An Overview of 1 Peter
The Jews who believed in Jesus at that time were scattered about Asia and were persecuted. They were hurt and confused and doubting in their faith because of the persecution they received. Peter wrote to comfort them and remind them of what they must do in times of suffering; that they must hold onto the hope in God and blessings of those who remain faithful under trial.
Born Again to a Living Hope
In this first part of his letter, Peter reminds believers of who they are, and that while suffering happens, it’s a way to test the genuineness of their faith, and that they should rejoice for suffering for God’s sake.
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ… obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1:6-7, 9
Peter reminds [us] that Christ himself suffered for our salvation, and that the prophecies the prophets received and spoke weren’t for themselves but for us when they are fulfilled. Peter also reminds us of how we should act. We should be obedient children of God, to be holy like God, our Father. Peter says to not be like our former selves, but as we were ransomed by Christ’s blood, we have been born again of God’s imperishable seed, and we should love one another earnestly.
“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;”
1 Peter 1:22-23
We, who believe in Christ, should remember that we are not our own, but were bought with a price and should live as God’s people (1 Cor 6:19-20).
Living Stones and Enduring Suffering
In this chapter, chapter 2, Peter reminds us to put away all deceit, envy, hypocrisy, and malice. Believers must drink spiritual milk and grow up into salvation (Heb 5:12-6:4). As we come to Christ, who is the living stone (Ps 118:22), we also become like living stones through Christ. We are built up into a holy house, a temple, for God (1 Cor 3:16). But Peter also says that this living stone is a stumbling block to those who disobey the word (1 Pt 2:8). Believers are reminded that they are to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation. They proclaim the word that brought them out of the darkness and into the light. (Exodus 19:5-6, Malachi 2:7) Thus they should keep their conduct honorable even in front of the gentiles. (unbelievers) Then even if they speak evil against them, they are glorified before God.
Not only are believers meant to be holy, but also to submit to their authorities. Jesus submitted to God’s authority and obeyed God’s will, eventually dying on the cross (Php 2:8-9). Whether our leaders are just or unjust, we are called to submit and endure any suffering if it comes from doing good (God’s will).
“For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
1 Peter 2:19-21
In chapter 3, Peter reminds us that Christ suffered in the flesh but was made alive in the spirit. He mentions that baptism is done not to remove physical dirt from our bodies, but to cleanse ourselves. This baptism, then, isn’t a physical one but a spiritual one. John was baptized with water for repentance, but Jesus came to baptize with water and the spirit (the Word) (Mark 1:8, Deuteronomy 32:2). Believers should come to Christ Jesus, receive his word, and believe. Through Christ, we are made clean before God (John 15:3).
Wives and Husbands
In the beginning of chapter 3, Peter talks about the roles of Christian husbands and wives. Peter mentions how wives should submit to their husbands, and be modest, the point isn’t to make them feel “lesser”. The point of this section is to highlight the relationship between Christ and the Church; as Christ is like the husband and the church is like the wife. The husband is supposed to love and care for his wife just as Christ loves and cares for the church (Ephesians 5:22-28). The church, those who believe in Christ Jesus, are to love and obey the words of Jesus (John 14:23). Just as husband and wife become one in marriage, Christ and the church are to become one in the Word. The guidelines which Peter writes for Christian households was also according to the cultural norms of that time.
Stewards of God’s Grace and Shepherding God’s Flock
Believers should remember how Christ lived, not for his own will, but to do God’s will. He suffered and died while doing what God commanded. Peter reminds believers to live in the same way.
“…arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.” – 1 Peter 4:1-2
Peter says how Christians should not live like gentiles do, living for worldly pleasures and desires, but to be sober-minded, self-controlled, and to live in the spirit like God. He says how we should love one another earnestly and that love covers a multitude of sins, and to show hospitality without grumbling. In all we do, we should glorify God through Christ.
Again, Peter reminds believers that suffering will come as part of the faith, but we should rejoice if that suffering comes for God’s sake and not because we broke the law. Peter says how, when judgment comes, it begins in the house of God first before the unbelievers. So, we should do good while entrusting our souls to God. (1 Peter 4:19)
In the final chapter, Peter reminds the elders of the duty of shepherding God’s flock – that is, taking care of God’s church. It’s an important task and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Those in charge should watch over the congregation without being demanding, selfish, or deceitful so that when Christ the “chief shepherd” appears, they are given the unfading crown of glory. Looking to Christ as an example, leaders in the church should follow how Christ led the disciples. Peter also reminds the other members in the church to be humble. In James 1:15 we read that pride (greed) leads to sin and death, and Christ says that those who are humble will be exaulted (Matthew 23:12).
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5
In this chapter, we see that famous verse about the devil who prowls around like a lion, and how we must respond when we are tempted.
“Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
1 Peter 5:8-9
To close this letter, Peter reminds us of the glory awaiting after suffering for God’s sake. He says this in verse 10:
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
1 Peter 5:10
This eternal glory in Christ we are promised is heaven and eternal life (see Revelation 2:10). He gives glory to God and Jesus and ends his letter with some greetings to fellow saints.
My Personal Reflection:
This book has become more relevant to me in my life of faith now as opposed to before. I didn’t read this book too often in the past, but now as I’ve read it more often, I find a lot of strength and encouragement. The first chapter, especially when Peter says we’re born again of a living hope (1 Pet. 1:3) is comforting. I know that, despite any persecution or hardships I will receive, I can overcome them through the Word of God and know this suffering can help me strengthen my faith in God and in His promise of eternal life. Christ and his disciples suffered beatings, imprisonment, and even death for the sake of the gospel. I haven’t even scratched my skin. I see their faith in God, and I want to imitate their faith.
How about you? After reading through and thinking about the things Peter writes to Christians of his day, how can you apply these words to your own life of faith?
Written by Kenny
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