Summary of the Book of 1 Peter

Author:
1 Peter 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of 1 Peter as the apostle Peter.

Date of Writing:
The Book of 1 Peter was likely written between A.D. 60 and 65.

Purpose of Writing:
1 Peter is a letter from Peter to the believers who had been dispersed throughout the ancient world and were under intense persecution. Peter understood persecution firsthand. He faced beatings, threats, punishment, and imprisonment for preaching the Word of God. He knew how to endure without bitterness, maintain hope, and live with great faith in obedience, achieving victory. The central message was about living hope in Jesus, with Christ’s example as the guiding light.

Key Verses:

1 Peter 1:3, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

1 Peter 2:24, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed.”

1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

Brief Summary:
Despite the severe persecution, Peter encourages believers to rejoice in their suffering. He urges them to consider it an honor to endure hardships for the sake of Christ, who suffered for them. The letter references Peter’s personal encounters with Jesus and his teachings from the book of Acts. Peter acknowledges Satan as the primary adversary of all Christians, but the promise of Christ’s return offers hope and assurance for the future.

ConnSections:
Peter’s familiarity with the Old Testament law and prophets enabled him to interpret various OT passages in the context of the life and mission of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 1:16, he cites Leviticus 11:44: “Be holy, for I am holy.” However, he introduces it by clarifying that holiness is not attained through adherence to the law, but by the grace given to all who have faith in Christ (v. 13). Additionally, Peter identifies the “cornerstone” mentioned in Isaiah 28:16 and Psalm 118:22 as Christ, who was rejected by the Jews due to their disobedience and lack of faith. Other references from the Old Testament highlight the sinless nature of Christ, “who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22 / Isaiah 53:9), and exhortations to lead a holy life through the strength of God, resulting in blessings (1 Peter 3:10:12; Psalm 34:12-16; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34).

Practical Application:
The promise of eternal life is extended to all believers. One way to align with Christ is to partake in His sufferings. For us, this may involve enduring insults and criticisms from those who label us as “goody two shoes” or “holier than thou.” Yet, this pales in comparison to the suffering Christ endured for us on the Cross. Stand firm in your convictions and rejoice when faced with opposition from the world and Satan.