Thoughts on 1 Peter

Background of 1 Peter

To believers scattered throughout Roman empire

Jews but could’ve been mostly Gentiles

Suffering and persecution were ongoing reality

More personal than corporate, living as a Christian in a hostile world

Written most probably from Rome and before the severe persecution from Nero

Peter is author, the apostle, pentecost, Cornelius

written fairly close to his death

Crucified by Nero, upside up

Purpose—exhortation to live God honoring lives amidst pagans and in the face of suffering and persecution

Suffering and Hope

Suffering is inevitable in this sin fallen world, but may also come because of our faith in Christ

Three contexts of Hope amidst the suffering

Suffering takes place under the ultimate power of God to bring believers into full redemption. (1:5-7; 5:6-7, 10)

Those causing unjust suffering will someday face the judgement of God who judges all evil. (1:17; 2:23; 4:5,17)

As Christians suffer, they do so in the presence of the Christ whose example has gone before them. (2:21; 3:17-18; 4:12-14)

Peter emphasizes godly conduct amidst the suffering, (1:6-7, 13-17, 22; 2:1-2; 2:12-3:17; 4:1-19; 5:1-10). Godly behavior in the present moment.

Not to earn salvation, to prove salvation is possessed by displaying unnatural behavior, Christ-like behavior.

Godly Conduct Amidst Suffering

The call to live godly (1:15, 17-18; 2:12; 3:1-2, 16).

The problem was their current or potential complaining and disobedience, misunderstanding the source of their trials, their testing and opportunity to prove genuine faith (4:12-13).

The temptation to drift from intimate trust in Jesus and to follow their hate and passions instead of being like Christ.

Peter reminds the readers of the history of their redemption, their purchase from slavery, not just their salvation but the cost of the purchase (1:3-2:3).

Without understanding their history, they won’t have a true desire for holiness.

This is obviously founded, the redemption, upon Jesus, (2:4-3:7).

Peter also revealed the problems of unjust sufferings (3:8-22) to be resolved in God’s final evaluation (1:17).

Dual Images of the Stone

Judgement and restoration/stability

Trip, stumble, crush

Cornerstone, chosen, precious

Needs Met by 1 Peter

Believers hurting and tempted to lash out in pain and revenge

Believers are protected by God’s power

The reason and purpose for pain in this life

Proper perspective to help believers not respond with anger and hurt to life’s hurts

The reason believers are experiencing so much distress even though they really are God’s children.

Putting forth Christ life as the example for them to follow

Pointing to the resurrection for future hope