General Epistles · New Testament
1 Peter
c. AD 62–64
- Section
- General Epistles · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 62–64
- Written
- c. AD 64 critical view: c. AD 70–90
- Author
- Peter the Apostle critical view: Peter or a later disciple
Peter writes to scattered, suffering believers to help them stand firm. He reminds them of their living hope through Christ's resurrection and their identity as a chosen people, and shows how to endure unjust suffering by following Christ's example and entrusting themselves to God.
Key themes
- Living hope
- Suffering for Christ
- Holy living
- A chosen people
- Following Christ's example
The letter's message
- Believers have a living hope and an inheritance kept in heaven through Christ's resurrection
- "Be ye holy; for I am holy" — live as a chosen people and royal priesthood
- Do good and submit within society, marriage, and the household
- Endure unjust suffering by following Christ, who suffered for us
- Elders are to shepherd the flock; cast all your care on God, who cares for you
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”