1:1 — To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
Believers had been scattered throughout Asia Minor because of persecution and economic hardship. Far from home, shunned in their new communities, under constant opposition from the government and religious leaders, and with little prospect of financially sustaining their families or staying safe, Christians faced tremendous pressures. However, even in the midst of their devastating circumstances they could have hope in Christ Jesus.
1:3 — According to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Peter experienced great despair as he watched the Lord Jesus—his beloved Teacher, Master, Messiah, and Friend—hanging upon the Cross. When Christ died, Peter undoubtedly felt as if all hope were lost. Three days later, however, the Resurrection would change everything. Because our Savior is alive, we have a living hope. The Resurrection of Jesus guarantees that God will honor all His promises to His faithful children. And the knowledge that He is with us and will never forsake us can encourage us and keep us going—even in the darkest times.
1:6, 7 — You have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold . . . may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
How would you ever learn to trust God if you never experienced a situation where only He could help you? This is why adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with the Lord. He allows your faith to be refined by fire—just as gold is—so that every impurity, doubt, anxiety, and frustration bubbles to the surface. Then, when He answers your desperate prayers, all of those hindrances to your trust in Him are removed, leaving only purified confidence in His holy ways.
Answers to Life’s Questions
How do I handle a difficult trial not of my own doing?
Even those who maintain close, intimate fellowship with the Lord are not immune to disappointments, obstacles, challenges, struggles, and feelings of hopelessness. In fact at times, God allows us to face impossible circumstances in order to test and try our faith. It is the adversity that motivates us to seek Him, and when we do, He faithfully strengthens and refreshes us.
God knows every emotion, need, and desire we have. He cares when we face difficult situations and grow weary. He hears our cries and understands exactly what it will take to bring us into a more intimate relationship with Him.
The apostle Peter addressed his two letters to “those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1 Pet. 1:1; 2 Pet. 3:1). If he were choosing a modern title for his letters, he might consider “Encouragement for Times of Suffering,” or “Hope for the Hurting,” because encouragement and hope are exactly what Peter conveyed to these distressed believers.
These Christians faced all kinds of persecution. They were beaten, slandered, assaulted, and in many cases lost their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ. Peter called them “aliens” because their citizenship was not of this world but of the kingdom of God. Still, they faced times of great discouragement and loss and needed the courage only available through Christ. Peter explained that they could rejoice even in times of trial because Jesus—their risen Savior and Lord—would always be the living hope within them (1 Pet. 1:3). So long as we have the Lord Jesus Christ, no situation is hopeless.
Would you like to have eternal hope? Then focus your heart on Jesus (1 Tim. 4:6). He wants to bring His will and good pleasure to fruition in your life. Even if you find yourself in a seemingly impossible situation, remember that He has an entirely different view of the details. And if you will let Him, He will take your life, no matter how bruised and broken, and make something beautiful out of it.
Isn’t this what hope is all about—beauty for ashes, gladness instead of sorrow, and a coat of praise instead of fainting (Is. 61:1–3)? This is the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ in your life. Therefore, bring to Him your afflictions and disappointments. Tell Him your sorrows, and He will restore your hope.
See the Life Principles Index for further study:
1:8 — Though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.
The Christian life should be characterized by joy because of the unassailable power, love, and wisdom of our Savior Jesus Christ. Although we face adversity and cannot see Him in it, we know He can redeem any situation. He uses everything that touches our lives for our good and His glory. The dark moments of our life last only long enough for Him to accomplish His purpose in us. How could we not have joy in our hearts when we know God loves us, is with us, has promised to help us, and wants to bless us forever?
1:10 — As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries.
Skeptics may claim that the gospel is something concocted by Jesus’ followers. But the coming of the Messiah was promised from the beginning (Gen. 3:15), was in fulfillment of God’s covenants with Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3) and David (2 Sam. 7:12–16), and was prophesied by the majority of the Old Testament prophets.
1:15 — Like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.
It takes a godly, deliberate, Spirit-filled walk to honor God and glorify Him. This does not mean we adopt a dour, grim-faced determination to do the pious, religious rituals that drain all enjoyment out of life. Rather, we live out the holiness that Christ has given us by obeying Him and imitating His ways.
2:1 — Putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.
