Faith & Reason Nexus

AUTHOR: Peter

TIME WRITTEN: Shortly before A.D. 64

POSITION IN THE BIBLE:

• 60th Book in the Bible
• 21st Book in the New Testament
• 16th of 21 Epistle Books (Romans – Jude)
• 6 Books to follow it

CHAPTERS: 5

VERSES: 105

WORDS: 2,482

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT 1 PETER:

• Author:
• Peter was one of the original 12 apostles and part of the inner circle (Peter, James, and John).
• He denied Christ three times during the night of betrayal but was later given the “keys” to the kingdom of heaven, opening the gospel to Jews (Acts 2) and Gentiles (Acts 11).
• Tradition holds that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome before Nero’s death around A.D. 68.
• He authored two books in the New Testament: 1 Peter and 2 Peter.
• Theme:
• The primary theme of 1 Peter is the proper response to suffering for one’s faith.
• Peter addresses Christians who are facing increasing hostility and persecution from both Romans and Jews.
• Key Topics:
• Suffering: The word “suffering” and its variants appear about 17 times, with mentions of Christ’s sufferings in every chapter.
• Christ in 1 Peter:
  • Chapter 1: Christ is the source of hope and redemption (1:3, 18-19).
  • Chapter 2: Christ is the chief cornerstone, example, and sin-bearer (2:6, 21, 24).
  • Chapter 3: Christ is Lord (3:15, 22).
  • Chapter 4: Christ is the sufferer (4:1, 13).
  • Chapter 5: Christ is the Chief Shepherd and overseer (5:4).
• Other Topics Covered:
• Spiritual growth
• Christian relationships, including wives and husbands
• The role of elders
• Salvation and grace
• Hope and resistance to the devil
• Notable Verse:
• 1 Peter 2:21: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps.”

1 Peter provides guidance on maintaining faith and integrity amidst trials, highlighting Christ’s example of suffering and endurance.