Introduction to 1st Peter 1-3
Did Peter write the Petrine epistles?
According to 1 Peter, at this time believers are being punished merely for bearing Christ’s name, a situation that does not seem to have characterized the time of Peter’s ministry under the Emperor Nero’s era but that does accord with the policies of his successors.
Letters exchanged between the emperor Trajan and Pliny the Younger, his appointed governor of Bithynia, one of the provinces of Asia Minor to which 1 Peter is addressed, seem to reflect the same conditions the epistle describes. For that reason, many scholars favor a date in the early second century for the epistle, though scholars do not yet fully agree.
A date after AD 70 is indicated by the author’s greetings from “her who dwells in Babylon.” “Her” refers to the writer’s church, and “Babylon” became the Christian code name for Rome after Titus destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70, thus duplicating the Babylonian Empire’s infamous desecration of the holy city (587 BC).
As an archetype of the of the ungodly nation, “Babylon” is also Revelation’s symbol of Rome.
Most critics assume that 1 Peter originated in the capital, the traditional site of Peter’s martyrdom. So while the letter itself may have not been written down by Peter himself, it did originate in the church that Peter led in Rome, who preserved his legacy in writing after Nero murdered him.
Themes of 1st Peter
Ethics
Whether or not Peter wrote this epistle, the early church recognized its ethical value by adopting it into its canon.
The author’s purpose is to encourage believers to hold fast to their integrity (as Christians like Peter did in Nero’s time) and to promote Christian ethics.
He urges the faithful to live so blamelessly that outsiders can never accuse them of anything illegal or morally reprehensible. If one endures legal prosecution, it should only be “as a Christian.”
The author’s purpose is to encourage believers to hold fast to their integrity (as Christians like Peter did in Nero’s time) and to promote Christian ethics.
He urges the faithful to live so blamelessly that outsiders can never accuse them of anything illegal or morally reprehensible. If one endures legal prosecution, it should only be “as a Christian.”
Baptism
Often, 1 Peter has been described as a baptismal sermon, and indeed, the author structures his work to outline both the privileges and the dangers involved in adopting the Christian way of life – you will die in order to live.
1 Peter specifically uses the story of Noah’s Flood as a symbol of baptism, as well as lesser known Christian narratives about Christ’s descent into Hades to bring people from death to life.
1 Peter specifically uses the story of Noah’s Flood as a symbol of baptism, as well as lesser known Christian narratives about Christ’s descent into Hades to bring people from death to life.
Chapter 1
The opening of the sermon gives attribution to “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.” It is addressed to persecuted Christians who have been scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia. The author states that these exiles were chosen by God the Father to be sanctified through God the Holy Spirit and to be obedient and cleansed by the blood of God the Son, Jesus Christ. He prays that they may they be blessed with abundant grace and peace.
Peter then discusses the identity of the people of God and salvation as hope, joy, and privilege.
He praises God for…
His mercy
Our new birth
Our living hope
The resurrection of Christ
Our indestructible inheritance
Heaven
God’s shield of protection
The ultimate revelation of salvation in the end times
And he says that their future eternal hope causes them to rejoice in their temporary suffering, and that trials prove the genuineness of their faith.
Faith = gold
Trial = fire
Gold survives the fire
He says that their faith despite trials will bring about glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. He says that even though they never saw Jesus, they love him, and even though they don’t see him now, they still believe in him and are filled with joy. And he says that the end result of their faith has already arrived – salvation!
He says that the prophets of the past spoke about their salvation, and they longed to see the day of salvation made possible through the sufferings of the Messiah, Jesus. He says that these prophecies were written for them just as the apostles’ message to them was delivered by the Holy Spirit. And he adds that even angels long to look into these things.
He then discusses the new way of life in holiness, reverence, and love. He tells them to be alert and sober as they wait in hope for Christ and the grace he will give them when he comes. He says to be like obedient children – not submitting to evil desires like they did when they were still ignorant. He says that God has called them to holiness because he himself is holy.
He says that since they rely on a God who is fair to all people, they should be reverent, and live as though they were strangers in a strange land. He says they weren’t redeemed by gold that is destroyed but by the blood of the Lamb – Christ – who was chosen before the creation of the world but was revealed in these last times for their sake. Through him they believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so their faith and hope are in God.
He says that now that they have been purified by the truth, they should love each other from the heart! He says, “You have been born again – a living seed, not a dead seed. People are like grass and flowers who die and decay, but the word of the Lord is forever. That same word was preached to you.”
Peter then discusses the identity of the people of God and salvation as hope, joy, and privilege.
He praises God for…
His mercy
Our new birth
Our living hope
The resurrection of Christ
Our indestructible inheritance
Heaven
God’s shield of protection
The ultimate revelation of salvation in the end times
And he says that their future eternal hope causes them to rejoice in their temporary suffering, and that trials prove the genuineness of their faith.
Faith = gold
Trial = fire
Gold survives the fire
He says that their faith despite trials will bring about glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. He says that even though they never saw Jesus, they love him, and even though they don’t see him now, they still believe in him and are filled with joy. And he says that the end result of their faith has already arrived – salvation!
He says that the prophets of the past spoke about their salvation, and they longed to see the day of salvation made possible through the sufferings of the Messiah, Jesus. He says that these prophecies were written for them just as the apostles’ message to them was delivered by the Holy Spirit. And he adds that even angels long to look into these things.
