The early church universally acknowledged the authenticity and authority of 1st Peter. It is likely that Peter used Silvanus as his scribe (5:12) This epistle was addressed to Christians throughout Asia Minor, indicating the spread of the gospel to regions not evangelized when Acts was written. It was written from Babylon (5:13), but scholars are divided as to whether this refers literally to Babylon in Mesopotamia or symbolically to Rome. It is probably the latter as tradition consistently indicates that Peter spent the last few years of his life in Rome.
TIMES: AD 63-64
KEY VERSES: 1 Peter 1:12, 13, 15, 16, 21; 2:6; 2:10
THEME: First Peter was probably written to the Roman provinces of Turkey at the beginning of Nero’s persecutions of Christians. Its primary message is one of comfort, hope and encouragement. He asks the readers to hold fast to the faith in the midst of the coming persecution. In these letters we get a picture of a mature Peter who has incorporated Christ’s crucifixion and death and resurrection into his thinking about suffering. He fully understands, and even looks forward to, the glory that is to come after the sufferings of this life.
A Living Hope, and a Sure Salvation
1:1-2 Peter, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ addresses those [elect—both Jewish and Gentile believers] who live as exiles, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia [Minor], and Bithynia, who are chosen [Heb. 13:14]. Being ones who were sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ, and to be sprinkled by His blood, Peter wishes them grace and peace.
1:1 Exiles. This term conveys the idea of being dispersed, much like the Jewish exiles of the Old Testament who were not living in their homeland but in Babylon.
1:2 Sanctifying work of the spirit. Sanctification is the ongoing process whereby the Holy Spirit works in believers. He makes their lives holy, separated from their old ways in order for them to be more like him.
Sprinkled with His blood. This concept is the second reason why God chooses us. It draws our attention to three situations in the Old Testament when the Israelites were sprinkled with the blood of animals.
- Moses’ sprinkling of blood on the Israelites at Mt. Sinai to symbolize their initiation into the covenant (EX 24:5—8).
- The sprinkling of Aaron and his sons to be the priests of Israel (EX29:19—21)
- The sprinkling of the blood performed by the priest over healed lepers to symbolize their cleansing (Lev. 14::1-9)
Any of these three cases could be the one that Peter has in mind here.
1:3 Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is, to be reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. [Matt. 28:1-9; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6; John 20:1-18]
1:3 According to His abundant and boundless mercy. Our salvation is grounded in God’s mercy. His act of compassion towards us despite our condition of sinfulness.
Has caused us to be born again. God has given believers a new, spiritual life that enables us to live in an entirely different dimension than the one our physical birth allowed.
1:4 [born anew] into an inheritance which is imperishable [beyond the reach of change] and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for you.
1:4 Inheritance. The Greek word here suggests both a presence and a future reality. God has already determined what we will one day experience in its totality.
Reserved. God has set aside in heaven a wonderful inheritance that is waiting for us even now.
1:5 You are being protected and shielded by the power of God through your faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time.
1:6 Rejoice even though for a little while you have been distressed by various trials.
1:7 so that the genuineness of your faith, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1:7 That the genuineness of your faith. As the purity of gold is brought forth by intense heat, so the reality and purity of our faith are revealed as a result of the fiery trials we face. Ultimately the testing of our faith not only demonstrates our final salvation but also develops our capacity to bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ when He comes into His kingdom and we reign with Him (Romans 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12; rev 5:9-12).
1:8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and even though you do not see Him, you believe and trust Him and you rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy.
1:10 The prophets who prophesied about the grace [of God] that was intended for you, searched carefully and inquired about this future way of salvation.
1:10 The prophets. Peter indicates that the Old Testament prophets knew of the gracious salvation we would one day receive and, as a result, studied it carefully and intensively.
1:12 It was revealed to them that their services [their prophecies regarding grace] were not meant for themselves and their time, but for you in these things [death, resurrection and glorification of Jesus Christ]. These things have been told to you by those who preach the gospel by the [power of] the Holy Spirit [who was] sent from heaven.
1:12 By the [power of the] Holy Spirit. Although humans may preach God’s message of salvation, ultimately the Holy Spirit is the One who proclaims these great truths.
