At a glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authorship | Peter, with Silvanus as scribe (traditional, 1Pe.5.12); critical: disputed since the 19th century, chiefly on the polished Greek (a lesser debate than 2 Peter's) |
| Date | ~60-65 AD |
| Audience | Christians scattered across Asia Minor facing persecution |
| Genre | Epistle |
| Purpose | Encourage suffering believers + hope-grounded living |
| Chapters | 5 |
Main themes
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Living hope | 1Pe.1.3, born again to living hope |
| Suffering for Christ | Pattern + meaning |
| Holy living | Set apart for God |
| Christian witness | Among hostile neighbors |
| Submission + endurance | Civil + household contexts |
Key passages
- 1Pe.1.3-9, living hope + trials
- 1Pe.1.15-16, "Be holy, for I am holy"
- 1Pe.2.9-10, chosen race + royal priesthood
- 1Pe.2.21-25, Christ as suffering example
- 1Pe.3.13-17, defense / apologia
- 1Pe.5.5-9, humility + adversary