1 Peter 1-5 NIV: A Message of Hope and Encouragement
Introduction
The book of 1 Peter is a letter written by the Apostle Peter to the early Christian church, specifically to the believers who were scattered throughout the regions of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. The letter is addressed to those who were going through persecution and hardship, and Peter's message is one of hope, encouragement, and exhortation to stand firm in their faith.
1 Peter 1:1-12
The Elect Exiles
1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia...
In this opening verse, Peter addresses his audience as "God's elect, exiles." This term "elect" implies that they have been chosen by God, and as such, they are special and precious to Him. The term "exiles" reminds them that they are temporary residents in a foreign land, their true citizenship being in heaven.
A Living Hope
1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...
Peter reminds his readers that they have been given a "living hope" through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is not just a fleeting wish, but a confident expectation of a glorious future.
1 Peter 1:13-25
Be Holy
1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
Peter exhorts his readers to set their hope on the grace that will be revealed when Jesus Christ returns. This hope is not just a vague expectation, but a confident trust in God's goodness and provision.
Conduct Worthy of God's Call
1 Peter 1:15-16 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
Peter reminds his readers that they have been called to a life of holiness, just as God is holy. This is not a call to perfection, but a call to live a life that reflects God's character.
1 Peter 2:1-12
A Chosen People
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Peter reminds his readers that they are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. They have been called out of darkness into God's wonderful light, and they are now the people of God.
1 Peter 3:1-7
Wives and Husbands
1 Peter 3:1-2 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
Peter addresses the wives, exhorting them to submit to their husbands, not because they are inferior, but because they have a unique opportunity to win their husbands over to Christ without words.
1 Peter 3:8-12
Suffering for Righteousness
1 Peter 3:13-14 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened."
Peter reminds his readers that if they suffer for doing what is right, they are blessed. They are not to fear the threats of others, but to trust in God's sovereignty.
1 Peter 4:1-11
Suffering for Christ
1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Peter exhorts his readers to arm themselves with the same attitude as Christ, who suffered in his body. They are to live their lives for the will of God, rather than for evil human desires.
**1 Peter
