Read the Passage: 1 Peter 1:1-12

Authorship and Date – The book of 1 Peter is one of the General Epistles. It was written by the apostle Peter, also known as Cephas, and formerly as Simon, who served as the unofficial leader of and spokesman for the apostles. He was the son of Jonas, a fisherman from Bethsaida (cf. Matt. 16:17), who was brought to Christ by his brother Andrew (cf. John 1:40–42). Peter was married and his wife apparently accompanied him on ministry excursions (cf. Mark 1:30; 1 Cor. 9:5). Note, as well, that Peter is the main character in Acts 1–12, testifying to his leadership in the early church. The letter of 1 Peter was likely written in AD 63–65 from Rome, not from Persian Babylon (cf. 1 Pet. 5:13). Babylon was code word for a place where believers live as exiles in the midst of worldliness. Tradition teaches that Peter died in Rome around AD 67, as did his wife. Note that Silvanus, or Silas, actually wrote the book as Peter’s secretary, writing in classical Greek style as Peter likely dictated it (cf. 1 Pet. 5:12). This is the same Silas who accompanied Paul in ministry and was also a prophet (cf. Acts 15:32). 1 & 2 Peter are the only canonical books that Peter penned, although the church father Papias associated Peter with authorship of the book of Mark, who was Peter’s spiritual son (cf. 1 Pet. 5:13).

Purpose and Theme – While Peter undoubtedly had numerous reasons for penning this epistle, two themes stand out. First, Peter continually emphasizes the need to persevere in the face of struggle, suffering, and oppression. Peter reminds his readers that their hope is in eternal life, not in the present life in which they are pilgrims and strangers. This emphasis on suffering makes sense in light of the fact that Peter’s readers were Christians who were being blamed and persecuted on account of the burning of Rome. The theme of suffering is reiterated throughout this epistle, appearing in four of the five chapters (cf. 1 Pet. 1:6; 2:12, 19–21; 3:9, 13–18; 4:1, 12, 16, 19). Second, Peter also emphasizes practical matters related to believers living in the fallen, secular world, including issues related to work, marriage, and government. In these passages Peter teaches how Christians can reflect Jesus as pilgrims living in a hostile yet watching world.

Structure and Outline – The book of 1 Peter is notoriously difficult to outline, as Peter’s thoughts are woven together and interdependent. A suggested thematic outlined of 1 Peter is as follows:

• Called to Salvation (1:1–25)
• Purpose of Salvation (2:1–12)
• Salvation and Social Life (2:13–4:19)
• Salvation and Church Life (5:1–14)

Peter’s Greeting (1:1–2)

Peter begins his epistle by disclosing the identity of his intended readers, whom he writes were “pilgrims of the dispersion” (1 Pet. 1:1). These are Christians who were cast out from Rome and were scattered across five of the Roman provinces in modern day Turkey. Peter describes these believers as “elect according to the foreknowledge of God” (1 Peter 1:2). Some people object to the idea of election, as they believe it makes God unjust. Yet, election is not about God’s justice, but about His grace. If no man seeks God (cf. Rom. 3:10–18) and man’s heart is wicked and deceitful (cf. Jer. 17:9), then the only way to salvation is if God facilitates the event. Note that foreknowledge refers to a predetermined, intimate relationship, not to prior intellectual knowledge. The reason for man’s election and foreordination, as Peter notes, is sanctification and obedience.

Saints’ Inheritance (1:3–9)

Having revealed that the purpose of salvation is sanctification and obedience, Peter reminds his readers that their salvation was made possible “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3). Moreover, salvation entails “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). These would have been encouraging words for a persecuted people who had likely lost many of their possessions. Jesus, then, does not just save people, but also keeps them “for salvation” (1 Pet. 3:5). Note that the Bible speaks of salvation as being past (cf. Eph. 2:8), present (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18), and future (cf. Rom. 5:9). In 1 Pet. 1:6–9 Peter touches upon the theme of suffering, noting for his readers that suffering proves “the genuineness of your faith” (1 Pet. 1:7) and is proof of “the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet. 1:9).

Prophets’ Ministry (1:10–12)

In 1 Pet. 1:10–12 Peter reminds his readers of the preciousness of the faith that they possessed. The apostle notes that the Old Testament prophets, as well as the angels, longed for understanding of salvation. Regarding the prophets, Peter notes that they “searched carefully” (1 Pet. 1:10) in Scripture—including their own writings—for information about the gospel. They wanted to know when Christ would come and why He would suffer, as well as about the coming glory. Peter is teaching his suffering readers are actually in a better position than were the prophets. Regarding the angels, Peter writes that the angels long for information about the gospel. Given angels’ access to God, their longevity, and supernatural nature, this is as important commentary on the preciousness of the gospel. It is sufficient and cannot be exhausted, there is no need to innovate.

Application Questions: 

1. What do you know about the book of 1 Peter? What in this book has been particularly helpful to you in times past?
2. What is your understanding of the doctrine of election? Given that election is a prominent theme in Scripture, why is it avoided in many churches today?
3. Have you ever suffered because of your faith? What has been your reaction to suffering in the past? How can we better minister to those who are suffering?
4. Given their position, why do the angels long to know more about the gospel? How would you define the gospel?
5. Did the prophets who wrote the Old Testament understand the meaning and implications of what they were writing?