There is no doubt that the audience the First Epistle of Peter (1 Peter) had in mind was suffering persecution. Whether it was from Nero before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE or during the reign of Domitian a decade or so afterward, the readers can find wisdom and encouragement in the pages of this letter. The words inspire others to live lives set apart and dedicated to God and to witness to those who have not yet heard the gospel of salvation through Christ.
Authorship and Date
The opening verse of the First Epistle of Peter claims that Saint Peter was the author. His real name was Simon, but Jesus called him Peter, and he was one of the leaders among the disciples. He presented a sermon on the day of Pentecost and became a leading figure in the establishment of Christianity.
The Church Fathers also believed Peter was the author. Considering the quality and level of Greek used in the letter, it is not likely that a fisherman who lived and worked in Galilee could have produced it. The author had to be someone trained in philosophy and rhetoric. Peter could also have used an amanuensis (secretary), which would explain why the language and style do not align with Peter’s background.
Some scholars, however, do not agree with such an attribution. A contingent of scholars believe the letter dates to the time of Domitian (81-96 CE) when Christian persecution was in full swing. This perspective is due to the situation painted in the letter. It speaks to a context that did not exist in Peter’s time. Other scholars note that the persecution of Christians in the time of Nero (54-68 CE) could just as easily account for the content Peter addressed.
Those who support Peter as the author tend to date the book to 62-64 CE, while those who oppose his authorship date it to around 81 CE.
Historical Context
1 Peter speaks to an audience in exile in Asia Minor (modern-day Türkiye) during a time of persecution. Assuming Peter is the author, Nero would have been the one behind the persecution of Christians in Rome. If, as some scholars suppose, Peter was not the author, the letter dates to the time of Domitian’s reign. Whichever it was, the Christian audience was suffering persecution and needed encouragement to remain faithful and persevere. The text does not specify that the persecution was state-sponsored, however, thus the persecution may have been from pagan people or even Jews.
Christianity was a fledgling monotheistic religion in a polytheistic world and it challenged the cultural norms and traditions of the day. To pagans, it was nothing to include yet another god in their array of deities. Christianity was exclusive and opposed the worship of any other gods or participation in emperor worship that was commonplace in the Roman Empire.
In 1 Peter 5:13, the author indicates that he is in Babylon. It is unlikely that he was physically in Babylon. In Revelation, John refers to Babylon when he has Rome in mind, though such use of the term dates to around 95 CE. Peter, however, did go to Rome, and at times, other authors of epistles also refrained from mentioning Rome by name for fear of reprisals (see 2 Thessalonians 2:5-6).
Structure
Salutation and praise (1 Peter 1:1-12)
Peter, if he was the author, addressed the letter to Christians exiled in Asia Minor. He then offers praise to God for the work of salvation.
A new identity (1 Peter 1:13-2:12)
Peter calls on the reader to be holy, to live a life set apart. The believer has a new identity and should live as such. They are part of a chosen race and royal priesthood.
Suffering as a witness (1 Peter 2:13-4:11)
Peter argues that the way the believer lives while suffering can serve as a witness to others.
Suffering and hope (1 Peter 4:12-5:9)
In suffering, the believer shares in the experience of Christ. The suffering is not in vain. There is hope for the believer who endures. The suffering lasts for a short while compared to the eternal glory that follows.
Greetings (1 Peter 5:10-14)
Peter sends the regards of Silus (Silvanus) who was with him, and declares that he is writing from the figurative Babylon. He signs off with a blessing of peace.
Main Themes
Suffering and endurance
Much of Peter’s epistle deals with suffering and endurance. Like the Epistle of James, this letter promotes the idea that suffering strengthens the believer in faith and is, therefore, part of the authentic Christian journey. Remaining faithful while suffering unjustly is an experience the believer shares with Christ. Suffering while doing good is commendable before God.
Hope and salvation
The believer has the hope that suffering will come to an end and will be followed by eternal blessings. The expected salvation is unperishable, and Peter presented it as an inheritance to those who remain faithful.
Holiness and obedience
To be holy is to be set apart for a specific purpose. In this, believers reflect God who called them to live holy lives. They are to live in his image. Obedience purifies the soul of vices and helps the believer overcome temptations.
Identity and community
Believers are set apart as a chosen people and holy priesthood. This recalls how the Israelites were God’s chosen people and within their ranks, there was a priesthood, who were chosen among the chosen to serve God. God expects obedience from his priesthood, and they serve as a witness to the people of his faithfulness.
Key Passages
1 Peter 2:9-12
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”
Being a chosen people and royal priesthood comes with the responsibility to conduct oneself in a way consistent with the calling. It demands a willingness to set aside worldly desires and live in a way that honors God. It means setting aside the darkness and embracing the light.
1 Peter 3:15
“ … but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
The life of a dedicated believer is likely to raise questions with observers. It will create the opportunity to be a witness to the goodness of God and must be done in a demeanor that exemplifies God’s love.
1 Peter 5:6-8
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
The victory over evil is not because of your own ability or skill, but because of God. Satan fell due to pride. Peter calls on the believer to remain humble lest he or she falls as Satan did.
Contemporary Significance
Depending on where in the world the believer lives, suffering will manifest in different ways. In parts of Africa and Asia, people are still martyred for their faith, while the forms of suffering in other parts of the world may differ in intensity and method. 1 Peter speaks to all these contexts. It is as relevant today as it was when Peter authored the epistle. Similarly, the call to ethical living is timeless and universal, applicable to all eras of Christian history.
The importance of community among believers cannot be overstated. It binds them together and provides a sense of solidarity. Society in the 1st century was much less individualistic than the world we live in today. The advice Peter gives, therefore, is all the more applicable today. Society, technology, and individualism undermine the sense of belonging that the Christian community should foster. Believers are bound together in their new identity in Christ. It empowers them to witness to the gospel in word and deed and live their faith in a pluralistic world.
Such a community with shared values and beliefs becomes a support system for those who feel overwhelmed. It allows them to recover and heal from onslaughts in various forms. They become stronger than they were before and can face new challenges that life may present.
