60. 1 Peter (Bible Summary)

Introduction and Salutation: Peter addresses the letter to God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout various regions, chosen according to God’s foreknowledge and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. He wishes them grace and peace.

Praise for God’s Mercy: Peter begins with a doxology, praising God for His great mercy in giving believers new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Inheritance of Believers: This inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them. While believers are temporarily distressed by trials, their faith, refined like gold, will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
The Role of Prophets: The prophets who foretold the coming of Christ were serving not themselves but believers, as they prophesied about the grace that would come to them. Even angels long to look into these things.

Preparation for Action (1:13): Peter urges believers to prepare their minds for action, be sober-minded, and set their hope fully on the grace to be revealed when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Living as Obedient Children (1:14–16): Believers are called to be holy, as God is holy. They should not conform to their former ignorant ways but live according to the will of God.
Reverent Fear (1:17): Believers are reminded that they live in reverent fear of God, knowing they were redeemed not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.
Love One Another (1:22–2:3): Peter exhorts believers to love one another deeply, from the heart, as they have been born again through the living and enduring word of God. They should rid themselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, like newborn babies desiring pure spiritual milk.

A Spiritual House (2:4–8): Believers are compared to living stones, being built into a spiritual house to offer spiritual sacrifices. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone, rejected by men but chosen by God. Those who trust in Him will never be put to shame, while those who reject Him will stumble.
A Chosen People (2:9–10): Believers are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession, called to declare His praises. Once not a people, they are now the people of God, recipients of His mercy.
Aliens and Strangers (2:11–12): Believers are called to live as aliens and strangers in this world, abstaining from sinful desires and maintaining good conduct, so that others may see their good deeds and glorify God.

Submission to Rulers (2:13–17): Believers are instructed to submit to every human authority, including emperors and governors, as a way of honoring God and silencing foolish accusations. They should live as free people, but use their freedom to serve God.
Submission to Masters (2:18–20): Slaves are called to submit to their masters, even to unjust ones, as this finds favor with God when they bear up under the pain of unjust suffering.
Christ’s Example of Submission (2:21–25): Christ is the ultimate example of submission. He suffered for doing good, leaving an example for believers to follow, trusting in God’s judgment. He bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
Submission of Wives to Husbands (3:1–6): Wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands, even if they do not believe, so that their conduct may win them over without words. Their beauty should not come from outward adornment, but from the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
The Corresponding Duty of Husbands (3:7): Husbands are called to be considerate and respectful of their wives, treating them as the weaker partner and heirs with them of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder their prayers.

Living in Harmony (3:8–12): Believers are called to be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. They should not repay evil with evil but bless others, for they are called to inherit a blessing.
Living with a Good Conscience (3:13–17): If they suffer for doing good, believers should not be afraid or intimidated. They should honor Christ in their hearts and always be prepared to give an answer for the hope they have, doing so with gentleness and respect.

Christ’s Suffering (3:18–22): Christ suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit, through whom He preached to the spirits in prison. Christ is now exalted and in authority over all.
Conduct in View of the End of All Things (4:7–11): The end of all things is near, so believers are urged to be clear-minded and self-controlled for the sake of prayer. They are to love one another deeply, show hospitality without grumbling, and use their gifts to serve one another as stewards of God’s grace.

Suffering for Christ (4:12–19): Believers should not be surprised by fiery trials, as suffering for Christ is a part of the Christian life. They are to rejoice that they share in Christ’s sufferings, and commit themselves to God, who will judge the living and the dead.

Elders’ Duty to Shepherd the Flock: Elders are called to shepherd God’s flock willingly, eagerly, and not for personal gain. They are to serve as examples to the believers, leading with humility, and will receive the crown of glory when Christ appears.

Humility and Trust in God (5:5–7): Younger believers are encouraged to submit to their elders, and all believers are urged to clothe themselves with humility, trusting in God’s care for them.
Resisting the Devil (5:8–11): Believers are called to be alert and resist the devil, standing firm in their faith. They are assured that after a time of suffering, God will restore, strengthen, and establish them.

Final Purpose: Peter writes to encourage and testify that this is the true grace of God, urging believers to stand firm in it.

Greetings from Fellow Believers: Peter sends greetings from those in Babylon (likely a reference to Rome) and Mark, whom Peter calls his son in the faith.
Benediction: Peter concludes with peace to all who are in Christ Jesus.

Related Posts