At a glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authorship | Peter, with Silvanus as scribe (traditional, 1 Peter 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 and hope-grounded living |
| Chapters | 5 |
Main themes
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Living hope | 1 Peter 1:3, born again to living hope |
| Suffering for Christ | Pattern and meaning |
| Holy living | Set apart for God |
| Christian witness | Among hostile neighbors |
| Submission and endurance | Civil and household contexts |
Key passages
- 1 Peter 1:3-9, living hope and trials
- 1 Peter 1:15-16, "Be holy, for I am holy"
- 1 Peter 2:9-10, chosen race and royal priesthood
- 1 Peter 2:21-25, Christ as suffering example
- 1 Peter 3:13-17, defense / apologia
- 1 Peter 5:5-9, humility and adversary