We must rid ourselves of anything that hinders our walk with the Lord. We must repent of it, which means we agree with God that the behavior is against His will and change course. We must deal with our sinfulness radically so that His blessings can flow and we can experience life at its very best.
2:2 — Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.
As infants crave their mothers’ nutritious milk, so we are to yearn for the life-giving Word of God. Growing in Christ requires that we spend time in His Word—learning His ways and being transformed into His image through the work of the Holy Spirit.
2:9 — You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession.
Peter uses the wonderful descriptions that were originally applied to Israel to portray the position we enjoy as believers in Christ (Ex. 19:5, 6). As the church, we do not replace Israel as God’s people. Rather, we have been “grafted in” to His family through Christ (Rom. 11:17). Just as Israel was called to be a blessing to the nations (Gen. 28:14), we are, too. We are chosen, royal, and holy people who have the opportunity to represent Him to a lost and dying world.
2:11 — Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.
When we face opposition and end up wanting to “fit in,” the temptation to compromise our convictions becomes great. The trouble comes when we forget that this world is not our home. Therefore, we must have an eternal perspective and remember we are only aliens and strangers here. Our real home is in heaven with God, but even here He is in control of everything that concerns us.
2:18 — Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.
One third of the Roman Empire was made up of slaves who were considered human tools. Even though many were doctors, teachers, stewards, secretaries, musicians, and artists, they had absolutely no rights whatsoever. Yet Peter taught that they could always choose how they responded to their masters. The same is true for us. Although our employer may not give us many choices and may even be unreasonable, we have the ability to choose how we will respond. When you treat your boss with respect, God is glorified.
2:20 — If when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
During this time in church history, many who stood steadfast for Christ were badly persecuted and mistreated—even to the point of death. However, their testimonies were never in vain. Whenever you do what you know is in line with God’s will, but are punished for it, do not fret. You have pleased the Lord, and He will bless your faithfulness. Be patient during those difficult times. Do not complain or be disheartened, but with courage endure—because the Lord will vindicate and reward you in due time.
2:21 — Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.
Jesus is our ultimate example in all things, even in suffering. When accused falsely, He kept silent (Matt. 26:59–63; Mark 14:55–61). When sentenced to death, He did not fight back (John 19:10, 11). Instead, He always exhibited His perfect love and forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Likewise, when we humbly submit ourselves to God’s will, although it may mean suffering (Luke 22:42), we demonstrate our love for God. And through our example, many will be drawn to Him (John 12:32).
2:24 — He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
Peter quotes Isaiah to remind believers of the great gift Christ has given us: “He was pierced through for our transgressions . . . and by His scourging we are healed” (Is. 53:5). On the Cross, Jesus paid the sin debt of every person who ever lived. And the moment we accept Him as our personal Savior, His provision is applied to our life—the full penalty of our transgressions removed forevermore.
3:3 — Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses.
Even in the early church, believers were tempted to give in to their vanity. Unfortunately, when they dressed immodestly, they looked more like the pagans than they did like Christ. So Peter taught them to not be consumed by their appearance, but to clothe themselves with the character of Jesus. Believers should do their best, look their best, and be their best, but there always should be more to beauty than just what is on the outside.
3:4 — Let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
One of the problems in Peter’s day was that the women in the mystery religions were loud and disruptive. Christians, however, were never to imitate the pagans in worship or in daily life. When we serve God, we should not perform flamboyantly for Him. Rather, we need to be humble, submitting ourselves to Him and acknowledging Him for who He is with our whole lives. This doesn’t mean Christians are to be weak, inexpressive, or unattractive, but that our priority is to allow Christ to be glorified in us.
3:7 — You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way . . . and show her honor . . . so that your prayers will not be hindered.
Why would failing to make the effort to understand and honor his wife hinder a husband’s prayers? All believers are coheirs of God’s promises, and He wants us to treat one another as we would treat Him. When we do not honor others, we undermine our testimony about the Lord’s transformative love and salvation (John 13:35).
3:15 — Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.
If someone were to ask why you are a Christian, what would you say? How would you explain your belief in the Resurrection or lead them to a saving faith in Jesus Christ? If you are allowing the Lord Jesus to work through you, people will notice and will want to know what is different about you. So with gentleness, explain all that Jesus means to you and what He’s done out of love for them.
