Introduction to First Peter

We are finishing our study of the life of Peter, and decided to move right into the writings of Peter. First Peter is a wonderful book of hope for the hurting. Get the First Peter Chart. Here are a few facts about the book:

1. Of the 12 original disciples, only three where inspired by the Spirit to write Scripture (Matthew, John and Peter).
2. In Peter’s letters, he takes seriously the last command of Jesus to feed his sheep (John 21:15-17).
3. Peter writes a lot about hope (1 Peter 1:3, 13, 21, 3:15) , whereas Paul writes about faith and John writes about love (Faith, hope and love – 1 Corinthians 13:13).
4. A key theme in Peter’s writings is suffering (word used sixteen times) and grace (used eight times).
5. The church appears to be affected by worldliness in the pew (1 Peter 2:11) and materialism in the pulpit (1 Peter 5:1, 2, 3).

Peter develops the doctrine of Christ in a remarkable way:

1. Incarnation (1 Peter 1:20)
2. Names of Christ: Spotless Lamb (1 Peter 1:19), Chief Cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6) in relation to the Scripture, Precious Stone (1 Peter 2:7) in relation to the believer, Stumbling Stone (1 Peter 2:8) in relation to unbelievers, Bishop of our Souls (1 Peter 2:25), Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)
3. Sinless Life (1 Peter 1:19, 2:22)
4. Suffering and Death (1 Peter 1:11, 2:23, 24, 3:18, 4:1, 13, 5:1)
5. Resurrection (1 Peter 3:21, 22)
6. Ascension (1 Peter 3:22)
7. Presence at the right hand of the Father (1 Peter 3:22)
8. Second Coming (1 Peter 1:13, 17, 4:13, 5:1, 4)

Peter describes believers in a remarkable way:

1. Obedient Children (1 Peter 1:14)
2. Newborn Babes (1 Peter 2:2)
3. Living Stones (1 Peter 2:5)
4. Holy Priesthood (1 Peter 2:5)
5. Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:5)
6. Holy Nation (1 Peter 2:9)
7. Peculiar People (1 Peter 2:9)
8. Strangers and Pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11)
9. Christians (1 Peter 4:16)
10. The Righteous (1 Peter 4:18)
11. The Elect of God (1 Peter 1:2)
12. The People of God (1 Peter 2:10)
13. The Oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11)
14. The Flock of God (1 Peter 5:2)

It is considered that Mark’s gospel reflects the teachings of Peter.

1. Peter and John are the only NT writers who refer to Jesus as a lamb (John 1:29, 36, Revelation 5:6, 1 Peter 1:19).
2. Peter was familiar with Paul’s writings (2 Peter 3:15, 16).
3. There is a similarity of teaching and wording between 1 Peter and Ephesians.
   Ephesians 1:3 and 1 Peter 1:3
   Ephesians 3:5, 10 and 1 Peter 1:12
   Ephesians 3:6, 21 and 1 Peter 4:11
   Ephesians 3:8 and 1 Peter 1:8
   Ephesians 4:2 and 1 Peter 3:9
   Ephesians 4:7, 11 and 1 Peter 4:10
   Ephesians 4:13, 15 and 1 Peter 2:2

Next we will look at being strangers in this world…

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