The book of 1 Peter was written by the apostle Peter to Christians scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia in Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1). These believers were living as spiritual “exiles,” surrounded by a culture that often misunderstood, rejected, and opposed their faith in Jesus Christ. Although they were experiencing various trials, social hostility, slander, and suffering because of their Christian identity, Peter encouraged them to view their circumstances through the certainty of their salvation and the hope of Christ’s return. He reminded them that through the resurrection of Jesus Christ they had been born again to a “living hope” and possessed an inheritance that could never perish, be defiled, or fade (1 Peter 1:3–4). Because God had called them to Himself, they were to live holy lives, love one another earnestly, submit appropriately to governing and social authorities, honor Christ in their relationships, and respond to unjust suffering with faithfulness rather than retaliation. Peter repeatedly points to Jesus Christ as the supreme example of righteous suffering, emphasizing that Christ suffered for sins, “the righteous for the unrighteous,” in order to bring believers to God (1 Peter 3:18). He also teaches that suffering for Christ should not be viewed as evidence that God has abandoned His people; rather, trials can test and refine genuine faith and provide opportunities to glorify God. Throughout the letter, Peter strengthens believers by reminding them of their new identity as God’s chosen people—a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). The central message of 1 Peter is therefore one of hope, holiness, perseverance, and faithful witness in the midst of suffering: Christians can stand firm because their salvation is secure in Christ, God cares for them, and after temporary suffering, “the God of all grace” will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish them (1 Peter 5:10).

The book of 1 Peter was written to Christians experiencing hardship, rejection, and persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Peter encourages believers to remain faithful by remembering their living hope, their identity as God’s people, and the example of Christ. The letter emphasizes holy living, steadfast faith, Christian witness, and confidence in the glory that God will ultimately reveal.

1. Living Hope Through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Peter begins by reminding believers that they have been born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3). Their hope does not depend upon favorable circumstances but upon the finished work of Christ and the certainty of their eternal inheritance. This hope enables Christians to endure present difficulties with confidence.

2. An Eternal and Secure Inheritance

Believers possess an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them (1 Peter 1:4–5). Earthly possessions, security, and circumstances may change, but God’s promised salvation cannot be taken away. Peter directs suffering Christians to view present trials in light of their eternal future.

3. Faith Tested Through Trials

Trials are not evidence that God has abandoned His people. Peter explains that tested faith is more precious than gold and will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:6–7). Suffering can refine faith, revealing its genuineness and strengthening believers’ dependence upon God.

4. The Call to Holiness

Because God is holy, His people are called to live holy lives: “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16, ESV). Salvation changes not only the believer’s eternal destiny but also the way the believer lives. Christians are called to reject former sinful desires and increasingly reflect God’s character in every area of life.

5. God’s Word Gives New Life and Spiritual Growth

Peter connects the believer’s new birth with the enduring Word of God (1 Peter 1:23–25). Christians should therefore desire God’s Word like newborn infants desire milk so that they may “grow up into salvation” (1 Peter 2:2, ESV). Spiritual maturity comes through continued dependence upon God’s truth.

6. Christ the Living Stone and Cornerstone

Jesus is presented as the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious to God (1 Peter 2:4–8). He is also the cornerstone upon whom God’s people are built. Those who trust Him will not be put to shame, while those who reject Him stumble over the very One God has established as the foundation of salvation.

7. The Identity of God’s People

Peter gives believers a remarkable description of their new identity: “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession” (1 Peter 2:9, ESV). Christians belong to God and have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light. Their identity carries a mission—to proclaim the excellencies of the God who saved them.

8. Christian Conduct as a Witness to the World

Believers are described as sojourners and exiles in the world (1 Peter 2:11). Peter urges them to live honorable lives among unbelievers so that their conduct points others toward God. Christian witness therefore involves both proclaiming the gospel and living in a manner consistent with it.

9. Submission and Godly Relationships

A significant portion of 1 Peter addresses submission within human relationships and institutions (1 Peter 2:13–3:7). Peter discusses relationships with governing authorities, servants and masters, and husbands and wives. In each setting, believers are called to conduct themselves in ways that honor God, even when circumstances are difficult or unjust.

