This Letter by the Apostle Peter was written about 65 AD - about thirty to thirty-two years after the death and resurrection of the Christ. The church was undergoing persecution, from the authorities in Rome and in the provinces. Nero was the emperor and his persecutions are infamous.
Peter provides encouragement and hope to those who are in the midst of the pain and suffering. Peter's encouragement is that the suffering is not the end. There is glory for those who suffer for the Lord - He is watching and knows exactly what is happening.
The key message is about suffering. Suffering is threaded throughout -
- The example of Christ's sufferings - see 1:11, 2:21, 4:1, 5:1
- Look for suffering to happen - see 4:12
- Suffering as a representation of God's will - see 4:19
- Patiently bear up under suffering - see 2:23, 3:9
- Rejoice in it - see 4:13
- Note others are suffering, too - see 5:9
- Suffering has value - see 1:6, 2:19, 4;14
This is a practical letter, applying the doctrine to our lives.
Chapter 1
vs. 1-2: Salutation
vs. 3-5: Our inheritance, God's mercy, power, Christ's resurrection
vs. 6-9: Trials serve to prove faith
vs. 10-12: Prophets spoke of salvation, not fully understanding
vs. 13-17: Advice for conduct as a child of God
vs. 18-19: Purchased by the blood of child of God
vs. 20-21: Christ chosen from the beginning; faith, hope
vs. 22-25: Purity by belief, obedience, and word of God
Chapter 2
vs. 1-3: Grow to match your salvation; avoid self serving actions
vs. 4-5: We are the living spiritual house for a living Christ
vs. 6-8: Christ - cornerstone and stumbling block
vs. 9-10: We are his people, by His mercy
vs. 11-12: We must be above reproach since we are his people
vs. 13-17: Obey civil authorities; do what is right
vs. 18-19: Servants - obey your masters
vs. 20-23: Christ's innocent sufferings are an example for us
vs. 24-25: Christ bore our sins; He is the protector of our souls
Chapter 3
vs. 1-6: Wives, let your beauty be from within
vs. 7: Husbands, your wife is an equal in God's family
vs. 8-12: Harmonious living - giving a blessing to others
vs. 13-17: You are blessed if you suffer for the sake of righteousness
vs. 18-22: Christ died for our sins.
Chapter 4
vs. 1-2: Be prepared to suffer as Christ did
vs. 3-5: A changed life sometimes brings ridicule
vs. 6: Gospel preached so we may live in the Spirit
vs. 7-9: Have a sound mind; love one another; be hospitable
vs. 10-11: Use your gifts from God to glorify him
vs. 12-14: Expect suffering, rejoice in it
vs. 15-16: Never suffer because of evil actions
vs. 17-19: Judgement - for Christians, then others; entrust your soul to Christ
Chapter 5
vs. 1-5: Elders take care of your flock
vs. 6-7: Humble yourselves before God
vs. 8-9: Resist the devil, be alert
vs. 10: Christ will perfect you; after you have suffered
vs. 11-14: Stand firm in God's grace. Closing comments and greetings
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Written by: the Apostle Peter
Written to: Christian 'refugees' in the Mediterranean area
Written for: to give the refugees a morale boost.
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