Author
Peter
Apostle
Written
c. 62–64 AD
Chapters
5
Audience
Jewish and Gentile Christians scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia
Peter greets the elect exiles scattered throughout Asia Minor
Chapter 1Read in Bible
Praise for the living hope and salvation secured through Christ's resurrection
Chapter 1 → Chapter 3Read in Bible
A call to holiness befitting God's chosen and holy people
Chapter 1 → Chapter 13Read in Bible
Instructions for submission in civic, social, and household relationships
Chapter 2 → Chapter 13Read in Bible
Exhortations to unity, righteous suffering, and faithful stewardship
Chapter 3 → Chapter 8Read in Bible
Encouragement to rejoice and entrust oneself to God when suffering as a Christian
Chapter 4 → Chapter 12Read in Bible
Final charges to elders and all believers to be humble and resist the devil
Chapter 5 → Chapter 1Read in Bible
Closing greetings and affirmation that this is the true grace of God
Chapter 5 → Chapter 12Read in Bible
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"
1 Peter 1:3"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
1 Peter 2:9"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
1 Peter 5:8First Peter is a pastoral letter written to encourage believers who are facing persecution and social hostility, urging them to stand firm in the grace of God and live holy lives as elect strangers in the world. Peter grounds Christian endurance in the living hope secured through Christ's resurrection and redemptive suffering, presenting Jesus as the model for how believers should respond to unjust suffering. The letter calls the church to embrace its identity as a royal priesthood and holy nation, living exemplary lives among the Gentiles so that God may be glorified.