In this talk we will:

Consider the background to the letter and the circumstances in which it was written
Take a rapid tour through the whole letter (based largely on the notes in the NIV Life Application Bible)
Identify the main theme of the letter

In following talks we will work systematically through the letter and consider how Peter’s teaching should impact on our lives today.

Background

Author Peter

Date 62 to 64 A.D.

Circumstances

Written to Jewish Christians who had been driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor

Throughout the Roman Empire Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith and the church in Jerusalem was being scattered throughout the Mediterranean world

Peter was probably in Rome when the great persecution and the Emperor Nero began and was eventually executed during this persecution

Outline

God’s great blessings to his people 1:1-2:10
The conduct of God’s people in the midst of suffering 2:11-4:19
The shepherding of God’s people in the midst of suffering 5:1-14

Chapter One

Peter begins by thanking God for salvation 1:2-6.

He explains to his readers that trials will refine their faith 1:7-9.

They should believe in spite of their circumstances for many in past ages believed in God’s plan of salvation – even the prophets of old who wrote about it but did not understand it

but now salvation has been revealed in Christ 1:10-13

In response to such a great salvation, Peter commands his readers to:

live holy lives 1:14-16,
reverently fear and trust God 1:17-21
be honest and loving in the relationships with others 2:1-3
become like Christ 2: 3-4

Chapters Two to Four

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone upon whom the church is to be built 2:5-6

He is also the stone that was rejected causing those who will not listen to God to fall 2:7-8

but the church built upon the stone is to be God’s holy priesthood 2:9-10.

Peter then explains how believers should live during difficult times 2:11-4:11

Christians should be above reproach 2:12-17

imitating Christ in all their social roles, masters and slaves, husbands and wives, church members and neighbours 2:18-3:17.

Jesus Christ should be our model for obedience to God in the midst of great suffering 3:18-4:11

Peter then outlines the right attitude to have when persecution comes:

expect it 4:12
be thankful for the privilege of suffering for Christ 4:13-18
trust God for deliverance 4:19

Chapter Five

Peter gives some special instructions:

elders should feed God’s flock 5:1-4
younger men should follow the leadership of the elders 5:5-6
and everyone should trust God and resist Satan 5:7-11

Peter concludes by introducing Silvanus and by giving personal greetings from himself, the church in Rome, and from Mark. 5:11-14

Theme – suffering now, future glory

1 Peter 1:6-11

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,

11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow.

1 Peter 2:18-25

18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.

20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

24 ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’

25 For ‘you were like sheep going astray,’ but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 3:13-14, 17-18

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’

17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”

1 Peter 4:1, 12-16, 19

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body has finished with sin.

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 5:1, 4, 10

1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Points to ponder

Peter was powerfully used in bringing healing to those who were suffering

He was also miraculously delivered from persecution on more than one occasion (Acts 5:19, 12:6-10)

How does this affect our understanding of his teaching in this letter?