WRITER, The apostle Peter, It was not the original Simon Peter,
impulsive and full of weaknesses, whom Christ called, “Simon.”
# Mk 14:37 Lu 22:31 Joh 21:15-17

It was the Peter Christ prophesied should become a rock # Joh 1:42

The same man chastened by years of suffering and trial, and strengthened by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, The epistle evidently belongs to the later period of his life.

DATE AND PLACE OF WRITING UNCERTAIN.
The Babylon referred to, # 1Pe 5:13
may or may not have been the city on the Euphrates river. Many think it was Rome, figuratively called Babylon.

TO WHOM ADDRESSED. To the elect scattered throughout Asia Minor. Probably to the whole body of Christians in that region, both Jew and Gentile converts. To the churches largely founded by Paul, Peter sends this spiritual message of encouragement, instruction and admonition.

PURPOSE. In writing this epistle, Peter obeyed two specific commands which Jesus had given him.
(1) To encourage and strengthen the brethren # Lu 22:32

(2) To feed the flock of God # Joh 21:15-17

KEY WORD, “Suffering,” it occurs fifteen, or more times in the epistle.

KEY TEXT
# 1Pe 4:1

CENTRAL THEME, Victory over Suffering as Exemplified in the Life of Christ.

SYNOPSIS.
Salutation # 1Pe 1:1,2

PART I. The Glorious Salvation.
Ch. 1.
(1) A living hope centering in the resurrection of Christ # 1Pe 1:3

(2) An incorruptible and fadeless inheritance # 1Pe 1:4

(3) A Divine power by which saints are kept victorious in the midst of suffering.
(a) Through faith # 1Pe 1:5
(b) Rejoicing in trials # 1Pe 1:6
(c) Coming forth as gold refined in the fire, at Christ’s appearing # 1Pe 1:7
(d) In love and joy unspeakable # 1Pe 1:8

(4) The Mysterious Plan.
(a) Concerning which the prophets have inquired, foretelling Christ’s sufferings and the       glory that should be revealed in the latter times: a wonder to angels # 1Pe 1:10-12
(b) It calls for soberness, obedience, unworldiness, purity, and godly reverence, on the part of believers # 1Pe 1:13-17
(c) The infinite cost of # 1Pe 1:18,19
(d) Foreordained before the foundation of the world # 1Pe 1:20,21

PART II. The Believer’s Life, in view of the Great Salvation.
Ch. 1. (cont.)
(1) To be purified and regenerated through the agency of the eternal truth, and manifesting brotherly love # 1Pe 1:22-25

Ch. 2.
(2) To be freed from all evil propensities and having an eager desire for the milk of the word by which to grow # 1Pe 2:1-3

(3) Becoming living stones in a spiritual temple, of which Christ is the “chief corner stone”
# 1Pe 2:5,6

(4) Regarding Christ as precious, he who is rejected and a stumbling block to unbelievers
# 1Pe 2:7,8

PART III. The Believers’ Position and Duties.
Ch. 2. (cont.)
(1) Honourable and holy as the people of God, and should show forth praise unto their divine deliverer # 1Pe 2:9,10

(2) As strangers and pilgrims abstaining from sensuality # 1Pe 2:11

(3) Civil and social duties: Irreproachable conduct before the world, obedience to the powers that be, thus silencing hostile criticism # 1Pe 2:12-15

(4) General good citizenship # 1Pe 2:16,17

(5) Duties in the household of faith.
(a) Of servants to be obedient and patient, even when suffering wrongfully; thus pleasing   God # 1Pe 2:18-20
(b) Considering Christ, the model sufferer and sin-bearer # 1Pe 2:21-25

Ch. 3.
(c) Of wives, to be chaste, and adorned with spiritual graces # 1Pe 3:1-6
(d) Of husbands, to be considerate of their wives # 1Pe 3:7
(e) Of all, to be compassionate, pitiful, courteous, and forgiving # 1Pe 3:8,9
(f) Remembering that long life and answers to prayer are promised to those who bridle their tongues, forsake evil, do good and live peaceably # 1Pe 3:10-13

PART IV. Instructions and Encouragements respecting Suffering.
Ch. 3. (Cont.)
(1) Suffering for righteousness’ sake is a cause for rejoicing, not fear, and should be accompanied by a readiness to testify concerning Christian experience, and a good life # 1Pe 3:14-17

(2) The example of Christ’s vicarious suffering, spiritual work, and his exaltation # 1Pe 3:18-22

Ch. 4.
(3) The sacrificial sufferings of Christ call for self-denial, consecration to God, and the abandonment of all former sensual excesses # 1Pe 4:1-3

(4) Parenthesis, instructions concerning the practical duties of the Christian life which glorify God # 1Pe 4:7-11

(5) Fiery trials not to be regarded as strange, but to be endured joyfully # 1Pe 4:12

(6) Suffering with and for Christ, to be endured joyfully, knowing that it leads to spiritual glory # 1Pe 4:13,14

(7) Never to suffer as evil doers, but when called to suffer as Christians, glorify God, and commit their souls into his keeping # 1Pe 4:15-19

PART V. Final Exhortations and Warnings.

Ch. 5.
(1) To the elders of the church respecting the spirit in which the flock is to be fed # 1Pe 5:1-4

(2) To both the young and old enjoining humility and trustfulness # 1Pe 5:5-7

(3) Warnings against the devil # 1Pe 5:8,9

(4) Benediction and greetings # 1Pe 5:10-14