10. Christ as the Example in Suffering

Jesus provides the supreme example for Christians who suffer unjustly. “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return” (1 Peter 2:23, ESV). Instead, Christ entrusted Himself to the Father who judges justly. Believers are therefore called to respond to mistreatment with faithfulness rather than retaliation.

11. Christ’s Suffering and Atoning Death

Peter’s teaching about suffering is grounded in the cross. Christ “himself bore our sins in his body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24, ESV), and “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18, ESV). Jesus’ suffering accomplished salvation and reconciled sinners to God.

12. Suffering for Righteousness

Peter distinguishes suffering because of wrongdoing from suffering because of faithfulness to Christ. Believers should never be ashamed of suffering as Christians (1 Peter 4:12–16). Instead, they can entrust themselves to their faithful Creator while continuing to do good. Faithfulness to Christ may bring rejection from the world, but it brings honor before God.

13. Always Being Ready to Give a Defense

Christians are instructed to honor Christ as Lord in their hearts and to be prepared to explain “the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV). This defense should be given with gentleness and respect. Christian apologetics therefore involves both a clear explanation of faith and a Christlike manner of presenting it.

14. Living in Light of Eternity

Peter repeatedly directs believers beyond present circumstances toward eternity. Because “the end of all things is at hand” (1 Peter 4:7, ESV), Christians should be self-controlled, prayerful, loving, hospitable, and faithful stewards of God’s gifts. An eternal perspective should shape everyday Christian priorities.

15. Love and Service Within the Church

Peter emphasizes the importance of Christian community during difficult times. Believers are commanded to maintain earnest love because “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8, ESV). They should practice hospitality without grumbling and use their spiritual gifts to serve one another as faithful stewards of God’s grace.

16. Shepherding God’s People

Church leaders are instructed to “shepherd the flock of God” willingly, eagerly, and by example rather than through domination (1 Peter 5:1–4). Christ is the Chief Shepherd, and earthly leaders serve under His authority. Biblical leadership is therefore characterized by service, faithfulness, humility, and godly example.

17. Humility and Dependence Upon God

Peter calls believers to clothe themselves with humility toward one another and to humble themselves under God’s mighty hand (1 Peter 5:5–6). Rather than carrying life’s anxieties alone, Christians are invited to cast their cares upon God “because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, ESV).

18. Spiritual Warfare and Resistance to the Devil

Christians must remain spiritually alert because “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, ESV). Peter commands believers to resist him, firm in their faith. Suffering therefore has a spiritual dimension that requires vigilance, steadfast faith, and dependence upon God.

19. Suffering Before Glory

One of the great patterns running throughout 1 Peter is suffering followed by glory. This pattern is seen first in Christ and then in His followers. Present suffering is temporary, but God’s glory is eternal. After believers have suffered “a little while,” God Himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish them (1 Peter 5:10).

Central Message of 1 Peter

Because believers have been given a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they can remain holy, faithful, and hopeful while suffering, knowing that they belong to God and that present trials will ultimately give way to eternal glory.

1 Peter 1 opens with Peter addressing believers who are living as “exiles” scattered throughout Asia Minor, reminding them that although they may feel displaced and vulnerable in the world, they have been chosen by God and given a secure identity in Christ. Peter begins with praise for God’s mercy, emphasizing the believer’s new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ and an eternal inheritance that cannot perish, fade, or be taken away. Although these Christians are experiencing various trials, Peter explains that suffering can test and refine genuine faith, ultimately resulting in praise, glory, and honor when Christ is revealed. He then points to the great privilege of salvation, a salvation anticipated by the Old Testament prophets and now proclaimed through the gospel. Because believers have received such grace, Peter calls them to live with minds prepared for action, to place their hope fully in Christ, and to pursue holiness in every area of life because the God who called them is holy. The chapter concludes by reminding Christians that they were redeemed not with temporary treasures such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, and that their new life through God’s enduring Word should be demonstrated through sincere and earnest love for one another.

With this lesson we begin a verse-by-verse study of the first letter of Peter. From verse 1:1 we know that the author was the apostle Peter and that he witnessed the sufferings of Jesus Christ. In the early church there was no dispute over the authenticity of the letter but in recent days some scholars dispute this for various reasons. Further details of this dispute can be found in the ESV Study Bible’s Introduction of First Peter.

