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1 Peter 1 Introduction Introduction: We are about to begin studying the Book of 1st Peter. In order to get the most out of our study I thought it would be good to take a general look at this writing and some key words/lessons for us. I) Background Information A) Author - Peter 1. Internal evidence of Peter being the author a. Contains his name b. The writer was one who was a "witness of the sufferings of Christ" 1 Peter 5.1 c. The writer of 2 Peter points out the earlier letter, 2 Peter 3.1 2. External evidence a. Clement of Rome (30 - 100 AD) wrote To the Corinthians, in chapter 49 makes reference to this letter and attributed it to Peter b. Polycarp (69-155 AD) quotes from 1 Peter c. Irenaus (130 AD) made reference to this letter. B) Peter's background 1. There were three calls by Jesus to Peter a. A new name, John 1.42 b. A new vocation, Luke 5.1-11 c. A new association, Jesus appointed the 12, Mark 3.13-19 2. Peter was part of that inner circle among the apostles. a. He was at the house of Jarius, "Peter, James, and John" Mark 5.37 b. Mount of transfiguration, Matthew 17.1 c. Garden of Gethsemane, Matthew 26.37 3. Peter was bold and impetuous and listed first among the apostles a. Walked on water, Matthew 14.29 b. Made the good confession, Matthew 16.16 4. From Pentecost onward a. Sermon on Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. b. Went to Samaria, Acts 8 c. Lydda in Acts 9.32 d. Joppa, Acts 9.36,38 e. Caesarea, to the house of Cornelius, Acts 10.24 f. Jerusalem in Acts 11.2 g. Took part in the "Jerusalem council" Acts 15.7-11 h. Traveled and had his wife with him, 1 Corinthians 9.5 i. Babylon, 1 Peter 5.13 C) Other information 1. Generally believed to of been written around 63 to 64 AD a. Just before the persecution of Nero, 64 AD b. No mention of actual killings of Christians or emperor worship as was done during Domitian, 81 AD. 2. A general epistle, not written to one specific church but to Christians a. Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia were 5 districts of the Roman Empire b. Comprised Asia Minor: we know Paul preached in Galatia, Acts 14.23 c. The "to the pilgrims of the dispersion" 1 Peter 1.1; the "elect" 1 Peter 1.2 3. 1 Peter in 3 words: The Christian Hope; 1 Peter in 2 words: Suffering Patiently 4. Jesus' three charges to Peter. a. Luke 22.31-32 strengthen the brethren b. John21.17 "feed my sheep" c. John 21.19 "follow me" II) Outline and key passages A) Chapter 1 1. Rejoice although you have been grieved by various trials, v. 6 2. Prophets spoke of the grace that would come; the sufferings to come and glories that would follow, vv. 9,11 3. They have been redeemed but not with corruptible things, v. 18 a. With the precious blood of the lamb, 19 b. They had purified their souls in obeying the truth, v. 22 c. Been born of the word of God, v. 23 B) Chapter 2 1. Living as Christians, vv. 1-10 considered the main point of this letter 2. Christians are God special people; living stones, a holy priesthood, a chosen generation. 3. Be submissive a. To the government, vv. 13-17 b. To their masters, vv. 18-20 c. follow the example of Christ, vv. 21-ff C) Chapter 3 1. Submit to a. Your husbands, vv. 1-6 b. Husbands in how they treat their wives, v. 7 2. Make sure your suffering is for the right reason, v 17 3. Christ suffered for us, we should be willing to suffer for Christ, vv. 18ff 4. Our salvation through the resurrection of Christ, vv. 21-22 D) Chapter 4 1. Arm yourselves with the same mind, the mind of Christ, v. 1 2. Do not think it strange when you suffer, v. 12 3. You are blessed if you are reproached for the name of Christ, v. 14 4. Do not be ashamed, but glorify God in this manner, v. 16 E) Chapter 5 1. Shepherd the flock of God, vv. 1-4 2. Be clothed with humility, vv. 5 3. Be humble and be vigilant, for the devil is a roaring lion, vv. 6-ff Conclusion: 1 Peter 5.10 our God is one of grace. He called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus. We may suffer for a little while but look at what we receive.
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