s promise takes the specific form of offspring for Abraham. Thus Christ is not only the offspring of Abraham but the last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45–49). Like Adam, he represents all who belong to him. And he reverses the effects of Adam’s fall.

Shadows, Prefigures, and “Types” of Christ

The Old Testament anticipates Christ the Savior by “shadows” and “types”—examples, symbols, pictures—of the things that were to come (see 1 Cor. 10:6, 11; Heb. 8:5). Animal sacrifices in the Old Testament prefigure the final sacrifice of Christ. The temple, as a dwelling place for God, prefigured Christ, who is the final “dwelling place” of God, and through whom God is with his people (Matt. 1:23; John 2:21). The Old Testament priests were types of Christ, the final high priest (Heb. 7:11–8:7).

The fulfillment of all these Old Testament shadows and types takes place preeminently in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20; Eph. 1:10). But in the New Testament those people who are “in Christ,” who place their trust in him and experience fellowship with his person and his blessings, receive the benefits of what he has accomplished. Therefore one can also find anticipations or “types” in the Old Testament that point forward to the New Testament church, the people in the New Testament who belong to Christ.

Some Old Testament symbols also may point forward especially to the consummation of salvation that takes place in the new heaven and the new earth yet to come (2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1–22:5). Old Testament Jerusalem prefigured the new Jerusalem that will come “down out of heaven from God” (Rev. 21:2).

Christ Is the Mediator

Sinful man needs a mediator who will approach God on his behalf. Jesus Christ, who is both God and man, and who is innocent of sin, is the only one who can mediate (1 Tim. 2:5–6) and the only one who can save (Acts 4:12).

All the instances of salvation and mediation in the Old Testament prefigure Christ. Prophets bring God’s word to his people. Godly kings bring God’s rule to bear on the people. Priests represent the people in coming before God’s presence. Christ is the prophet, king, and priest who fulfills all three functions in a final way (Heb. 1:1–3).

We can also look at wise men, who bring God’s wisdom to others; warriors, who bring God’s deliverance from enemies; and singers, who bring praise to God on behalf of the people and speak of God to the people. Covenants bring God’s word to the people. The temple brings God’s presence to the people. Animal sacrifices bring God’s forgiveness to the people. In reading the Bible, we should look for ways in which God brings his word and his presence to people through the means he establishes. All these means perform a mediatorial role, and because there is only one mediator, clearly they all point to Christ.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:12 you. That is, NT believers. Angels long to understand fully what has been accomplished. Christians have heard this good news in the gospel proclaimed to them.

Study Notes

1 Peter Fact #1: Preparing your minds for action

Fact: Preparing your minds for action

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:14–15 Christians are to be holy (see Lev. 18:2–4), because God is holy and has called believers to be like him.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:17 Who judges impartially may refer only to the final judgment, when believers will be judged according to their deeds (compare Rom. 2:6; 2 Cor. 5:10). More likely, Peter has in mind both this present life and the last day. fear. Of God’s discipline and fatherly displeasure. exile. Compare 1 Pet. 1:1.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:18–19 you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers. “Ransom” recalls Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Deut. 15:15). Believers are delivered from a life of futility and meaninglessness to one of great significance. lamb without blemish or spot. This image points to the OT sacrifices. It especially refers to Christ as the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12) and the servant of the Lord (compare “lamb,” Isa. 53:7). As the perfect sacrifice, Christ atoned for the sins of the unrighteous (compare John 1:29; 1 Pet. 3:18).

Study Notes

See chart See chart

Equivalent Expressions for the “Last Days”

“the last days”	Acts 2:17; 2 Tim. 3:1; Heb. 1:2; James 5:3
“the last hour”	1 John 2:18
“the last time”	Jude 18
“the last times”	1 Pet. 1:20

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:13–21 The inheritance promised to followers of Christ should motivate them to set their hope entirely on their future reward (vv. 13–16) and to live in fear of the God who redeemed them at the cost of his own Son (vv. 17–21).

1 Pet. 1:20–21 God planned when he would send Christ (Christ was foreknown, compare v. 2). He chose to reveal him at the time in history when these believers lived (for the sake of you).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:22 purified. See note on v. 2. truth. That is, the gospel.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:23 living and abiding word of God. All written Scripture (see v. 25), but especially the gospel.