1:13 So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert]. Fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1:13 Prepare your minds for action. …We need to do whatever it takes to focus our thoughts on those things that allow us to serve God successfully and eliminate any thoughts that would trip us up. (Heb. 12:1)
Be completely sober. Peter’s concern here is primarily using mentally or spiritually sound judgment.
Fix your hope completely. We need to exhibit confidence that God will accomplish all that He promised He would do. (v. 3; Romans 8:24-25)
1:14 Live as obedient children {of God}.
1:15 Be like the Holy One who called you in all your conduct. [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage.
1:16 For it is written “You shall be holy (set apart), for I am Holy. [Lev. 11:44; 19:2]
1:17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges …conduct yourselves in [reverent] fear of Him and profound respect for Him throughout the time of your stay on earth.
1:17 In [reverent] fear. For Christians, this phrase should be understood as something between terror and reverential awe. We need to remember that God is both our merciful savior and our holy judge.
1:19 but [you were actually purchased] with precious blood, like that of a [sacrificial] lamb unblemished and spotless, the priceless blood of Christ. [Lev. 22:20].
1:19 A [sacrificial] lamb. Peter describes Christ as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, who is offered in our place to pay the price of our sins. The analogy here may be a reference either to the Passover lamb (Ex. 12:3-6) or to the many lambs without blemish that were offered as part of the Old Testament sacrificial system (Lev. 23:12; Num. 6:14; 28:3).
1:20 For He was ordained (foreknown) before the foundation of the world, but has appeared [publicly] in these last times for your sake.
1:20 Foreordained. God has known (v. 2) the One who would bring salvation, even as He has known those to whom that salvation is offered and secured. (Rom. 11:2)
1:21 and through Him you believe [confidently] in God [the heavenly Father], who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are [centered and rest] in God.
1:22 Since by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves for a sincere love of the believers, [see that you] love one another from the heart [always unselfishly seeking the best for one another.
1:22 Purified yourselves. We accomplish the purification of our souls by obedience to God’s truth.
1:23 You have been born again [reborn from above, spiritually transformed, renewed and set apart for His purpose] from that which is imperishable and immortal…through the living and everlasting word of God.
1:24 flesh is like grass which withers and all its glory like the flower that falls off,
1:25 but the word of the Lord endures forever,
As Newborn Babes
2:2 like newborn babes [you should long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment].
2:3 In fact you have [already] tasted the gracious kindness of the Lord.
As Living Stones
2:4 Come to Him [the risen Lord] as to a living Stone which men rejected and threw away, but which is choice and precious in the sight of God. [Psalm 188:22; Is. 28:16]
2:4 Living Stone. This phrase points to what is written in verses 6-8 which is that Jesus represents the living stone which is superior to the Old Testament temple.
2:5 You [believers] like living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.
2:5 Stones. Christians are part of God’s great spiritual building project. Referenced here are stones that are shaped and ready for use in construction, as opposed to natural rock.
A holy and dedicated priesthood. Unlike the Old Testament priesthood, in which only those who were born into a certain tribe [Levites] could be priests, all who are reborn into God’s family [all believers] are priests who have the privilege and responsibility of offering spiritual sacrifices to God. [Romans 12:1-2; Heb 13:15-16.
2:6 For this is contained I Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious (honored) Cornerstone,
And he who believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him]
Will never be disappointed in his expectations].” [Is. 28:16]
2:6 A precious (honored) cornerstone. Jesus is the foundation stone from which the placement of all living stones (v 5) is determined. In ancient buildings, the cornerstone was the one first situated on the foundation and then all of the other stones were aligned to it.
2:7b The[very] stone the builders rejected has become the chief Cornerstone. {Psalm 118:22]
2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession so that you may proclaim the wonderful deeds, virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. [Ex. 19:5,6]
2:24 He personally carried our sins on the cross, so that we might die to sin, and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] are healed.
2:9 A chosen race. God has not left to chance who will be part of a unique body of people, a group will serve Him.
A royal priesthood. We are a priesthood that functions in a ruling capacity, as kings.
A consecrated nation. Believers are a unified group of people who are set apart for God’s use.
A special people. God protects those whom He has adopted into His family.
2:10 Once you were not a people and received no mercy; but now you are God’s people and have received mercy.
2:11 I urge you as aliens and strangers [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges [dishonorable desires] that wage against the soul.
2:11 Aliens and strangers. With these words, Peter reminds believers that this earth is not our home.
