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Note: The text used for my commentary is my own paraphrase and must not be considered a “translation” or authorative in any
way. It is, in fact, simply my commentary. A paraphrase is often the only comment necessary
to explain (expound, exposit) a particular passage.
Introductory Notes and Comments
(Adapted from esv.org “Introduction to 1 Peter”, accessed 13 November 2022)
Author, Date, and Recipients
The Emissary Kefa (Peter) wrote this letter (1Pet 1:1). He was once a fisherman but now was a disciple, a “witness of the sufferings of Messiah” (1Pet 5:1). He probably wrote the letter from Rome (see 1Pet 5:13; “Babylon” almost certainly refers to Rome) around 62-63 C.E. during Nero’s reign. The letter is addressed to Messianic Believers scattered in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1Pet 1:1). This is an area north of the Taurus Mountains in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These territories had been impacted by Greco-Roman culture and had been under Roman control from the mid-first century BCE.
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 Messiah’s death and resurrection.
Purpose
Kefa is writing to encourage his readers to endure suffering and persecution (1Pet 1:6-7; 1Pet 2:18-20; 1Pet 3:9; 13-17; 1Pet 4:1-4; 12-19; 1Pet 5:9) by giving themselves entirely to God (1Pet 4:19). 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. Messiah’s death and resurrection are the model for believers. Just as Messiah suffered and then entered into glory, so too His followers will suffer before being exalted.
Key Themes
1. Those who suffer as Messianic Believers will be proven faithful when Messiah returns (1:6-9; 2:18-25; 3:13-22; 4:12-19).
2. The Messianic Community is the new temple, the faithful remnant of Israel, the new people of God (1:1-2; 2:4-10).
3. Messianic Believers should set their hope on their end-time inheritance (1:3-9, 13-16).
4. Messiah died as a substitute for sinners. His death is the basis for their new life (1:17-21; 2:24; 3:13-22).
5. Messiah’s suffering is an example to His disciples (2:21-23).
6. At his resurrection, Messiah triumphed over His enemies (3:18-22).
7. Messianic Believers should live righteously in their homes and in society (2:11-3:7).
8. New life in Messiah is the basis for a life of love and holiness (1:3; 1:13-2:3).
The Setting of 1 Peter (ca. 62-53 CE)
Kefa, probably writing from Rome (called “Babylon” in 5:13), addressed the letter to Believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. These names all referred to Roman provinces in Asia Minor, north of the Taurus Mountains.
Outline courtesy of
Berean Bible.
Used under
license.
Outline
1. A Greeting from Kefa (1:1-2)
2. A Living Hope: A Song of Praise (1:3-12)
3. A Call to Holiness (1:13-21)
4. The Enduring Word (1:22-25)
5. The Living Stone and Chosen People (2:1-12)
6. Submission to Authority (2:13-3:7)
a. Governments and Masters (2:13-20)
b. Messiah’s Example of Suffering (2:21-25)
c. Wives and Husbands (3:1-7)
7. Turning from Evil (3:8-13)
8. Holy Living while Suffering (3:14-4:19)
a. Suffering for Righteousness (3:14-22)
b. Living for God’s Glory (4:1-11)
c. Suffering as Messianics (4:12-19)
9. Instruction to Elders (5:1-4)
10. Cast Your Cares on Him (5:5-9)
11. Benediction and Farewell (5:10-14)
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ANXIOUSLY WATCHING FOR MASHIACH’S RETURN,
SPEEDILY AND IN OUR DAY. MARANA, TA!