See chart See chart

Regeneration in the New Testament

John 1:13	“born . . . of God”
John 3:3	“born again”
John 3:5	“born of water and the Spirit”
John 3:6	“born of the Spirit”
John 3:7	“born again”
John 3:8	“born of the Spirit”
Eph. 2:4–5	“God . . . even when we were dead . . . made us alive together with Christ”
Col. 2:13	“you, who were dead . . . God made alive together with him”
Titus 3:5	“he saved us . . . by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit”
James 1:18	“he brought us forth by the word of truth”
1 Pet. 1:3	“he has caused us to be born again”
1 Pet. 1:23	“you have been born again”
1 John 2:29	“everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him”
1 John 3:9	“No one born of God makes a practice of sinning”
1 John 4:7	“whoever loves has been born of God”
1 John 5:1	“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God”
1 John 5:4	“everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world”
1 John 5:18	“everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning”

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:24–25 Peter cites Isa. 40:6, 8 to contrast the weakness of human flesh with the power of the word of the Lord.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:1–2 newborn infants. Peter is not saying that believers are immature in their faith. He means all Christians are to be like infants in their longing for pure spiritual milk, which likely refers to God’s Word (compare 1:23–25).

See chart See chart

Regeneration in the New Testament

John 1:13	“born . . . of God”
John 3:3	“born again”
John 3:5	“born of water and the Spirit”
John 3:6	“born of the Spirit”
John 3:7	“born again”
John 3:8	“born of the Spirit”
Eph. 2:4–5	“God . . . even when we were dead . . . made us alive together with Christ”
Col. 2:13	“you, who were dead . . . God made alive together with him”
Titus 3:5	“he saved us . . . by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit”
James 1:18	“he brought us forth by the word of truth”
1 Pet. 1:3	“he has caused us to be born again”
1 Pet. 1:23	“you have been born again”
1 John 2:29	“everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him”
1 John 3:9	“No one born of God makes a practice of sinning”
1 John 4:7	“whoever loves has been born of God”
1 John 5:1	“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God”
1 John 5:4	“everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world”
1 John 5:18	“everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning”

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:3 Christians will continue to long for the Word if they have tasted that the Lord is good, which they did in conversion (compare Ps. 34:8). In writing this letter, Peter may well have thought about Psalm 34, which stresses how the Lord delivers the righteous in their sufferings (compare 1 Pet. 3:10–12 and Ps. 34:12–13).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:4 As you come to him indicates a daily personal relationship with Christ. living stone. Jesus is the foundation of God’s new temple. He is God’s elect (chosen) one. He is honored above all.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:5 Believers are living stones in God’s new temple (spiritual house). Since the pieces that make up the house are “living,” the house itself is growing: you yourselves . . . are being built up. The OT temple anticipated the new temple where God dwells (that is, in his people). But believers are not only God’s temple. They are also a holy priesthood, which offers spiritual sacrifices (compare Ex. 19:5–6; see also Rom. 12:1; Phil. 4:18; Heb. 13:15–16) by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:6 Peter cites Isa. 28:16 (compare Rom. 9:33; 10:11) in support of the idea that Jesus is the cornerstone (see note on Eph. 2:20) of God’s temple. Those who trust in him will be saved on judgment day.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:7 Unbelievers will find this prophecy from Ps. 118:22 fulfilled. The stone the builders rejected is Jesus, the foundation of God’s temple, his new people.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:8 stumbling. Tripping over the truth of the gospel. Unbelievers fall because they do not walk with God. In doing so, unbelievers fulfill this prophecy from Isa. 8:14. There the stone God has established becomes the means of their falling. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. Some understand this to teach that God has not predestined who will disobey. He has only determined the result of disobedience (that is, that those who disobey will stumble). But Peter probably teaches that God directs all that will occur (see note on Eph. 1:11). In teaching this, Peter still does not deny human responsibility (they “stumble because they disobey”).

Psalms Fact #63: Cornerstone

Fact: Cornerstone

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:9 a chosen race. God has elected (“chosen”) some to be his people. Therefore no one can boast about being included. Peter views the church as a new Israel. He cites what is said of Israel in Ex. 19:5–6 and applies it to the church.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 1:3–2:10 Called to Salvation as Exiles. Believers must praise God for his promised salvation and live out that salvation daily.

