First Peter is a letter of encouragement to Christians who were living as outsiders in a society that misunderstood them and sometimes mistreated them. Peter opens with praise for the living hope believers have received through the resurrection of Jesus, then calls them to holy, loving lives as a people belonging to God. He uses rich images: living stones built into a spiritual house, a chosen race and royal priesthood, exiles and foreigners who are at home in God alone. He asks believers to keep their conduct honorable among their neighbors, and he gives counsel for citizens, servants, wives and husbands, always pointing to the example of Christ, who suffered without retaliating. The later chapters speak plainly about suffering for doing good, about facing fiery trials without surprise, and about elders shepherding willingly and everyone clothing themselves with humility. Some passages, especially about the spirits in prison and about baptism, are read in different ways across Christian traditions. The whole letter breathes steady hope and calm confidence in God's care.

Author

The apostle Peter, writing with Silvanus; a few scholars propose a later follower writing in his name.

Date

Probably the early to mid-60s AD, likely from Rome, which the letter calls Babylon.

Audience

Believers, mostly Gentile, scattered across the Roman provinces of northern Asia Minor.

Themes

Outline

1. 1:1–1:12Greeting and a living hope
2. 1:13–2:10A holy people and living stones
3. 2:11–3:12Honorable conduct in society and at home
4. 3:13–4:11Suffering for doing good, and living for God
5. 4:12–4:19Sharing in Christ's sufferings
6. 5:1–5:14Shepherds, humility and final greetings

Key verses