Reference: Peter, First Epistle Of
Easton
This epistle is addressed to "the strangers scattered abroad", i.e., to the Jews of the Dispersion (the Diaspora).
Its object is to confirm its readers in the doctrines they had been already taught. Peter has been called "the apostle of hope," because this epistle abounds with words of comfort and encouragement fitted to sustain a "lively hope." It contains about thirty-five references to the Old Testament.
It was written from Babylon, on the Euphrates, which was at this time one of the chief seats of Jewish learning, and a fitting centre for labour among the Jews. It has been noticed that in the beginning of his epistle Peter names the provinces of Asia Minor in the order in which they would naturally occur to one writing from Babylon. He counsels (1) to steadfastness and perseverance under persecution (1-2:10); (2) to the practical duties of a holy life (2:11-3:13); (3) he adduces the example of Christ and other motives to patience and holiness (3:14-4:19); and (4) concludes with counsels to pastors and people (ch. 5).
Hastings
No Epistle of the NT has caught more of the spirit of Jesus than 1Peter . Imbued with a strong love for the risen Christ, and a profound conviction of the truth of the gospel as established in the world by the life, death, and resurrection of the Messiah, the author delineates a rich Christian life on the basis of these evangelical facts.
1. Contents.
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but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot;
but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot;
but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot;
but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish, and without spot; predetermined, indeed, before the foundation of the world, but manifested in these last times for you;
predetermined, indeed, before the foundation of the world, but manifested in these last times for you;
predetermined, indeed, before the foundation of the world, but manifested in these last times for you;
predetermined, indeed, before the foundation of the world, but manifested in these last times for you; who through him, believe in God, who raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God.
who through him, believe in God, who raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God. Wherefore, having purified your souls by obeying the truth, through the Spirit, to unfeigned brotherly love, love one another, from a pure heart, fervently: read more. having been regenerated, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of the living God, which remains.
having been regenerated, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of the living God, which remains.
Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile and hypocrisies, and envyings, and all evil speaking;
Wherefore, it is contained in the scripture, "Behold I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: whoever trusts in it, shall not be ashamed."
Wherefore, it is contained in the scripture, "Behold I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: whoever trusts in it, shall not be ashamed."
a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. Those who stumble at the word, are disobedient unbelievers, to which, therefore, they were appointed:
who formerly were not a people, but now are a people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
who formerly were not a people, but now are a people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
who formerly were not a people, but now are a people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
who formerly were not a people, but now are a people of God; who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Beloved, I beseech you, as sojourners and travelers, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.
Beloved, I beseech you, as sojourners and travelers, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. Have your behavior comely, among the Gentiles, that, whereas, they speak against you, as evil doers, having beheld your good works, they may glorify God, in the day of visitation.
Have your behavior comely, among the Gentiles, that, whereas, they speak against you, as evil doers, having beheld your good works, they may glorify God, in the day of visitation.
Have your behavior comely, among the Gentiles, that, whereas, they speak against you, as evil doers, having beheld your good works, they may glorify God, in the day of visitation.
Have your behavior comely, among the Gentiles, that, whereas, they speak against you, as evil doers, having beheld your good works, they may glorify God, in the day of visitation. Be subject, therefore, to every human establishment for the Lord's sake; whether to the king, as supreme;
Be subject, therefore, to every human establishment for the Lord's sake; whether to the king, as supreme; or to governor, as those sent by him for the punishment, indeed, of evil doers; but for the praise of them who do good.
or to governor, as those sent by him for the punishment, indeed, of evil doers; but for the praise of them who do good. For so is the will of God, that, by doing good, you put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
For so is the will of God, that, by doing good, you put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. Live as freemen, yet do not use your freedom as a covering of wickedness; but as the servants of God.
Live as freemen, yet do not use your freedom as a covering of wickedness; but as the servants of God. Treat all men with respect: love the brotherhood: fear God: honor the king.
Treat all men with respect: love the brotherhood: fear God: honor the king. Let household servants be subject to their masters, with all reverence; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. read more. For this is acceptable, if any one, from conscience of God, sustain sorrows, suffering unjustly. But what praise is due, if, when you commit faults and are buffeted, you bear it patiently? Yet if, when you do well, and suffer, you bear it patiently, this is acceptable with God. Besides, to this you were called; for even Christ suffered for us, leaving us a pattern, that you should follow his footsteps; who did not sin, neither was guile found in his mouth;
who did not sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered he did not threaten, but committed his cause to him who judges righteously-
who, when he was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered he did not threaten, but committed his cause to him who judges righteously- who himself bore away our sins in his own body, on the tree; that we, being freed from sins, should live to righteousness; by whose stripes you are healed.
who himself bore away our sins in his own body, on the tree; that we, being freed from sins, should live to righteousness; by whose stripes you are healed. For you were as sheep going astray, but are now returned to the Shepherd, and Overseer of your souls.
