1 Peter
Encouragement to suffering Christians: you are a chosen people; endure with hope.
Overview
1 Peter is written to Christians scattered across Asia Minor and facing hostility for their faith. Peter's aim is to steady them: they are "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood," strangers in the world with a living hope. He urges them to live such good lives that their accusers are silenced, and to endure suffering as Christ did, without paying back evil for evil.
Book facts
- Author
- PeterWritten by the apostle Peter, with the help of Silvanus.
- Date written
- c. AD 62–64Written from "Babylon," widely understood as a name for Rome.
- Original language
- GreekWarm, pastoral Greek.
- Setting
- To scattered Christians in Asia MinorFacing suspicion and persecution.
How it came to be
1 Peter is written by the apostle Peter. He writes with the help of Silvanus to believers scattered across Asia Minor.
It closes with greetings "from Babylon," widely understood as a code name for Rome.
The whole book, chapter by chapter
| Chapter | What this chapter covers |
|---|---|
A living hope in suffering — identity, holiness, and endurance, chapters 1–5 | |
| Chapter 1The living hope | Born again to a living hope; be holy, for God is holy. |
| Chapter 2The living stones | Christ the living stone; you are "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood." |
| Chapter 3The hope within | Live so well that critics are silenced; always be ready to give a reason for your hope. |
| Chapter 4The fiery trial | Do not be surprised at the fiery trial; suffer as a Christian, not as an evildoer. |
| Chapter 5The roaring lion | Elders, shepherd the flock; be watchful, for the devil prowls like a roaring lion. |
All 5 chapters. Start reading →
Worth knowing
The apostle who wrote the letter.
Some of the best-known verses in 1 Peter — tap the verse to read it.
- "A royal priesthood"1 Peter 2:9
- "A reason of the hope that is in you"1 Peter 3:15
- "Charity shall cover the multitude of sins"1 Peter 4:8
- "Casting all your care upon him"1 Peter 5:7