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Can you explain First Peter?


Introduction. The apostle Peter wrote two of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, First and Second Peter. The general epistle of First Peter is very simply written but it contains much practical teaching.

Some general facts relative to First Peter. The author clearly identifies himself when he wrote, "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ..." (1 Pet. 1: 1). Peter was the leader of the apostles, but he was not the first Pope (John 1: 42, cp. Gal. 2: 11-14). Peter addressed his first epistle to, "the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" (1 Pet. 1: 1). First Peter is believed to have been written between 63 and 65 A. D., just prior to or in connection with the Neronian persecution. The apparent design of the letter is to encourage those who were suffering persecution to remain steadfast (the letter, therefore, is an excellent "treatise" on the subject of suffering, 1: 6, 7, 2: 18-25, 3: 13-18, 4: 1, 12-19, 5: 10).

The contents of First Peter. Chapter one contains the opening, expression of thanksgiving, purpose of trials, salvation viewed, soberness enjoined, and brotherly love and the power of the word (vs. 1, 2; 3-5; 6-9; 10-12; 13-21; 22-25). Exhortation and the means of growth, setting a good example, submission to civil rulers, and servants being subject to their masters is discussed in chapter two (vs. 1-10; 11, 12; 13-17; 18-25). Duties of wives, husbands, Christians one to another, persecution, and Christ's suffering are addressed in chapter three (vs. 1-6; 7; 8-12; 13-17; 18-22). In chapter four, we have Christ's suffering, soberness, love, and suffering as a Christian discussed (vs. 1-6; 7-11; 12-19). In the final chapter, we find duties of elders, responsibilities of youth, and the conclusion (vs. 1-4; 5-9; 10-14).

Conclusion. When carefully studied, it is evident that First Peter is part of God's revelation that pertains to "life and godliness" (cp. 2 Pet. 1: 3).
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