First Peter Introduction - A Study Guide by Mark A. Copeland

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                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"

                              Introduction

AUTHOR

The apostle Peter, as stated in the salutation (1:1).  Internal evidence
supports Peter as the author, for it was written by one who was "a
witness of the sufferings of Christ" (5:1).  Early sources in church
history that attribute this letter to Peter include Irenaeus (185 A.D.),
Clement of Alexandria (200 A.D.), Tertullian (200 A.D.), and Eusebius
(300 A.D.).  Peter was assisted by Silvanus, also known as Silas (5:12),
a well-known prophet and missionary in the early church (cf. Ac 15:
32-34,40; 16:19-25; 17:14) who also joined with Paul in writing some of
his epistles (cf. 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1).

RECIPIENTS

Peter refers to the recipients of his letter as "pilgrims of the
Dispersion" (1:1).  The term "Dispersion" is found in Jn 7:35 and was
used to describe Israelites who had been "scattered" following the
Assyrian and Babylonian captivities (ca. 700-500 B.C.).  This leads many
to suppose that the epistle was written to Jewish Christians, as was the
case of James' epistle (cf. Jm 1:1).  However, there is indication some
of his readers were Gentile converts who had come to believe in God
through Jesus (cf. 1:21), and that Peter applies the term "dispersion"
to Christians in general, just as he applied other designations to the
church that were formerly applied to the nation of Israel (cf. 2:9-10).

Peter's initial audience were Christian "pilgrims" (cf. 2:11) who were
living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, provinces in
what is now Turkey.  Paul had traveled extensively in some of these
areas (Bithynia a notable exception, cf. Ac 16:7), so the gospel had
been given much opportunity to spread throughout the region.

TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING

It is generally accepted that Peter died during the reign of Nero.
Since Nero committed suicide in 68 A.D., the epistle must be dated
before then.  A common view is the epistle was written on the eve of the
Neronian persecution (perhaps alluded to in 4:12-19), placing its
composition around 63-64 A.D.

Peter indicates he wrote from "Babylon" (5:13).  It is questionable
whether he refers to literal Babylon, or is using the name as a code
word for Rome or perhaps even Jerusalem.  Barnes, Lightfoot, and JFB
(Jaimeson, Faussett, Brown) argue that literal Babylon is meant. Others
(such as Kistemaker) point out that Mark (cf. 5:13) had been in Rome
with Paul during his first (Col 4:10) and second (2Ti 4:11)
imprisonment, and that Peter is linked to Rome by such writers as Papias
(125 A.D.) and Irenaeus (185 A.D.).  While possibly Rome (or even
Jerusalem), I am content to say the epistle was written from Babylon
(letting others debate whether it was literal Babylon or not).

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE

It is apparent from the epistle that Christians in Asia Minor had
experienced persecution (1:6), and more suffering was on the way
(4:12-19).  Throughout the epistle Peter encourages them to remain
steadfast (1:13; 4:16; 5:8,9).  He reminds them of their blessings and
duties that are incumbent upon them as God's "elect" (1:2), "His own
special people" (2:9).  Therefore, Peter writes:

   * To encourage steadfastness in the face of persecution (5:10)

   * To remind them of their special privilege as God's "holy nation"
     (2:9)

   * To instruct them as to their proper conduct (2:11-12)

THEME OF THE EPISTLE

The epistle is filled with practical admonitions concerning their
conduct, especially as sojourners in a hostile land.  They are told how
to behave in the midst of those who speak evil of them, who abuse them,
who do not believe their message, simply because they are Christians.
An appropriate theme for this epistle might therefore be:

                  "CONDUCT BECOMING THE PEOPLE OF GOD"

KEY VERSES:  1 Peter 2:11-12

   "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly
   lusts which war against the soul,  having your conduct honorable
   among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers,
   they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the
   day of visitation."

OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)
   1. From Peter, an apostle of Christ (1:1a)
   2. To pilgrims of the Dispersion, God's elect (1:1b-2)

I. OUR SALVATION IN CHRIST (1:3-12)

   A. BORN AGAIN TO A LIVING HOPE (1:3-5)

   B. PRODUCING JOY IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING (1:6-9)

   C. SERVED BY PROPHETS AND APOSTLES (1:10-12)

II. OUR DUTIES IN CHRIST (1:13-5:11)

   A. IN VIEW OF OUR PRIVILEGES (1:13-2:10)
      1. A call to holiness (1:13-21)
      2. A call to brotherly love (1:22-25)
      3. A call to spiritual growth (2:1-10)

   B. IN VIEW OF OUR POSITION (2:11-4:11)
      1. As sojourners (2:11-12)
      2. As citizens (2:13-17)
      3. As servants (2:18-25)
      4. As wives and husbands (3:1-7)
      5. As brethren (3:8-12)
      6. As sufferers for righteousness' sake (3:13-4:6)
      7. As those awaiting the coming of Christ (4:7-11)

   C. IN VIEW OF OUR PERSECUTION (4:12-5:11)
      1. To rejoice and glorify God (4:12-17)
      2. To trust in the will of God (4:18-19)
      3. To fulfill our special roles (5:1-5)
         a. The elders' duties as shepherds
         b. The youngers' duties as the flock
      4. To humble ourselves before God (5:6-7)
      5. To resist the devil (5:8-9)

CONCLUSION (5:10-14)
   1. A prayer for God's blessing (5:10-11)
   2. Final greetings and bestowal of peace (5:12-14)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION

1) To whom was this first epistle of Peter written?  (1:1)
   - To pilgrims of the Dispersion
   - Living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia

2) What internal evidence suggests these "pilgrims" may have included
   Gentile Christians? (1:21)
   - They had come to believe in God through Jesus

3) What country today makes up the region where these Christians lived?
   - Turkey

4) Who assisted Peter in this epistle?  What other name is this person
   called? (5:12)
   - Silvanus; Silas

5) When was this epistle possibly written?
   - 63-64 A.D.

6) Where was Peter when he wrote this epistle? (5:13)
   - Babylon

7) What other places might this city symbolize?
   - Rome, or possibly Jerusalem

8) What threefold purpose did Peter have in writing this epistle?
   - To encourage steadfastness in the face of persecution (5:10)
   - To remind them of their special privilege as God's "holy nation"
     (2:9)
   - To instruct them as to their proper conduct (2:11-12)

9) What is suggested as the theme of this epistle?
   - Conduct becoming the people of God

10) What is suggested as the key verses in this epistle?
   - 1Pe 2:11-12

11) According to the outline offered above, what are two main
    divisions of this epistle?
   - Our salvation in Christ
   - Our duties in Christ
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