Introduction To 1 Peter Series

1 Peter Introduction

Title: This letter has always been identified with the Apostle Peter (1:1) and is considered the

first inspired letter he wrote. 1 Peter 5:12 indicates that Peter used Silvanus (Silas) as a

secretary/amanuensis. Peter dictated and Silas wrote.

Author: 1:1, claims to be written by the Apostle Peter. (Also known as Simon in Greek, and as

Simeon in Hebrew; see Mark 1:16 and Jn. 1:40-41). His name is at the head of each list

of disciples, showing very clearly he was the leader among the disciples.

There were documents in the early days falsely claiming to be written by Peter

Primary Evidence some use to say not written by Peter:

Acts 4:13 says Peter and John were “unlearned and ignorant men”. 1 Peter is

written in very good Greek. “Unlearned” only means that they did not have

formal Rabinical training. It does not mean they were illiterate… As far as Peter’s

Greek ability goes, one commentator says “Who knows?….[he has been

preaching to Greek speaking audiences for about 30 years now].” Also, remember

Silas, he probably helped with syntax and grammar.

Evidence for Peter:

From earliest days, early church accepted as being form Peter.

Polycarp (A.D. 69) quotes 1 Peter as authentic.

1 Peter 5:1 the author was an eyewitness of Christ’s sufferings.

1 Peter 5:13 the author call Marcus his spiritual son (Marcus is John Mark, and

Papias, A.D. 60-130, mentions John Mark’s close association with Peter).

Similarities in Peter’s speeeches in Acts and what is in 1 Peter: Here are two;

1 Peter 1:17 and Acts 10:34 God is no respecter of persons

1 Peter 2:4 and Acts 4:11 Christ the cornerstone

Date: According to tradition, Peter had to watch as his wife was crucified, but encouraged her

with the words “Remember the Lord”. When it came time to for him to be crucified, he

reportedly pled that he was not worthy to be crucified like his Lord, but rather should be

crucified upside down. Tradition says he was in ca. A.D. 67-68.

On 19 July A.D. 64, Rome burned and Nero tried to blamed this on Christians. As a

result persecution became more widespread and official in nature. No evidence of

official persecution. In fact, 1 Peter 3:13 seems to show that there was not any official

persecution at this time. And 1 Peter 2:13-17 doesn’t indicate fear of the government.

These facts together means it is like written in early SIXTIES A.D., no later than 64-65.

Place of Writing: 1 Peter 5:13 says “the church at Babylon…saluteth you; and so doth Marcus

my son.” Babylon is generally accepted as a figurative description of Rome by many

scholars. Also, Mark is known to have lived in Rome(Col. 4:10; Philemon 24) Paul in

Roman Prison when he wrote Colossians and Philemon.

Probably Rome, but not 100% sure.

Recipients: Appear to be mostly converted Gentiles.

Formerly lived in ignorance (1:14)

Vain lifestyle handed down by their fathers (1:18)

Used to live a pagan lifestyle (4:2-4)

Called “strangers” (1:1) and “pilgrims (2:11) Same Greek word.

This speaks of the transient nature of this earthly existence. Real home is in

Heaven.

Called “scattered” (1:1) throughout 4 Roman provinces. Pontus and Bithynia, Galatia,

Cappadocia, Asia,; four provinces of the Roman Empire that covers most of

modern day Turkey. The order may indicate the route taken with the book.

This speaks of their physical location, perhaps due to persecution? But also

speaks of an underlying unity among believers. They may be scattered

geographically, but they are still part of God’s people (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Called “elect” (1:2).

“God’s chosen ones”, “ones that have been marked out as God’s special people”

Based on: Election is based upon God’s “Foreknowledge” (prognosis,

before + to know = to know beforehand) In medicine a prognosis is a

forecasting/prediction of the probable course of a disease. God’s knowledge is

perfect and absolute. There is no guess work with Him. Election is somehow

based upon God’s perfect Prior Knowledge. Bruce Hamilton says “Election is the

fruit of God’s omniscience”.

Read highlights from Thiessen, pages 258-259.

Election it is fulfilled by: The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (1:2)

He is active in both convicting and regenerating

He sets apart from sin (1 Cor. 6:11)

He helps us grow in holiness (2 Cor. 3:18)

He makes the saved completely holy for eternity (Phil. 1:6)

Election purpose: so that people will hearken and be obedient to Jesus Christ and

respond to the gospel and accept Him as Lord of their lives thus being cleansed by

His blood.

God the Father by his grace chooses based upon foreknowledge

The Holy Spirit Sanctifies

Jesus Christ made it possible with His shed blood.

Strangers = their relation to this world/Heaven

Scattered = their relation to each other-part of God’s people

Elect = their relationship to God based upon God’s omniscience