2:12 Keep your behavior excellent [conduct yourselves honorably, with graciousness and integrity] so those who may slander you may look upon your good deeds and instead glorify God in the day of visitation [when He looks upon them with mercy].
2:12 The day of visitation. This probably refers to the day of judgment when all people believers and unbelievers, will fall on their knees and acknowledge who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for His people.
Honor Authority
2:13 Submit yourselves to [authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name].
2:13 Our Responsibility to Human Government. As children of God, our responsibility to human government is threefold.
- We are to recognize and accept that the powers that be are ordained by God. [Romans 13:1] This even applies to governments that are anti-Christian. But, if given a law that is clearly anti-scriptural, the believer is required to obey God rather than man. [Dan 3:6; Acts 4:18-20]
- We are to pay our taxes to human government [Mat 17:24; 22:21; Romans 13:7]
- We are to pray for the leaders in human government. [1 Tim. 2:1-3]
2:15 …It is the will of God that by doing right you may silence ignorance and irresponsible criticisms of foolish people.
2:16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom to cover up evil.
2:16 As a cover for evil. This may be understood as an excuse made up before the fact, or after the fact.
2:17 Show respect for all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king.
2:18 Servants be submissive to your masters both to those who are good and kind and to those who are unreasonable.
2:18 Be submissive. Workers are to take their responsibilities seriously even when they have the worst of masters.
2:19-20 This finds favor (from God) when you endure the sorrow of suffering unjustly.
2:20 There is no value in getting punishment for a deserved wrongdoing, but there is value when we honor God with our actions when we are unfairly condemned by others. Patience and perseverance in the face of suffering please God.
Christ is Our Example
2:24 He personally carried our sins. The Greek word emphasizes Jesus’ personal involvement in the act of paying the price for our sins.
that we might die to sin…and live for righteousness. The purpose of Christ’s bearing our sins is that we might live to please Him.
2:25 For you were wandering like sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and the guardian of your souls.
2:25 Guardian. Only Christ is qualified to be the one Shepherd and Guardian of our souls.
Godly Living
3:1 Wives be submissive to your own husbands [ out of respect for the responsibilities entrusted too husbands and their accountability to God, not as an inferior], so that if some who do not obey the word [of God] may be won over [to Christ] …by the godly lives of their wives.
3:1 May be won over [to Christ] without discussion. The godly wife does not preach to her non-Christian husband with words but with the Christ-like beauty of her daily life. The goal is to see her husband become a Christian.
3:2 As your husbands see your modest and respectful behavior with your devotion and appreciation, love them and enjoy them as a blessing from God.
3:3 Your adornment must not just be external….
3:3 Your adornment must not just be external. Peter is emphasizing the importance of a woman’s character.
3:4 [Let your adornment] be the imperishable quality and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit…
3:4 Gentle and peaceful spirit. Peter encouraged Christian wives to exhibit attitudes that are not harsh but are soothing and tranquil.
3:7 In the same way, you husbands live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact and an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship], as with someone who is physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective.
3:7 Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way. A Christian husband should be intimately aware of his wife’s needs, her strengths, her weaknesses, and her goals and desires. He should know as much about her as possible in order to respond in the best way to her.
3:8 Be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, [courteous and compassionate towards each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit.
3:9 and never return evil for evil. On the contrary, pray for another’s wellbeing, contentment, and protection.
3:10 For the one who wants to enjoy life and see good days must keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from speaking guile and deceit,
3.11 He must turn away from wickedness, do what is right and search for peace..
3:12 For the eyes of the lord are looking on the righteous and upright. His ears are attentive to their prayers.
3:14 If you suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are still blessed [admired and favored by God].
3:15 In your hearts set Christ apart as Lord. Be prepared to give a defense of the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you.
3:15 in your hearts set Christ apart. Believers should acknowledge the holiness of Christ by revering Him as lord of the universe who is control of all things.
Give a logical defense. Since the Christian faith will be falsely accused, Peter encourages Christians to have rational answers to respond to false accusations.
3:16 See that your conscience is clear…
3:17 It is better that you suffer unjustly for doing what is right, if that be God’s will, than [to suffer justly] for doing wrong.
3:18 Christ died once and all for our sins.
3:19 …He also went and preached to the spirits now in prison.