In like manner, let the wives be in subjection to their own husbands; that, indeed, if any obey not the word, they, without the word, may be won by the behavior of their wives, (when they behold you chaste behavior, joined with reverence:) read more. whose adorning, let it not be that which is external-the plaiting of hair, trinkets of gold, or finery of dress; but-the hidden man of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which, in the sight of God, is of great value. For thus, anciently, the holy women, also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands; even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord; whose daughters you are become, doing well, and not fearing any terror. In like manner, husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as the weaker vessel, and as joint heirs of the favor of life, that your prayers be not hindered. Finally, be all of one mind, sympathizing, lovers of the brethren, tender-hearted, courteous- not returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; but, on the contrary, bless: knowing that to this you were called, that you might inherit the blessing. "For he who is desirous to enjoy life, and to see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.
"For he who is desirous to enjoy life, and to see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.
"For he who is desirous to enjoy life, and to see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil, and do good; let him turn away from evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and pursue it. read more. For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their supplication; but the face of the Lord is against the workers of iniquity."
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their supplication; but the face of the Lord is against the workers of iniquity." Besides, who is he that will do evil to you, if you be imitators of the Good One?
Besides, who is he that will do evil to you, if you be imitators of the Good One?
Besides, who is he that will do evil to you, if you be imitators of the Good One?
Besides, who is he that will do evil to you, if you be imitators of the Good One? Nevertheless, although you even suffer for righteousness' sake, you are happy. Therefore, do not fear their fear, neither be troubled:
Nevertheless, although you even suffer for righteousness' sake, you are happy. Therefore, do not fear their fear, neither be troubled:
Nevertheless, although you even suffer for righteousness' sake, you are happy. Therefore, do not fear their fear, neither be troubled: but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be always prepared for giving an answer, with meekness and reverence, to every one who asks of you a reason for the hope which is in you.
but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be always prepared for giving an answer, with meekness and reverence, to every one who asks of you a reason for the hope which is in you. Hold fast a good conscience, that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may be put to shame who arraign your good behavior in Christ.
Hold fast a good conscience, that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may be put to shame who arraign your good behavior in Christ.
Hold fast a good conscience, that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may be put to shame who arraign your good behavior in Christ. For it is better to suffer as well doers, if the will of God appoints it, than as evil doers.
For it is better to suffer as well doers, if the will of God appoints it, than as evil doers. For even Christ once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God; being put to death, indeed, in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit.
For even Christ once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God; being put to death, indeed, in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit.
For even Christ once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God; being put to death, indeed, in the flesh, but made alive by the Spirit. By which, also, he made proclamation to the spirits in prison,
By which, also, he made proclamation to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when the patience of God once waited, in the days of Noah, while an ark was preparing, in which few, that is, eight souls, were effectually saved through water-
who formerly were disobedient, when the patience of God once waited, in the days of Noah, while an ark was preparing, in which few, that is, eight souls, were effectually saved through water-
who formerly were disobedient, when the patience of God once waited, in the days of Noah, while an ark was preparing, in which few, that is, eight souls, were effectually saved through water- the antitype, immersion, does, also, now save us, (not putting away the filth of the flesh; but seeking of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ; read more. who, having gone into heaven, is at the right hand of God; angels, and authorities, and powers, being subjected to him.
who, having gone into heaven, is at the right hand of God; angels, and authorities, and powers, being subjected to him.
Christ, then, having suffered for us in the flesh, do you also warm yourselves with the same mind: for he who has suffered in the flesh, has ceased from sin;
Christ, then, having suffered for us in the flesh, do you also warm yourselves with the same mind: for he who has suffered in the flesh, has ceased from sin; so that he no longer lives his remaining time in the flesh, to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
so that he no longer lives his remaining time in the flesh, to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time which has passed of life, is sufficient to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, having walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excesses in wine, revellings, carousals, and abominable idolatries.
For the time which has passed of life, is sufficient to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, having walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excesses in wine, revellings, carousals, and abominable idolatries. On which account they wonder that you do not run with them, into the same sink of debauchery, reviling you,-
On which account they wonder that you do not run with them, into the same sink of debauchery, reviling you,- who shall give account to him who is prepared to judge the living and the dead. read more. For, to this end of the gospel was preached to the dead, that they might, indeed, be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. Now the end of all things has approached; be, therefore, sober, and watch to prayer.
Now the end of all things has approached; be, therefore, sober, and watch to prayer.
Now the end of all things has approached; be, therefore, sober, and watch to prayer. And above all things, have fervent love to one another; for love will cover a multitude of sins. read more. Be hospitable to one another, without murmurings. Let every one, according as he has received a gift, minister it to the others, as good stewards of the manifold favor of God. If any one speak, let him speak as the oracles of God: if any one minister, let him do it as from the strength which God supplies; that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Beloved, wonder not at the fiery trial among you, which is come upon you for a trial, as if some strange thing happened to you;
Beloved, wonder not at the fiery trial among you, which is come upon you for a trial, as if some strange thing happened to you; but, seeing you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice: that, also, at the revelation of his glory you may rejoice, with exceeding great joy. read more. If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By them, indeed, he is evil spoken of, but by you he is glorified. Wherefore, let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a malefactor, or as a meddling person.
