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