3:20 who were once disobedient, when the great patience of God was waiting in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark.
3:19-20 spirits now in prison. The Greek term translated spirits can refer to human spirits, angels, or demons. There are three main interpretations.
- Describing Jesus as going to the place where fallen angels are incarcerated and declaring His final victory over evil in His work on th cross.
- Spirits refers to human spirits. Christ preached to human beings who had died in Noah’s day and were in the realm of the dead (hell or hades)
- Christ preaching through Noah to unbelievers of his day.
3:21 Corresponding to that baptism [which is an expression of a believer’s new life in Christ] now saves you by an appeal to God for a good (clear) conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
3:22 who has gone to heaven and is at the right hand of God [the place of honor and authority] with [all] angels and authorities and powers made subservient to Him.
Keep Fervent in Your Love
4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh [and died for us] be willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing to God. Whoever has suffered in the flesh [being like-minded with Christ] is done with [intentional sin] and has stopped pleasing the world.
4:1 is done with [intentional sin. Sin no longer has a grip on them.
4:2 This person lives for the will and the purpose of God.
4:6 For this is why the good news [of salvation] was preached[in their lifetimes]even to those who are dead, that though they were judged in the flesh as men are, they may live in the spirit according to the will and purpose of God.
4:6 To those who are dead. There are 4 interpretations of Peter’s meaning here:
- Christ offering salvation to those who lived in pre-Christian times.
- Christ preaches the gospel only to people in the Old Testament times.
- The gospel which was preached to the people now dead
- The gospel that was preached to the spiritually dead so they could come alive spiritually.
4:7 Be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer…and be focused on things of God so your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.
4:8 Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers up a multitude of sins.
4:8 love covers up a multitude of sins. Peter reminds us that love does not stir up sins.
4:9 Be hospitable to one another.
4:9 Be hospitable to one another. Refers to housing and feeding travelers for two or three days without expecting any payment in return.
4:11 Whoever speaks to the congregation is to do so as one who speaks the oracles [utterances, the very words) of God. Whoever serves [the congregation] is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God abundantly supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified.
4:12 Do not be surprised that your faith is being tested.
4:13 Rejoice that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings.
4:14 If you are insulted for bearing the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and God are resting on you.
4:16 If any of you suffers [ill-treatment] as a Christian [because of his belief] he is not be ashamed, but is to glorify God, because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name.
4:17 For it is time [destined] for judgement to begin with the household of God.
4:17 It is time [destined] for judgment to begin. Judgment used in relation to Christians refers to the evaluation of a believer’s works for the purpose of reward (1 Cor 3:10-15)
4:19 …Those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with the will of God must [continue to] to do right and commit their souls [for safe-keeping] to the faithful Creator.
Serve God Willingly
5:1-2 Peter urges the elders [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church] to shepherd, guide and protect the flock of God, exercising oversight voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not motivated for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm.
5:2 Shepherd, guide and protect the flock of God. Christian leaders should remember that they have been given responsibility for tending a flock that belongs to God.
Not motivated for shameful gain. Christian leaders need to be certain that their work is not motivated by money, but by a passion for the good of those believers put in their charge. (1 Tim. 3:3,8; Titus 1:11)
5:3 not lording over those assigned to your care.
5:3 not lording over those assigned to your care. Peter reminds all Christian leaders they need to perform the role of servants, not masters, to those whom God has assigned to their care.
5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, you will receive the (conqueror’s) unfaded crown of glory.
5:5 …you younger men [of lesser rank] be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]. Clothe yourselves with humility.
5:6 Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God so that He may exalt you at the appropriate time.
5:7 casting all you cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection and watches over you very carefully].
5:8 Be sober, be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
5:8 That enemy of yours. Satan is our avowed enemy and never ceases being hostile toward us; he constantly accuses us before God.
5:9 But resist him, be firm in your faith… [James 4:7]
5:10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace …will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].
5:11 To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen.
CONCLUSION
Peter’s main message is one of comfort, hope and encouragement. He asks the readers to hold fast to the faith in the midst of the coming persecution. Could you sense Peter hitting the nerve of faith in all those Christian believers? He also had some very powerful and edifying remarks about marriage, family relationships, and relationships outside the marriage all of which promoted harmony and honoring God.
If you can relate to anything Peter said, feel free to comment below.