1 Peter

Introduction

Author:the apostle Peter

Date of writing: c. ad 62 - 64

Peter was probably in Rome when he wrote this letter. This was the time of the great persecution of believers under Emperor Nero. It is believed that eventually Peter was executed during this persecution. Throughout the Roman Empire Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith and the church in Jerusalemwas scattered.

This was a cyclical letter that would have been sent to a number of churches. The opening greeting identifies a number of regions rather than towns that are in modern Turkey.

Main purpose:to encourage Christians who were suffering for the faith. The original recipients would have been Christians (both Jewish and Gentile) who had been driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor.

Main themes:

  • Suffering
  • A revelation of Jesus as the source of our salvation
  • Behaviour that honours God
  • The security of our hope

Alternatively we could see two main themes:

  • 1. What God has given us and done for us - 1:3, 1:4 -12, 1:17 -21, 2:4 – 12, 2:21-25, 3:18 -22
  • 2. What God wants us to do in the light of what He has done for us – 1:22 -2:3, 2:11 – 20, 3:1-17, 4:1 – 19, 5:1 - 11

The key verse is probably 1:7

“so that the trial of your faith (being much more precious than that of gold that perishes, but being proven through fire) might be found to praise and honour and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ”

OUTLINE

The letter may be divided as follows:

Introduction1:1-2.

I. God’s great blessings to His people1:3 – 2:10

II. The conduct of God’s people in the midst of suffering2:11 – 4:19

III. The shepherding of God’s people in the midst of suffering5:1 – 14

Map of possible circulation of 1 Peter

QUESTIONS

1.What do you know about what the world was like at the time this letter was written?

2. If you are already familiar with this book, which passages are your favourite parts of it?

3. From what you see in looking over this book, what would you say the author was trying most to accomplish?

4. When you get to heaven, if you asked God, “Why did You include this book in the Bible?” how do you think He would answer?

1 Peter Chapter 1

Greeting (1 – 2)

The letter writer identifies himself by name (Peter) and by role (apostle of Jesus Christ). Peter would have been well known and respected within the early Christian community. His close relationship with Jesus and Jesus’ commission to him (John 21:15 – 19) meant that what he had to say would speak with authority.

He designates himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. An apostle was a messenger, a sent one, on behalf of someone, in this case Jesus the Messiah (Christ). Peter is writing in his capacity as an apostle not just on his own authority but with the delegated authority of Jesus.

He is writing to those he calls “God’s chosen people” or “elect” who were living in various Roman provinces. These included both Jews and Gentiles. He refers to them as the “dispersion” and as “aliens and strangers”. Some will have been driven from Jerusalem (and elsewhere) as a result of persecution. On the day of Pentecost there had been people from these provinces who had heard Peter preach and who had been added to the church (Acts 2:9). Another reason he may have referred to them as “strangers” is that as Christians they were now part of God’s kingdom rather than inhabitants of the Roman Empire.

Peter emphasises that God has chosen them and He has done what is necessary for them to be holy people, separated to serve Him. This choice is one that God made “long ago”. Paul tells the Ephesians that God chose us before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). All three members of the trinity are mentioned here. God the Father chose us before we chose Him. Jesus, the Son, died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:6-10). The Holy Spirit brings us the benefits of salvation and sets us apart (sanctifies us) for God’s service (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

Peter ends the greeting with a blessing – that they may have increasing grace and peace from God.

The hope of eternal life (3 – 12)

Peter again emphasises the work of the Trinity in our salvation. He says we have been “born again”. This much abused term refers to spiritual birth, the regeneration effected by the Holy Spirit whereby believers are brought into God’s family and given a new spiritual nature and stature. Peter specifically links the fact that we are born again with the resurrection of Jesus.

On the basis of what God has already done believers now live with great hope of expectation. Peter says that we have an inheritance stored up for us in heaven. The description of this inheritance may remind us of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-21. On the basis of our faith God is protecting us in this present age as we await the fulfilment of His plans at the end of the age. Our final completed salvation will be revealed at this time, Judgement Day as described in Romans 14:10 and Revelation 20:11-15.

However, that glorious day is still in the future and Peter wanted to encourage his readers that until that day God would be with them despite the fact that they may well suffer times of hardship and persecution. He emphasises that times of trial are used by God to test and purify our faith. Using the picture of gold being refined he teaches that these times of testing will result in something beautiful. In fact he says that our faith is far more precious than “mere gold”. Our strengthened faith and overcoming of trials will be seen on Judgement Day with honour. Again in verse 8 Peter emphasises that our joy us is as a result of the fact that we have trusted Jesus for the salvation of our souls. He echoes Jesus’ words to Thomas in John 20:29 “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me”.

