1 Peter Introduction - KJV (King James Version)
Synopsis:
The readers of the apostle Peter's letter were confused and discouraged by the persecution they were encountering because of their faith. Peter exhorted them to stand strong, repeatedly reminding them of Christ's example, the riches of their inheritance in him, and the hope of his returning again to take them to heaven. Peter explained how Christians should respond when they suffer because of their beliefs. Called the "apostle of hope," Peter's primary message is to trust the Lord, live obediently no matter what your circumstances, and keep your hope fixed on God's ultimate promise of deliverance. Suffering is to be expected, but it is temporary and yields great blessings for those who remain steadfast. Peter probably wrote this letter in the mid-60s a.d.
Authorship: Peter 'Cephas'
- After Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) little is recorded about Peter
- 1 Pet 5:12 - Silvanus was Peter's scribe
- 1 Cor 9:5 - Paul mentions Peter journeyed with his wife
- 2 Pet 3:15,16 - “our beloved brother Paul”
- Tradition states that Peter was crucified upside down by Nero in Rome
- Ignatius of Antioch wrote about Peter's presence in Rome in his Letter to the Romans.
- Clement I's Letter to the Corinthians and Tertullian's Prescription Against Heretics and Scorpiace 15 all speak of Peter's martyrdom.
Date of Composition: 63-64 AD
Simple Outline:
1. Salvation from (1 Pet 1:1-2:12)
A. Salvation (Ch 1:1-12)
B. Santification (Ch 1:13-2:12)
2. Submission to (1 Pet 2:13-3:12)
A. Government (Ch 2:13-17)
B. Masters (Ch 2:18-25)
C. Wives to Husbands (Ch 3:1-6)
D. A Husband's Duty (Ch 3:7)
E. Each Other (Ch 3:8-12)
3. Suffering for (3:13-5:14)
A. Right and Wrong (Ch 3:13-17)
B. Christ's Example (Ch 3:18-4:6)
C. God's Glory (Ch 4:7-19)
D. Believers' Sake (Ch 5)
Prior Chapter
Next Chapter