The date that 1 Peter was written depends on who actually wrote the letter. Those who reject Peter as the author say it was written in either the reign of Domitian (A.D. 81-96) or Trajan (98-117). With Peter as the most probable author, the date would be during the reign of Nero (A.D. 54-68) and thus the date of composition is likely A.D. 62-63.

1 Peter is a letter of encouragement to believers to endure suffering and persecution by staying in complete submission to God. They are to remain faithful as their distress increases, relying on God’s promises of their vindication and joy of eternal salvation. Those who are suffering are to look to the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross and his joy over the salvation he was providing for us. As we suffer, we are to be reminded of our “inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for” us, guarded by God’s power (1:4). Even though we may face death at the hands of evil men, we have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

As we write verse by verse Bible lessons, we will follow the outline given by the text titles in the ESV Study Bible.

It is my prayer that you will enjoy this study as much as I look forward to writing the lessons.

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: may grace and peace be multiplied to you. (1 Peter 1:1 – 2 ESV)

Now that 1 Peter has been introduced it is time to begin our verse by verse study of the letter that Peter is writing to exiles that are suffering under persecution. The letter begins with Peter identifying himself as the author and also as an apostle of Jesus Christ. From our harmonization study we know Peter as one of the twelve chosen disciples. In writings outside of the gospels the twelve disciples change to twelve apostles for several reasons. The original twelve disciples included Judas who betrayed Jesus and then took his own life was replaced with Matthias. This group of twelve are distinguished from the disciples by calling them apostles. Peter was a disciple before he denied Jesus but became an apostle after being restored by Jesus and then receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The disciples were men of flesh while the apostles were men of the Spirit. An apostle is also seen as one who has become authoritative messenger of Jesus Christ.

In particular this letter is to those described as “elect exiles of the Dispersion.” These believers that Peter is writing to are mainly Jew and a few Gentiles and are described as exiles in that they are living in a place and under conditions that are not consider home. At the time of the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54 – 60) a great persecution broke out against Christians in Jerusalem, forcing them out (dispersing them) into surrounding regions as they were commanded by the great commission. They are away from their homes in Jerusalem but as believers their citizenship is in heaven, so they are also considered as exiles from there.

Those exiles who are believers are described here in the ESV translation as “elect exiles” but both NASB and NET say, “who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” ESV chose to say, “elect exiles . . . according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” The choice of using “elect” or “chosen” seems to depend upon your position on whether God alone chooses who will be saved or whether it is based on your choice. Based on Romans 3:11, my only hope was on God choosing me, so I believe “chosen” is the better word choice.

In the beginning God’s design for the body of Christ included those based on his sovereign will. These he chose according to his foreknowledge before the person was able to choose for himself. These were to be set apart for obedience. Those God chose, he, in the beginning, assigned work for them to do during their time as believers on earth (Ephesians 2:10).

These were also set apart for sprinkling with the blood of Jesus Christ. This refers to the atoning work on the cross, where all believers’ sins were washed away. This sprinkling of blood may represent a believer entering into a covenant with God similar to that found in Exodus 24:3 – 8) or it may represent a believers’ subsequent cleansings by the  blood of Christ through their growth in holiness as in 1 John 1:7 ESV: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” It may also represent both.

^1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

As one reads the section covered by verses 3 through 12, three topics are covered:

(1) Verses 3 – 5, which make up one long sentence, speaks of God’s great mercy that caused us to be born again and then as a result of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have a living hope based on the promise of an inheritance that is waiting for us in heaven, an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, unlike anything we know on earth. That inheritance has our name on it and cannot be touched by anyone else because it is being guarded by God’s power until it is given to us.

^1:6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

(2) Verses 6 – 9 speaks of our ability to rejoice as we are grieved by various trials that test the genuineness of our faith, a faith that is described as more precious that gold. In the midst of these trials the Holy Spirit provides a faith that results in praise and glory and honor as Jesus Christ continues to be revealed to us. We love him for the sacrifice he made for our salvation and we rejoice with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.

^1:10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, ¹¹ inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. ¹² It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

(3) Verses 10 – 12 speaks of our salvation that the Old Testament prophets spoke of and angels longed to see. These prophets spoke of the coming of Christ in the person of Jesus and his suffering on the cross and then his subsequent glories.

