Word by Word Through 1 Peter: Intro

Hermeneutics: the art/science of interpretation

1 Peter 1:1–2 ESV

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Author: Peter the Apostle

Internal Evidence

Plain reading of the text shows the author identifies himself as Peter in 1:1

1 Peter 1:8 NASB95

and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

1 Peter 4:1 NASB95

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

1 Peter 4:13 NASB95

but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

1 Peter 4:1 NASB95

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

External Evidence

External Evidence

Polycarp Bishop of Smyrna relies on 1 Peter

Polycarp 1:3 though ye saw Him not, ye believe with joy unutterable and full of glory; unto which joy many desire to enter in; forasmuch as ye know that it is by grace ye are saved, not of works, but by the will of God through Jesus Christ.

Arguments Against

seems to make him sound not “smart” enough to write such good Greek, but this does not account for his ability to learn Greek or use an amanuensis or secretary.

Acts 4:13 NASB95

Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.

Others place the date of 1 Peter much later excluding the apostles authorship, but we will argue against that.

Date: 60’s AD

Trusting the text, and tradition, 1 Peter is most likely dated in the 60’s AD.

Neronian Persecution starts in 64 AD, and there is no mention of this in 1 Peter, only localized persecution.

Nero used Christians a scapegoat after the fire of 64 in Rome. Recorded by Tacitus.

Origin: Rome

1 Peter 5:13 NASB95

She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark.

Babylon was used as Code word for rome. cf.

What do we not think that Babylon is where Peter is writing from? There’s nothing there at this point in history.

Audience: The Elect Exiles of ____.

Christian Communities at: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia

Most of these areas were predominately Gentile

Roman Colonies of Asia Minor

Some Terms:

Dispersion - Christians dispersed or scattered through the empire,

Elect Exiles - ref. the church corporate here. a specific group of people. Recalls OT language for the people of God.

Foreknowledge - God foresaw and ordained the audience’s salvation. Let’s talk about this one.

1 Peter 2:9 NASB95

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Exodus 19:5–6 NASB95

‘Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.”

exodus 19:

Genesis 22:18 NASB95

“In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”

Gen

2 Peter 3:9 NASB95

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

2 peter 3.9

Genre: Epistle

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Letter Form and Function

(1) The address, consisting of the identification of the writer and recipients, the opening greeting, the thanksgiving, and a prayer.

(2) The body of the letter, consisting of differing elements that vary widely from letter to letter. The closest thing to common features are a formal opening, paraenesis on the areas of primary concern, and application.

(3) Conclusion, including final blessings, greetings (sometimes to specific people), the “peace” wish, and postscripts.

Peter’s Fate According to Tradition

Peter and Paul both were probably executed under Neronian persecution between 64 and 67 AD.