1 Peter: 1 Peter Introduction
1 Peter Introduction
Book Introduction - 1 Peter
Writer: The Apostle Peter (Pe1 1:1).
Date: Probably A.D. 60. That "Babylon" refers to the former city on the Euphrates, or to Rome, cannot be inferred from Pe1 5:13. The text is obscure.
Theme: While Peter undoubtedly has scattered Jewish believers in mind, his Epistles comprehend Gentile believers also (Pe1 2:10). The present Epistle, written from a church on Gentile ground (Pe1 5:13), presents all the foundational truths of the Christian faith, with special emphasis on the atonement. The distinctive note of First Peter is preparation for victory over suffering. The last-name word occurs about fifteen times, and is the key-word to the Epistle.
The Epistle is in three parts:
1. Christian suffering and conduct in the light of full salvation (1 Peter 1:1 - 2:8)
2. The believer's life in view of his sevenfold position, and of the vicarious suffering of Christ (1 Peter 2:9 - 4:19).
3. Christian service in the light of the coming of the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-14).