Bible Book: I Peter

Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.

Author: Peter

Type of Book: Epistle

Outline
Christian Greetings (1:1-2)
The Believer’s Relationship to God (1:3-2:10)
Salvation Through Faith (1:3-12)
Holiness Through Obedience (1:13-2:10)
The Practice of Believers (1:13-2:3)
Prepare for Action (1:13-16)
Live With Reverence for God (1:17-21)
Love One Another (1:22-25)
Forsake Sin and Grow Spiritually (2:1-3)
The Position of Believers (2:4-10)
A Spiritual House (2:4-8)
A Chosen People (2:9-10)
The Believer’s Relationship to Others (2:11-3:12)
Public Responsibilities (2:11-17)
Avoid Sin, Do Good and Be an Example (2:11-13)
Submit to Authority, Respect Others and Serve God (2:14-17)
Domestic Responsibilities (2:18-3:7)
Slaves to Masters (2:18-20)
Christ’s Example of Submission (2:21-25)
Wives to Husbands (3:1-6)
Husbands to Wives (3:7)
Summary of Principles Guiding the Believer’s Relationship to Others (3:8-12)
The Believer’s Relationship to Suffering (3:13-5:11)
Endurance in the Face of Suffering (3:13-4:11)
The Blessing and Influence of Suffering Unjustly (3:13-17)
The Powerful Example of Christ (3:18-4:6)
The Urgency of the End Time (4:7-11)
Rejoicing in the Face of Suffering (4:12-19)
It Tests the Reality of Our Faith (4:12)
It Means Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings (4:13a, 14-16)
It Prepares Us for the Glory of His Coming (4:13b, 17-19)
Encouragements in the Face of Suffering (5:1-11)
To Pastors—Willingly Serve (5:1-4)
To Younger Men—Willingly Submit (5:5-11)
Conclusion (5:12-14)

Theme: Separation, Submission and Suffering for Christ

Date of Writing: A.D. 60-63

Background
    This is the first of two NT letters written by the apostle Peter (1:1; 2Pe 1:1), one of Jesus’ original and closest disciples and one of the primary leaders of the early church, particularly in Jerusalem. Peter testifies that he wrote his first letter with the assistance of Silas (Gk Silvanus) as his scribe, or writing secretary (5:12). Silas’ more fluent writing style, particularly in the literary or formal Greek (cf. Ac 15:22-29), is reflected in this letter, while possibly Peter’s own less-polished Greek appears in his second letter. The tone and content of 1 Peter is consistent with what we know about Simon Peter (Simon was his original name before Jesus gave him the name Peter, Mk 3:16). His years of close companionship with Jesus are reflected as he recounts Jesus’ death (1:11, 19; 2:21-24; 3:18; 5:1) and resurrection (1:3, 21; 3:21). Indirectly, he seems to refer even to Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to him in Galilee (2:25; 5:2a; cf. Jn 21:15-23). In addition, many similarities occur between this letter and Peter’s sermons recorded in the book of Acts.
    Peter addresses this letter to “strangers... scattered” throughout the Roman provinces of Asia Minor (1:1). Some of these may have been among those who received Christ in response to Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost and then returned to their own cities with their newfound faith (cf. Ac 2:9-11; see map of Countries of People Mentioned at Pentecost). These believers are called “aliens and strangers” (2:11) to remind them that, as Christians, they are on a journey through a world that is hostile to Jesus Christ. For this reason, they can expect opposition and persecution. Peter probably wrote this letter in response to reports from Christians in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) of growing opposition (4:12-16) that did not yet have official backing from the government (2:12-17).
    Peter wrote from “Babylon” (5:13). This may be understood literally as the country of Babylon (modern-day Iraq) in Mesopotamia or as a symbolic expression for Rome, the supreme center of organized godlessness in the first century. Although Peter may have once visited the large colony of orthodox Jews in Babylon, we can more readily account for Peter, Silas (5:12) and Mark (5:13) being together in Rome (Col 4:10) rather than at literal Babylon. This would date Peter’s writing of this letter from Rome between A.D. 60-63, which would have been before the burning of Rome (A.D. 64) and the subsequent persecution and slaughter of many Christians under the Emperor Nero.

Purpose
Peter wrote this letter of joyful hope to provide Christians with an eternal perspective of their earthly lives. This included giving practical guidance to those who were beginning to experience intense opposition and suffering as Christians in an ungodly environment. Peter was concerned that believers should not provoke hostility or rebel against governmental structures unnecessarily. Instead, they should follow Jesus’ example in suffering innocently and honorably for what is right and true (see article on The Suffering of the Righteous).

Survey
1 Peter begins by reminding Christ’s followers of several things. (1) They have a glorious purpose and heavenly inheritance because of their relationship with Jesus Christ (1:2-5). (2) Their faith and love in this life will be tested and refined through difficulty and suffering, but it will result in praise, glory and honor when the Lord Jesus returns (1:6-9). (3) This great salvation was predicted by the OT prophets (1:10-12). (4) Christians must live holy lives, clearly different from the society around them (1:13-21). Peter then describes Christ’s followers as people who have been chosen and set apart (1:2), as growing infants who need the pure milk of God’s Word (2:1-3), as living stones who are being built into a spiritual house (2:4-10) and as aliens who are passing through a foreign land (2:11-12). For these reasons, they must live honorably and humbly in their relations with all people during their earthly journey (2:13-3:12).
The primary message of 1 Peter concerns godly submission and suffering honorably for Christ. They are to follow the example of Jesus himself (2:18-24; 3:9-5:11). Peter assures believers that by suffering for what is right, they will obtain God’s favor and reward. In the context of this teaching about suffering for Christ, Peter stresses the interrelated themes of spiritual salvation, hope, love, joy, faith, holiness, humility, fear of God, obedience and submission. For further comments on these issues, see articles on Biblical Words for Salvation; Biblical Hope; Faith and Grace; Sanctification; and The Fear of the Lord.

Special Features
Five major features characterize this letter. (1) Along with Hebrews and Revelation, its message revolves around Christians who are facing the prospect of severe persecution because of their identity with Jesus Christ. (2) More than any other NT letter, it provides instruction on how to respond as a Christian to unjust persecution and suffering (3:9-5:11). (3) Peter stresses the truth that believers are aliens and strangers on earth (1:1; 2:11). (4) Many OT titles for God’s people are applied to NT believers (e.g., 2:5, 9-10). (5) It contains one of the most difficult NT passages to interpret: when, where and how Jesus “went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed... in the days of Noah” (3:19-20).

Giving credit where credit is due.  These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible.  Don Stamps, editor.  Originally published by Life Publishers.