Persecution is on the rise, and fear along with it. How should the followers of Christ respond to a hostile environment? In his first letter, the Apostle Peter provides us a message of hope. He also gives us practical advice on how to face suffering and persecution. There is no reason to fear. We are God’s chosen people. As long as we stand firm in our faith and follow Jesus’ example of humble service, we will share in Christ’s glory even though we suffer.
- Introduction (1 Peter 1:1) - “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ…” With these words Peter begins his first letter to the followers of Jesus. In these few words, the author identifies who he is and his authority to write what he is going to say. Who was Peter? Peter’s birth name was Simon. He was one of the very first … Continue reading
- God’s Elect (1 Peter 1:1-2) - The Apostle Peter addresses his first letter: “to the chosen ones [NIV, “elect”] who are living as foreigners in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood…” Though this … Continue reading
- Reasons to Praise (1 Peter 1:3-5) - Peter addresses his first letter “…to the chosen ones… that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood…” What does Peter mean when he tells his readers that they are chosen for sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ? The answer lies in understanding the purpose for Jesus’ death. Hebrews 9:19-23 explains: … Continue reading
- Rejoicing in Suffering (1 Peter 1:3-9) - Is it possible to rejoice while going through grief and suffering? For those who follow Jesus Christ it is not only possible, but something they should do! In verses 3-5 of his first letter, the Apostle Peter has told those to whom he is writing why this is so. The one who follows Christ can … Continue reading
- Reward and the Basis of Faith (1 Peter 1:6-9) - In chapter one, verses 6-9 of his first letter, the Apostle Peter writes: “Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by … Continue reading
- Revelation of God’s Plan (1 Peter 1:10-12) - In the first nine verses of his first letter, the Apostle Peter encourages his readers by reminding them of the many blessings that they have because of their faith in Jesus Christ. The greatest of these blessings is that they are receiving the salvation of their souls. In verses ten through twelve, Peter writes: “Concerning … Continue reading
- The Value of God’s Gifts (1 Peter 1:10-12) - When things are going well for us and there are no great difficulties in our lives, we human beings tend to take our blessings for granted. But when we are suffering, especially when the suffering has come upon us as a result of our faith, then we sometimes ask ourselves whether it is worth the … Continue reading
- Christian Obligation (1 Peter 1:13-16) - In the beginning of his first letter, Peter has encouraged his readers by telling them of the many blessings they have because of their faith in Christ Jesus. He has also reminded them of the great value of salvation. But God’s wonderful blessings also place some obligations on those who receive them. As Jesus said, … Continue reading
- Reverent Fear, Lamb Without Defect (1 Peter 1:17-19) - In the opening of his first letter, the Apostle Peter has reminded the followers of Jesus Christ of the great blessings they have received because of their faith. These blessings are so great that a Christian can rejoice even though he is suffering as a result of his faith. But while the blessings result from … Continue reading
- Last Days (1 Peter 1:20-21) - What is it that makes life worth living? According to the Apostle Peter it is Jesus’ sacrifice of His own life which has redeemed us from the useless way of life handed down to us by our forefathers. In chapter 1 of his first letter, verses 20 through 21 Peter writes about Jesus, “who was … Continue reading
- Truth and Love (1 Peter 1:22) - In the first part of his first letter Peter writes about the relationship between God and the followers of Christ. God has redeemed the Christian from sin by the priceless sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In return the Christian has a responsibility to do nothing that would dishonor that great sacrifice. But the sacrifice of Jesus … Continue reading
- Seed (1 Peter 1:23-2:3) - In chapter 1, verse 22 of his first letter the Apostle Peter has instructed the followers of Jesus to love one another with the kind of love that God has. How is this possible? How can people who by nature hate and bear malice love like God? In verse 23 through the third verse of … Continue reading
- Living Temple (1 Peter 2:4-6) - The Bible records many names given to Jesus. These names are either titles of honor or are given to Him to describe some aspect of His personality or His position. In chapter one of his first letter, the Apostle Peter has referred to Jesus as the Christ, as Lord, and as a lamb. In chapter … Continue reading
- The Cornerstone and a People Belonging to God (1 Peter 2:7-10) - In chapter 2 of his first letter Peter has described the followers of Jesus as living stones which are being built into a spiritual temple, that is the church. Jesus himself is the chief cornerstone upon which this temple is built. Peter continues his discussion of the cornerstone in verses 7 through 8. He writes, … Continue reading
