Introduction to I Peter

 Dr. Gail E. Terrell
Pastor, Grace Baptist Church , Hamilton , Ohio

  1. Author. Peter wrote I Peter (1:1) in about 63 A.D. (the year of Paul's release from the first Roman imprisonment). This epistle was written from Babylon (5:13) in Mesopotamia. Great controversy exists concerning the meaning of the word Babylon. Some believe that Babylon is a mystical name for Rome by which Christians applied the name to all the evil associated with Babylon, and by which Christians could vent their feelings about Rome without being detected because they used the name Babylon. In addition, Roman Catholics claim Babylon is figurative for Rome; however, if Peter founded the church in Rome, we would expect to find Peter mentioned in Romans or Acts 28, and no such mention occurs. A few believe that Babylon refers to a town of that name in Egypt; but this town was not well known and its mention would be expected to include some additional reference to Egypt also.
  2. Recipients. I Peter was written to the ... to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father... (1:1-2). Although some believe that strangers refers to Jewish Christians, Peter uses the term to refer to all Christians whom he identifies as strangers and pilgrims (2:11). The area described is in northwest Asia Minor.
  3. Theme. God's grace will help Christians live out their redemption in a hostile world, and Peter includes warnings and encourage­ments for times of suffering.
  4. Key verses. 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 5:12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
  5. Keywords used in I Peter: suffer, sufferings - 16 times; glory, glorify – 16 times; grace – 8 times.
  6. References to the Lord's church in I Peter. The word church appears once in I Peter: 5:13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. Note that all churches are encouraged to share in fellowship with one another.
  7. I Peter has 5 chapters, 105 verses, and about 2,482 words.

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