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, from Rome (in modern-day Italy)
- Author
- Peter the Apostle
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.
Historical setting: Written to believers scattered as "exiles" across Roman Asia Minor on the eve of Nero's persecution; the Second Temple still standing.
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
Key lessons
- Christ’s resurrection gives believers a living hope and an inheritance that suffering cannot touch, kept secure in heaven. 1 Pet 1:3–4
- Suffering for doing right is not a sign of God’s absence; following Christ, who suffered unjustly for us, gives it meaning and purpose. 1 Pet 2:20–21
- Believers live as “strangers and pilgrims” here, called to such honest, good lives that even their critics are won to glorify God. 1 Pet 2:11–12
- Humility and trust go together; “cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you” is the antidote to anxiety under pressure. 1 Pet 5:6–7
“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:”
Critical scholarship view
Where mainstream critical scholarship dates or attributes this book differently from the traditional view above.
- Written
- c. AD 70–90
- Author
- Peter or a later disciple