By them, indeed, he is evil spoken of, but by you he is glorified. Wherefore, let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a malefactor, or as a meddling person.
By them, indeed, he is evil spoken of, but by you he is glorified. Wherefore, let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a malefactor, or as a meddling person. However, if any one suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him even glorify God on that account.
However, if any one suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him even glorify God on that account. Indeed, the time is come that punishment must begin at the house of God; and if it begin first at us, what the end of them who do not obey the gospel of God? read more. And, if the righteous with difficulty escape, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear! Wherefore, then, let those who suffer by the will of God, commit their own lives to him in well doing, as a faithful Creator.
Wherefore, then, let those who suffer by the will of God, commit their own lives to him in well doing, as a faithful Creator.
Wherefore, then, let those who suffer by the will of God, commit their own lives to him in well doing, as a faithful Creator.
Wherefore, then, let those who suffer by the will of God, commit their own lives to him in well doing, as a faithful Creator.
The seniors who are among you, I exhort, who am also a senior, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory which is to be revealed.
The seniors who are among you, I exhort, who am also a senior, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory which is to be revealed. Feed the flock of God, which is with you; exercising the overseer's office, not by constraint, but willingly; neither for the sake of sordid gain, but from good disposition; read more. neither as lording it over the heritage of God, but, being patterns to the flock: and when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive the crown of glory which fades not away. For the like reason, you younger persons subject yourselves to the seniors. Yes, all be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud but gives favor to the humble.
For the like reason, you younger persons subject yourselves to the seniors. Yes, all be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud but gives favor to the humble. Be humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
Be humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
Be humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
Be humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
Be humbled, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxious care on him, because he cares for you.
Cast all your anxious care on him, because he cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant: your adversary, the devil, is walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour:
Be sober, be vigilant: your adversary, the devil, is walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour:
Be sober, be vigilant: your adversary, the devil, is walking about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the very same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren, who are in the world.
whom resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the very same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren, who are in the world.
whom resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the very same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren, who are in the world.
whom resist, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the very same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren, who are in the world. And may the God of all favor, who has called us to his eternal glory, by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, himself make you complete; support, strengthen, establish you:
And may the God of all favor, who has called us to his eternal glory, by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, himself make you complete; support, strengthen, establish you:
And may the God of all favor, who has called us to his eternal glory, by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, himself make you complete; support, strengthen, establish you: to him be the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
to him be the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. By Sylvanus, a faithful brother, (as I conclude,) I have written to you in few words, exhorting you, and strongly testifying that this is the true favor of God, in which you stand. read more. They at Babylon, elected jointly with you, and Mark, my son, salute you. Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all, who are in Christ Jesus.
Morish
This was addressed to believing Jews dispersed in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. It was apparently sent from Babylon on the Euphrates, where many Jews were located. There is nothing in the epistle itself that fixes its date: but it is generally dated A.D. 60 to 63. The teaching of the epistle is based upon a living hope by the resurrection of Christ, in contrast to the portion of the Jews on earth. Believers are contemplated as strangers and pilgrims, salvation being regarded in its completeness as future, soul salvation being the point of consequence in the present, in contrast to temporal deliverances. The thought of a 'spiritual house' composed of living stones, in 1 Peter 2 connects the epistle with the revelation given to Peter in Matt. 16
Smith
Peter, First Epistle of,
The external evidence of authenticity of this epistle is of the strongest kind and the internal is equally strong. It was addressed to the churches of Asia Minor which had for the most part been founded by Paul and his companions, Supposing it to have been written at Babylon,
it ia a probable conjecture that Silvanus, By whom it was transmitted to those churches, had joined Peter after a tour of visitation, and that his account of the condition of the Christians in those districts determined the apostle to write the epistle. (On the question of this epistle having been written at Babylon commentators differ. "Some refer it to the famous Babylon in Asia, which after its destruction was still inhabited by a Jewish colony; others refer it to Babylon in Egypt, now called Old Cairo; still others understand it mystically of heathen Rome, in which sense 'Babylon' is certainly used in the Apocalypse of John." --Schaff.) The objects of the epistle were --
1. To comfort and strengthen the Christians in a season of severe trial.
2. To enforce the practical and spiritual duties involved in their calling
3. To warn them against special temptations attached to their position.
4. To remove all doubt as to the soundness and completeness of the religious system which they had already received. Such an attestation was especially needed by the Hebrew Christians, who were to appeal from Paul's authority to that of the elder apostles, and above all to that of Peter. The last, which is perhaps the very principal object, is kept in view throughout the epistle, and is distinctly stated
The harmony of such teaching with that of Paul is sufficiently obvious. Peter belongs to the school, or to speak more correctly, is the leader of the school, which at once vindicates the unity of the law and the gospel, and puts the superiority of the latter on its true basis-that of spiritual development. The date of this epistle is uncertain, but Alford believes it to have been written between A.D. 63 and 67.
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By Sylvanus, a faithful brother, (as I conclude,) I have written to you in few words, exhorting you, and strongly testifying that this is the true favor of God, in which you stand. They at Babylon, elected jointly with you, and Mark, my son, salute you.