These believers that Peter is writing to are suffering in various ways, just as believers are today in various parts of the world, but because of the suffering, death and resurrection a salvation has been provided that provides us with hope in the midst of suffering and a faith that results in praise and glory and honor of our savior Jesus Christ out of our love for him.

From this praise of our salvation seen in this section, we are now ready to look at the details starting with our next lesson.

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3 – 5 ESV)

In the previous lesson we introduced the section that contains three parts and includes verses 3 through 12. With this lesson we begin our verse by verse study of this section.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” is the same wording that we find Paul using in 2 Corinthians 1:3 and Ephesians 1:3. In all three cases “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” is worthy of praise. According to God the Father’s great mercy he has caused us to be born again. We did nothing to cause our spiritual birth; it was God’s doing! The same thing is found in Ephesians 2:4 – 5 ESV: ⁴ “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.” God “caused us to be born again” and he “made us alive.” While we were still “children of wrath” and “dead in our trespasses” God caused us to be born again and made alive. This causing and making simply overwhelmed me the night I was born again. It was clearly not my doing but God who provided.

But it was more than just being born again; there was given a living hope to look forward to, and that hope is the result of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Being made spiritually alive is not just for our time on earth but is to extend on into eternity. Jesus tried to help the disciples understand by raising several from the dead, then as a final example he died from crucifixion and was placed in a tomb, but death could not hold him and in three days he came back to life and spent time with the disciples and others in a body that was now incorruptible and then ascended into heaven. In this we have hope of the same experience.

In case you are not excited enough, there is more. There is the promise of “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for” us. That inheritance has our name on it, and it is protected from being taken by anyone else by God’s power through faith. This faith is not from us but is a faith that God gives at the time of being born again. A faith that is a saving faith is a faith that is from God.

This hope we have is extended through the resurrection of Jesus Christ to our inheritance; that which we do not yet have but is kept for us to come and claim it, but what is it? It has to do with our salvation but what that might be will have to wait until the next lesson.

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3 – 5 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the concept of being born again to a living hope. In this lesson we will look at our inheritance that hope points to through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What is so special about this inheritance that hope points to? It has four defining qualities that set it apart or make it superior to any inheritance we might have here on earth. This inheritance is described as being imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and is reserved in heaven for us.

This inheritance is imperishable and is not subject to death, decay, or corruption. It will endure forever in perfect condition. Jesus Christ is an example of this as his body was laid in a tomb, but death could not hold him, and he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God interceding for us (1 Peter 3:22). Jesus Christ is the Word incarnate in flesh through a virgin birth and that Word is thus imperishable and it is through it that we are born into the kingdom of God. “[We] have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23 ESV). This kingdom that we are born into cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28) and is a place where we can lay up treasures “where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20 ESV).

This inheritance is undefiled and is thus not susceptible to being spoiled, stained, or made impure by sin. There is nothing that can harm it by any means and as a result it will remain holy, pure, and perfect. This describes our savior Jesus Christ who became our perfect sacrifice. He was also our high priest and in Hebrews 7:26 is described as “holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” In our study of 1 John, we learned in verse 5 that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. “The Lord of hosts is exalted in justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy in righteousness” (Isaiah 5:16 ESV). This holy and righteousness God inhabits heaven where nothing unclean will ever enter it to defile it.

This inheritance is unfading and will forever retain its original condition. Here on earth everything is temporal. It was not created that way but because of sin that which was to be eternal became temporary, but in Jesus Christ our perishable body must put on the imperishable and the mortal body must put on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53). When that happens that which is imperishable, and immortal will never in any way be tarnished.

This inheritance is reserved in heaven for us where it is secure until we come for it. Matthew speaks of a kingdom that we will inherit which has been prepared for us from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34). This inheritance seems to relate to a place, a condition, and a body that meets the first three conditions. Think of the nature of heaven, the environment there and the kind of body we will have then. All of this is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading and is ours in Jesus Christ. This is the result from God making all things new for those who are his children (Revelation 21:5). We will be like Jesus Christ and will come to live in a new place. What we will be like and where we will live is beyond our comprehension, but we will inherit it based on the promise and power of God.

⁶ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6 – 7 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the nature of our inheritance. In this lesson we must look at our suffering.

