INTRODUCTION: 1 Peter

"And we know all things work together

for good to those who love God,

to those who are called according to

His purpose."

Romans 8:28

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Good morning! Welcome to this study of 1 Peter. I pray that you will find this study rewarding and fulfilling as we go verse by verse into this wonderful letter written by one of Christ's greatest servants.

I will be using some of Kay Arthur's Precept study on 1 Peter throughout the following weeks, but mostly we will be looking at each verse and cross-referencing the verses through Scripture.

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In this Introduction, I would like to introduce myself. As it says in my profile to the right of your screen, I am a Christian, wife, mother, artist, and friend. I enjoy writing Bible studies because it keeps me in God's word. Otherwise, I might let several days pass without reading the Bible and that is a most dangerous thing! So this study is more for me than for any of you reading it.

But my prayer is that we all take something away from this book about how to endure suffering for Christ. This world is changing and becoming more and more hostile to believers. I feel it is important that we read and learn how to endure through hard times as they are certainly coming.

Let's look a little bit into the context of this book:

Our Author, Peter, was in Babylon when he wrote this letter (5:13) and many scholars believe this as a reference to Rome which was seen as the "Babylon" in Revelation 17:5 &9 (New Geneva Study Bible, 1 Peter Commentary, 1995).

If written in Rome, scholars place the date of the writing at A.D. 60 or 68. Some say that he was crucified upside down in A.D. 68 and this letter was one of his last before his death. But we really do not have an exact date as to when it was written. Better to focus on what was written instead!

Purpose

Peter's letter has a very specific purpose: to encourage persecuted and bewildered Christians and to exhort them to stand fast in their faith through various trials (5:12). How does he do this? By repeatedly reminding Christians that their inheritance awaits them if they endure:

1 Pet 1:3-13

As you read, you can clearly see how Peter was changed by Christ's death and resurrection. Read here and be reminded of how he was when he walked with Jesus and how he was afterwards:

Luke 22:54-62

Acts 2:32-39

You can see the stark difference when you read these two passages. Peter was changed by the events that unfolded after Jesus rose again. Now, in 1 Peter, he wants to use his knowledge and love to encourage those who might be doubting or under persecution for their faith.

How does this apply to your life?

(1 Peter, Precept Ministries, 1990)

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1 Peter

For this first day's assignment, please read through the whole book of 1 Peter. As you read, make note of your impressions of the book. List your insights and answer the following questions?

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  Who is the author and recipient of this book?

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  What can we learn from this book? What is Peter trying to say to his readers?

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  Where are the recipients of this letter? What are their circumstances?

Now, read through the book once again and list any key words you may have discovered. A Key Word is any that may be repeated as they give you clues to the general subject being taught.

What is the main theme of this book?

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After doing this exercise, you are ready to begin studying this book in its proper context!

I am excited to begin! Next time we will look at 1 Peter 1:1-2

Blessings,

Ruth