WRITER, The apostle Peter, It was not the original Simon Peter, impulsive and full of weaknesses,
whom Christ called, "Simon."
Mr 14:37 Lu 22:31 Joh 21:15-17
It was the Peter Christ prophesied should become a rock
Joh 1:42
The same man chastened by years of suffering and trial, and strengthened by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, The epistle evidently belongs to the later period of his life.
DATE AND PLACE OF WRITING UNCERTAIN.
The Babylon referred to,
1Pe 5:13
may or may not have been the city on the Euphrates river. Many think it was Rome, figuratively called Babylon.
TO WHOM ADDRESSED. To the elect scattered throughout Asia Minor. Probably to the whole body of Christians in that region, both Jew and Gentile converts. To the churches largely founded by Paul, Peter sends this spiritual message of encouragement, instruction and admonition.
PURPOSE. In writing this epistle, Peter obeyed two specific commands which Jesus had given him.
(1) To encourage and strengthen the brethren
Lu 22:32
(2) To feed the flock of God
Joh 21:15-17
KEY WORD, "Suffering," it occurs fifteen, or more times in the epistle.
KEY TEXT
1Pe 4:1
CENTRAL THEME, Victory over Suffering as Exemplified in the Life of Christ.
SYNOPSIS.
Salutation
1Pe 1:1,2
PART I. The Glorious Salvation.
Ch. 1.
(1) A living hope centering in the resurrection of Christ
1Pe 1:3
(2) An incorruptible and fadeless inheritance
1Pe 1:4
(3) A Divine power by which saints are kept victorious in the
midst of suffering.
(a) Through faith
1Pe 1:5
(b) Rejoicing in trials
1Pe 1:6
(c) Coming forth as gold refined in the fire, at Christ's appearing
1Pe 1:7
(d) In love and joy unspeakable
1Pe 1:8
(4) The Mysterious Plan.
(a) Concerning which the prophets have inquired, foretelling Christ's sufferings and the glory that should be revealed in the latter times: a wonder to angels
1Pe 1:10-12
(b) It calls for soberness, obedience, unworldiness, purity, and godly reverence, on the part of believers
1Pe 1:13-17
(c) The infinite cost of
1Pe 1:18,19
(d) Foreordained before the foundation of the world
1Pe 1:20,21
PART II. The Believer's Life, in view of the Great Salvation.
Ch. 1. (cont.)
(1) To be purified and regenerated through the agency of the eternal truth, and manifesting brotherly love
1Pe 1:22-25
Ch. 2.
(2) To be freed from all evil propensities and having an eager
desire for the milk of the word by which to grow
1Pe 2:1-3
(3) Becoming living stones in a spiritual temple, of which Christ
is the "chief corner stone"
1Pe 2:5,6
(4) Regarding Christ as precious, he who is rejected and a
stumbling block to unbelievers
1Pe 2:7,8
PART III. The Believers' Position and Duties.
Ch. 2. (cont.)
(1) Honourable and holy as the people of God, and should show forth praise unto their divine deliverer
1Pe 2:9,10
(2) As strangers and pilgrims abstaining from sensuality
1Pe 2:11
(3) Civil and social duties: Irreproachable conduct before the world, obedience to the powers that be, thus silencing hostile criticism
1Pe 2:12-15
(4) General good citizenship
1Pe 2:16,17
(5) Duties in the household of faith.
(a) Of servants to be obedient and patient, even when suffering wrongfully; thus pleasing God
1Pe 2:18-20
(b) Considering Christ, the model sufferer and sin-bearer
1Pe 2:21-25
Ch. 3.
(c) Of wives, to be chaste, and adorned with spiritual graces
1Pe 3:1-6
(d) Of husbands, to be considerate of their wives
1Pe 3:7
(e) Of all, to be compassionate, pitiful, courteous, and forgiving
1Pe 3:8,9
(f) Remembering that long life and answers to prayer are promised to those who bridle their tongues, forsake evil, do good and live peaceably
1Pe 3:10-13
PART IV. Instructions and Encouragements respecting Suffering.
Ch. 3. (Cont.)
(1) Suffering for righteousness' sake is a cause for rejoicing, not fear, and should be accompanied by a readiness to testify concerning Christian experience, and a good life
1Pe 3:14-17
(2) The example of Christ's vicarious suffering, spiritual work, and his exaltation
1Pe 3:18-22
Ch. 4.
(3) The sacrificial sufferings of Christ call for self-denial, consecration to God, and the abandonment of all former sensual excesses
1Pe 4:1-3
(4) Parenthesis, instructions concerning the practical duties of the Christian life which glorify God
1Pe 4:7-11
(5) Fiery trials not to be regarded as strange, but to be endured joyfully
1Pe 4:12
(6) Suffering with and for Christ, to be endured joyfully, knowing that it leads to spiritual glory
1Pe 4:13,14
(7) Never to suffer as evil doers, but when called to suffer as Christians, glorify God, and commit their souls into his keeping
1Pe 4:15-19
PART V. Final Exhortations and Warnings.
Ch. 5.
(1) To the elders of the church respecting the spirit in which
the flock is to be fed
1Pe 5:1-4
(2) To both the young and old enjoining humility and trustfulness
1Pe 5:5-7
(3) Warnings against the devil
1Pe 5:8,9
(4) Benediction and greetings
1Pe 5:10-14
THE CHRIST OF PETER
Source of hope
1Pe 1:3
Sacrificial lamb
1Pe 1:19
Chief corner stone
1Pe 2:6
Perfect example
1Pe 2:21
Ideal sufferer
1Pe 2:23
Sin-bearer
1Pe 2:24
Shepherd of souls
1Pe 2:25
Exalted Lord
1Pe 3:22
SEVEN PRECIOUS THINGS, In Peter's epistles:
The fiery trials
1Pe 1:7
The blood of Christ
1Pe 1:19
The living stone
1Pe 2:4
Christ himself
1Pe 2:6
The meek and quiet spirit
1Pe 3:4
The believer's faith
2Pe 1:1
The divine promises
2Pe 1:4
(Outline from Thompson’s Chain Reference Bible)