Overview
First Peter is a letter of hope addressed to Christians scattered across five Roman provinces in what is now modern Turkey. These believers were experiencing social hostility and low-level persecution for their faith, treated as outsiders and strangers in the communities where they lived. Peter writes to strengthen them with a vision of who they are in Christ and what God is doing through their suffering. The letter is full of the Old Testament, woven together with a deep understanding of what the resurrection of Jesus means for those who are walking a hard road.
Authorship and background
The letter names Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, as its author, writing from "Babylon" — almost certainly a symbolic name for Rome. It was probably written around AD 62–64, shortly before the outbreak of Neronian persecution, and Silvanus is mentioned as the one who helped write it. Peter addresses believers as elect exiles, a phrase that holds two realities together: they are chosen by God and they are living as strangers in the world. Both are equally true and equally important.
Christ at the centre
The resurrection of Jesus is the living hope at the centre of the letter. God has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1:3). This is not wishful thinking but a hope that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for those who trust in God. Peter also presents Christ as the suffering servant of Isaiah 53, the one who bore our sins in His body on the tree so that we might live to righteousness. Because Christ suffered unjustly and entrusted Himself to the Father who judges justly, believers facing unjust suffering have a pattern to follow and a Saviour who has walked the road ahead of them.
Key verses
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, WEB) "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession." (1 Peter 2:9, WEB) "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7, WEB)
Main themes
The living hope secured by the resurrection of Christ. The identity of believers as elect exiles and a royal priesthood. Holy living as the response to God's grace rather than the condition for it. The meaning and purpose of suffering for those who follow Christ. Humble dependence on God and care for the community of faith.
For us today
First Peter is essential reading for Christians who feel out of step with the surrounding culture. Peter does not promise that following Jesus will make us comfortable or popular. What he does promise is that we are held by a God who raised Jesus from the dead, that our inheritance is secure and that the same God who calls us to suffer with Christ will also restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us. The call to cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us is one of the most personally tender statements in the New Testament.
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