Peter links his teaching on salvation to the Old Testament prophets who had prophesied concerning the Messiah and the work He would do. The Holy Spirit had inspired these men but they had not had revealed to them when what they prophesied would take place. Now the message of salvation based on the crucified and risen Lord Jesus had been declared by people inspired by the same Holy Spirit. The result of what God was doing was so wonderful that even the angels were eagerly following developments.

A call to holy living (13 – 25)

On the basis of the great salvation we have received there needs to be a response from us. Not only do we worship God but we show that worship by how we live. We are called to live lives that honour God in all things. There will always be a temptation to slip back into our old ways of living. We must guard ourselves against this. Peter says that previously we were ignorant of God’s demands, we are not so now. Paul says in Romans 6:6 we were slaves to sin but that is no longer the case for those who have been born again. As God is holy so we also need to be holy. God expects us to imitate Him by following His high moral standards and by being both merciful and just. Peter re9minds his readers that this is no new command, God’s Old Testament people had the same injunction (Leviticus 11:44-45).

Peter reminds his readers that God does not play the “favourites game”. All will be judged by Him on the basis of their deeds. This is not judgement of our salvation but on the basis of our saved status God expects His children to live lives that show respect for Him. We are His children but we still need to regard Him with awe (reverent fear). We are reminded that God paid a very high price to bring us out of Satan’s kingdom into His Family. He uses the term “ransom” which refers to the price paid for a slave or hostage to buy their freedom. The price that was paid was Jesus’ precious blood shed at Calvary (Romans 6:6,7, 1 Corinthians 6:20). In verse 19 we are told that the plan of salvation based on Jesus’ sacrifice had been planned by God before the world began. It was not a plan B or afterthought, it was fully intentional on God’s part.

In verse 21 Peter again returns to his theme of salvation through Jesus and its consequences. It is because of His death and resurrection that we have come to trust God and had our faith and hope built up.

In verse 22 we are reminded that as well as living holy lives we are called to be people of sincere love for one another.

In verse 23 Peter reminds us that our salvation and hope of eternal life is based on the eternal word of God. He quotes Isaiah 40:6-8 stating that the “word of God endures forever”. Everything of this life will pass away and disappear. Only God’s word, will and work are permanent. It is a reminder for us to stop grasping for the temporary things of this world and focus on the permanent – the Word of God and the eternal life we have in Christ.

Questions:

1. From what you see in this chapter what expectations can we have of God?

2. How would you describe the food thatthe sheep are getting from Peter in this chapter (see John 21:17)?

3. What are the most important lessons you have learned – either in your own life or from the example of others – about suffering?

1 Peter Chapter 2

A response to God’s word (1 – 3)

In the last section of chapter 1 Peter has emphasised the enduring nature of God’s Word. Chapter 2 begins with the word “therefore”. This means that what follows is as a consequence of what has gone before. We are told to rid ourselves (literally “strip off”, apothesthai)of a number of attitudes and actions;

  • malice
  • deceit
  • hypocrisy
  • envy
  • evil speaking

This is quite a list of things to avoid if the Christian community is to grow and not become divided.

In contrast believers should be like new-born babies that long for the pure milk of their mothers. Having tasted the grace of God in salvation now they should long (yearn) for the pure (unadulterated) milk of the word whereby they can be nourished and grow strong. Peter echoes Psalm 34:8 “O taste and see that the Lord is good!”When we see the need for God’s Word and begin to find nourishment in Jesus, our spiritual appetite will increase and we will start to mature as disciples.

The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People (4 – 10)

Peter (the rock) now speaks of Jesus describing Him as the “precious living stone” chosen by God. This stone had been rejected by men but not by God. He tells us that we now are also living stones that God is building into:

  • a spiritual house
  • a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices

It is clear that Peter expects believers to come together, built up together. The church is the assembly of those whom God has called out from the world to be built into something beautiful that will glorify Him. A community blessed by God to be a blessing.

We are called to be those who offer up spiritual sacrifices. We do this on the basis that each of us is a priest, one who has access to God and who can also bring others to Him. All of this is only possible through Jesus and our relationship with Him.

Using a number of Old Testament scriptures including Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 28:16, Isaiah 8:14 Peter shows that it had been prophesied that national Israel would reject God’s Messiah. He would be “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”. In verses 7 and 8 he contrasts what Jesus means to believers with what He means to disobedient people who did not receive Him as precious.

