CRUSHED, overwhelmed, devastated, torn - these waves of feelings wash over those who suffer, blinding all vision of hope and threatening to destroy them. Suffering has many forms - physical abuse, debilitating disease, social ostracism, persecution. The pain and anguish tempt a person to turn back, to surrender, to give in.
   Many first-century followers of Christ were suffering and being abused and persecuted for believing in and obeying Jesus. Beginning in Jerusalem at the hands of their Jewish brothers, the pattern of persecution spread to the rest of the world - wherever Christians gathered - and climaxed when Rome determined to rid the empire of those who would not bow to Caesar...the "Christ-ones."
   Peter knew persecution firsthand. Beaten and jailed, Peter had been threatened often. He had seen fellow Christians die and the church scattered. But he knew Christ, and nothing could shake his confidence in his risen Lord. In this personal context, Peter wrote to the church scattered and suffering for the faith, giving comfort and hope, and urging continued loyalty to Christ.
   Peter begins by thanking God for salvation (1:2-6). He explains to his readers that trials will refine their faith (1:7-9). They should believe in spite of their circumstances; for many in past ages believed in God's plan of salvation, even the prophets of old who wrote about it but didn't understand it. But now salvation has been revealed in Christ (1:10-13).
   In response to such a great salvation, Peter commands them to live holy lives (1:14-16), to reverently fear and trust God (1:17-21), to be honest and loving (2:1-3), and to become like Christ (2:1-3).
   Jesus Christ, as "a chosen and precious cornerstone" upon whom the church is to be built (2:4, 6), is also the stone that was rejected, causing those who are disobedient to stumble and fall (2:7, 8). But the church, built upon this Stone, is to be God's holy priesthood (2:9, 10).
   Next, Peter explains how believers should live during difficult times (2:11-4:11). Christians should be above reproach (2:12-17), imitating Christ in all their social roles - masters and servants, husbands and wives, church members and neighbors (2:18-3:17). Christ should be our model for obedience to God in the midst of great suffering (3:18-4:11).
   Peter then outlines the right attitude to have about persecution: expect it (4:12), be thankful for the privilege of suffering for Christ (4:13-18), and trust God for deliverance (4:19).
   Next, Peter gives some special instructions - elders should care for God's flock (5:1-4), younger men should be submissive to those who are older (5:5,6), and everyone should trust God and resist Satan (5:7-11).
   Peter concludes by introducing Silas and by giving personal greetings from himself, possibly from the church in Rome, and from Mark (5:12-14).
   When you suffer for doing what is right, remember that following Christ is a costly commitment. When persecuted for your faith, rejoice that you have been counted worthy to suffer for Christ. He suffered for us; as his followers, we should expect nothing less. As you read 1st Peter, remember that trials will come to refine your faith. When they come, remain faithful to God.

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VITAL STATISTICS
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PURPOSE:
To offer encouragement to suffering Christians

AUTHOR:
Peter

TO WHOM WRITTEN:
Jewish Christians driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor and all believers everywhere

DATE WRITTEN:
About A.D. 62-64, possibly from Rome

SETTING:
Peter was probably in Rome when the great persecution under Emperor Nero began. (Eventually Peter was executed during this persecution.) Throughout the Roman empire, Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith, and the church in Jerusalem was being scattered throughout the Mediterranean world.

KEY VERSE:
"These have come so that your faith ... may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed" (1:7).

KEY PEOPLE:
Peter, Silas, Mark

KEY PLACES:
Jerusalem, Rome, and the regions of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia Minor, and Bithynia

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Peter used several images that were very special to him because Jesus had used them when he revealed certain truths to Peter. Peter's name (which means "rock") had been given to him by Jesus. Peter's conception of the church - a spiritual house composed, of living stones built upon Christ as the foundation - came from Christ. Jesus encouraged Peter to care for the church as a shepherd tending the flock. Thus, it is not surprising to see Peter using living stones (2:5-9) and shepherds and sheep (2:25; 5:2, 4) to describe the church.

