The First Epistle of
PETER
Author: Peter
Date: Early A.D. Sixties
Theme: Suffering as a Christian
Key Words: Suffer, Suffering
Author. The letter claims to be from the apostle Peter, and there is no evidence that Petrine authorship was ever challenged in the early church. Silvanus, who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey, was likely Peter’s secretary in composing 1 Peter (5:12), which probably explains the polished Greek style of the letter.
There are linguistic and literary parallels between 1 Peter and Peter’s speeches as recorded in Acts. Peter’s Pentecost address and 1 Peter have the following in common: Christ’s sacrifice was “foreordained” (compare 1 Pet. 1:20 with Acts 2:23); Christ’s resurrection and ascension glory are presented together (compare 1 Pet. 1:21 with Acts 2:32–35); the role of baptism is related to forgiveness of sins (compare 1 Pet. 3:21 with Acts 2:38). Peter’s speech at the Jerusalem Council and 1 Peter yield the following: God’s “choice” in salvation (compare 1 Pet. 1:2; 2:9 with Acts 15:7); purity of heart with response to the gospel (compare 1 Pet. 1:22 with Acts 15:9). Other examples could be noted.
Occasion and Date. Peter addresses Christians living in various parts of Asia Minor who are suffering rejection in the world because of their obedience to Christ (4:1–4, 12–16). He therefore reminds them that they have a heavenly inheritance (1:3–5).
Peter has learned of their trials and thus addresses them as “pilgrims of the Dispersion” (1:1), a phrase reminiscent of exiled Israel in the Old Testament, but also appropriate for these Christians (see 1:17; 2:11). They are mostly converted Gentiles. At one time they were “not a people” (2:10, hardly true of Jews). Their former life was one of lewdness, drunkenness, and idolatries (4:3), more descriptive of pagan Gentiles than of first-century Jews. Their compatriots are surprised that they now live differently (4:4). Although suffering is a “fiery trial” (4:12), it apparently does not entail martyrdom as yet. Furthermore, persecution is often the exception (see 3:13, 14; 4:16).
Ancient tradition suggests that Peter was martyred in Rome in conjunction with Nero’s severe persecution of Christians after the burning of Rome in A.D. 64. This letter was likely written toward the end of Peter’s life, but while he could still say, “Honor the king” (2:17). The early sixties are a good estimate for the composition of 1 Peter.
Content. Accompanying the several exhortations for faithful living while in a society that is ungodly, the salvation promised in the gospel is also very much in view. The future salvation that awaits believers at the revelation of Christ is especially prominent at the outset of the letter (1:3–13). This is the “hope” of the Christian referred to in 1:3, 13, 21; 3:15. Even as Christ suffered and then was glorified, so Christians should anticipate the glory ahead, though they may be persecuted for their faith in this life (1:6, 7; 4:12, 13). Patience in the midst of unjust suffering is “commendable before God” (2:20).
Also addressed is the important goal of believers’ pointing others to God by their godly life-styles. They thus proclaim the praises of God (2:9), influence pagans to glorify God (2:12), silence foolish people by doing good works (2:15), win spouses to Christ by their examples (3:1), shame their ungodly critics (3:15, 16), and puzzle former companions (4:4). Christians are to be a redeeming force in the world, though they suffer.
Personal Application. Since all true Christians experience hostility from an ungodly world, the call to patience and holiness amid suffering is applicable to all. However, the message is most pertinent where the opposition is severe. Persecution of Christians is as great in many areas of the world today as it was in the first century, and 1 Peter offers hope to those suffering for Christ’s sake.
Christ Revealed. In four separate passages Peter links Christ’s sacrificial sufferings with His glory that followed death (1:11; 3:18; 4:13; 5:1). The letter details the fruits of Christ’s suffering and victory, including provision for a new life now and hope for the future (see 1:3, 18, 19; 3:18). Anticipation of Christ’s return in glory causes believers to rejoice (1:4–7). In other ways also Christ now makes a profound difference in the lives of Christians: they love HIm (1:8); they come to Him (2:4); they offer “spiritual sacrifices” through Him (2:5); they are reproached because of Him (4:14); they should expect to be rewarded when He returns (5:4).
The Holy Spirit at Work. The Holy Spirit is active in the entire process of salvation: the “Spirit of Christ” in the Old Testament prophets “testified beforehand” concerning the Cross and the subsequent glory (1:11); Christ was raised from the dead “by the Spirit” (3:18); evangelists preached the gospel by the Spirit; believers responded in obedience “through the Spirit” (1:2, 22); a foretaste of the coming glory is had through the Spirit (compare 4:14 with v. 13 and 5:1).
Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible
PETER
Author: Peter
Date: Early A.D. Sixties
Theme: Suffering as a Christian
Key Words: Suffer, Suffering
Author. The letter claims to be from the apostle Peter, and there is no evidence that Petrine authorship was ever challenged in the early church. Silvanus, who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey, was likely Peter’s secretary in composing 1 Peter (5:12), which probably explains the polished Greek style of the letter.
There are linguistic and literary parallels between 1 Peter and Peter’s speeches as recorded in Acts. Peter’s Pentecost address and 1 Peter have the following in common: Christ’s sacrifice was “foreordained” (compare 1 Pet. 1:20 with Acts 2:23); Christ’s resurrection and ascension glory are presented together (compare 1 Pet. 1:21 with Acts 2:32–35); the role of baptism is related to forgiveness of sins (compare 1 Pet. 3:21 with Acts 2:38). Peter’s speech at the Jerusalem Council and 1 Peter yield the following: God’s “choice” in salvation (compare 1 Pet. 1:2; 2:9 with Acts 15:7); purity of heart with response to the gospel (compare 1 Pet. 1:22 with Acts 15:9). Other examples could be noted.
Occasion and Date. Peter addresses Christians living in various parts of Asia Minor who are suffering rejection in the world because of their obedience to Christ (4:1–4, 12–16). He therefore reminds them that they have a heavenly inheritance (1:3–5).
Peter has learned of their trials and thus addresses them as “pilgrims of the Dispersion” (1:1), a phrase reminiscent of exiled Israel in the Old Testament, but also appropriate for these Christians (see 1:17; 2:11). They are mostly converted Gentiles. At one time they were “not a people” (2:10, hardly true of Jews). Their former life was one of lewdness, drunkenness, and idolatries (4:3), more descriptive of pagan Gentiles than of first-century Jews. Their compatriots are surprised that they now live differently (4:4). Although suffering is a “fiery trial” (4:12), it apparently does not entail martyrdom as yet. Furthermore, persecution is often the exception (see 3:13, 14; 4:16).
Ancient tradition suggests that Peter was martyred in Rome in conjunction with Nero’s severe persecution of Christians after the burning of Rome in A.D. 64. This letter was likely written toward the end of Peter’s life, but while he could still say, “Honor the king” (2:17). The early sixties are a good estimate for the composition of 1 Peter.
Content. Accompanying the several exhortations for faithful living while in a society that is ungodly, the salvation promised in the gospel is also very much in view. The future salvation that awaits believers at the revelation of Christ is especially prominent at the outset of the letter (1:3–13). This is the “hope” of the Christian referred to in 1:3, 13, 21; 3:15. Even as Christ suffered and then was glorified, so Christians should anticipate the glory ahead, though they may be persecuted for their faith in this life (1:6, 7; 4:12, 13). Patience in the midst of unjust suffering is “commendable before God” (2:20).
Also addressed is the important goal of believers’ pointing others to God by their godly life-styles. They thus proclaim the praises of God (2:9), influence pagans to glorify God (2:12), silence foolish people by doing good works (2:15), win spouses to Christ by their examples (3:1), shame their ungodly critics (3:15, 16), and puzzle former companions (4:4). Christians are to be a redeeming force in the world, though they suffer.
Personal Application. Since all true Christians experience hostility from an ungodly world, the call to patience and holiness amid suffering is applicable to all. However, the message is most pertinent where the opposition is severe. Persecution of Christians is as great in many areas of the world today as it was in the first century, and 1 Peter offers hope to those suffering for Christ’s sake.
Christ Revealed. In four separate passages Peter links Christ’s sacrificial sufferings with His glory that followed death (1:11; 3:18; 4:13; 5:1). The letter details the fruits of Christ’s suffering and victory, including provision for a new life now and hope for the future (see 1:3, 18, 19; 3:18). Anticipation of Christ’s return in glory causes believers to rejoice (1:4–7). In other ways also Christ now makes a profound difference in the lives of Christians: they love HIm (1:8); they come to Him (2:4); they offer “spiritual sacrifices” through Him (2:5); they are reproached because of Him (4:14); they should expect to be rewarded when He returns (5:4).
The Holy Spirit at Work. The Holy Spirit is active in the entire process of salvation: the “Spirit of Christ” in the Old Testament prophets “testified beforehand” concerning the Cross and the subsequent glory (1:11); Christ was raised from the dead “by the Spirit” (3:18); evangelists preached the gospel by the Spirit; believers responded in obedience “through the Spirit” (1:2, 22); a foretaste of the coming glory is had through the Spirit (compare 4:14 with v. 13 and 5:1).
Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible
