1Pe 1 | MHM | STEP | Inscription This introduction explains who is writing the letter, who receives it, and the blessings Peter wishes for his readers. Peter calls himself an apostle and writes to believers who are scattered and suffering, but also chosen by God and blessed by him. These words comfort Christians who feel alone or are facing hard times. v. 1 : The letter is from Peter, who was first called Simon. Jesus gave him the name Peter, which means “a rock,” to show that Peter would be a strong leader in the church (Galatians 2:9 ). Peter is an apostle of Jesus Christ, meaning he was chosen and sent by Jesus. Apostles had a special job: they saw Jesus after he rose from the dead, preached the gospel, and sometimes worked miracles. Peter mentions his role as an apostle to show he has the authority to write this letter (1 Corinthians 12:28 ). Peter writes to God’s people who are “strangers” scattered in places like Pontus, Galatia, and other regions. Many of these believers were Jews who had been moved from their homeland and now lived in different countries. Even though they were poor and suffering, God still cared for them. Sometimes, God’s people have to live in hard situations, but God’s love for them does not change.

‏ 1 Peter 1

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This introduction explains who is writing the letter, who receives it, and the blessings Peter wishes for his readers. Peter calls himself an apostle and writes to believers who are scattered and suffering, but also chosen by God and blessed by him. These words comfort Christians who feel alone or are facing hard times.

v. 1: The letter is from Peter, who was first called Simon. Jesus gave him the name Peter, which means “a rock,” to show that Peter would be a strong leader in the church (Galatians 2:9 ^a). Peter is an apostle of Jesus Christ, meaning he was chosen and sent by Jesus. Apostles had a special job: they saw Jesus after he rose from the dead, preached the gospel, and sometimes worked miracles. Peter mentions his role as an apostle to show he has the authority to write this letter (1 Corinthians 12:28 ^b).

Peter writes to God’s people who are “strangers” scattered in places like Pontus, Galatia, and other regions. Many of these believers were Jews who had been moved from their homeland and now lived in different countries. Even though they were poor and suffering, God still cared for them. Sometimes, God’s people have to live in hard situations, but God’s love for them does not change.

v. 2: Peter says these believers are elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. This means God chose them long ago, because of his own plan and love. God’s choice is not just about knowing the future, but also about his kind decision to save them (Acts 2:23 ^c). The Father planned their salvation, the Spirit makes them holy, and Jesus saves them with his blood. The Spirit changes their hearts, helping them obey God and live for him (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:22–23 ^d; John 17:17; 1 Peter 1:22 ^e).

God’s people are also chosen for the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus. This means that Jesus’ sacrifice not only happened, but its benefits are given personally to each believer. The blood of Jesus brings forgiveness, a new relationship with God, and the promise of heaven (Romans 3:25; Romans 5:9 ^f; Luke 22:20; 1 John 1:7 ^g; Hebrews 10:19 ^h).

Peter greets them by praying for grace and peace to be multiplied to them. Grace is God’s free favor that brings forgiveness and help in every need. Peace is the calm and joy that comes from being right with God and with others. Peter wants his readers to have more and more of these blessings. Real peace comes only with God’s grace, and both are gifts from him.

Privileges of Christians

Peter now begins the main part of his letter. He starts with praise to God for the wonderful blessings Christians have. Even though believers may face troubles, they have hope and joy because of what God has done for them. Christians have new life, a strong hope, and a future inheritance that cannot be lost.

v. 3: Peter blesses God, calling him the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He reminds us that everything starts with God’s great mercy. God has given us new birth, which means a new spiritual life. This new life brings a living hope—a hope that is strong and endures—because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. The resurrection proves that God accepts Jesus’ sacrifice and promises us eternal life too (2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3 ⁱ; John 3:3; Colossians 3:1 ^j).

v. 4: Through this new birth, Christians receive an inheritance from God. This inheritance is not money or land on earth, but something much better—it is eternal life in heaven. This inheritance is described as incorruptible (it cannot decay), undefiled (it is pure), and unfading (it will never lose its beauty). It is kept safe in heaven for all God’s children (Romans 8:17; Hebrews 9:15 ^k; Romans 1:23; 1 Corinthians 15:53 ^l; Hebrews 7:26; Ephesians 1:18 ^m).

v. 5: Peter assures believers that God’s power protects them through their faith. This means that God will keep them safe until they receive the full salvation he has promised. Although the inheritance is in the future, God guards his people now, and one day everything will be revealed when Jesus returns. Christians can be confident that God’s power and their faith work together to bring them safely to eternal life (2 Corinthians 12:9; Romans 14:4 ⁿ; 1 John 3:2 ^o).