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THE BLUEPRINT
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1. God's great blessings to his people
     (1:1—2:10)
2. The conduct of God's people in the midst of suffering
     (2:11—4:19)
3. The shepherding of God's people in the midst of suffering
     (5:1-14)

   Peter wrote to Jewish Christians who were experiencing persecution for their faith. He wrote to comfort them with the hope of eternal life and to challenge them to continue living holy lives. Those who suffer for being Christians become partners with Christ in his suffering. As we suffer, we must remember that Christ is both our hope in the midst of suffering and our example of how to endure suffering faithfully.

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MEGATHEMES
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THEME
Salvation

EXPLANATION
Our salvation is a gracious gift from God. God chose us out of his love for us, Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin, and the Holy Spirit cleansed us from sin when we believed. Eternal life is a wonderful privilege for those who trust in Christ.

IMPORTANCE
Our safety and security are in God. If we experience joy in relationship with Christ now, how much greater will our joy be when he returns and we see him face-to-face. Such a hope should motivate us to serve Christ with greater commitment.

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THEME
Persecution

EXPLANATION
Peter offers faithful believers comfort and hope. We should expect ridicule, rejection, and suffering because we are Christians. Persecution makes us stronger because it refines our faith. We can face persecution victoriously as Christ did, if we rely on him.

IMPORTANCE
Christians still suffer for what they believe. We should expect persecution, but we don't have to be terrified by it. The fact that we will live eternally with Christ should give us the confidence, patience, and hope to stand firm even when we are persecuted.

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THEME
God's Family

EXPLANATION
We are privileged to belong to God's family, a community with Christ as the Founder and Foundation. Everyone in this community is related - we are all brothers and sisters, loved equally by God.

IMPORTANCE
Because Christ is the foundation of our family, we must be devoted, loyal, and faithful to him. By obeying him, we show that we are his children. We must accept the challenge to live differently from the society around us.

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THEME
Family Life

EXPLANATION
Peter encouraged the wives of unbelievers to submit to their husbands' authority as a means to winning them to Christ. He urged all family members to treat others with sympathy, love, compassion, and humility.

IMPORTANCE
We must treat our families lovingly. Though it's never easy, willing service is the best way to influence loved ones. To gain the strength we need for self-discipline and submission, we need to pray for God's help.

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THEME
Judgment

EXPLANATION
God will judge everyone with perfect justice. We all will face God. He will punish evildoers and those who persecute God's people. Those who love him will be rewarded with life forever in his presence.

IMPORTANCE
Because all are accountable to God, we can leave judgment of others to him. We must not hate or resent those who persecute us. We should realize that we will be held responsible for how we live each day.

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1. God's great blessings to his people

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Peter's Profile
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1. Whom was Peter writing this letter to, what were they in the world, where had they been scattered, how had they been chosen, and what did Peter want them to have in abundance?

