Overview of 1 Peter

Lessons on Suffering and Practical Living

Introduction

1 Peter is generally considered to have been written about 65 A.D. Although Peter is the author of the letter, 5:12 indicates he may have had help from Silas which might explain the literary style of the letter. From 5:13 we learn that Peter wrote it from Babylon. Throughout the letter he seems to be referring to incidents in his life and in his personal relationship with Christ. This is a very practical book with help for everyday living as well as comfort during times of suffering.

MacDonald writes about this book, "Christians in Muslim and Marxist countries are so used to repression, hostility, even downright persecution that they almost come to expect it. For them 1 Peter is a tremendous practical help in accepting suffering as allowed by the Lord and as beneficial in producing certain desirable qualities, such as perseverance."

1. Read through 1 Peter. Write down key verses or favorite scriptures that have special meaning for you.

Here are my favorite verses from 1 Peter:

1:8, "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:"

1:13, "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

2:5, "You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

3:15, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

5:5, "Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

5:8, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

2. How do you emotionally handle times of suffering? Do you get angry, frustrated, filled with self-pity?

I’m afraid American Christians do not handle suffering too well. We are a spoiled society. But the early church went through extreme times of persecution. Many were martyred and suffered greatly. In fact James wrote in James 1:2, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." Do we do this? As we study 1 Peter we will learn from Peter how we are to handle difficult situations.

3. Write down the sections where Peter deals with suffering.

Peter deals with suffering in 1:6-7, 2:19-20, 3:14, 3:16-17, 4:12-16, 4:19, 5:8-10. He also speaks about Christ’s suffering in 1:19, 2:21-23, 3:18, 4:1-2, 5:1.

4. Have you ever experienced times of suffering that helped you draw closer to God? What was your secret to finding God during these times?

Many of us have experienced our greatest blessings from God when we have had to endure some trial in our life. Those difficult times are usually the times when we learn the most about trusting God and we see real growth in our faith. Paul wrote in Philippians 1:29, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him." Paul considered it a privilege to suffer for Christ. And we will see how Peter tells us we should rejoice and be happy during times of affliction.

5. What is Peter’s attitude toward suffering? According to 1 Peter, should we expect to have to go through times of suffering?

In 1:7 he calls it a trial of our faith. In 3:14 and 4:14 he says we are happy if we suffer for Christ. In 4:12 Peter says we should not think it strange if we have to suffer, and in 4:13 he says we should rejoice! It is apparent that Peter expected all Christians to suffer.

6. Why does God allow us to go through times of suffering?

God allows us to go through times of suffering so that we can learn and grow in our faith. Our greatest spiritual lessons come when we must totally depend on God for our help. As long as we think we can do things in our own strength, we cannot truly mature in our walk with Christ. Only when we let go and allow God to have his way in our lives, then we are able to experience real spiritual growth. Suffering teaches us about God’s faithfulness, his love, and his care for us. He does not leave us alone.

Barnes comments, "Many are willing to reign with Christ, but they would not be willing to suffer with him; many would be willing to wear a crown of glory like him, but not the crown of thorns; many would be willing to put on the robes of splendour which will be worn in heaven, but not the scarlet robe of contempt and mockery. They would desire to share the glories and triumphs of redemption, but not its poverty, contempt, and persecution."

Footnotes:

1 Peter 1:8 and 3:15 from the King James Version

Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament pg. 1041 Kregel Publications



	A Study in the Letter of 1 Peter