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CHAPTER 60 – 1 Peter: Approx. 65 A.D.

The First Epistle of Peter is the sixtieth book of the Bible. The title of the book in Greek is Petrou A meaning “of Peter 1.” The title in English Bibles is “The First Epistle of Peter.”

Authorship

Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ, whom Christ chose as an apostle, is the author of the book, The First Epistle of Peter. It was probably written, possibly by dictation to his secretary, Silvanus (Silas), about 65 A.D.

Summary and Analysis

The book of 1 Peter is actually a letter (epistle) that was written by the Peter to Jewish and Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians scattered throughout the Asia Minor, in what is modern-day Turkey.

The book opens with Peter sending them greetings and praising God for the heavenly inheritance of the righteous, who because of their faith in Christ, are kept from sin by the power of God. Therefore, Peter says, they rejoice greatly even though, for a little while, they are distressed by numerous temptations to sin. For God is testing their faith, that it may be found to be more precious than gold which is tested and refined by fire.

And, Peter says, though they have not seen Christ, they love Him and believe in Him, rejoicing with inexpressible, glorious joy, receiving the goal of their faith which is their salvation. Of this salvation, the prophets prophesied, enquired, and searched diligently concerning the future sufferings of Christ and the glory that would follow. For it was revealed to the prophets that they were ministering to future Christians and all these things the angels desire to look into.

Therefore, Peter says, they are to be sober, hope for God’s grace to come upon them, be obedient to God, and be holy as God is holy. For they have been redeemed by God from sin and Satan by Christ’s precious blood. Also, seeing that they have purified their hearts in obedience to the truth by sincere love for their fellow Christians, they are to continue in love, being born again by the incorruptible word of God that endures forever.

Next, Peter says they are to put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, evil speaking, and as newborn babies eagerly desire the milk of God’s word that they may grow spiritually. For they have been chosen by God as living stones to build up God’s spiritual house, with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone who has been rejected by, and is a stumbling block to, unbelievers. Also, God has chosen them as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a special people, to proclaim God’s praise. And as strangers and pilgrims on earth, they are to abstain from worldly lusts which war against their souls.

Peter then says that they are submit themselves to every human institution such as kings and governors for Christ’s sake, that by their exemplary conduct they may silence the ignorant and hostile. Further, servants are to submit to their masters, whether good or bad, for it is praiseworthy if they suffer wrongfully for their faith in God. For Jesus Christ suffered for humanity, leaving an example for all humanity to follow, in that, Christ never sinned nor was He deceitful. And Christ, when He was abused and slandered, did not respond in like manner but committed Himself to God, bearing our sins on the cross so that humanity’s sin-sickness is healed by his wounds.

After this, Peter commands wives to submit to their husbands with meekness and calmness, seeking to win any who are unbelievers in God to Christ by their holy conversation. Likewise, husbands are to honour their wives, and all the Christians should be united, compassionate, loving, tenderhearted, and courteous. They are not to repay evil with evil nor abuse with abuse, but instead bless others so that God may bless them.

Further, Peter says, happy are they if they suffer evil for righteousness’ sake. And they should be always ready to give a faithful testimony of God’s goodness with meekness, reverence, and a good conscience to those who ask them about their Christian hope. For Jesus Christ suffered once for sins that He might turn humanity to God, and He has gone to heaven and is sitting on God’s right hand with angels, authorities, and powers, all subject to Him.

Next, Peter says since Christ has suffered for humanity, they are to be of the same mind as Christ, so that for the rest of their lives they turn away from worldly lusts to do God’s will. For in their past lives the Christians had lived as the unbelievers in God, and these same unbelievers now think it strange that the Christians have been transformed in character, and so they speak evil of Christians. But, Peter says, the end of the world is near, therefore be sober, prayerful, have fervent love among yourselves, be hospitable, speak in accordance with God’s words, that God may be glorified and praised.

Peter then says they are not to think it strange that great trials have come upon them but rejoice as partakers of Christ’s sufferings, knowing that when Christ returns to the earth, they will be glad with exceeding joy. But none of them should suffer as a murderer, thief, evildoer, or busybody in other people’s affairs. And, if any of them suffer as a Christian, they should not be ashamed, but commit themselves to God as a faithful Creator by their holy conduct.

After this, Peter encourages the elders, as leaders among the Christians, to preach God’s word to the flock of God, that is, to God’s people, willingly, not for dishonest gain but with eagerness, not lording it over God’s church but as godly examples to the church. If they do so, when Christ, the Chief Shepherd appears they will receive an everlasting crown of glory from God. Peter then encourages both young and old among the Christians to humble themselves before God that God may exalt them in due time, and to cast all their cares upon God for God cares for them.

Next, Peter warns them to be sober, and vigilant, because their adversary Satan is like a roaring lion, going about seeking to devour all. Therefore, they are to resist Satan with faith in Christ, knowing that all Christians in the world suffer the same afflictions from Satan. But God, who is gracious, will, after they have suffered a while, perfect their love, establish them, morally strengthen them, and settle their faith in Christ. Peter then praises God, acknowledges his secretary, Sylvanus (Silas), as a faithful Christian, and sends greetings from the church at Babylon (Rome) and from Mark, Peter’s spiritual son in the Christian faith. Lastly, Peter closes his letter with a blessing upon the Christians.

Themes

• Suffering because of one’s faith in Christ.
• A Christian leader’s counsel to persecuted Christians.
• Trials that test the faith of Christians.

God as Revealed in the Book

• God who by His power keeps Christians from sinning.
• God who tests the faith of Christians in order to strengthen their character.
• Christ who suffered for the sins of humanity.
• God who cares for all humanity.
• God who exalts those who humble themselves before Him.

Connections with the Rest of the Bible

God says, “There was a man…whose name was Job.” Job 1:1. “And the LORD [God] said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth [reverences] God, and escheweth [shuns] evil? Then Satan…said, Doth Job fear God for nought [nothing]? Hast not thou [God] made an hedge about him [Job], and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance [possessions] is increased in the land. But put forth thine [God’s] hand now, and touch all that he [Job] hath, and he [Job] will curse thee to thy face.” Job 1:8-11.

“And the LORD [God] said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.” Job 1:12. As a result, Satan causes the death of Job’s 10 children, the loss of all his goods, and the loss of almost all his servants in one day. But “in all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” Job 1:22. After this, “Satan…said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.” Job 2:4. “And the LORD [God] said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So…Satan…smote [afflicted] Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown [to his head].” Job 2:6, 7. “In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” Job 2:10. Thus, Satan’s unsleeping malice toward humanity can only be restrained by God.

Spiritual Applications

Pray to God sincerely and ask God to help you to do His will, believing that God will help you, and thus you will be enabled to make the spiritual applications noted below:

• When suffering, wrongfully or not, remain faithful to God.
• Trust in God and cast all your cares upon Him.
• Thank God that He morally strengthens you to endure trials.

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