1 Peter

64-67 AD
@2011

Peter lived in Capernaum and there is a belief you can see his
home today (NW edge at the Sea of Galilee). Peter is also known
as Simon Peter and Cephas.

Peter’s own brother Andrew brought him to the Lord (John 1).

Peter was written around 64-67 AD. It was written in Babylon (1

Peter 5:13). The theme of the epistle is Christian hope in the
time of trial.

We know from 1 Corinthians that Peter was married. Do we not have

the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the
brothers of the Lord and Cephas? – 1 Corinthians 9:5. We also know that
Peter had a mother in law. And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he
saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. – Matthew 8:14.

Peter’s audience is dispersed Christian Jews.

One of the central themes in Peter’s first letter was dealing

with his famous confession from Matthew 16. The Lord asked the
disciples who men said he was and some said John the Baptist,
Elijah, and others said Jeremiah. He then asked Peter who he
thought he was, and Peter responded that he was the Christ, son
of the living God. The Lord then goes on to say that you are
Peter, and on this rock I build my church. In Peter’s second
letter, he will make reference to the Transfiguration from
Matthew 17.

Other verses speaking of the rock:

For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all
under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into
Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and
all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual
rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ- 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.

David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him
from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: "The
LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in
whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my
stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent men you save me. – 2
Samuel 22:1-4.

The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!
– 2 Samuel 22:47.
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 1 Peter
Table of Contents

1 Peter 1- Greeting, Born Again to a Living Hope, Called to Be Holy 3

1 Peter 2- A Living Stone and Holy People, Submission to Authority 4
1 Peter 3- Wives and Husbands, Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake 5-6
1 Peter 4- Stewards of God’s Grace, Suffering as a Christian 7
1 Peter 5- Shepherd the Flock of God, Final Greetings 7-8

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1 Peter 1
 Greeting, Born Again to a Living Hope, Called to Be Holy

Peter starts by saying that blessed be the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused
us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead. As Christians, we need to have the
mentality of being “born-again”. Peter continues, in this you
rejoice, through now for a little while, if necessary, you have
proven to be grieved by various trials, so that the tested
genuineness of your faith- more precious than gold that perishes
thought tested by its fire- may be found to result in praise and
glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you
have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not see him now,
you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible
and filled with glory. Therefore, preparing your minds for
action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace
that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of
your former ignorance, but he who called you is holy, you also
be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, you shall be
holy, for I am holy. Peter than adds how Christ was foreknown
before the foundation of the world. Peter adds, having purified
your souls by obedience for the truth for a sincere brotherly
love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you
have been born again, not of perishable seed but of
imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. Peter
closes on the point that all flesh is like the grass but grass
withers and the word of the Lord remains forever.

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to
his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead – 1 Peter 1:3-4

 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have
been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your
faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire
—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the
revelation of Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 1:6-8

 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere
brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you
have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable,
through the living and abiding word of God; -1 Peter 1:22-23

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1 Peter 2
 A Living Stone and Holy People, Submission to Authority

Peter starts off by telling us to rid ourselves of our malice

deceit, and hypocrisy. He adds, like newborn infants, long for
the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into
salvation- if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Peter was talking about in 1 Peter 1, as John did in John 3
about being born again. In John 3, Jesus and Nicodemus have a
talk and Jesus says: Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you,
unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." – John 3:3
Peter then describes the Lord as a living stone, rejected by men
but in the sight of God. He also adds they stumble because they
disobey the word. Peter then pleads with the Jews to abstain
from passions of the flesh which wage wars against your souls.
Peter then switches topics and speaks of submission. Peter says,
be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution,
whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to the governors as
sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who
do good. We are supposed to be law abiding because we are
witness for the Lord’s sake. Peter adds that by doing good, you
should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Peter
then gives some great advice: Honor everyone, Love the
brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. We should honor all
men, love the fellowship of believers and fear God. Peter
continues, servants, be subject to your master with all respect,
not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this
is a gracious thing, when mindful of God, one endures sorrows
while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin
and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and
suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight
of God. If we suffer for something we done wrong, we deserve it.
But if we suffer for something that we didn’t do, but in a way
that honors God, then it stores up a reward for us. Peter
continues, for to this you have been called, because Christ
suffered for you, leaving you as an example, so that you might
follow in his steps. In other words anytime we think we have
been wronged, what Peter is leading up to is that we need to
remember our Lord. Jesus didn’t do anything wrong, but he took
it all. Peter continues, he committed no sin, neither was deceit
found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in
return; when he suffered, he did not threaten. By his wounds,
you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have
now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it

be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to
punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. – 1 Peter
2:13-15

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  Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
– 1 Peter 2:17

 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the
good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing,
when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure?
But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious
thing in the sight of God. – 1 Peter 2:18-20

1 Peter 3
 Wives and Husbands, Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake

Paul starts out discussing marriage. Peter starts, likewise,

wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do
not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct
of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
Peter is talking about wives being in submission to husbands,
even those husbands that are unsaved so that they will see their
wives’ witness. It doesn’t say witness to him, but the wife
being a witness. Paul also gives us the key marriage verse in
the entire Bible in Ephesians 5. Wives, submit to your own husbands,
as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the
head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church
submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their
husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave
himself up for her. - Ephesians 5:22-25. My job is to love Julie
supremely. I need to keep focus on that and do better! Peter
continues, do not let your adorning be external- the braiding of
hair and putting on gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear- but
let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the
imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s
sight is very precious. Peter is not saying that women should
not braid their hair, and wear gold, but is speaking of the
outward adorning of braiding the hair and the wearing of gold.
The key issue is the outward adorning of these things. Peter
continues, for this is how the holy women who hoped in God used
to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as
Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. Likewise, husbands, live
with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the
woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the
grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. We men
are supposed to understand women. We should be doing homework on
our wives. Peter then switches topics and discusses suffering.
Peter continues, finally, all of you, have unity of mind,
sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do
not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the
contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may
obtain a blessing. Peter then quotes from Psalm 34:12-16 saying,

