Chapters

Introduction to 1 Peter


ESV 

Author - The Apostle Peter

Audience - To Christians scattered in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,” an area north of the Taurus Mountains in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)

Setting  

  • around A.D. 62–63 during Nero’s reign

  • probably written from Rome

Theme - Those who persevere in faith while suffering persecution should be full of hope. They will certainly enjoy end-time salvation, since they already enjoy God’s saving promises through Christ’s death and resurrection.


Gospel Coalition

  • The reference to Babylon in 1 Peter 5:13 is almost certainly a reference to Rome, leading one to conclude that Peter wrote the letter from Rome. He probably wrote before the Neronian persecution in Rome, and thus the date of composition is likely A.D. 62–63.

  • Peter encourages his readers to endure suffering and persecution by giving themselves entirely to God. They are to remain faithful in times of distress, knowing that God will vindicate them and that they will certainly enjoy the salvation that the Lord has promised.

  • Most scholars are convinced that the recipients of 1 Peter were primarily Gentiles. The reference to their “former ignorance” (1 Pet. 1:14) and “the futile ways inherited from your forefathers” (1 Pet. 1:18) suggests a pagan past that would not fit with Jewish readers.


Thomas Constable

  • Peter died in the 60s and spent the last decade of his life in Rome according to reliable tradition. The exact date of Peter’s martyrdom is a matter of debate among scholars.

  • Theologically this epistle is eschatological (dealing with the end times). Along with its eschatological focus there is much emphasis on holiness (personal, social, and communal), hope, salvation, community, relationship to the world, the Trinity, and especially suffering.

  • 1 Peter reflects persecution of the Christians throughout northern Asia Minor. This condition prevailed after Nero blamed the Christians for burning Rome in July of A.D. 64. While persecution seems to have been widespread, it may not have been official yet.

  • Probably no other letter in the New Testament is said to rely so much on traditional material as is 1 Peter. . . . Scholars estimate that no other book in the New Testament, with the exception of Hebrews and Revelation, depends so heavily on the Old Testament.      - Carson and Moo