“In this” refers back to what we covered in the previous lesson about being born again, according to his great mercy, to a living hope, which is established through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. That hope is to be focused on our inheritance that is described as imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, and is located in heaven secured by the power of God. It is in this that we are to greatly rejoice as we now for a little while, if necessary, suffer under various trials.

These “various trials” may include persecutions as well as afflictions. Today as I write this most of the world is suffering under the affliction of the coronavirus while at the same time in certain parts of the world Christians are also suffering under persecution. The coronavirus may be the result of God’s judgment against sin. For the unbeliever, the judgment is for punishment but for the believer the judgment is punitive as Jesus was punished in our place and as a result our suffering is to encourage spiritual growth in preparation for his coming.

James speaks of these “various trials” and tells us that we are to count it all joy when we meet them (James 1:2). Peter says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12 ESV). Paul tells us to rejoice in our sufferings (Romans 5:3). The implication is clear that suffering is part of life because of the dying process under sin.

In the beginning in the garden, God informed man that sin would result in death, immediate spiritual death, and physical death over a lifetime of affliction. God’s judgment for sin against the unbeliever is punishment while for the believer it is punitive because Jesus took our punishment for our sin. For the believer, these various trials serve the purpose of testing the genuineness of our faith or to show the proven character of our faith. The test is not to show that faith is in doubt but that it is genuine by showing that it will bring praise in the midst of suffering.

God is holy and righteous, and he is love and is truth and we were created in his likeness. In that likeness we are to live holy and righteous lives, and loving the truth, but we tend to turn away and take pleasure in the sin of unrighteousness. As judgment against this, God uses affliction to either punish or to discipline us. As believers that discipline is to yield growth is Christ likeness. That character of our faith is spoken of here as being much more valuable than gold or all those things the world has to offer which will eventually pass away. A faith that can endure such affliction and produce Christlike character will bring praise, glory, and honor when Jesus is revealed.

There is a day coming when Jesus will return, and he will raise our bodies from the grave. It is to be a time when we are to be prepared and have confidence and not shrink away from him in shame at his coming (1 John 2:28). This confidence is from his love that is perfected within us that is required for that day of judgment when Jesus returns (1 John 4:17). “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18 ESV). The purpose of affliction is to perfect his love in us to provide us with confidence through holy and righteous living through loving and obeying the truth for that time when Jesus appears. I believe the coronavirus of today is affliction that God is using in his judgment against our growing worldly lifestyle of comfort and worldly pleasure. God wants us to have confidence and not shame at the return of Jesus.

⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8 – 9 ESV)

In the previous lesson we considered the importance of spiritual growth and God’s use of affliction to encourage it. In this lesson we will look further at our relationship with Jesus Christ.

We have not seen Jesus Christ face to face yet, but one day we will: “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2 ESV). Even though we have not seen him, we love him, and we believe in him. “Jesus said to [Thomas], ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” (John 20:29 ESV). Unlike the disciples, who saw and spoke with the resurrected Jesus, “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV), “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now [we] know in part; then [we] shall know fully, even as [we] have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV).

Even though we have not seen Jesus, we love him and believe in him and should “rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” How deeply do you love Jesus and how strong is your faith in him. How much persecution could you endure against your faith before you deny him? Is the joy of knowing him so great that it is inexpressible in that you lack the right words to express it or is the joy something that you kind of feel sometimes?

This joy is already encompassed with glory, a glory that is both partly a present possession through the presence of Christ within us and partly an assured anticipation of what we will experience when we see him face to face. Think of our joy as being indescribable and glorious because the object of our joy is so magnificent, wonderful, and splendid. As we do not have words to describe Jesus Christ, we thus do not have words to describe the joy we have of knowing him and being in him and he in us. “The riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in [us], the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27 ESV).

What is the outcome of this faith we have in him that gives us such joy? It is the salvation of our souls, a salvation is past, present, and future. In the past we were saved: ⁸ “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8 – 9 ESV). In the present salvation is a process: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12 ESV). This is the process called sanctification, a time of spiritual growth towards Christ likeness. Salvation will be complete in the future when we receive our resurrected bodies when Jesus Christ returns. As Paul says, “salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11 ESV).

¹⁰ Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, ¹¹ inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. ¹² It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. (1 Peter 1:10 – 12 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at a joy that we are to have that is so great that it is inexpressible. In this lesson we will look further at this salvation that gives us such joy.

