I Peter - A Message of Hope

  • This letter was written by Simon Peter. Peter was the nickname given to Simon by Jesus when they first met. He is the only man in the New Testament by this name.
  • It is directed specifically to Christians scattered in the region of present-day Turkey. Five Roman provinces are mentioned: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
  • Written in “Babylon” (5:13). Some think this refers to a city on the Euphrates River, while others think it was a city in Egypt, but most think it was probably Rome, which is referred to elsewhere in Scripture as Babylon.
  • As we study I Peter, we will see how the three themes of suffering, grace, and glory unite to form an encouraging message for believers experiencing times of trial and persecution.
  • Peter, son of Jonas, left a fishing business with his brother, Andrew, to follow Jesus. They had a home in Capernaum at the time.
  • Regardless of what any religious groups may say, we know that Peter was married because of the reference to his mother-in-law in Mark 1:30.
  • I Peter was written at a time when it was extremely dangerous to declare one’s personal faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Christianity had been outlawed, and Nero was doing all he could to eradicate the “sect” from his empire.
  • Important events in Peter’s life include:
  1. Walking on water (Matthew 14:22-36).
  2. His confession of faith (Matthew 16:13-23).
  3. His boast that he never would forsake Christ, followed by his denial (Matthew 26:31-35).
  4. Repentance (Matthew 26:75; John 21:15-24).
  5. Sermons at the Pentecost and after healing the lame man (Acts 2 and 3).
  6. Deliverance by an angel from imprisonment and execution (Acts 12).
  7. Preaching to the Gentiles (Acts 10).
  8. Testimony for salvation through faith and for Christian liberty at Jerusalem (Acts 15).
  9. Denial of Christian liberty by his actions at Antioch (Galatians 2).

Warren Wiersbe offers this as one way to outline I Peter:

  1. God’s grace and salvation (1:1-2:10).
  2. God’s grace and submission (2:11-3:12).
  3. God’s grace and suffering (3:13-5:11).