1 Peter Overview

Background
• Location: Asia Minor
• Author: Peter
• Audience: Mixed- Primary Gentile Christians
• Occasion: Persecution- probably based on leaving ancestorial faith which would make them seem unpatriotic to Caesar and the gods and this would bring hostility.

1 Peter 1:1-12 Themes
• Chosen Exiles
• Protected by faith for a FUTURE salvation
• Testing brings mature faith (gold)
• Born again- Introduction of family language (God as father, Kinship, household of God, brothers and sisters, etc.)

1 Peter 1:13-2:10 Themes
• 1:13-16 thesis statement (Gird up the mind, obedient children, Be holy)
• Blood of Jesus marks them out as covenant people (like in the exodus)
• Peter’s rock/stone analogies- Jesus is the cornerstone and we are stones built up in him as a temple
• Also like Israel the church is a holy nation, royal priesthood, and a special possession, and called people.
• Because of this they are called to represent God well amongst the pagans. This is done through behavior that looks like Jesus (Christoformity).

1 Peter 2:11-3:7 Themes
• Peter gives 3 examples of how to live this out in fallen social structures (under Rulers, Slaves/Masters, Patriarchal household codes)
• In each they are to submit (not obey) for the Lord’s sake in order to win over their oppressors to Christ.
• Honor and respect are given to all.
• Christ was the example to follow. We walk in the way of the IS 53 suffering servant who while suffering did not revile or seek revenge but loved and entrusted himself to God.
• Peter ends this section with a contrast to the Household code ways saying that believing husbands should live in understanding and unity with their wife, elevating here as the socially weaker person.

1 Peter 3:8-4:11 Themes
• Peter echoes the Sermon on the mount here as the model for behavior rooted in Christ
• Peter also says believers should not only behave as Christ but be able to provide an answer for the hope within them
• When you suffer for what it right it shows participation in Christ
• Peter gives the analogy of baptism connecting it to Spiritual warfare and making a declaration to the Powers. Baptism identifies you with Jesus and his Kingdom.
• Peter uses Noah as another example who was saved through the waters
• Peter indicates that your baptismal identity requires allegiance and a new way of life and this transformation may result in persecution due to your new allegiance.

1 Peter 4:12-5:14
• Since Christ suffered at the hands of evil men, the world and the Powers believers should also expect that. When you suffer you do it for bearing Christ’s name (a Christian).
• Peter addresses Elders and Shepherds to be examples in humility and not lord over authority as the gentiles do. They are to serve like Jesus the chief shepherd.
• The people are allotted to these Elders and Shepherds they are not their possessions.
• Young men are called to respect and submit to the elders and the example they set- likely to persevere in suffering.
• There is not hierarchy but mutual submission in the church
• There is a call to be alert and resist the Devil through faith/allegiance to Christ
• Peter ends with greetings of peace from “Babylon” (Rome)- exile theme bookends the letter.

Conclusions
• Christoformity is the major theme of the letter. In mind and in behavior.
• Christians should have the mindset of exile within the kingdoms of the world
• Family identity permeates the letter. God is father and Jesus is our brother and example. The ethos of the family dictates what is honorable and not what society does. We bear God’s name.
• Suffering is not something we should look for, but it is something we should be willing to do for Christ. It shows our participation in Christ and trials form our faith. Christ suffered at the hands of the world and his followers likely will too.
• Upside-down kingdom identity- Peter uses many phrases that are derogatory in the culture to describe Christians as honorable
o Elect/beloved exile- Basically loved or chosen homeless person
o Christian- Identifying with someone crucified as your leader
o Spirit of humility- having the mind of a slave

Peter offers hope to persecuted Christians and guides them with practical instruction on following Jesus.
1 Peter emphasizes the role of the disciples as chosen by God to share his Gospel. Because of this, their persecution can actually be seen as a gift because it offers them a chance to show others the surprising generosity and love of Jesus, which is fueled by hope in his return and victory over evil. Peter is hopeful that their imitation of Jesus and demonstration of his upside-down Kingdom will give power to their words as they bear witness to God's mercy and show people the beautiful truth about Jesus.