1 PETER

THE FIRST LETTER OF PETER

Probably no other document in the New Testament is so theological as 1 Peter, if we understand ‘theological’ in the strict sense as teaching about God.” Statistically the writing has the word “God” thirty-nine times, which means an average of once in every forty-three words. The only other New Testament writings to compare with this are 1 John (once in thirty-four) and Romans (once in forty-six). Statistics are not everything, but these make it clear that there is an unusual number of references to God in this letter. God is “the living God” (1 Pet. 1:23), whose will is done (2:15; 3:17), who foreknows who are his (1:2) and whose Word stands forever (1:25). God is the Father (1:2); he is holy (1:15), the judge of all (4:5), and the faithful Creator (4:19). He is “the God of all grace” (5:10), and indeed “grace” is a frequent idea in this letter (ten times). It is due to God’s great mercy that Christians have new birth and a living hope (1:3). The church is related to God in several ways: it is “the people of God” (2:10), “the family of God” (4:17), “God’s flock” (5:2), and its members are “servants of God” (2:16). There is more, but this is sufficient to make it clear that Peter is giving us a full and satisfying understanding of who God is and what he is doing. | D. A. Carson & Douglas J. Moo – An Introduction to the New Testament

Peter writes his letter to give confidence in how God is and give direction to what living out this truth looks like. His letter is written to Christians suffering from the hatred of the Jews and the fear of the Romans; being killed for their faith in Jesus. His challenge to them is to SET YOUR HOPE on the promises of God, secured by Jesus, and now manifested through the Spirit. STAND FIRM in this foundation, allowing your life to be a reflection of your hope rather than your fear.

1 Peter 1.1-2 | SET YOUR HOPE — on God’s grace

1 Peter 1.3-5 | SET YOUR HOPE — on future glory

1 Peter 1.6-12 | SET YOUR HOPE — on the assurance of salvation

1 Peter 1.13-16 | SET YOUR HOPE — on the return of Jesus

1 Peter 1.17-21 | SET YOUR HOPE — on God’s justice

1 Peter 1.22-2.3 | STAND FIRM — for holiness

1 Peter 2.4-10 | SET YOUR HOPE — on your identity in Christ

1 Peter 2.11-17 | STAND FIRM — for honor

1 Peter 2.18-25 | SET YOUR HOPE — on the example of Christ

1 Peter 3.7 | STAND FIRM — for marriage No.1

1 Peter 3.1-6 | STAND FIRM — for marriage No.2

1 Peter 3.8-14 | STAND FIRM — for righteousness