INTRODUCTION

Peter, one of the twelve disciples of Christ writes this letter to Gentiles Christians who are suffering due to persecution in Asia Minor.

He starts by encouraging them as a new family identity (1:13-2:10) after his greeting and song of praise. He praises God who caused them to be born again into a living hope, with new identity and a new family. They are like the Old Testament descriptions of Abraham and Israel. So, they are special people though Gentiles but belong to the family of Abraham through faith in Christ. God chose them to be His people, holy people in the wilderness, in exile as a new covenant people, new temple and a kingdom of priests. They are mistreated, looking for their true home in the Promised Land.

Their suffering is a witness of Jesus (2:11-4:11) Such suffering paradoxically is a gift that perfects their faith, establishes them, and works in them eternal qualities. It was practical in their witness through respect for husbands and wives (1 Peter 3:1-7), employers (1 Peter 2:18-21) even rulers and governments might be evil (1 Peter 2:13-17) as Jesus did. Jesus suffered many terrible things, too. But he did not reply when people insulted him. He did not complain. He trusted God. And when Jesus died, he suffered the punishment for our evil deeds. This was how he made us into the people of God (1 Peter 2:21-25). Thus, as Jesus was vindicated and given resurrection life by the Spirit; so shall they who suffered. Then he points to how baptism shows how they are joined to Jesus.

They focus on the future hope of the return of Jesus (4:12-5:9) Peter knew the connection between suffering, joy and glory. As they draw closer to God; He will manifest Himself in times of trouble. Its outcome is a deeper relationship with the Holy. After having suffered a little while, they will be restored by the master craftsman Himself making them strong and firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10) Peter advised these Christians to love each other (1 Peter 4:8). And, he had special advice for the church leaders (1 Peter 5:1-4) how to relate to the believers is such time as this. They need to recognize its spiritual darkness that causes the evil and trouble the believers.

His final greeting from Rome which he calls it Babylon.

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