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whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his
tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn
away from evil an do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For
the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open
to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who
do evil. Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for
what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’
sake, you will be blessed. But in our hearts honor Christ as
Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone
who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it
with gentleness and respect. This is a basis for apologetics. We
should have our homework done when someone questions our faith
and we should know beforehand on how we will articulate our
faith. A person does not become an atheist or agnostic because
of his intellect. What stands between an atheist and belief is
their accountability for sin and they may not realize that. It’s
a spiritual battle and a supernatural issue. Peter continues,
for it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be
God’s will, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once
for his sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might
bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive
in the spirit.

 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if

some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the
conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure
conduct. – 1 Peter 3:1-2

 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to
their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." – 1
Peter 3:12

 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be
blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts
honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a
defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in
you; yet do it with gentleness and respect – 1 Peter 3:14-15

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1 Peter 4
 Stewards of God’s Grace, Suffering as a Christian

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves

with the same way of thinking. For the time that is past
suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in
sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and
lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when
you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they
malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to
judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel is
preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the
flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way
God does. These first six verses say a lot and force ourselves
to ask ourselves a broader question. Are we as human beings
undergoing a spiritual experience or are we spiritual beings
undergoing a human experience? Peter makes the analogy that we
as Gentile believers should be drawn out of the lifestyle that
we lived before. Peter continues, the end of all things is at
hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake
of your prayers. The Christians end does justify the means.
Peter continues, above all, keep loving one another earnestly,
since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one
another without grumbling. We need to love one another but we
also need to recognize that the world hates believers. Matthew
tells us: Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you
will be hated by all nations because of my name. - Matthew 24:9. The
apostle John confirms we will be Christians will be persecuted:
Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his
master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. – John 15:20.
Knowing the world hates believers is more reason that when one
of us is at fault do we need to take the effort to correct him.
Paul speaks on correcting the believer: Brothers, if anyone is caught
in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of
gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. – Galatians
6:1. Peter continues, as each has received a gift, use it to serve
one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Stewardship
can be defined as the free and joyous activity of a child of God
in managing all our resources for God’s purpose. Christians in
the business world much more often that we want to believe
commit to something and then break their commitment. Paul speaks
of stewardship: Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found
trustworthy. – 1 Corinthians 4:2. Peter then discusses suffering as a
Christian. Peter continues, beloved, do not be surprised at the
fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though
something strange were happening to you. But rejoice, insofar as
you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be
glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the
name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and
of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer
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or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. In other words, we
are going to suffer in the name of Christ, not because we are a
are a murderer, a thief, etc. Peter continues, yet if anyone
suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him
glorify God in that that name. This is one of the few times the
word Christian is used in the Bible. The first use of the word
Christian is found in Acts: So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for
Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole
year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in
Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. – Acts 11:25-26. Peter
continues, therefore let those who suffer according to God’s
will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Our salvation is not dependent on me, but dependent on his
completed work. Rewards however are a different issue.

 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to
do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking
parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised
when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they
malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge
the living and the dead. – 1 Peter 4:4-5

 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-

minded for the sake of your prayers. – 1 Peter 4:7

 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you
to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But
rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also
rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. – 1 Peter 4:12-13

 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because
the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. – 1 Peter 4:14

 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let
him glorify God in that name. – 1 Peter 4:16

1 Peter 5
 Shepherd the Flock of God, Final Greetings

Peter starts out by exhorting the elders, and as a fellow elder,

to shepherd the flock of God that is among you by being examples
to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will
receive the unfading crown of glory. Peter links himself with
these elders but doesn’t put himself on a pedestal. If Peter
ever was Pope, he didn’t know it. Peter saw himself as one of
the elders of the church, not the leader. Peter continues,
likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe
yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for
God opposes the proud but gives grace the humble. Humble
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yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so at the
proper time he may exalt you, casting all of your anxieties on
him, because he cares for you. Worry is assuming responsibility
that God did not intend you to have. It’s a lesson we all need
to learn. Peter continues, be sober-minded; be watchful. Your
adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking
someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that
the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your
brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a
little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his
eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm,
strengthen, and establish you. We have a knowledgeable, powerful
and resourceful adversary who takes no greater delight than to
engineer our defeat spiritually speaking. We need to be vigilant
and have continued awareness on knowing the devil wants to
destroy us. Peter continues, to him be the dominion forever and
ever. Amen. Peter concludes his letter by mentioning his
secretary Silvanus and he exhorts us to stand firm by the true
grace of God. Peter also refers to Mark (the epistle writer) as
his son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peter mentions
Babylon and some scholars believe 1 Peter was written from
Babylon, while others believe Babylon is a euphemism for Rome
and he wrote this letter in Rome.

 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of

the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going
to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you,
exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would
have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over
those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. – 1 Peter 5:1-3

 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe

yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God
opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." – 1 Peter 5:5

 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that

at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him,
because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:6-7

 Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking
someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the
same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood
throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the
God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will
himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. – 1 Peter 5:8-
10

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