1 Pet. 1:22–2:10 Since Christians have been given new life by the Word of God, they are to love one another fervently (1:22–25). They are to long for God’s Word so that they will continue to grow in faith (2:1–3). They are like living stones which together build up a spiritual house, with Jesus as the cornerstone (2:4–8). They are chosen by God to be his people (2:9–10).

1 Pet. 2:10 Peter echoes texts in Hosea that refer to Israel (Hos. 1:6, 9, 10; 2:23) and says they are fulfilled in the church.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:11 Beloved signals a major new section in the letter (compare 4:12). Believers are sojourners and exiles (compare 1:1, 17). They await their end-time inheritance. wage war against your soul. Holding on to sinful desires brings spiritual harm.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:12 Peter refers to unbelievers as Gentiles. This reflects his understanding of believers as a new Israel (see note on 1:1). glorify God. See Matt. 5:16. On the day of visitation may refer to the believer’s initial conversion through the regenerating work (“visitation”) of the Holy Spirit. Or it may refer to how those who become believers will glorify God on judgment day.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:13–14 Be subject. Compare Rom. 13:1–7.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:15 The godly lives of believers will put to silence false charges raised against them.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:16 Compare Gal. 5:13–14.

Study Notes

1 Peter Fact #2: What is God’s purpose for civil government?

Fact: What is God’s purpose for civil government?

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:18 On slavery in the Greco-Roman world, see note on 1 Cor. 7:21. Servants (bondservants) often entered into service to pay off a debt. They were not owned forever without their consent. There were laws to protect bondservants. Still, masters were often unjust. Bondservants who served faithfully in these circumstances gave a witness of Christ’s suffering. This verse does not mean that servants were to endure anything the masters did to them.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:19–20 Gracious thing comes from the Greek word for “grace.” Here it seems to be synonymous with credit. Both words indicate that God will reward his people if they endure suffering righteously. Compare Luke 6:34–35. “Gracious thing” could also mean that patient endurance of suffering is evidence of God’s grace at work.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:22–23 This crucial verse emphasizes Christ’s sinlessness (committed no sin) and his substitutionary death for sinners (compare 3:18; see also Isa. 52:13–53:12). Jesus’ freedom from deceit alludes to Isa. 53:9.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:24 Tree was often used as a synonym for “cross” in first-century Judaism. This may have been due to Deut. 21:22–23 (see Gal. 3:13; also Acts 5:30; and see note on crucifixion at Matt. 27:35). The unique, substitutionary, sin-bearing death of Jesus is described here using allusions to Isa. 53:4, 5, 11. healed. The healing in the atonement refers to the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ death should lead to a profound change in the lives of believers. They should break all ties with evil (die to sin) and devote themselves to living in a holy way (live to righteousness).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 3:1 It was unusual for a wife to have a different religion than her husband in Roman culture. Peter calls on wives to submit to their husbands, but it was a different submission than was common. The wives’ devotion was first and foremost to Christ, not their husbands.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 3:1–2 A husband is to be the leader in the home (compare Eph. 5:22–33; Col. 3:18–19). A wife is to be subject to (see 1 Pet. 3:5–6) and follow her husband’s leadership. If a wife has an unbelieving husband who is disobedient to the word (that is, the gospel), she should not try to pressure him into converting. Instead, her godly conduct will demonstrate the truth of the gospel without a word. your own husbands. Scripture never says that women in general are to be subject to men in general. It does support male headship in the home (see also Titus 2:5) and in the church (see 1 Tim. 2:11–15; 3:2–3; and notes). Scripture also establishes the equality of man and woman as being made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27; see 1 Pet. 3:7).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 3:3–4 Do not let your adorning be external. Examples of “external . . . adorning” can be seen in portraits and sculptures from the first century. The elaborate braiding of women’s hair and the wearing of attention-grabbing jewelry were common in upper-class Roman society. Peter is not literally prohibiting all braiding of hair or all wearing of gold jewelry. Instead, he warns against being more concerned about personal appearance than personal character.

1 Timothy Fact #2: Hairstyles

Fact: Hairstyles

Study Notes

1 Pet. 3:6 Sarah obeyed Abraham. Peter describes Sarah’s submission in terms of obedience. This does not mean the relationship between husbands and wives is like that of parents and children. It shows that a wife is to follow her husband’s leadership. calling him lord. See Gen. 18:12. do not fear. Peter calls on wives to trust God as Sarah did and not fear even the difficult things they face.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 3:7 Peter’s advice to husbands is briefer, perhaps because they are less likely to be mistreated than bondservants and wives. The word likewise is a transition (compare v. 1; 5:5). It does not imply that husbands should submit to their wives the way that wives submit to them (see Eph. 5:21–33). To live . . . in an understanding way probably includes understanding the needs of the wife. Weaker vessel probably means that men are generally physically stronger than women and therefore they may be tempted to threaten their wives through physical or verbal abuse. heirs . . . of the grace of life. Peter does not think women are inferior to men, for both are equally made in God’s image (compare Gal. 3:28). If husbands do not treat their wives in a godly way, the Lord will pay no attention to their prayers.

1 Peter Fact #3: Husbands and wives

Fact: Husbands and wives

Study Notes

1 Pet. 3:8–9 Finally, all of you begins a list of godly virtues that all believers should model at all times.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:13–3:12 Peter exhorts Christians to goodness as citizens (2:13–17), slaves (2:18–25), wives (3:1–6), and husbands (3:7). The section is summed up in 3:8–12: those who imitate Christ and pursue goodness will receive an eternal reward.

1 Pet. 3:10–12 Peter draws on Ps. 34:12–16 (see note on 1 Pet. 2:3). To love life and see good days results from God’s “blessing” (3:9). Peter continues his quotation of Psalm 34: For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous (to observe and care for them) and his ears are open to their prayer (for various needs and concerns). This does not mean that God keeps obedient believers from suffering (compare 1 Pet. 2:19–23; 3:14, 17; 4:12–19). It means that God will provide his grace “to strengthen and establish” believers in times of suffering (5:10) and great need (compare 2 Cor. 12:9; Heb. 4:16).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 3:13–14 even if. Peter writes to Christians already suffering for their faith. Therefore he is not saying that such suffering is unlikely. His point is that no one will ultimately or finally harm Christians because no one can take Christ from them (see Rom. 8:31). Indeed, they will be blessed by God in their sufferings (compare Matt. 5:10).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 3:15–17 Believers should always be ready to provide a reason for their faith. They should do so kindly and engagingly. If they keep a good conscience because their behavior is correct, any accusations against them will prove false. Their accusers will be put to shame.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 3:18 This is a key statement on the substitutionary atonement of Christ. He suffered and died as the righteous one in place of the unrighteous, in order to bring us to God. being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. Jesus died physically but was raised from the dead by the Holy Spirit.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 3:19 spirits in prison. There is much debate about the identity of these spirits. The Greek term can mean either human spirits or angels, depending on the context (compare Num. 27:16; Acts 7:59; Heb. 12:23). (1) Some interpreters say that “spirits” refers to the unsaved human spirits of Noah’s day. Christ, “in the spirit” (1 Pet. 3:18), preached the gospel “in the days of Noah” (v. 20) through Noah. Unbelievers who heard “did not obey . . . in the days of Noah” (v. 20). They are now suffering judgment. (2) Others believe that the spirits are fallen angels who were cast into hell to await the final judgment. In this case the message that Christ proclaimed is almost certainly one of triumph, after having been “put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” (v. 18). (3) Others have advocated that Christ offered a second chance of salvation to those in hell. This interpretation, however, is in direct contradiction with other Scripture (see Luke 16:26; Heb. 9:27) and with the rest of 1 Peter and therefore must be rejected, leaving either of the first two views as the most likely interpretation.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 3:21 Peter compares salvation in the ark and baptism. In both, believers are saved through the waters of judgment, since baptism portrays salvation through judgment. Baptism saves you because it represents inward faith. Without faith, baptism does nothing more than remove dirt from the body. Faith is shown by one’s appeal to God for the forgiveness of one’s sins (for a good conscience). Furthermore, baptism “saves” only because it is grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians have disagreed about the proper mode of water baptism from the early history of the church. Yet Christians have generally agreed that water baptism is an outward sign of the inward work of the Holy Spirit (compare John 3:5; Titus 3:5).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 4:1–2 Since therefore Christ suffered. Christ’s suffering again functions as a model for readers. whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. Two likely interpretations have been suggested: (1) This refers to the believer being dead to the power of sin, as a result of having died with Christ (compare Rom. 6:1–11). (2) More likely, it means that when believers are willing to endure suffering for the sake of Christ they show that their purpose in life is not to live for their own pleasures but according to the will of God and for his glory.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 4:6 the gospel was preached even to those who are dead. Some think that Peter offers a chance to accept Christ after death for those who rejected him while they were alive. This view contradicts both the clear teaching of Scripture (e.g., Luke 16:26; Heb. 9:27) and the immediate context. In this context, “those who are dead” are Christians to whom “the gospel was preached” when they were alive but who have since died. This fits with the meaning of “dead” in 1 Pet. 4:5. Believers will experience physical death (that is, they are judged in the flesh the way people are). But believers who have died live in the spirit the way God does. That is, they live in heaven now, and they will live at the resurrection when Christ returns.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 4:7 The end of all things is at hand does not mean Peter expected Christ to return soon. It means all the major events in God’s great salvation plan were completed in the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. Therefore Christ’s return could happen at any time.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 4:8–9 love covers a multitude of sins (Prov. 10:12). Where love is present, offenses are forgiven. hospitality. See note on Heb. 13:2.

