"Date and Setting" (Written from Rome in about A.D. 64)
According to the unanimous testimony of the early church, Peter ministered in Rome until his martyrdom. Peter wrote this letter from Rome, around A.D. 64, just before the intense persecution of the church under Nero. Rome was the capital city of the vast and mighty Roman Empire, which stretched from Britain to Arabia. With a population of approximately one million, Rome was the diplomatic and trade center of the world and the largest city.
At first, Christianity was tolerated in Rome as a sect of Judaism. But in the last few years of Emperor Nero’s reign (he ruled from A.D. 54 until his death in 68), he authorized capturing, torturing, and killing Christians. In A.D. 64, a large part of Rome was destroyed by fire, probably started at Nero’s order. The emperor publicly accused the Christians in the city, giving him an excuse for terrible atrocities, including throwing believers to wild dogs in the Colosseum, as a spectator sport. During these terrible persecutions, believers were forced to choose between the emperor and Christ; those who chose Christ often died for their faith. Both Paul and Peter are believed to have been victims of Nero’s reign of terror.
"Audience" (Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor)
The opening sentence of 1 Peter identifies the audience as “God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners” in other lands. This phrase and the numerous Old Testament quotes have led many to believe that Peter was writing to Jewish Christians. This probably is not the case, however. Most likely, Peter was writing to Christians of all nationalities.
"Occasion and Purpose" (To offer encouragement and hope to Christians scattered throughout northern Asia Minor)
Peter had suffered much for preaching the gospel of Christ (see Acts 5:17-42; 8:1; 12:1-19)—he was no stranger to persecution. Nor were the Jewish believers who had been ostracized by their unbelieving families and hounded by the Council. But this was a new experience for the Gentile Christians. Christianity was beginning to be considered a separate religion and not simply a Jewish sect. Thus Christians were no longer protected and were being persecuted by the state. This letter implies that these persecutions were just beginning on the local level. As a small minority, believers certainly must have felt like “foreigners” (1:1). Writing from Rome, Peter could see the change in Nero. Surely he could sense the growing threat and would know that more severe persecutions by the state would follow shortly. Peter wrote to encourage and comfort his beloved brothers and sisters and to prepare them for the persecution that was sure to come.
Peter’s letter overflows with feelings of triumph in adversity, looking forward to God’s glorious future. Even as they were suffering, believers could have the confident assurance of God’s work in their lives and of their ultimate salvation.
Peter provides a powerful example of an encourager. He was not writing from a secure location, removed from the hardships of Roman life. Peter lived at the center of the persecution; yet, as he had for decades, he continued to preach courageously about his risen Lord until he, too, became a victim of Nero’s murderous schemes. Despite personal hardships, Peter, like Paul, wrote to encourage others, to build them up in their faith, and to give them direction and guidance. In your struggles, do you look inward or outward? Do you tend to feel sorry for yourself or to encourage others?
"Message"
Peter begins by thanking God for salvation (1:2-6). He explains to his readers that trials will refine their faith (1:7-9). They should believe in spite of their circumstances; for many in past ages believed in God’s plan of salvation, even the prophets of old who wrote about it but didn’t understand it. But now salvation has been revealed in Christ (1:10-13). In response to such a great salvation, Peter commands them to live holy lives (1:14-16), to reverently fear and trust God (1:17-21), to be honest and loving (2:1-3), and to become like Christ (2:1-3).
Jesus Christ, as “the living cornerstone” upon whom the church is to be built (2:4, 6), is also the stone that was rejected, causing those who are disobedient to stumble and fall (2:7-8). But the church, built upon this stone, is to be God’s holy priesthood (2:9-10).
Next, Peter explains how believers should live during difficult times (2:11–4:11). Christians should be above reproach (2:12-17), imitating Christ in all their social roles–masters and servants, husbands and wives, church members and neighbors (2:18–3:17). Christ should be our model for obedience to God in the midst of great suffering (3:18–4:11). Peter then outlines the right attitude to have about persecution: Expect it (4:12), be thankful for the privilege of suffering for Christ (4:13-18), and trust God for deliverance (4:19). Next, Peter gives some special instructions: Elders should care for God’s flock (5:1-4), younger men should be submissive to those who are older (5:5-6), and everyone should trust God and resist Satan (5:7-11). Peter concludes by introducing Silas and by sending personal greetings, possibly from the church in Rome, and from Mark (5:12-14).
The main themes in the book of 1 Peter include:
1) Salvation
2) Persecution
3) Christian Living
4) God’s Family
5) Family Life
6) Judgment.
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