Background

The Apostle Peter, one of Jesus’ original disciples, is traditionally regarded as the author of 1 Peter. This letter is addressed to Christians scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia—regions in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Written around AD 60-64, it is commonly believed that Peter wrote this letter from Rome during a time of increasing persecution against Christians, possibly under Emperor Nero’s rule. Peter refers to Rome as “Babylon” in 1 Peter 5:13, a symbolic reference for a place of exile and suffering.

The primary purpose of the letter is to encourage believers facing suffering and persecution to remain steadfast in their faith. Peter aims to provide hope, reminding them of their new identity in Christ and urging them to live holy and exemplary lives in the middle of all their trials.

Key Themes

Suffering and persecution: one of the central themes of 1 Peter is how Christians should respond to suffering. Peter encourages believers to endure trials with patience and faith, pointing out that suffering for the sake of righteousness is part of following Christ (1 Peter 3:14-17).

Holiness and godly living: Peter exhorts believers to live holy lives, reflecting their new identity in Christ. He calls them to be distinct from the world, living in a way that glorifies God, even in the face of persecution (1 Peter 1:13-16).

Hope in Christ: Peter emphasises the hope that believers have in Christ, grounded in their inheritance of eternal life. This hope empowers them to endure suffering, knowing that their present trials are temporary compared to the eternal glory to come (1 Peter 1:3-5).

Identity as God’s People: Peter highlights the new identity believers have in Christ. They are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9), called to declare the praises of God and live as His representatives in a hostile world.

The Message for Today

1 Peter’s message remains relevant today, especially for Christians who face challenges, opposition, or suffering for their faith. Peter’s exhortation to remain steadfast in faith despite trials resonates deeply in contexts where Christians face persecution, discrimination, or social pressures. It is also a reminder for modern believers to live distinct, godly lives in a world that often stands in contrast to Christian values.

The letter teaches that suffering is not a sign of abandonment by God but an opportunity to share in Christ’s sufferings and to glorify God. It provides an encouraging and practical guide for believers, teaching them how to live out their faith in a way that impacts others, even under difficult circumstances.

The Different Kingdom Lens

Viewed through the lens of God’s Kingdom, 1 Peter presents a countercultural vision of power and success. The world exalts strength, prestige, and material success, but Peter calls believers to embrace suffering as part of their calling. Just as Christ suffered before entering into his glory, believers too are called to endure trials, knowing that their true reward lies in the future.

The Kingdom of God operates on a different paradigm: those who are lowly, despised, and persecuted in the world are exalted in God’s Kingdom. Peter’s instruction to love others, to honour even unjust authorities, and to repay evil with blessing reflects this cross-centred Kingdom ethic. It challenges believers to live in a way that mirrors Christ’s humility, grace, and endurance, even when it goes against the grain of worldly values.

In essence, 1 Peter is a call to see suffering, not as a setback, but as a path toward glory, and to live with an eternal perspective that values faithfulness to Christ above all else.