Privileges of Christians

Peter continues to encourage believers by reminding them of the joy and hope they have, even while they face many difficulties. Their happiness comes from what God has promised, and this joy can remain even during times of trouble. Peter explains that suffering has a purpose in the Christian life and leads to something greater.

v. 6: These Christians are able to rejoice greatly, even though they are sad for a little while because of many different trials. Their joy is not based on their current situation, but on their spiritual blessings and future hope. Difficulties may come from many directions and cause sadness, but for the Christian, these troubles will not last forever. God only allows these hardships when they are truly needed for our good (1 Peter 1:6; Romans 9:2 ^p; 1 Thessalonians 3:3 ^q).

v. 7: The reason for these trials is to test their faith. Just as gold is tested and purified by fire, faith is made stronger by suffering. Faith is even more valuable than gold, because faith lasts forever, while gold will perish. When Jesus Christ returns, the faith of believers will result in praise, honor, and glory from God. Trials are not to destroy believers, but to show the strength and value of their faith (1 Peter 1:7; Luke 22:32 ^r; Romans 2:10 ^s).

v. 8: Peter praises these Christians for their faith in Jesus, even though they have never seen him. They trust in Jesus, love him, and this brings them great joy—joy that is so wonderful it cannot be described. True faith leads to a deep love for Christ and a joy that is full of glory, even in hard times (1 Peter 1:8; Habakkuk 3:18 ^t).

v. 9: By trusting in Jesus, they are receiving the goal of their faith: the salvation of their souls. This salvation begins now and continues forever. Even though they lose things in this world, they are gaining eternal life, which is the best prize of all .

Privileges of Christians

Peter now explains that the blessings and salvation Christians enjoy were not invented recently. These truths were carefully studied by the prophets in the Old Testament. The message of salvation through Jesus Christ has been God’s plan all along. Even the greatest people of faith before Jesus wanted to understand these things fully, and the angels themselves are amazed by God’s plan for us.

v. 10: The prophets, who were guided by God’s Spirit, searched deeply into the message of salvation and the grace that was to come. These men did not rely on their own wisdom, but on what God revealed to them. They longed to discover more about how God would save his people through the Messiah, especially the blessings that would come to both Jews and Gentiles (1 Peter 1:10; Daniel 9:2 ^u).

v. 11: The prophets wanted to know about the sufferings and glory of Christ. They wondered when and how the Messiah would come, what he would go through, and what great things would follow. The Spirit of Christ, already present in them, helped them see these future events. This shows that Jesus existed before his birth and that the Holy Spirit is truly God. The prophets were given signs that the Messiah would first suffer and then enter glory, just as Jesus did (1 Peter 1:11 ^v).

v. 12: God revealed to the prophets that what they learned was not for themselves, but for future generations. The apostles later preached and explained these same truths, guided by the Holy Spirit. Even angels desire to look into these things because the salvation of people is so wonderful and mysterious. Christians can be sure their faith is based on God’s eternal plan, revealed by prophets, apostles, and admired by angels (1 Peter 1:12; Romans 14:7 ^w).

Sobriety and Holiness; Exhortation to Brotherly Love

In this section, Peter begins to give practical instructions to Christians about how to live in response to the great salvation they have received. He teaches that the gospel is not only about believing the right things, but also about living in a way that matches those beliefs. Christians are called to live holy and loving lives, showing by their actions that they belong to God.

v. 13: Peter encourages believers, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13 ^x). This means Christians should prepare their minds for action, be disciplined and clear-headed, and keep their hope fixed on the future grace that will be given when Jesus returns. They are to be spiritually alert and ready, not distracted or careless.

v. 14: He says, “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14 ^y). Christians should show they are God’s children by obeying Him, not living the way they did before they knew God, when they followed sinful desires out of ignorance. Their lives should look different now that they belong to God.

v. 15–16: Peter continues, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16 ^z). Christians are to be holy in every part of their lives, following God’s example. Holiness means being set apart for God, living in a way that pleases Him. God’s own holiness is the reason and the pattern for their holiness.

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v. 17: He reminds them, “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” (1 Peter 1:17 ^aa). Since God is their Father and also their judge, believers should live with reverent fear and respect for God while they are in this world as temporary residents. They should remember they are accountable to Him for their actions.

v. 18–19: Peter explains, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19 ^ab). Christians have been rescued from their old, empty way of life—not by money or earthly things, but by the costly sacrifice of Jesus, who was perfect and sinless. This great price paid for their salvation should motivate them to live holy lives.

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v. 20–21: He adds, “Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God...” (1 Peter 1:20-21 ^ac). Jesus was chosen before the world began to be the Savior, but has now appeared for the sake of believers. Through Him, Christians trust in God, who raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him glory so that their faith and hope are in God.

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v. 22: Peter tells them, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22 ^ad). Since obeying the gospel has purified their hearts and led them to true love for other believers, they must continue to love each other deeply and sincerely.

v. 23–25: He concludes, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever... And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:23-25 ^ae). Christians have been given new life through the eternal word of God. Unlike human life, which fades, the life given by God’s word lasts forever. The gospel message they received is the true, living word that brings this new birth and should shape the way they live and love.

Vanity of the Natural Man

Peter teaches that people, in their natural state, are weak and temporary. Even the best things about humans—like beauty, strength, or success—do not last. Real and lasting glory comes only from being born again by the word of God. The message of the gospel gives us a new, eternal life that does not fade away. This same message was preached by prophets in the Old Testament and by the apostles in the New Testament.

v. 24: All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. This means every person, no matter how great, is like grass that soon withers away. Even the most impressive things about us—such as wisdom, beauty, or wealth—are like flowers that quickly fade. Only God’s word and the new life it brings will last forever (1 Peter 1:24; Job 14:2 ^af; Isaiah 40:6–7 ^ag).