This salvation that we have received is something the prophets spoke of in the Old Testament. They predicted the grace that would come to us that we would receive as a gift. These prophets searched and carefully inquired, they probed into what person would bring this salvation and at what time. They knew the Spirit was speaking to them about an amazing event, but they wondered about the person and the surrounding circumstances through which God would fulfill his promised salvation. They also realized that this salvation would require the sufferings of Christ and his subsequent glories.

What these prophets were speaking of they did not experience in their lifetime but was to be for our benefit. They did not experience spiritual birth as we do and the fulfillment of the gospel we experience. Even the angels longed to know what it was that we were going to experience that was so different than that experienced in the Old Testament.

Think of building a mighty skyscraper. A major hole is dug into the ground and a strong foundation is anchored deep into the earth to support the tremendous weight of the building. The underground stories that contain the utilities other life support of the building are somewhat hidden and do not reveal the full majesty of what will soon rise to a state of glory. The prophets could see the foundation work of the Old Testament and knew that something was about to appear.

All was quiet for roughly four hundred years and then Gabriel shows up with some announcements and the building begins to rise out of the ground. Jesus appears through a virgin birth and the Son of God takes on a body of flesh and becomes the Son of Man, fully God and fully Man. He begins a ministry of teaching and backs it up with signs and wonders and then was nailed to the cross to die a shameful death, but death could not hold him and he rises from the grave providing for our salvation, redeeming us and justifying us before the living God.

God can now show mercy and grant forgiveness and cause us to be born again and to receive the Holy Spirit and an inheritance reserved for us in heaven. The cleansing of our sin and the glory to be revealed in us is what the prophets were speaking of that they could not understand and that angels longed to know. We are so privileged to experience this and a joy from it that is inexpressible. Why as believers do we not live like this means everything to us? Why do we enjoy so much the pleasures of sin in the things of the world? Is it any wonder that God is allowing the coronavirus to tear apart life as we knew it and cause us in desperation to rely on him.

¹³ Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the section about being born again to a living hope in the midst of persecution and affliction. With this lesson we begin a section that will leverage that salvation to live holy lives in the midst of suffering.

The KJV, which has now become somewhat of a dialect of the English language, begins verse 13 with a figure of speech drawn from the Middle Eastern practice of gathering up long robes around the waist to prepare for work or action, by saying, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind.” When doing Bible translation into new languages of the world, great care is taken to use words that communicate Bible meaning into the understanding of the reader, but yet so many who speak English violate this principle when choosing the KJV. What I do not understand is why these people do not speak KJ when they talk with people throughout the day. I grew up on the KJ Bible, but I soon realized that people’s vocabulary change and words take on different meanings, so to help people understand the Bible I felt compelled to use a newer translation that used words they understood.

Replacing “Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind” with “Therefore, preparing your minds for action,” we have a better chance to understand what Peter was saying. First I wanted to understand what the old language was trying to communicate so I did some research and found statements like “Unless you know something about Greco-Roman culture back in the first century when Peter wrote these words, it is hard to know just what he is telling us.” In our modern understanding we have no idea of what it would mean to put a belt around the loins of our mind, so we need to look for words that communicate what Peter was saying that is understood today. That is what is done when translating the Bible into a new language.

If we replace “gird up the loins” with “preparing” we then can draw on current experiences for understanding not rely on an understanding of first century experiences. Today if I am going on a trip, I make preparations. If I am going to take an exam, I prepare for it. What Peter is going to say that connects back to his presentation on being born again to a living hope, is going to require us to prepare our minds for some clear thinking and understanding. We are to prepare our minds by setting aside miscellaneous thoughts and focus on what Peter is going to say. We are to prepare our minds to think hard and with understanding on what is to be said and how it relates to being born again.

I know I have probably upset some of you, but I want you to think about the importance of communicating with words and illustrations that make up today’s life that are understood. Choose words and illustrations that communicate the intent of the early writers into the understanding of today’s vocabulary. I believe it is important that the translation match the English I use when writing or speaking.

In the next lesson we will consider what we are to do to prepare our minds according to Peter.

