Introduction – NIV Study Bible
a. Author: Peter –with Silas as secretary (see [read] 5:12) literally “through” or “by means of” Silas
-this is important, because 1 Peter is written in good, literary Greek Silas was the intermediate agent in writing. 2 Peter, however, is a rougher Greek (we assume Silas was not available to help Peter at that later time) -also, the letter reflects the history and terminology of the Gospels and Acts, notably, Peter’s speeches. 2 Peter 3:15-16 and Gal. 1:18; 2:1-21 make it clear that Peter was familiar with Paul and his letters, not to mention Silas’s partnerships with Paul, so coincidences in thought and expressing with Paul’s writings are not surprising
b. Date: A.D. 60-65, because Peter shows he is familiar with Paul’s prison letters, and sometime before he was martyred during Nero’s reign, probably around 67/68.
c. Place: “Babylon” (5:13), most likely Rome – John would do the same in Rev. 17:9-10. Other possibilities include Egyptian Babylon, a military outpost; Mesopotamian Babylon (the original), which was then a small town on the Euphrates, or Jerusalem. But Rome makes the most sense we know Peter was there in the latter part of his life, etc.
d. Recipients: “exiles scattered” through Asia Minor (1:1- Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia 5 provinces in the northwest quadrant of Asia Minor, or modern Turkey), Jewish and Gentile Christians (probably more Gentiles than Jews)
Some may have been in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2); some were most likely taught by Paul.
The word “exiles” or strangers was a play on the Jewish Diaspora. This is the first of many references to Jewish or Old Testament imagery that is used throughout.
e. Purpose: to encourage the persecuted church and exhort them in their Christian life there are a series of imperatives from 1:13 to 5:11. Local persecution was affecting some newer believers as a direct result of their faith in Christ (2:2-3)
f. Themes:
• Suffering and glory
• Hope and courage based on the position of believers and Jesus’ resurrection
• True grace of God
• Submission to authority
• Conduct of Christians
Fee & Stuart (How to Read the Bible Book by Book), p. 402: Peter’s primary concern is for truly Christian living in the context of hostility and suffering. The letter moves forward in a kind of
elliptical way, embracing first one and then the other of these concerns, returning to them over and over again along the way. At the same time these concerns are placed within the context of Christ’s suffering and resurrection, his suffering offering a pattern for believers as well as saving them.
Further, they tell us to watch for special vocabulary.
• Suffering (11x)
• Way of life, behavior (6x): 1:15, 18; 2:12; 3:1, 2, 16
• God (39x)
• Christ (22x)
• Spirit/spiritual (8x)
• God’s will (4x)
• Election/calling (10x)
• Save/salvation (6x)
• Hope (5x)
• Words pointing to the future (inheritance, glory, etc.)
• Words referring to them as God’s people/foreigners/strangers-exiles, etc. Therefore, we should live the life of heaven in our sojourn on earth, and by living this way, they will serve as God’s priestly people for the sake of the pagans who are hostile to them so that they may be won over (3:1). Thus his readers are to fulfill their calling where Israel failed to be a blessing to the nations. [whole letter has these ends in mind]
Bible Project – Highlights
Written by Simon, who Jesus named Peter (Greek Petros = Rock). He helped lead the church in Jerusalem and then beyond. This letter is written decades into his mission with the help of Silas/Silvanus.
This was a circular letter, meant to be sent from church to church around Asia Minor, a Gentile territory where Christians faced hostility and harassment.
1. Greeting – 1:1-2 to the chosen yet exiled; uses Old Testament phrases about Abraham and Israel— through Jesus, they now belong to this family [Lori: note the triune God here]
2. Song of praise – 1:3-12 talks about new hope and new identity and new family, and hardships deepen faith (these themes will repeat and be expanded throughout the letter)
3. New family identity – 1:13-2:10 requirement of holiness; Old Testament images applied to Gentile Christians – a spiritual house, a chosen people, aliens and strangers. In a way, it’s a new exodus, a new temple, and a new kingdom of priests.
4. Suffering as a way to bear witness for Jesus – 2:11-4:11
• He exhorts them to submit to Roman rule, though their suffering is unjust, because their persecution can bring clarity to their mission
• The patriarch of each family would expect slaves and wives (and children) to worship his gods. While Christian slaves and wives had been liberated, they were to show love to their enemies (or unbelieving husbands/masters)
• If the husband/head of household is Christian, he is to be different than his Roman neighbors, showing all in his house honor and respect and thus bearing witness
• Baptism is a sacred symbol showing they want to be joined to Jesus
• Use gifts to serve others, sharing God’s grace in love
5. Suffering and future hope – 4:12-5:9
• Jesus suffered and was vindicated; they too will receive future vindication
• Rejoice when persecuted have Jesus’ promise
• Church leaders should demonstrate servant leadership
• Real enemy are the dark forces – resist evil with firm faithfulness
Final prayer and greetings from “Babylon” – archetype for corrupt rulers
Summing up:
• God’s people are a misunderstood minority and should expect hostility while living under the rule of a different king
• Persecution offers a chance to show others the generous love of Jesus, fueled by the hope of his return
10 Present Imperatives (from exegesiscoach.com)
Sharper command and less courteous, forbids (or commands) the continuance of an action –Keep on doing or Stop doing…
3 of these in 2:17 – keep on loving (the brotherhood of believers) - Keep on fearing (God)
- Keep on honoring (the king/emperor)
3:3 – tricky one, verb is “to be” and does not have a choice between aorist and imperfect – but could say “your beauty should stop being from extreme hairdos and expensive jewelry” (vs. 4 has the “instead” it should be unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit from your inner self –Greek: “the hidden of the heart self” incorruptible of the humble and quiet spirit)
4:12 – stop being surprised
4:13 – keep on rejoicing
4:15 – stop suffering as a murderer, thief, or criminal or mischief maker/evildoer 2 in 4:16 – stop being ashamed/ considering it a disgrace to suffer as a Christian
- Keep on glorifying/praising God (that you bear that name)
4:19 – keep committing themselves/entrusting your souls to a faithful/trustworthy Creator
25 aorist imperatives – give the sense of beginning an action that has not yet started, also more polite and respectful. Still a command, but like a child saying “pass me the bread, please” although perhaps a little more urgent. Here are just a few of many examples:
1:13 – set your hope fully /fix your hope purposefully (also prepare and be self-controlled in this vs)
1:14 – do not conform
1:15 – be holy
1:17 – conduct yourselves/live your lives (as strangers here in reverent fear)
1:22 – love one another (earnestly/deeply)
2:2 – crave (pure spiritual milk)
2:13 – submit (yourselves)
2:17 – show (respect) [other 3 this vs - see above - are present imperatives]
3:10 – let him stop/keep (his tongue from speaking evil)
3:15 – set apart/reverence (Christ)
5:8 – Be self-controlled and alert (or Be sober! Watch!)
5:9 – resist (him! enemy the devil, see 5:8)