He then discusses the new way of life in holiness, reverence, and love. He tells them to be alert and sober as they wait in hope for Christ and the grace he will give them when he comes. He says to be like obedient children – not submitting to evil desires like they did when they were still ignorant. He says that God has called them to holiness because he himself is holy.
He says that since they rely on a God who is fair to all people, they should be reverent, and live as though they were strangers in a strange land. He says they weren’t redeemed by gold that is destroyed but by the blood of the Lamb – Christ – who was chosen before the creation of the world but was revealed in these last times for their sake. Through him they believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so their faith and hope are in God.
He says that now that they have been purified by the truth, they should love each other from the heart! He says, “You have been born again – a living seed, not a dead seed. People are like grass and flowers who die and decay, but the word of the Lord is forever. That same word was preached to you.”
Chapter 2
Peter then talks about the “chosen priesthood.” He tells them to give up on all forms of evil and be like innocent babies who drink only pure milk, so that they can grow up strong in the salvation of our good God. He says that we are the stones that form God’s temple, and Jesus is the chief cornerstone. And he says that according to the prophets, we who believe love the cornerstone of God’s Temple – Christ. But those who don’t believe only see it only as that rock they keep tripping over. And he says, “You used to not be a people, living under God’s judgment in darkness. Now you are a holy kingdom of priests living in the light of God’s mercy.”
He then goes on to discuss the responsibilities of the people of God, and he summarizes the mission of God’s people in the world, saying, “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
He then discusses the issue of respect and how it is the key to living in the world. He says that we should have respect for everyone, including respect for authorities, saying, “God wants you to submit to all human authorities who have been set in place to punish criminals and honor model citizens.” And he says that the result of this is the silencing of fools. He says, “God knows that your good deeds will make false accusations against you sound stupid.”
He then discusses the posture of living as a free person, saying, “Live in freedom, but don’t use freedom as a front for doing evil. You are slaves to God.”
And he summarizes by saying, “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
He then addresses those who are slaves and tells them to submit to their masters, saying, “Slaves who love God should submit to their masters whether they are kind or cruel. God sees you and doesn’t forget you when you suffer for him. God also sees you if you bring unnecessary suffering upon yourself through rebellion.”
He points to the example of Christ by reciting a hymn, saying:
“Christ suffered for you, so be like Christ
He never sinned
When Christ was abused, he never retaliated or made threats
He trusted in God
He died on the cross for us so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness
By his wounds you have been healed.
You used to be like lost sheep, but now you have returned to your Good Shepherd.”
He then goes on to discuss the responsibilities of the people of God, and he summarizes the mission of God’s people in the world, saying, “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
He then discusses the issue of respect and how it is the key to living in the world. He says that we should have respect for everyone, including respect for authorities, saying, “God wants you to submit to all human authorities who have been set in place to punish criminals and honor model citizens.” And he says that the result of this is the silencing of fools. He says, “God knows that your good deeds will make false accusations against you sound stupid.”
He then discusses the posture of living as a free person, saying, “Live in freedom, but don’t use freedom as a front for doing evil. You are slaves to God.”
And he summarizes by saying, “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
He then addresses those who are slaves and tells them to submit to their masters, saying, “Slaves who love God should submit to their masters whether they are kind or cruel. God sees you and doesn’t forget you when you suffer for him. God also sees you if you bring unnecessary suffering upon yourself through rebellion.”
He points to the example of Christ by reciting a hymn, saying:
“Christ suffered for you, so be like Christ
He never sinned
When Christ was abused, he never retaliated or made threats
He trusted in God
He died on the cross for us so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness
By his wounds you have been healed.
You used to be like lost sheep, but now you have returned to your Good Shepherd.”
Chapter 3
He then addresses the relationship between wives and husbands. First, he addresses the wives, telling them to submit to your husbands, saying, “Christian wives should submit to their non-Christian husbands in the hope that their husbands will be won over to Christ. Rather than impressing your husbands with jewelry and fancy clothes, impress them with your gentleness.” And he offers Sarah as an example of how the holy women of the past lived in that she submitted to Abraham.
Next, he addresses the husbands, telling them to honor their wives, saying, “Husbands should be considerate and respectful to their wives. Don’t treat them like men but treat them as equal heirs of God’s grace and life. Do this if you want God to listen to your prayers.”
He then repeats his theme telling them to have respect for everyone, saying, “Love everybody. Don’t get revenge. Repay evil with blessing.”
He then talks about suffering for doing good, saying, “Only crazy people will hurt you if you do good things to them… but even if that happens, don’t be afraid. Honor Christ in your hearts. Always be prepared to give an answer to those who ask you about this hope that you have. But when you tell people about Jesus, do it with respect. Don’t give them a reason to hate you.”
He then talks about the vindication of Christ, saying:
“Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer – he died for your sins after all. But he was also made alive by the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.”
Next, he addresses the husbands, telling them to honor their wives, saying, “Husbands should be considerate and respectful to their wives. Don’t treat them like men but treat them as equal heirs of God’s grace and life. Do this if you want God to listen to your prayers.”
He then repeats his theme telling them to have respect for everyone, saying, “Love everybody. Don’t get revenge. Repay evil with blessing.”
He then talks about suffering for doing good, saying, “Only crazy people will hurt you if you do good things to them… but even if that happens, don’t be afraid. Honor Christ in your hearts. Always be prepared to give an answer to those who ask you about this hope that you have. But when you tell people about Jesus, do it with respect. Don’t give them a reason to hate you.”
He then talks about the vindication of Christ, saying:
“Jesus knows what it’s like to suffer – he died for your sins after all. But he was also made alive by the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.”
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