The First Epistle of Peter 1 Peter 1:8-9

Author: Peter the apostle (v. 1); one of the inner three known to have accompanied Jesus at all time. He was the most out spoken of Jesus’ 12 apostles and had the most press as seen in the first 12 chapters of the book of Acts. Paul mentions Peter in Galatians (1:18; 2:7-9, 11, 14) and I Corinthians (1:12; 3:22; 9:5; 15:5).

Type of Epistle: I Peter is eschatological in nature dealing primarily with the end times. It also focuses on holiness, hope, salvation, community, relationship, the Trinity, and suffering.1 In this epistle Peter introduces us to a picture of the priestly and the prophetic.

What does 1 Peter, Hebrews, and Revelation have in common? All three books depend heavily on the Old Testament scriptures.

Recipients: Peter wrote “to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” These were mostly Gentiles. (v. 1)

His recipients were also “those who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood. (v. 2)

Occasion of the writing: Persecutions were already taking place throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia at the time of Peter’s letter which was meant as a source of encouragement to the recipients; but there was yet to come, a greater persecution like none his ordinance would have seen before. The letter addresses the difficulties that would soon be upon them if not already. Peter’s source of encouragement the church was the sufferings of Christ.

“In a letter sent from Pliny, governor of Bithynia, to the Roman emperor, Trajan, in A.D. 112, the official explained that he had been executing people who confessed that they were Christians. Trajan’s reply indicated approval of Pliny’s policy but allowed Christians who renounced their faith and worshiped Roman gods to go free.”

1 Carson, Donald A., and Douglas J. Moo. An Introduction to the New Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005. 1. The Father chooses; the Spirit sanctifies; and those who have been chosen and sanctified obey Jesus. (v. 2) 2. The new birth or “new life” is based on the resurrection of the dead. (v. 3) 3. The hope of the believer is not present but future. (vv. 4-5) 4. The trials in this life are necessary for the believer’s faith. (vv. 6-7) 5. The faith of the believer is the evidence of assurance. (vv. 8-9)