1 Peter: A Living Hope

1 Peter in Brief

Peter wrote to believers who were far from home, misunderstood by their neighbors, and getting ready for harder days. He had learned about failure and restoration himself, and his letter is full of hope.

• Author. Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:1), the fisherman who denied the Lord and was restored (John 21:15–17). Silvanus helped deliver the letter (1 Peter 5:12), and Mark was with Peter when he wrote (1 Peter 5:13).
• Date. About AD 62 to 64, before the worst of Nero's persecution. Early tradition says Peter died in Rome under Nero.
• Written To. strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1): believers in the provinces of what is now Turkey, probably mostly Gentiles (1 Peter 1:14; 1 Peter 4:3).
• Setting. Peter writes from Babylon (1 Peter 5:13). Most Bible teachers understand this as Rome, and some take it as the literal city. Believers were being insulted and slandered, and a fiery trial was coming (1 Peter 4:12).
• Key Verse. hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).
• Key Word or Theme. Suffering and glory. Hope in the risen Christ carries believers through trials.