the First Epistle of Peter

Persecution can cause either growth or bitterness in the Christian life. Response determines the result. In writing to Jewish believers struggling in the midst of persecution, Peter encourages them to conduct themselves courageously for the Person and program of Christ. Both their character and conduct ust be above reproach. Having been born again to a living hope, they are to imitate the Holy One who has called them. The fruit of that character will be conduct rooted in sumission: citizens to government, servants to masters, wives to husbands, husbands to wives and Christians to one another. Only after submission is fully understood does Peter deal with the difficult area of suffering. The Christians are not to think it "strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you" (4:12), but are to rejoice as partakers of the suffering of Christ. That response to life is truly the climax of one's submission to the good hand of God.

This epistle begins with the phrase Petros apostolos Iesou Christou, "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ." This is the basis of the early title Petrou A, the "First of Peter."

1 Peter 1 (pt 1) - Who Was Peter?

1 Peter 1(pt 2) - Mental Sobriety

1 Peter 1(pt 3) - We Have An Inheritance

1 Peter 2 - Experience God's Word

1 Peter 3 (pt 1) - Conduct

1 Peter 3 (pt 2) - He Who Would Love Life

1 Peter 4 - Follow God

1 Peter 5 - Are You Called To The Ministry?