Written by Paul J Bucknell on February, 10, 2023

1 Peter, a Brief Overview

Peter’s denial deeply impressed on him that he was inadequately prepared for the testing times ahead–even though he acted at that time that he was! Through his failure, Peter learned how to endure difficulties and oppression and valiantly carry out the task of becoming an essential apostle for the church in Jerusalem. 

Peter uses his Book of 1 Peter to exhort those believers being severely tried in what we now call Turkey. He calls them to fortify their faith and stand firm, fully carry out the tasks God placed before them, and carefully follow the path of Jesus Christ, their Master, even when it calls them to suffer. 

In summary, the Christian learns from studying 1 Peter all that he or she needs to live a vibrant Christ-filled life in a dark and antagonistic world. We can be like Jesus!

Introduction (1 Peter 1:1-2)

To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.

Circumstances could not be much worse–kicked out of their homes, and lost jobs and friends. The Apostle Peter calls these scattered believers aliens to this world but holy (literally set apart, belonging) to God. 

They are to closely obey their risen Lord Jesus Christ and embrace His full measure of grace and peace so that even if people scoff at them or steal their possessions, Christ’s joy can fill their hearts.

Study questions (1 Peter 1:1-2)

• While reading through the Gospel of Mark and Acts 1-12, highlight the things Peter experienced and learned. Note any significance of how it shaped his faith to write this book.
• What places did Peter mention in 1 Peter 1:1? Relate them to a modern map.
• Why do you think he called them aliens? In what sense were they an alien. Are you?
• Who are the three persons Peter refers to in 1:2? From Peter’s words, what is the relevance of each one to a believer? Though the word ‘trinity’ is not used, do you think this was part of Peter’s thinking?
• Throughout this book, Peter seeks ways to infuse God’s ‘grace and peace’ into their lives. How would you convey the meaning of these two words in your own words?

A) A Precious Calling (1 Peter 1:3-2:10)

Peter first focuses on the truth of God's redemptive plan as carried out through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter focuses on doctrine (i.e., the correct interpretation of what happened) because it is the only way their faith can grow strong to withstand the pressures on them. As these truths are deeply believed, their hearts are overjoyed at the glorious inheritance that faith in Christ’s work brings them as His children.

Peter knows they feel confused, unaccepted, forlorn, without the everyday expressions and support that communities provide. He reveals a deeper community to which they belong, one which Christ founded, and affirms this ongoing spiritual community a more fabulous treasure than any loss they might experience because it is richer, cannot be taken away, and lasts throughout eternity. They are “A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s possession!” (1 Peter 2:9).

Key questions on 1 Peter 1:3-2:10

• What do we believe is most important about ourselves?
• Is our faith vital to us? Why or why not?
• Have you ever lost something that made you look for deeper meaning in life?
• Who are you?  You can mention what others might say, but what is most significant about yourself?
• What is the importance of describing how we are spiritually born (1 Peter 1:22-2:3)?
• Do the descriptions of the believers here mean more to you than the typical acceptance among friends, graduated from a particular college, or belonging to some group? Explain.
• Peter derides those who downsize the importance of doctrine by showing the practical significance of truth to the believers’ lives. What teachings are considered out of date or unimportant today? Which truths does Peter emphasize?

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B) A Holy Lifestyle (1 Peter 2:11-3:12)

God’s children must learn to quickly adapt their faith to the pressures in the world among those who do not share such beliefs or values. Peter identifies the true struggle, however, to be more fundamental. As aliens and strangers in this world, we must conform our attitudes and lifestyles to Christ no matter what low or high position we find ourselves in–even when despised or rejected by others.

Much of our battle involves identifying our positions in life and adequately conducting them, whether in marriage, at work, among our neighbors, or fellowshipping with God’s people to the glory of God.

Key questions (1 Peter 2:11-3:12)

• How does Peter describe the believers here (2:11)?
• How do you respond when people reject your values? Do you conform to their ideals or stand firm? Explain.
• Some Christians believe ‘love’ means we ought to live like those around us so as not to offend them. What might Peter say to this?
• What is Peter primarily thinking of when he thinks of the challenges facing the believers (2:12)?
• What is Peter’s hope of what might happen through the believers’ faithful conduct (2:12)?
• Go through this section and list all the commands.
• At the center of this section is Christ’s example (2:21-24). What did Christ do for us? How does Christ’s example help us?

C) A Christlike Heart (1 Peter 3:13-5:11)

The many believers facing oppressive times can gain from Peter’s many instances where his faith brightly shone as he persistently followed Christ’s example. Although God allows these difficult times to come upon His loved ones, it is not extensive, for He saves those who suffer, bringing judgment on the wicked, and carefully upholding them as they meet up with trials and temptations.

Like other saints in the world, they are permitted to face trials, withstand temptations and suffer to better display Christ's glory. The God of all grace perfects, confirms, strengthens, and establishes them for His eternal kingdom.

Key questions on 1 Peter 3:13-5:11

• How would you answer the question formed in 3:13? What is his point?
• What did Jesus do for the unjust (3:18)? How can we apply this to our own lives in terms of how we treat those who mistreat us?
• How does the phrase ‘arm yourselves with the same purpose’ (4:1) clarify the attitude we ought to have during our trials?
• Contrast the world's attitude with the attitude of God’s people (4:2-11).
• What are some unique insights Peter gives us when suffering (4:12-19)?
• What advice does Peter give to leaders in 5:1-4?
• Why is a humble attitude to be more highly commended (5:6-11)? How does this humble heart differ from high self-esteem?

Conclusion (1 Peter 5:12-14)

In our short visit to this hostile world (Babylon) as aliens, we are to muster all our hearts’ faith and devotion to remember our calling to know God, follow Christ, and serve one another without complaint. To stand firm in God’s grace, we must regularly remind ourselves of these astounding truths of God’s work in our lives and consistently live by them.

Key questions

• Where is Silvanus used in the Bible? What do we learn about him?
• What is Peter’s stated purpose for this epistle?
• What is Babylon? Where was it? When did it end? Why did Peter possibly refer to Babylon here?
• How is the ending similar to the beginning of 1 Peter?

General life questions for 1 Peter

• How strong is your faith in God’s Word? How do you know?
• Have you had trials to test and prove your faith? Explain.
• Have you felt estranged from others due to your faith and values? Explain.
• Name one instance in which you have found God’s grace sufficient to withstand a difficult time.
• List particular lessons about Christ’s example that Peter mentions. Share which ones have come to mean a lot to you. Which ones have not yet strongly influenced you?