1 Peter

Addressed to various gentile churches in Asia Minor suffering religious persecution. It stresses the redemptive value of virtuous suffering.

The author refers to Jesus, after his death, proclaiming to spirits in prison (3:18-20). This passage, and a few others (such as Matthew 27:52 and Luke 23:43), are the basis of the belief in the harrowing of hell. Many see this passage referring to Jesus, after his death, going to a place where the souls of pre-Christian people waited for the Gospel.


1

Peter to the pilgrims of the Dispersion (ie gentiles scattered throughout the world, though there is a reappropriation of a word with exclusively Jewish connotations). His addresses are elect according to the foreknowledge of God, in the sanctification of the Spirit. An incorruptible inheritance is preserved in heaven for you. Your faith is tested by trials, but the end of faith is the joyous salvation of your souls. The revelation of Christ was testified beforehand by the prophets. As He who has called you is holy, let your conduct be holy. You have been redeemed not with gold and silver, but with the precious blood of Christ. He was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but made manifest in these last times. Love one another with a pure heart, having been born again.


2

Lay aside malice and other sins and desire the pure milk of the word like newborn babes, so that you may grow. You will be living stones to build up his spiritual house. OT references to stones are made. Gentiles are talked about in terms previously appropriate only to the Israelites – a chosen generation, a holy nation, God’s special people. Abstain from fleshly lusts, so even those who speak against you as evildoers can be brought to glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit to the government, love the brotherhood. Servants must submit to their masters, whether kind or harsh. Enduring grief is commendable if you do good, as the example of Christ shows. By his stripes we are healed (echo of Isaiah’s suffering servant). Having died to sins through Christ, we might live for righteousness. You were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.


3

Wives, be submissive, even if your husband does not obey the word. Let your adornment be inward rather than outward. Sarah, wife of Abraham, is a model of wifely submission. Husbands, give honour to the weaker vessel – you are heirs together of the grace of life. Be united and loving to each other. A quotation from Psalm 34:12-16 demonstrates the blessing that comes to those who turn away from evil and do good. It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit. Jesus preached to spirits in prison (that, harrowed hell). The salvation of Noah is the antitype of baptism.


4

A Christian no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. He who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. Gentiles who lead a dissolute life must give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. The gospel has also been preached to those who are dead. The end of all things is at hand. Love will cover a multitude of sins. Rejoice is you partake of Christ’s sufferings. Suffering as a Christian is different from suffering as an evildoer.


5

Peter exhorts his fellow elders – he is a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed. Shepherds (ie spiritual leaders) serve eagerly and honestly, and are examples to their flock. When the chief shepherd appears, they will receive a crown of glory. The young must submit to their elders. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Resist the devil, who walks about like a roaring lion. May you be perfected, established and strengthened after having suffered for a while. To God be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.