1 Peter study section

1 Peter themes

1 Peter develops living hope, suffering and glory, holiness, and Christ our example.

1. A Living Hope Through the Resurrection

Believers are “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” to an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven. This hope sustains them through every trial, for their salvation is secure.

2. Suffering and Glory

Following the pattern of Christ, “the sufferings... and the subsequent glories,” believers suffer now but will share in glory. Trials test and refine faith like fire tests gold, and are temporary and purposeful.

3. Holiness as God’s People

Ransomed by Christ’s blood, believers are called to “be holy in all your conduct,” for God is holy. As “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” they are to live distinctly from the world around them.

4. Christ Our Example in Suffering

Jesus, who suffered unjustly without retaliating and entrusted Himself to God, is the model. Believers are to follow “in his steps,” doing good, not returning evil for evil, and committing themselves to their faithful Creator.

5. Identity as Exiles and God’s Possession

Believers are “sojourners and exiles” whose true home is heaven, and yet “a people for his own possession.” This identity frees them to live honorably before the world without being enslaved to its approval.

6. Shepherding, Humility, and Standing Firm

Peter charges elders to shepherd God’s flock willingly and humbly, and all to humble themselves under God’s hand, resist the devil, and stand firm, trusting “the God of all grace” who will restore and establish them.