Dr. Lawrence Butler

The Bridge Church, Pembroke

I. To Whom Addressed – “ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia…” (1:1).

These churches were mostly located in Asia Minor, known today as Turkey. This letter was not written to any one person or church, but to the whole body of believers in the region. Both Jew and Gentile converts were included and expected to listen to the counsel offered by this unique preacher. Most of this area had been evangelized by Paul and his group of missionaries, and were responsible for the churches established there.

II. Purpose - Peter sends this epistle to encourage, instruct and admonish the people of God. Remember, Peter was given explicit instructions from our Lord to do just this. “ And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:31,32). On another critical occasion Jesus again gave Peter a direct command. “He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep” (John 21:16). Actually, three different times Peter was instructed to feed the flock of God by the Lord during this conversation.

III. Key Word – Suffering. This word occurs 15 times in the epistle and is considered the central theme of the book.

Peter knew the depths of suffering he had experienced over a lifetime of ministering the gospel.

He was quite aware that God’s people were enduring great persecution in some cases. Most of the early persecution came from the Jews who hated Christ and His followers.

They incarcerated many and killed others. The first general persecution by the Emperor Nero began probably just after this first epistle was sent by Peter. It was already obvious that greater suffering was confronting the children of God and they needed to know that God still loved them and was aware of their pain.

IV. Key Text – “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin…” (4:1).

V. Central Theme – Victory Over Suffering as Exemplified by Christ.