Introduction to the first letter of Peter
The 60th book of the Bible, the 21st in the New Testament
The recipients mentioned in 1 Peter are located in western, central, and northern Asia Minor (modern-day Anatolia in Turkey).
The letter primarily addresses Messianic Jews (keyword: Diaspora in chapter 1, verse 1), though it also specifically addresses Gentile Christians in the congregations they attend together (e.g., chapter 2:9–10 and chapter 4:3).
In general, the concerns and exhortations of the letter apply to Christians of all backgrounds.
However, it is also possible that the author uses the term “Diaspora” (ancient Greek, roughly “dispersion” in English) to refer to all of Christendom.
Throughout his letter, he repeatedly emphasizes that a follower of Jesus does not belong to this world system but lives his earthly life here merely as a stranger.
The true citizenship of every believer therefore lies in God’s kingdom and is not of a transient but an eternal nature.
The author of the First Epistle of Peter is named as such in chapter 1, verse 1. The letter was written by his colleague Silvanus, as indicated in chapter 5, verse 12.
Even the early Church Fathers had no doubt about the apostle’s authorship. The letter clearly shows that the author is very familiar with the teaching and life of Jesus Christ.
The return address is given as Babylon, which is likely to be understood as a synonym for Rome.
Not a single account or tradition mentions Peter’s presence in Babylon.
Although there is no historical evidence, we do have many ancient reports attesting that Peter was martyred in Rome under Nero (Roman emperor from 54 to 68 AD).
The letter is believed to have been written between the years 63 and 67 AD.
During this period, Christianity began to lose the protection and tolerance granted by Rome toward the Jewish faith.
And Peter also seems to be familiar with the content of Paul’s later letters, written while the apostle was in prison.
The major themes of the First Epistle of Peter are the present sufferings and the resulting future glory of believers, as well as the proper conduct of a follower of Christ in an unchristian, hostile environment.
Outline of 1 Peter:
Chapter 1, verses 1–12 – Hope for union with Christ and the future inheritance of believers
Chapter 1, verses 13–25 – Exhortations to a holy lifestyle
Chapter 2, verses 1–10 – The high calling of Christianity
Chapter 2, verses 11 through Chapter 4, verse 6 – Our suffering and the suffering of Jesus – Teaching on how we can live to the glory of God
Chapter 4, verse 7 through Chapter 5, verse 14 – Suffering in relation to the last days, exhortations to church leaders, blessings, and greetings
Content of the first letter of Peter:
1. Peter chapter 1
1. Peter chapter 2
1. Peter chapter 3
Through suffering, you bear witness to those around you
The blessed consequences of Christ’s undeserved suffering (his message of salvation in the realm of the dead; the significance of baptism)
1. Peter chapter 4
A willingness to suffer resists the inclination to sin, curbs lusts, and leads to a life devoted to God
1. Peter chapter 5