I Peter

Author: the apostle Peter
Place of writing: presumably, Rome
Time of writing: 63 or 64 A.D.

Peter’s first letter, addressed to believers scattered throughout the region of Asia Minor (in present-day Turkey), was likely written during the time of Nero’s persecution of the Church. This would explain why these believers have been scattered abroad, and it would also account for the strong emphasis on suffering and persecution throughout the letter. Although Peter sends his greetings from “Babylon” (5:13), there is a very early tradition that he was writing from Rome, and using the name Babylon symbolically, as the apostle John did in Revelation 17. Peter also tells us that he is writing “through Silas” (5:12), which may explain why this letter is written in much more polished Greek than his second letter.

Throughout the letter, the two most dominant themes are the role of persecution and suffering in the lives of believers, and the need for personal holiness. In the face of severe persecution, many believers were tempted to forsake Jesus; but Peter encourages them to persevere by reminding them of their eternal reward in the heavens, and he exhorts them to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who also suffered unjustly. He reminds them that they belong to God; and therefore, they need to be holy even as he is holy.

Peter begins his letter with a reminder of the eternal inheritance that is waiting for the believers, whom Jesus purchased with his own blood; then, on that basis, he exhorts the believers to continue hoping in the return of Jesus Christ, living holy lives, and being patient in all of their sufferings. He reminds them that they now belong to God, and encourages them to follow the example of Jesus. He also gives them many practical instructions about the relationship between husbands and wives, teaching on the responsibilities of believers to the government, and exhortations to elders and other believers in the Church. Finally, he reminds them once again of God’s grace and ability to preserve them to the end.

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