- Principles Governing Christian Behavior (1 Peter 2:11-12) - The Apostle Peter writes his first inspired letter to people who have had to suffer as a result of following Jesus Christ. From the beginning of his letter through chapter 2, verse 10 Peter has encouraged and reassured his readers that the salvation they have received as a result of their faith in Jesus is … Continue reading
- Relationship to Government (1 Peter 2:13-17) - In chapter 2, verses 11 and 12 of his first letter the Apostle Peter gives two principles that should govern Christian behavior. These principles are to abstain from sinful desires, and to live good lives. But it is one thing to give principles and quite another to put them into practice. How do these principles … Continue reading
- Servants and Harsh Masters (1 Peter 2:18-20) - Our religion should be more than just giving lip-service to a set of beliefs. Our actions in the course of everyday life should be proof of the things we say we believe. In view of this, how should a Christian servant act towards his employer? The Apostle Peter answers this question when he writes, “Servants, … Continue reading
- Wives (1 Peter 3:1-6) - It is very easy for us humans to find fault and to criticize someone else’s family. It is harder for us to take an honest look at our own. The fact is that all of us who follow Jesus need to make sure that we are treating our families in a way that pleases God. … Continue reading
- Husbands (1 Peter 3:7) - If a person merely says he believes something but that faith does not govern his actions, then his words are meaningless. When the standards of society are in harmony with ideals of our religion, then it is easy for us to act consistently with what we say we believe. But the real test of faith … Continue reading
- Relationship with Fellow Believers (1 Peter 3:8-12) - As people we often have trouble getting along with one another. We think differently. We have different likes and dislikes. We have different temperaments. And so, whenever we come into contact with other people there is the potential for trouble and conflict. The followers of Christ face the same problems and temptations as everyone else … Continue reading
- Sanctify Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3:13-16) - Peter writes his first inspired letter to followers of Christ who are suffering persecution. In the face of suffering or persecution it is always a good idea to try to understand why it is occurring. Peter addresses this question in chapter 3, verse 13 where he writes, “Now who is he who will harm you, … Continue reading
- The Purpose of Suffering and the Process of Salvation (1 Peter 3:17-22) - Why do we suffer? The Apostle Peter gives at least three reasons. The first is that suffering may be a result of our own wrongdoing. In chapter 3, verse 17 of his first letter Peter writes, “For it is better, if it is God’s will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.” … Continue reading
- Done With Sin (1 Peter 4:1-6) - It is a fact of life that people suffer. The question is, Why? In chapter 3 of his first inspired letter, the Apostle Peter reminds the followers of Christ that suffering may result from their own wrong actions. But suffering may also have meaning and purpose. Peter gives the example of Jesus to illustrate that … Continue reading
- Behavior in the Face of Persecution (1 Peter 4:7-11) - How should we act when threatened with hardship or persecution? When trouble comes some people think only of themselves. Others try to escape it with alcohol or some other intoxicating substance. But the Apostle Peter says that the followers of Christ should respond to trouble by rendering loving service. In chapter 4 of his first … Continue reading
- Suffering for Christ (1 Peter 4:12-19) - Jesus plainly told His disciples that they would be persecuted. He said, “Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sake.” (Matthew 24:9) In view of this clear warning, what should the attitude of the followers of Christ be … Continue reading
- An Appeal to Elders (1 Peter 5:1-4) - Good leadership will often make the difference whether a group will survive or not during times of crisis. The followers of Christ to whom the Apostle Peter was writing in his first inspired letter were facing persecution. After encouraging the people and giving instructions about how they should conduct themselves in these circumstances, Peter specifically … Continue reading
- Humility and Facing the Enemy (1 Peter 5:5-11) - Vigor and enthusiasm are some of the outstanding characteristics of youth. But these positive qualities can also be their downfall. In their enthusiasm the young are often tempted to dismiss the wisdom of those who are older and to defy the authority of those who are over them. Perhaps it is for this reason that … Continue reading
- An Inspired Letter (1 Peter 5:12-14) - The Apostle Peter closes his first inspired letter with the following words, “Through Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand [NIV “Stand fast in it”]. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with … Continue reading