4:2 — As to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
Had He chosen to do so, God could have taken us immediately to heaven when we placed our faith in Christ. But He didn’t. Why not? Because He wants us to reach others for Him by showing them how His power has changed our lives.
4:4 — They are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you.
People who knew us before we placed our faith in Christ sometimes do not understand why we no longer want to participate in the ungodly activities we engaged in before we accepted God’s love. But we should not give in to their taunts or entreaties to return to that sinful behavior. We now have the unique opportunity to be a light to them, and we do that by allowing Christ to shine through us, not by returning to the bondage that once held us captive.
4:8 — Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
How does love cover a multitude of sins? Because it stops a transgression before it can multiply. For example, if someone wrongs you, you might be tempted to react in anger or vengeance, and may even gossip about it to others. In that case, the iniquity reproduces itself. If you respond with God’s love and forgive the person, you not only stop the sin from going any further, you may even lead the offender to the healing he or she needs (Prov. 10:12; 17:9; 1 Cor. 12:4–7; James 5:20).
4:10 — As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
How do we serve God? By serving others (Matt. 25:31–40). Each one of us has been given special gifts and talents, and it is our responsibility to use them in leading others to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 12:4–7).
4:12 — Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.
The believers in the early church were no doubt confused about the suffering and persecution they were enduring. Sometimes we are as well. In our earthly reasoning, we think that because God is all-powerful and loves us perfectly, He should stop hardships from assailing our lives. We fail to remember that the Lord is also absolutely wise and that He uses adversity to deepen our relationship with Him and display His glory to the world.
4:19 — Those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
The Lord may call you to do and say things that are difficult and unpopular. This was true of the early believers. When they confessed their belief in Jesus as their Savior, they were often persecuted for their testimony. Yet it was worth it to them because they were laying hold of the eternal life Jesus provided for them (1 Tim. 6:12–19). Likewise, we must obey God, even when it is difficult, and leave all the consequences to Him. Because He will certainly reward our faithfulness in doing what is right.
5:2 — Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily.
God delights in willing service, not in grudging compliance—as if we were doing Him a favor by submitting to His instructions. Eager obedience reveals a heart in love with the One who gave the command.
5:5 — All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Are you willing to do whatever God calls you to do—whether that be to teach a class, minister to shut-ins, work in the parking lot, or go overseas on missions? We cannot arrogantly tell the Lord what we are willing to do for Him, thinking we know what is best. He hates this kind of prideful attitude. Instead, we must humbly submit to whatever He calls us to, always trusting that His plan for us is best.
5:6 — Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.
When Peter first followed Jesus, he thought that Christ would lead Israel to victory over the Roman Empire. So when the Lord went to the Cross, his dreams of greatness were shattered. Yet Jesus’ resurrection showed him that there was a more important purpose for his life than he had ever conceived. There was an eternal kingdom to build—and God worked powerfully through him. The same is true for you. You may not understand why the Lord has allowed your dreams to fail, but humbly accept His will, knowing His plan for you is better than you can possibly imagine.
5:7 — Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Repeatedly throughout Scripture, we are encouraged, “Do not fear” (Deut. 3:22; Joel 2:21; also Deut. 31:6; Ps. 56:4; Is. 35:4; 41:10, 13; Jer. 1:8; John 14:27). Why? Because the Lord can handle any problem or difficulty we could ever face, and He is committed to helping us as long as we obey Him. Regardless of our concern or worry, God wants us to bring it to Him. He always has our best interests at heart and will always help us become the people we are meant to be.
5:8 — Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
We must never forget that we are in a spiritual war—with an enemy who is looking for weaknesses. We should never give him a foothold. Regardless of how well things may seem to be going for us, we must always keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ—obedient to His commands and faithful to His purposes (Eph. 6:10–17).
5:10 — After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
Although some suffering may seem unending, when we realize that God has a purpose for it—perfecting, confirming, strengthening, and establishing us—we are more likely to acknowledge His activity and embrace His loving ways. Be proactive in your faith when it comes to seeking Him and obeying His will. And He will give you hope and conform you to His image. The dark moments of our lives last only as long as necessary for Him to accomplish His purpose in and through us.