1 Timothy Fact #4: Hospitality

Fact: Hospitality

Study Notes

1 Pet. 4:10 All believers have received at least one spiritual gift from God. They must use these gifts faithfully as stewards of God’s grace (see 1 Corinthians 12–14).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 2:11–4:11 Living as Strangers to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World. Believers should live as exiles in a world that rejects their message. They bear witness to the gospel when they live in a way that pleases God.

1 Pet. 3:13–4:11 Believers are to endure hardship, knowing that they will receive a final reward (3:13–17). Christ suffered at his death but was raised from the dead, and thus has triumphed over all demonic powers (3:18–22). Christians are urged to give themselves wholly to God, being willing to suffer and do what is right (4:1–6). Expectation of the end times should motivate believers to live in a way that pleases God and to exercise their spiritual gifts (4:7–11).

1 Pet. 4:11 whoever speaks . . . whoever serves. Peter divides spiritual gifts generally into speaking and serving gifts (for more detailed lists, see Rom. 12:6–8; 1 Cor. 12:8–10, 28–30; and Eph. 4:11). Those who speak must not teach their own ideas but faithfully declare God’s words (oracles). Those who serve must not depend on their own strength but draw their strength from God, so that God alone may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

Study Notes

1 Peter Fact #4: The fiery trial

Fact: The fiery trial

2 Peter Fact #1: Facing death

Fact: Facing death

Study Notes

1 Pet. 4:12–13 Beloved marks the beginning of a new section of the letter (compare 2:11). when his glory is revealed. When Christ returns.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 4:14 To be insulted because one belongs to Christ is to be blessed by God, because in such times the Spirit of glory, the Holy Spirit, rests upon believers in an especially powerful way.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 4:17–18 In the OT, household of God (literally, “house of God”) refers to the temple. Now God’s people are his temple (see 2:4–10). “Judgment beginning with God’s house” echoes Ezek. 9:1–6 and Mal. 3:1–4, where the Lord purifies his people. Judgment here is not punishment. It is purifying and cleansing. The suffering of God’s people makes them stronger (1 Pet. 1:6–7). what will be the outcome? If God’s people need purifying, then surely the judgment of those who do not obey the gospel will be much more severe.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 4:19 This verse summarizes the message of 1 Peter.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:1 The most common NT term for church leaders is elders (see notes on Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1). Apparently elders served as leaders in all the churches. Peter, who is an apostle (1 Pet. 1:1), also serves as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s ministry, especially his sufferings. Peter often reminds his readers that suffering comes before glory (compare 1:6–7, 11; 2:19–20; 3:13–14; 4:13; 5:6, 10).

2 John Fact #1: The elder

Fact: The elder

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:2–3 Elders (v. 1) must shepherd the flock (compare John 21:16; Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11). They must feed the people on God’s word and care for their needs. They are also responsible for exercising oversight in building up the church. They must do so willingly, in obedience to God. They must serve eagerly, not for shameful gain (money). They must avoid being domineering. The goal is to be good examples to the flock.

