Recipient
In his first epistle, Peter indicates that he was writing to “the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1:1; See Map A). These were believers scattered in northern Asia Minor.
Date
Peter’s first epistle was probably written in 62-64, before the great fire in Rome that led to Nero’s persecution of Christians.
Purpose/Occasion
The words, “pilgrims” and “Dispersion” (1:1) indicate that Christians were going through sufferings as strangers scattered in various places. Many perceived Christians as evildoers, slandered them for their godly behavior, and oppressed them for their faith. With comforting words of encouragement, Peter exhorts them to endure sufferings through the grace of God and lead blameless lives in the midst of unbelievers. He further reminds them of the glory that awaits them.
Central Verse
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:13). “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (5:10).
Survey
1. After reading the epistle once, record a descriptive heading for each of the paragraph divisions in chart B. In particular, observe the symmetry in the epistle: Outlook on trials (1:3-12); Christian living (1:13-25); Identity of Christians (2:1-10); Christian living (2:11-3:12); Outlook on trials (3:13-5:11).
2. Peter identifies believers in a number of ways (e.g. “obedient children” in 1:14). Write down as many of these identities as you can find.
See 2:5, 9, 10, 11; 4:16, 18; 5:2.
Themes
Look up the list of references under each theme and summarize its related teachings.
Sufferings and Trials
1:6-7 ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
1:11 ____________________________________________________
2:12 ____________________________________________________
2:19-20 __________________________________________________
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2:21-23 __________________________________________________
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3:14 ____________________________________________________
3:16 ____________________________________________________
3:17 ____________________________________________________
3:18 ____________________________________________________
4:1 _____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
4:4 _____________________________________________________
4:12 ____________________________________________________
4:13-16__________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
4:19 ____________________________________________________
5:1 _____________________________________________________
5:9 _____________________________________________________
5:10 ____________________________________________________
Glorious Hope
1:3-4 ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
1:7 _____________________________________________________
1:8 _____________________________________________________
1:13 ____________________________________________________
1:21 ____________________________________________________
4:13 ____________________________________________________
5:1 _____________________________________________________
5:4 _____________________________________________________
5:10 ____________________________________________________
Holy Living and Separation
1:14-16 __________________________________________________
1:17 ____________________________________________________
2:1 _____________________________________________________
2:4-5 ____________________________________________________
2:9-10 ___________________________________________________
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2:11-12 __________________________________________________
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3:8-12 ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
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4:1-3 ____________________________________________________
Submission
2:13-17 __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
2:18-19 __________________________________________________
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2:23 ____________________________________________________
3:1-2 ____________________________________________________
4:19 ____________________________________________________
5:5-6 ____________________________________________________
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Modern Relevance
Although we may not be suffering as strangers in a foreign land, in a spiritual sense, we are all pilgrims on earth. Consequently, we often face the pressures of the secular society and suffer discrimination for maintaining a certain ethical standard based on our faith in Christ. Thus, Peter encourages us to rejoice and glory in our trials when we suffer for the faith. As God’s elect, we ought to live holy lives while waiting for the coming of the Lord, even if it results in suffering. Peter furthermore gives practical guidelines on how to conduct ourselves as citizens, employees, husbands or wives, elders or younger people. While fulfilling our social and familial obligations, we need to conduct ourselves with a clear conscience so that God’s name may be glorified even among unbelievers.
Map & Chart
Map A Geography in the time of the early church