First Peter

The Book of 1 Peter

Brief Summary. Peter wrote his epistle to comfort and strengthen the Christians that were under severe persecution. He speaks about the glory of their inheritance in heaven, which is reserved for those who are suffering for the sake of Christ. He also wrote his epistle to reinforce all of their instruction regarding living the Christian life. Peter exhorts every Christian to abstain from worldly pleasures and serve the living God. He encourages believers to be ready to give a defense of their Christianity, and to display love toward one another. He also encourages them to be strong in their faith and to remove any doubts. He assures them that they were not following "cunningly devised fables" but had received the truths concerning Lord Jesus Christ, to whose glory the apostle Peter himself have been an eyewitness (Matthew 17).

Latin: Petri I

Greek: Petrou a, First (letter) of Peter

Author: Peter One of the Twelve

Date: 63

Place: Rome

Writing to: Christians in Asia Minor

Doctrinal Classification: Eschatology

General Theme: Christian response to suffering in anticipation of Christ's coming.

Important Points: To the Persecuted Church. Peter wrote this letter to encourage its recipients in the light of their suffering and be humble in it. Mentions baptism.

Smith's Bible Dictionary: First Peter

Unger's Bible Dictionary: First Peter

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Summary of the Book of 1 Peter
Bible Books and Resource Links

1 Peter. "The design of this first epistle is, I. To explain more fully the doctrines of Christianity to these newly-converted Jews. II. To direct and persuade them to a holy conversation, in the faithful discharge of all personal and relative duties, whereby they would secure their own peace and effectually confute the slanders and reproaches of their enemies. III. To prepare them for sufferings. This seems to be his principal intention; for he has something to this purport in every chapter, and does, by a great variety of arguments, encourage them to patience and perseverance in the faith, lest the persecutions and sad calamities that were coming upon them should prevail with them to apostatize from Christ and the gospel. It is remarkable that you find not so much as one word savouring of the spirit and pride of a pope in either of these epistles." - Matthew Henry (Read More)

Outline of the Book of 1 Peter (Scriptures and Topics Covered)
Present Trials and Future Blessing - Chapter 1
Christ's Trials- Chapter 2
Trials and Grace - Chapters 3-5

Questions for further study.

Who was the author of the book of First Peter?

What is severe persecution?

What inheritance is reserved in heaven and for whom?

When was the book of First Peter written?

Where was the book of First Peter written?

What are worldly pleasures?

What are cunningly devised fables?

What language was the book of First Peter written in?

Who were eyewitnesses of Christ's glory?

Why did Peter feel the need to write First Peter?

What is the main theme of the book of First Peter?

What was Peter's instruction concerning the Christian life?

1 Peter Resources

Map of New Testament Israel
Map of the Roman Empire
Map of the New Testament World 
Map of Paul's First Missionary Journey
Map of Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Map of New Testament Cities
Map of the 7 Churches of Revelation (Asia Minor)
Map of the Roman Empire In the Time of Jesus
Map of Asia in Roman Times
Map of New Testament Greece