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   The apostle Peter wrote this letter to encourage believers who would likely face trials and persecution under Emperor Nero. During most of the first century, Christians were not hunted down and killed throughout the Roman empire. They could, however, expect social and economic persecution from three main sources: the Romans, the Jews, and their own families. All would very likely be misunderstood; some would be harassed; a few would be tortured and even put to death.
   The legal status of Christians in the Roman empire was unclear. Many Romans still thought of Christians as members of a Jewish sect, and because the Jewish religion was legal, they considered Christianity legal also - as long as Christians complied with the empire's laws. However, if Christians refused to worship the emperor or join the army, or if they were involved in civil disturbances (such as the one in Ephesus recorded in Acts 19:23ff), they might be punished by the civil authorities.
   Many Jews did not appreciate being legally associated with Christians. As the book of Acts frequently records, Jews occasionally harmed Christians physically, drove them out of town, or attempted to turn Roman officials against them. Saul, later the great apostle Paul, was an early Jewish persecutor of Christians.
   Another source of persecution was the Christian's own family. Under Roman law, the head of the household had absolute authority over all its members. Unless the ruling male became a Christian, the wife, children and servants who were believers might well face extreme hardship. If they were sent away, they would have no place to turn but the church; if they were beaten, no court of law would uphold their interests.
   Peter may have been writing especially for new Christians and those planning to be baptized. Peter wanted to warn them about what lay ahead, and they needed his encouraging words to help them face opposition. This letter is still helpful for any Christians facing trials. Many Christians around the world are living under governments more repressive than the Roman empire of the first century. Christians everywhere are subject to misunderstanding, ridicule, and even harassment by unbelieving friends, employers, and family members. None of us is exempt from catastrophe, pain, illness, and death - trials that, like persecution, make us lean heavily on God's grace. For today's readers, as well as for Peter's original audience, the theme of this letter is hope.
   Peter (also called Simon and Cephas) was one of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus (Mark 1:16-18; John 1:42) and, with James and John, was part of the inner group that Jesus singled out for special training and fellowship. Peter was one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, God's Son, and Jesus gave him a special leadership role in the church (Matthew 16:16-19; Luke 22:31, 32; John 21:15-19). Although during Jesus' trial Peter denied knowing Jesus, Peter repented and became a great apostle.
   This letter is addressed to "God's elect, strangers in the world," or to the Jewish Christians scattered throughout the world as a result of persecution against believers in and around Jerusalem. The first believers and leaders of the early church were Jews. When they became Christians, they didn't give up their Jewish heritage, just as you didn't give up your nationality when you became a follower of Christ. Because of persecution, these believers had been scattered throughout the Roman world (this scattering is described in Acts 8:1-4). Persecution didn't stop the spread of the gospel; instead, persecution served as a way to introduce the Good News to the whole empire. Thus the churches to whom Peter wrote also included Gentile Christians.
   Peter encouraged his readers by this strong declaration that they were chosen by God the Father. At one time, only the nation of Israel could claim to be God's chosen people; but through Christ, all believers - Jews and Gentiles - belong to God. Our salvation and security rest in the free and merciful choice of almighty God; no trials or persecutions can take away the eternal life he gives to those who believe in him.
   This verse (1:2) mentions all three members of the Trinity - God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. All members of the Trinity work to bring about our salvation. The Father chose us before we chose him (Ephesians 1:4). Jesus Christ the Son died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:6-10). The Holy Spirit brings us the benefits of salvation and sets us apart (sanctifies us) for God's service (2nd Thessalonians 2:13).

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Praise to God for a Living Hope
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2. Who did Peter praise, what did Peter say God has given us, where did Peter say this was kept for us, how did Peter say we are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time, and although in this we greatly rejoice, what did Peter say we will now do for a little while?

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   The term new birth refers to spiritual birth (regeneration) - the Holy Spirit's act of bringing believers into God's family. Jesus used this concept of new birth when he explained salvation to Nicodemus (see John 3).
   Do you need encouragement? Peter's words offer joy and hope in times of trouble, and he bases his confidence on what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. We're called into a living hope of eternal life (1:3). Our hope is not only for the future; eternal life begins when we trust Christ and join God's family. No matter what pain or trial we face in this life, we know that it is not our final experience. Eventually we will live with Christ forever.
   The Jews had looked forward to an inheritance in the promised land of Canaan (Numbers 32:19; Deuteronomy 2:12; 19:9). Christians now look forward to a family inheritance in the eternal city of God. God has reserved the inheritance; it will never fade or decay; it will be unstained by sin. The best part is that you have an inheritance if you have trusted Christ as your Savior.
   God will help us remain true to our faith through whatever difficult times we must face. The "last time" is the judgment day of Christ described in Romans 14:10 and Revelation 20:11-15. We may have to endure trials, persecution, or violent death, but our souls cannot be harmed if we have accepted Christ's gift of salvation. We know we will receive the promised rewards.
   Why were Christians the target of persecution? (1) They refused to worship the emperor as a god and thus were viewed as atheists and traitors. (2) They refused to worship at pagan temples, so business for these moneymaking enterprises dropped wherever Christianity took hold. (3) They didn't support the Roman ideals of self, power, and conquest; and the Romans scorned the Christian ideal of self-sacrificing service. (4) They exposed and rejected the horrible immorality of pagan culture.
   Peter mentions suffering several times in this letter: 1:6, 7; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; 5:9. When he speaks of trials, he is not talking about natural disasters or the experience of God's punishments, but the response of an unbelieving world to people of faith. All believers face such trials when they let their light shine into the darkness. We must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities and prepares us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience Romans 5:3, 4; James 1:2, 3) and help us grow to be the kind of people God wants.

