Who Wrote This Book?

That the apostle Peter was the author (as stated in 1:1) is confirmed by many similarities between the letter and Peter’s sermons recorded in Acts 1:20 and Acts 2:23; 4:5 and 10:42. The same Silas who accompanied Paul on the second missionary journey was his secretary (5:12; Acts 15:45).

The place of writing was Babylon (5:13) a symbolic name for Rome used by writers who wished to avoid trouble with the Roman authorities. Peter was in Rome during the last decade of his life and wrote this epistle about A.D. 63, just before the outbreak of Nero’s persecution in A.D. 64. Peter was martyred about A.D. 67.

Theme of the Writing: Peter states the Theme of his letter in 5:12, “the true grace of God” in the life of a believer. Purpose and reason for his writing is for hope in the face of trouble and suffering. Peter is continually preaching and sending the encouraging news to his readers.

The first Roman government had given Christians the same freedom of religion as the Jews. But as the rift between Jews and Christians grew, tolerance for Christianity diminished. Roman policy was to ban problem religions that were perceived as a threat to the stability of the empire. Some Christians were beginning to waiver in their faith; they were facing discrimination, acts of violence, arrest and confiscation of property. They did not know how much they would be able to endure. Peter himself was imprisoned and beaten for his faith; thus he earned the right to address suffering.

Key Verses:

1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance. (The only other occurrence of this term is in Rom 12:2.)

1 Peter 3:9 Not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.