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Book introduction

The book of 1 Peter

1 Peter is written to believers scattered across Asia Minor and treated as outsiders. It reminds them of their living hope, calls them to holy lives among neighbors who mistrust them, and points to Christ, who suffered and was raised.

General letters · 5 chapters

Read 1 Peter 1

Who wrote 1 Peter?

The letter names the apostle Peter and says Silvanus helped write it. Many scholars think a follower wrote it in Peter’s name; others accept Peter, with Silvanus explaining the polished Greek.

When was it written?

About AD 62–64 if by Peter, from Rome; later on the other view.

See 1 Peter on the Bible timeline

Main themes

A living hope
Born again to an inheritance that cannot fade.
Strangers and exiles
Believers belong to God, not this age.
Suffering well
Follow Christ’s example when treated unjustly.

Outline of 1 Peter

  1. Chapters 1–2A living hope and a holy people
  2. Chapters 2–4Living well among outsiders
  3. Chapters 4–5Suffering, leaders, and standing firm

Key verses

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his abundant mercy he has brought us to birth again, into a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 1:3

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people God has made his own, so that you may announce the great deeds of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light.

1 Peter 2:9

But in your hearts treat Christ as the holy Lord. Always be ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you to explain the hope that is in you, but do it with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15

Throw every worry you have onto him, because he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:7

Quoted from the Lumin Translation.

Where to start

Read chapter 1, then the whole letter.

Read 1 Peter 1

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