Peter tells us that now those who have received Him and His Word are:

  • a chosen generation – privileged and called to obedience
  • a royal priesthood – fulfilling a role that previously only a select few could
  • a holy nation – dedicated to God’s will and service
  • His own special people – we acquire anew value because we are owned by God

These wonderful privileges are given that we might “proclaim the praises of the One who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Once we were not a people of God but now we are, once we had not received God’s mercy but now we have.

Peter portrays the church as a living, spiritual temple and each believer as a living stone and Jesus as the foundation and cornerstone. Paul portrays the church as a body with Jesus as the head and every believer as a member (see Ephesians 4:15, 16). Whilst the pictures may be different they both emphasise community.

Living before the world (11 -12)

Peter here makes an impassioned plea to his readers regarding their conduct. As those who are passing through this world (by implication journeying to somewhere better) they are to abstain from “fleshly lusts” which damage their souls. They should ensure that their conduct is seen as honourable by the Gentiles they live amongst. “Fleshly lusts” do not just encompass sexual immorality but as we see from Galatians 5:19 – 21 include such things as jealousy, anger, sorcery, dissent and so on. There is an expectation that they would be spoken about as evildoers by others, they would be slandered. However if they live good lives then these slanders will be seen as false and God will eventually be glorified through their conduct. This may remind us of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

In the Roman world Christians were accused of a number of practices that would encourage people to hate them. These included:

  • immorality (because of the agape love feasts they held)
  • cannibalism (a misunderstanding regarding communion, body and blood)
  • damaging trade (see Acts 19 in Ephesus)
  • breaking up families (see Luke 14:26)
  • turning slaves against their masters (teaching equality in Christ)
  • disloyalty to Caesar (Christians would only submit to one Lord)

Despite these rumours and accusations their lives and good deeds would shine in the darkness.

Questions:

1. Look at verse 2. Would you say Peter is talking more about an attitude, an action, a technique, or all three?

2. In verse 12, look at the command given and at the result we are to aim for. Since this result is set in the future how can we know how well we are obeying this command?

3. Read Romans 12:1-2 and 13:14. How might Paul have enlarged on Peter’s exhortation in verse 11?

1 Peter Chapter 2

Submission to government (13 – 17)

Having written of our duty to live righteous, blameless lives before the world Peter turns his attention to the attitude we need to have regarding government. Peter takes the view that all rightful authority ultimately derives from God. It is therefore necessary for Christians to submit to the authority of the government. Submission is an act of faith.

Peter is perhaps thinking of Jesus’ response in Matthew 22:21 to the question regarding the paying of tax to Caesar. There is also a similar teaching found in Romans 13:1 – 7 where Paul asserts that those governing nations were sent by God and those who live righteous, honourable lives should have no fear of the government. In 1 Timothy 2:2 believers are encouraged to pray for kings and all in authority.

We must remember that Peter and Paul were writing at a time when the expected ordering of the state was on authoritarian lines. There were few nations where there was an element of democracy in government. The norm was government “of the people” but little expectation of “for the people, by the people”.

This passage begs the question if there is ever a time when believers should disobey their government. We must remember that our ultimate submission is to God’s will and ways. When the government blatantly disregards God there may be a case for invoking the requirements of our higher authority. Today we may still be good citizens and protest in a way that was completely outside the capacity for first century Christians. We may protest in ways permitted by society.

Peter reminds them that they must use the freedom God has given them to do good, to live in such a way that critics will be silenced. They should not use their freedom to do things that would be seen as vices (see Romans 6:14–22, Galatians 5:13). Christian freedom is always conditioned by responsibility.

Verse 17 looks like an early Christian slogan, a succinct summary of Christian duty:

  • Honour all men – a radical teaching in a time when approximately 60 million people were slaves in the Roman Empire. For our time this impacts on how we view every person, not as things or numbers but as people God has created and loves.
  • Love the brethren – within the Christian community the honour we bestow on all men should go further, we are called to love one another (see John 13:34, 35). Unity amongst the brethren is honoured and blessed by God (see Psalm 133:1).
  • Fear God – a reverence for God should underpin our relationship with Him (Proverbs 1:7). When God is placed in His rightful place our other relationships will come into fruitful order.
  • Honour the king – bearing in mind who was the Roman Emperor at the time (Nero) this is a statement that is quite amazing.

Submission to masters (18 – 25)