3. Why did Peter say these trials had come, what did Peter say we do even though we have not seen Jesus, what did Peter say we do though we do not see Jesus even now, and what did Peter say we are receiving?

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   As gold is heated, impurities float to the top and can be skimmed off. Steel is tempered or strengthened by heating it in fire. Likewise, our trials, struggles, and persecutions refine and strengthen our faith, making us useful to God.
   Faith is directed toward Jesus Christ and produces love and joy in Christians. Without seeing Jesus (either because they were second-generation believers or because they were geographically removed), Peter's readers have come to love Jesus because they believe he loved them enough to die for them. Christians do not rejoice with inexpressible joy because of sufferings but because of the glorious expectation of their future with Christ. (NIV Commentary - Zondervan)
   "For you are receiving" gives the reason for the paradoxical joy, while stressing that the anticipated salvation is even now in the process of realization. The "goal" or consummation of faith is "the salvation of your souls." No soul-and-body dichotomy of Greek thought is implied. The "soul" is used in the Semitic biblical sense of "self" or "person." Therefore the thought of this section closes with the believers' total enjoyment in this present age of their future salvation. (NIV Commentary - Zondervan)

4. Why did Peter say the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, search intently and with the greatest care, tried to find out, what did Peter say was revealed to them, and what did Peter say the angels long to do?

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   Although the plan of salvation was a mystery to the Old Testament prophets, they still suffered persecution, and some even died for God. In contrast, some Jewish Christians who read Peter's letter had seen Jesus for themselves and knew why he came. They based their assurance on Jesus' death and resurrection. With their firsthand knowledge and personal experience of Jesus, their faith could be even stronger than that of the Old Testament prophets.
   The Spirit of Christ is another name for the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus left his ministry on earth to return to heaven, he promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, to teach, help, and guide his followers (John 14:15-17, 26; 16:7). The Holy Spirit would tell them all about Jesus and would reveal his glory (John 15:26; 16:14). The Old Testament prophets, writing under the Holy Spirit's inspiration (2nd Peter 1:20, 21), described the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament apostles, through the inspiration of the same Spirit, preached the crucified and risen Lord.

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Be Holy
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5. What did Peter say to prepare our minds for, what did Peter tell us to be, and what did Peter say to set our hope fully on?

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   The imminent return of Christ should motivate us to live for him. This means being mentally alert ("prepare your minds for action"), disciplined ("self-controlled"), and focused ("set your hope fully"). Are you ready to meet Christ?

6. What did Peter say, as obedient children, not to conform to, what did Peter say to be, just as he (God) who called you is, and what did Peter say was written?

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   The God of Israel and of the Christian church is holy - he sets the standard for morality. Unlike the Roman gods, he is not warlike, adulterous, or spiteful. Unlike the gods of the pagan cults popular in the first century, he is not bloodthirsty or promiscuous. He is a God of mercy and justice who cares personally for each of his followers. Our holy God expects us to imitate him by following his high moral standards. Like him, we should be both merciful and just; like him, we should sacrifice ourselves for others.
   After people commit their lives to Christ, they usually still feel a pull back to their old ways. Peter tells us to be like our heavenly Father - holy in everything we do. Holiness means being totally devoted or dedicated to God, set aside for his special use and set apart from sin and its influence. We're to be set apart and different, not blending in with the crowd, yet not being different just for the sake of being different. What makes us different are God's qualities in our lives. Our focus and priorities must be his. All this is in direct contrast to our old ways (1:14). We cannot become holy on our own, but God gives us his Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin. Don't use the excuse that you can't help slipping into sin. Call on God's power to free you from sin's grip.

