New Testament · General Epistle · Book 60 of 66
Book of 1 Peter
A letter of hope for believers who suffer: live as God’s holy people, follow Christ’s example, and stand firm in the true grace of God.
5 Chapters
1 Peter 1–5
Author
Peter (with Silvanus)
Written
c. A.D. 62 – 64
Written From
“Babylon” (probably Rome)
Overview
Book of 1 Peter Summary
Peter writes to Christians scattered across the provinces of northern Asia Minor, whom he calls “God’s elect, exiles” (1:1). They were a minority facing insults, slander and social pressure because of their faith, and Peter wrote to strengthen them and to show them how to live well in a world that did not share their hope.
Chapter 1 begins with praise for the living hope that believers have through Christ’s resurrection and calls them to holy living, because they were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. Chapter 2 describes the church as a living temple and a royal priesthood, then calls believers to good conduct as foreigners and exiles, with Christ as the example of one who suffered and did not retaliate. Chapters 2 and 3 apply this to citizens, servants, wives and husbands, and to the whole church.
Chapters 3 and 4 speak directly about suffering for doing good, pointing to Christ who suffered once for sins, and they urge love, hospitality and service. Chapter 5 gives instructions to elders and to the younger, calls everyone to humility, warns that the devil prowls like a roaring lion, and promises that God will restore those who suffer a little while.
About the Name
Title
The letter is named for its author. The traditional Greek title is Petrou A, “Of Peter, first.” “Peter” is the Greek form of the name Jesus gave Simon, meaning “rock” (John 1:42).
It is one of the General Epistles, addressed to believers in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia” (1:1), provinces across what is now northern Turkey. “First” distinguishes it from 2 Peter.
Who Wrote It
Author Details
The letter names Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ (1:1), and describes himself as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings (5:1). Peter was one of the first disciples, a fisherman from Galilee who became a leader among the apostles. Silvanus is named as the one who helped with the letter (5:12), and Mark as “my son” (5:13).
When It Was Written
Date of Writing
The letter is usually dated to about A.D. 62–64, shortly before Nero’s persecution of Christians in Rome in A.D. 64, and before Peter’s death, which early tradition places in Rome under Nero. Peter writes from “Babylon” (5:13).
“Babylon” is most often understood as a code name for Rome, the way Revelation uses it, though a few think the literal city on the Euphrates is meant. The suffering the readers face appears mostly to be social hostility, but Peter also warns of a “fiery ordeal” (4:12).
Study Guide
1 Peter Outline
5 chapters in four parts. Tap any section to expand it, and tap a verse reference to read it at BibleGateway.
Continue Your Study
Verse references link to the NIV at BibleGateway.