In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus Christ -Yeshua]
was in the beginning with God.
FIRST PETER
The book of First Peter is the third of the eight
general epistles.
The apostle Peter played a major role in establishing the early church
and in ministering to the Samaritans (ethnic Jews) and the Gentiles.
Peter was in Rome when he wrote his epistle in about AD 64. He
addressed his letter to the Gentiles in Asia Minor, which is present day
Turkey.
Hostility was becoming widespread against Christians in the Roman
Empire during the reign of Emperor Nero. Peter exhorted believers to
remain steadfast in their faith while enduring grievous trials. He
reminded them of their future inheritance in the resurrection with Jesus
Christ, the Messiah. They were to rejoice in their
salvation through
faith from which they will receive an incorruptible and undefiled
inheritance for eternity. Peter encouraged those being tested by fiery
trials to let their genuine faith be found to praise, honor, and glory
at the revelation of Christ. The end of their faith would be the
salvation of their souls. He reminded the faithful that the prophets
revealed to them the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would
follow. Therefore, believers were to be holy as God is holy. They were
to live in righteous conduct and love one another while maturing in the
word of God.
Peter continued in his letter by exhorting believers to be submissive
to authority. They are to do justice before God regardless of who is in
authority. Government ordinances are to be obeyed and business is to be
performed honestly. Wives are to submit to their husbands while at the
same time husbands are to honor their wives. Believers are not to return
evil with evil; they are to do good in suffering as Christ also suffered
the unjust to bring us to God.
First Peter 1-2: Future inheritance; enduring trials; revelation of
the prophets; sanctification of believers
First Peter 2-3: Submission to government; responsibilities in
business and marriage; conduct in life
First Peter 3-5: Conduct in suffering; Christ’s example of suffering;
responsibilities of elders and saints