1 Peter Graphics






Vital statistics


 Purpose: To offer encouragement to suffering Christians 
 Author: Peter
 Original audience: Jewish Christians driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor 
 Date written: Approximately A.D. 62-64, possibly from Rome
 Setting: Peter was probably in Rome when the great persecution under Emperor Nero bean. (Eventually Peter was executed during this persecution.) Throughout the Roman Empire, Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith, and the church in Jerusalem was being scattered.   
 Key verse: "These trials will show that your faith is genuine... So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world" (1:7).
 Key people: Peter, Silas, Mark
 Key palaces: Jerusalem, Rome, and the regions of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia Minor, and Bithynia
 Special features: Peter used several images that were very special to him because Jesus had used them when he had reveled certain truths to Peter. Peter's name (which means "rock") had been given to him by Jesus. Peter's conception of the church- a spiritual house composed of living stones built upon Christ as the foundation - had come from Christ. Jesus had encouraged Peter to care for the church as a shepherd tending the flock. Thus, it is not surprising to see Peter using living stones (2:5-9) and shepherds and sheep (2:25; 5:2, 4) to describe the church. 



Christian Behavior in a Pagan Society


Christians are exhorted to be…
Because…
Good citizens (2:13, 14)
Foolish men will be silenced (2:15)
Obedient servants (2:18)
Christ is our example (2:21)
Submissive wives (3:1)
Some unbelieving husbands will be won by their example (3:1, 2)
Considerate husbands (3:7)
Their prayers will be heard (3:7)
Compassionate brothers and sisters (3:8)
They will inherit a blessing (3:9)
New Geneva study Bible. 1997, c1995 (electronic ed.) (1 P 2.13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.



A Comparison of First and Second Peter


1 Peter
2 Peter
Theme: Hope in the midst of suffering
Theme: The danger of false teaching and practices
Christology: The sufferings of Christ for our salvation and example at His incarnation
Christology: The glory of Christ and the consummation of history at His return
The day of salvation when Christ suffered, died, and rose form the dead
The day of the Lord when Christ returns in judgment
Redemptive title: Christ
Title of dominion: Lord
Be encouraged in your present trials
Be warned of eschatological judgment
We need hope to face our trials
We need full knowledge to face error
Numerous similarities to Paul (especially Ephesians and Colossians)
Almost identical similarities to Jude (compare 2 Peter 2 with Jude 4–18)
New Geneva study Bible. 1997, c1995 (electronic ed.) (1 P 5.13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.



The Blueprint


 
 1. God's great blessings to his people (1:1-2:10)

 2. The conduct of God's people in the midst suffering (2:11-4:19)

 3. The shepherding of God's people in the midst of suffering (5:1-14) 		  Peter wrote to Jewish Christians who were experiencing persecution for their faith. He wrote to comfort them with the hope of eternal life and to challenge them to continue living holy lives. Those who suffer for being Christians become partners with Christ in his suffering. As we suffer, we must remember that Christ is both our hope in the midst of suffering and our example of how to endure suffering faithfully.  





First Peter Overview