An apostle offers hope for the hurting.
Peter knew well the struggles that lay siege to faith. He wrote to believers who were “grieved by various trials” (1 Pet. 1:6)—suffering mistreatment because of their religion. While the most severe persecution of Christians would not occur until a few decades into the future during the reigns of Domitian (A.D. 81–96) and Trajan (A.D. 98–117), Christ’s followers had suffered oppression since the earliest days of the church. Soon after his persuasive Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:14–39), Peter was arrested, beaten, and threatened with death (5:33–40). Paul’s preconversion campaign against the church included dragging believers from their houses to throw them in prison (8:1–3; 1 Tim. 1:13). And the emperor Nero (A.D. 64–68) intensified the violence, throwing Christians to the lions.
Peter offers suffering Christians a hope based on the power of Jesus’ triumph over death (1 Pet. 1:3, 21) and the certainty of His return (1:13). He explains how that hope makes a practical difference in our lives: instead of crumbling under pressure, we act as people of hope, responding with Christlike dignity and moral integrity. Trials have the effect not only of testing but also confirming our faith and spurring us to spiritual growth (1:6–9).
One of the great comforts of 1 and 2 Peter is that we are not alone when we encounter disappointment, pain, or persecution. Jesus suffered the same kind of trials as we do, and He stands with us in times of trouble. Best of all, He gave us an example of how to face the fires of adversity. Peter’s letters invite us to “follow [in] His steps” (2:21).
First Peter identifies its author as Peter the apostle (1:1), and many details of the letter support this claim. The emphasis on the sufferings of Christ (2:21–24; 3:18; 4:1; 5:1) strongly evokes Peter’s understanding of the faith, and his affectionate reference to Mark as his “son” (5:13) is consistent with the relationship known to have existed between the two men (see the introduction to Mark).
Peter was aided in his writing by Silvanus (1 Pet. 5:12; also called Silas; see his profile at Acts 15:34). Silvanus helped Paul write some of his letters and might have been responsible for the fine Greek of this letter. Peter’s background as a Galilean fisherman would hardly have prepared him to write so well.
The reference to Babylon (1 Pet. 5:13) indicates that the letter was probably written from Rome (see “Babylon: A Symbol of Evil” at Rev. 14:8). It was addressed to Christians living in northern and western parts of Asia Minor, and was written sometime before Peter’s martyrdom (c. A.D. 65) during the reign of Nero.
Key Verses in 1 Peter
• “You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold … but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:18, 19).
• “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2).
• “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” (1 Pet. 2:9).
• “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21).
• “Love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8).
• “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).
• “Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).