7. How did Peter tell us to live our lives since we call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, what did Peter say we know, when did Peter say Jesus was chosen, why did Peter say Jesus was revealed in these last times, how did Peter say we believe in God, and whom did Peter say our faith and hope are in?

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   "Reverent fear" is not the fear of a slave for a ruthless master, but the healthy respect of a believer for the all-powerful God. Because God is the Judge of all the earth, we dare not ignore him or treat him casually. We should not assume that our privileged status as God's children gives us freedom to do whatever we want. We should not be spoiled children, but grateful children who love to show respect for our heavenly Father.
   A slave was "redeemed" when someone paid money to buy his or her freedom. God redeemed us from the tyranny of sin, not with money, but with the precious blood of his own Son (Romans 6:6, 7; 1st Corinthians 6:20; Colossians 2:13,14; Hebrews 9:12). We cannot escape from sin on our own; only the life of God's Son can free us.
   Christ's sacrifice for our sins was not an afterthought, not something God decided to do when the world spun out of control. This plan was set in motion by the all-knowing, eternal God long before the world was created. What a comfort it must have been to Jewish believers to know that Christ's coming and his work of salvation were planned by God long before the world began. This assured them that the law was not being scrapped because it didn't work, but that both the law and the coming of Christ were part of God's eternal plan.

8. What did Peter say to do now that we have purified ourselves by obeying the truth so that we have sincere love for our brothers, what did Peter say we have been, what kind of seed did Peter say this was from, and how did Peter say this was done?

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   "Sincere love" involves selfless giving; a self-centered person can't truly love. God's love and forgiveness free you to take your eyes off yourselves and to meet others' needs. By sacrificing his life, Christ showed that he truly loves you. Now you can love others by following his example and giving of yourself sacrificially.
   Peter now expresses the second reason for Christians to love others: "you have ben born again." This phrase stresses the state into which Christians come at conversion. What is the "seed" that gives the new birth?' Though some connect it with baptism and others with the seed of divine life, it is best explained as the life-giving message about Jesus' death and resurrection. That new birth comes through the living and abiding word of God. By the "word," Peter probably means "God's self-revelation," which would include both his spoken and written message. God's word it living because it imparts life (cross-reference Psalm 33:9: Isaiah 55:10-11; Hebrews 4:12). It endures because God who speaks it is the eternal, faithful, powerful One who keeps his promises. (NIV Commentary - Zondervan)

9. What are all men like, what are all their glory like, what dose the the grass do, what does the flowers do, what does the Word of the Lord do, and what did Peter say was preached to us?

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   Quoting Isaiah 40:6-8, Peter reminds believers that everything in this life - possessions, accomplishments, people - will eventually fade away and disappear. Only God's will, word, and work are permanent. We must stop grasping the temporary, and begin focusing our time, money, and energy on the permanent - the word of God and our eternal life in Christ.

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Answers to 1st Peter One
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1. God's elect...strangers...throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia...to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood...grace and peace
2. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade...in heaven...through faith...we may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials
3. So that our faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed...love him...believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy...the goal of our faith, the salvation of our souls
4. The time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow...that they were not serving themselves but us, when they spoke of the things that have now been told us by those who have preached the gospel to us by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven...to look into these things
5. Action...self-controlled...the grace to be given us when Jesus Christ is revealed
6. The evil desires we had when we lived in ignorance...holy in all you do..."Be holy, because I am holy."
7. As strangers here in reverent fear...that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that we were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to us from our forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect...before the creation of the world...for our sake...through him (Jesus) who raised him (Jesus) from the dead and glorified him (Jesus)...God
8. Love one another deeply, from the heart...born again...not of perishable seed, but of imperishable...through the living and enduring word of God
9. Grass...the flowers of the field...withers...fall...stands forever...this Word

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The Life Application Study Bible - Zondervan