Key Themes in 1 Peter

Outline

1:1-2              Address and greetings

1:3–2:10         The greatness of salvation

2:11–3:12       The Christian code of conduct

3:13–4:11       Maintaining a Christian witness to the world

4:12-19          Suffering in the Christian life

5:1-11            Concluding exhortations

5:12-14          Final greetings

Background and setting

Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia are the provinces or areas where the Christians lived to whom the letter is addressed. If the terms are used to name Roman provinces, the area covers the whole of Asia Minor north of the Taurus mountain chain that skirts the southern coast. Most of modern Turkey would be included. While we do not know just what ‘people groups’ or strata of society were included among the Christians of Asia Minor, we are struck by the unity that the gospel produces. Diverse as the backgrounds of these people were, they had become the new people of God, the fellowship, the chosen people scattered in the world (1:1; 2:9-10, 17; 5:9). Peter thinks of the churches to which he writes as predominantly Gentile.

The address of the letter claims the apostle Peter as the author, a claim that should not be discounted. The authentication of the letter in other writings is early and strong. The earliest is the reference in 2Pe 3:1. Clement of Rome (before the end of the first century) quotes from the letter, although he does not identify his quotation. Quotations continue to appear in other early Christian writers. The best account of the form of 1 Peter remains the summary at the end of the letter (5:12): the letter is full of encouragement and witness common to the apostolic teaching.

The Babylon from which Peter sends his greetings (5:13) can scarcely have been the desolate and ruined city in Mesopotamia. Rome is called ‘Babylon’ in the book of Revelation (16:19; 17:5; 18:2) and it is understandable that Peter would use the name in a symbolic way. He thinks of the Christian church as the people of God in exile and dispersion (1:1, 17; 2:9-11). Babylon was the great city of world empire for the Old Testament prophets; it was also the city of exile, where Israel lived as resident foreigners. Peter’s use of the name ‘Babylon’ reminds his hearers that he, too, shares their status as a ‘displaced person’. The Early Church Fathers understood that both Peter and Paul had been martyred in Rome. According to tradition, Peter was at Rome only at the end of his life. ad 63 as a date of writing, after Paul’s departure and before Nero’s persecution, has a high degree of probability.

Themes and relevance

Facing impending assaults on the gospel, Peter witnesses to the grace of God, the overwhelming reality of what God has done in Jesus Christ (1:3-4). The apostle knows that Jesus rose from the dead; he saw him ascend to heaven. He knows, too, why Jesus died and what his death accomplished (2:24). The reality of what Christ has done makes sure the hope of the Christian community. Christians can not only endure suffering for Christ’s sake; they can rejoice, for in their agony they are joined to Jesus who suffered for them (2:20-24). Their very sufferings become a sign of hope, for, as Christ suffered and entered into his glory, so will they. The Spirit of glory and of God rests on them (4:14). Whether their neighbours attack or respect them, they can bear witness to the grace of God by their Christian lifestyle (2:11-12). Quietly and humbly they can live holy lives, not seeking to claim their own rights, but honouring others (2:16-17).

The gift of God’s love, the blood of Jesus Christ, has redeemed Christians from the corrupt and empty lifestyle of their pagan past; that grace now unites them in fervent love for one another (4:1-2, 8). They serve and help one another, using the rich spiritual gifts with which God’s grace equips them (4:10). Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the flock of God, watches over his people. The victory of Jesus Christ over all the powers of darkness frees his people from the power of Satan. They can repulse the roaring lion; in the fires of trial their faith will not be destroyed but purified like gold in
the furnace (5:8-10). They may cast all their cares on God, knowing that he cares for them.

The grace that already fills Christians with joy will be brought to them fully at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1:5). The Lord, whom they love but have not seen, they will see and adore. Knowing well the doom and darkness from which they were delivered, the new people of God sing forth his praises. Their hallelujahs ring from their assemblies, their homes, even from the prison cells where their fear of God has set them free from the fear of others (3:14-16). Their witness is a witness of praise. Nourished by the unfailing word of God, they taste already the goodness of their Saviour. The true grace of God has called them to his glory: everything, even their sufferings, will serve his purpose who redeemed them at such a price (5:10-11).

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