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Church Leaders Should Likewise Lead Lives That Are Examples to Imitate

Phil. 3:17	Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
1 Tim. 4:12	Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Titus 2:7–8	Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech.
Heb. 13:7	Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
1 Pet. 5:2–3	Shepherd the flock of God . . . not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:4 The chief Shepherd is Jesus Christ. When he comes again he will reward with glory every pastor who has served faithfully.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:5 You who are younger probably means younger members of the congregation. They are more likely to resist leadership. Peter cites Prov. 3:34 (see James 4:6).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:6 Mighty hand of God brings to mind the exodus (Ex. 32:11; Deut. 5:15; Dan. 9:15).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him. Worry is a form of pride. It takes concerns upon oneself instead of entrusting them to God, who cares for his people.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:8 Satan prowls around . . . seeking someone to devour. He hopes that believers will be terrified by hardship and persecutions, or that they will be deceived and fall into sin.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:9 Resist him. Christians need not fear the devil. The Lord has given them power to stand against him by being firm in your faith (compare Eph. 6:12–18). Suffering happens to believers everywhere (your brotherhood throughout the world).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:10 a little while (compare 1:6). This includes the period of time from Christ’s ascension until his return. From God’s perspective, one’s time in this world is brief (see James 4:14; 2 Pet. 3:8). Four verbs (restore, confirm, strengthen, establish) remind believers that their salvation is sure in Christ.

Study Notes

1 Pet. 4:12–5:11 Enduring Suffering. As the letter draws to a close, Peter reminds his readers that they should not be surprised when they suffer. God is using their suffering to purify the church. Therefore they should give themselves to God completely in their sufferings (4:12–19). Peter concludes with challenges to the leaders and the congregation to continue in the faith. They can do so knowing their final reward is certain (5:1–11).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:12 By Silvanus . . . I have written. The sentence structure indicates that Silvanus delivered the letter. Silvanus is called “Silas” elsewhere (Acts 15:22; 16:19; 17:4; 2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1). Peter describes the content of his letter as the true grace of God.

Silas

Aquila and his wife, Priscilla

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:13 She who is at Babylon, who is . . . chosen. The Babylon of the OT was in ruins. By NT times “Babylon” symbolized a center of earthly power opposed to God (see Isaiah 13–14; Jeremiah 50–51; see also Revelation 17–18). In Peter’s day that city was Rome. The OT background to “Babylon” reminds believers that they are “elect exiles” (1 Pet. 1:1) who will receive the promised inheritance. Mark is the same John Mark who traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (see Acts 12:25; 13:5, 13; 15:36–39). Though he left Paul and Barnabas, Mark became a fine minister (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24). Peter would have known Mark for decades because the church met in his mother’s home in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). This verse also shows a close relationship between Peter and Mark (my son).

Study Notes

1 Pet. 5:12–14 Concluding Words. The letter concludes with greetings and a final call to stand firm.

1 Pet. 5:14 kiss of love. See notes on 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12–13. Peace. See 1 Pet. 1:2 and note on John 14:27.

The Setting of 1 Peter

c. A.D. 62–63

Introduction to 1 Peter

Timeline

Author, Date, and Recipients

Theme

Purpose

Key Themes

Those who suffer as Christians will be proven faithful when Christ returns (1:6–9; 2:18–25; 3:13–22; 4:12–19).
The church is the new temple, the new Israel, the new people of God (1:1–2; 2:4–10).
Believers should set their hope on their end-time inheritance (1:3–9, 13–16).
Christ died as a substitute for sinners. His death is the basis for their new life (1:17–21; 2:24; 3:13–22).
Christ’s suffering is an example to his disciples (2:21–23).
At his resurrection, Christ triumphed over his enemies (3:18–22).
Christians should live righteously in their homes and in society (2:11–3:7).
New life in Christ is the basis for a life of love and holiness (1:3; 1:13–2:3).

Outline

Opening (1:1–2)
Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3–2:10)
Living as Strangers to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11–4:11)
Enduring Suffering (4:12–5:11)
Concluding Words (5:12–14)

The Setting of 1 Peter

c. A.D. 62–63

The Global Message of 1 Peter

First Peter and Redemptive History

Peter explicitly connects his letter to the story of redemption that has been unfolding down through history. He cites both characters and quotations from the Old Testament.