1 Peter: Introduction
1 Peter 1
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen”
1 Peter 1:1 NASB1995
After the wonderful (but still very profound) series on Psalm 8 (I hoped you enjoyed that series), I have decided to tackle the first epistle of Peter from the New Testament. We have met the impulsive Simon Peter many times in my series on the miracles of Jesus. He was chosen by Jesus to follow Him and be a fisher of men (Luke 5:1-11). He was the acknowledged leader of the early church. In fact, these facts about Peter, from Enduring Word, help us understand this remarkable leader and the rock on whom Jesus built His church. I apologize for using so much of this commentary but David Guzik does a great job summarizing this complex and wonderful Apostle. The links go to the Blue Letter Bible:
Peter’s name is mentioned in the gospels more than anyone except the name of Jesus. No one speaks in the gospels as often as Peter did, and Jesus spoke more to Peter than to any other individual.
Jesus rebuked Peter more than any other disciple.
Peter was the only disciple who dared to rebuke Jesus.
Peter confessed Jesus more boldly and accurately than any other disciple.
Peter denied Jesus more forcefully and publicly than any other disciple.
Jesus praised Peter more than any other disciple.
Jesus addressed Peter as Satan alone among the disciples.
Since Peter is so prominent in the gospel records, it is worthwhile to remind ourselves of some of the important mentions of Peter in the record of Biblical history.
When Jesus woke up early in the morning to pray before the sun came up, Simon Peter led the other disciples on a hunt to find Jesus and tell Him what He should do (Mark 1:35-39).
Peter put his nets out at the direction of Jesus to bring in a massive catch of fish (Luke 5:1-11).
Peter went on a unique outreach trip with the other disciples (Matthew 10:1-42).
Peter stepped out of the boat during a raging storm and walked on the water with Jesus (Matthew 14:24-33).
Peter was the one who said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also, we have come to believe and to know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:68-69).
Peter saw Jesus transfigured in glory, together with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:1-9).
Peter was the one who asked Jesus how many times we should forgive a brother that sins against us, quoting the high number of “seven times” (Matthew 18:21-35).
Peter was the one who asked Jesus, after the encounter with the rich young ruler, what the disciples would receive for giving everything up to follow Jesus (Matthew 19:27-30).
Peter was the one who insisted that Jesus would not wash his feet; then he commanded Jesus to wash his whole body! (John 13:16-20).
Peter heard Jesus predict that he would deny Him three times (Matthew 26:30-35), and Peter replied, “Even if I have to die with you I will not deny You!” (Matthew 26:35), and the rest of the disciples agreed.
Peter was the one who cut off the right ear of Malchus, the servant of the high priest, when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus (John 18:1-11).
Peter denied Jesus three times, cursing and swearing that he did not even know “the Man,” refusing to even name the name of Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75).
Peter was the one who ran with John the disciple to the tomb on the morning of the resurrection, after hearing the report of the women that the body of Jesus was not in its tomb (John 20:1-10).
Peter was the one who received a personal visit from the resurrected Jesus on the day of the resurrection (Luke 24:34).
Peter received a public restoration of Jesus in front of the other disciples after the resurrection of Jesus (John 21).
Significantly, Peter introduced himself as an apostle. “The supreme importance of the apostles is suggested by the fact that the phrase of Jesus Christ is attached to no other New Testament office: we do not read of teachers of Jesus Christ or prophets of Jesus Christ or evangelists of Jesus Christ, only of apostles of Jesus Christ.” (Wayne Grudem)
Peter did nothing to explain or justify his apostleship and did not add a phrase like “by the will of God” as Paul did on some occasions (1 Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 1:1, Galatians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, and so on). “Unlike Paul, Peter’s apostolic status was never questioned. This brief phrase indicates Peter’s authority.” (D. Edmond Hiebert)
Peter addressed this letter to many different churches that were in various places, mostly in present-day Türkiye. His authority was likely recognized immediately by the recipients.
It is theorized, according to Precept Austin commentaries and sermons, that 1 Peter was written in AD 63, with both Paul and Peter being martyred in AD 67. The purpose of 1 Peter, also from Precept Austin, was to provide the following precepts and concerns to the fledgling churches:
Letter of Consolation
Encouragement
Main Teaching: Suffering of the Saints
The suffering and redemptive character of Christ
Hope in general
External opposition
Hostility
Danger from without
Hope in the Lord’s Return
Walk in Holiness as God is Holy
Pain is purpose
As I dive into this epistle, I will try and define a similar path of precepts and dive into the appropriate groups of verses.
My next devotional examines 1 Peter 1:2-5, An Imperishable Inheritance.
Heaven on Wheels Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord - Please guide me into a deep understanding of your word as recorded through the apostle Peter as I start this devotional series on this essential epistle. I ask for the Holy Spirit to guide my analysis and research to gain insight into 1 Peter. Amen.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Commentary from Enduring Word by David Guzik is used with written permission.