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13 ESV)

In the previous lesson the first part of verse 13 caused me to think of my days when I taught and memorized from the KJV of the Bible. I think of how much effort it took to explain the old translation into today’s vocabulary and illustrations that I made the hard decision to use a good modern translation. Those memories of the past got me sidetracked in the previous lesson. In this lesson we will focus on what Peter had in mind when he said, (translated into modern English) “preparing your minds for action.”

Looking at the paragraph consisting of verses 13 through 21 we are reminded to look ahead to the future inheritance as an incentive to holy living. The inheritance, spoken of in verse 4, that was promised by God to followers of Christ should motivate us to set our hopes entirely on our future reward (verses 13 – 16) and to live in the fear of God who redeemed us at the cost of the Son of God dying on a cross (verses 17 – 21).

Part of preparing our minds for action is to be sober-minded, or a mind that is thoughtful, restrained, and serious about the conditions at hand. These believers find themselves facing persecution causing their lives to be afflicted and as a result it is a time to make wise decisions on how to live, thus they need minds prepared for action in the face of their enemy. Later Peter will tell them to “be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of [their] prayers” (4:7). They are to be sober-minded “because [their] adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (5:8).

A mind prepared for action is to have a worthy focus. That focus is to be their hope set fully on the grace that will be brought to them at the revelation of Jesus Christ. This revelation of Jesus Christ occurs at his second coming at which time we receive our new bodies, completing our salvation. When Jesus returns, he will bring with him the souls of those believers who have already died and whose bodies are in graves, but at that time there will still be a few believers living on earth and described in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 as being “alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, [and they] will not precede those wo have fallen asleep.” Those who bodies are in the grave will be raised first and then those who are still alive.

¹⁶ “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16 – 18 ESV). It is this historical event of receiving our new bodies that we look forward to and hope in. It is truly a time when the greatness of God’s grace will be fully realized.

^1:14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, ¹⁵ but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶ since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14 – 16 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the meaning of preparing our minds for action. In this lesson we will consider the importance of holy living in the midst of suffering.

Those to whom Peter is writing, he refers to as “obedient children” and as such they are to demonstrate a particular kind of lifestyle. Under this time of suffering they are not to return to their former way of living in the passions of their former ignorance. Peter expands on this in 4:2 – 3 (ESV) where he says, 2 “so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.” In Romans 12:2 (ESV), Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” It was a time described when they “were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another” (Titus 3:3 ESV). As obedient children they are not to go back to this kind of living.

As “obedient children” they were called into ministry by one who is holy and thus they are to be holy in all their conduct, for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” Holiness is a requirement if we are to see the Lord (Hebrews 12:44). Paul tells the Thessalonians in 4:7 that they were not called for impurity, but in holiness. Paul instructs Corinthian believers to cleanse themselves from every defilement of body and spirit, thus bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1). John tells his readers that those who hope in God are to purify themselves just as he is pure (1 John 3:3).

Being holy in one’s conduct is not easy as sin is attractive and thus one must continually fight against it. As believers we are to separate ourselves from evil in all that we do and to be holy, for that is like the character of God who is holy. The command to holy living is found in Leviticus 18:2 – 4 ESV: ² “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, I am the Lord your God. ³ You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. ⁴ You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the Lord your God.”

We are to be holy in all our conduct, especially during those times when we do not feel like it. How well are you doing in being holy in all your conduct?

^1:17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, ¹⁸ knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

In the previous lesson we considered the importance of being holy in all our conduct. In this lesson we look at the meaning of conducting ourselves with fear.

As God’s children through spiritual birth, we can refer to God as our Father. As any father would observe the conduct of his children and discipline as needed, so our heavenly Father judges us impartially according to our deeds. Therefore, we should conduct ourselves accordingly out of fear of punishment. Those Peter was writing to were exiles living under persecution suffering various afflictions. Especially under those living conditions they were to be holy in all their conduct and would be judged accordingly.

Their good conduct should be motivated by the fact that they were ransomed, or purchased back, from the futile ways inherited from their forefathers. Being ransomed reminds us of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, which points to a greater deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as those people in exile were delivered from a life of futility and meaninglessness to one of great significance, we likewise were delivered from a life inherited from our forefathers. ⁴ “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4 – 5 ESV).

They who were in exile and we were not ransomed with perishable things such as silver or gold. Since sin was against a holy and infinite God, things created would not be of great enough value for payment. What was required was the precious blood of the Son of God who lived a sinless life in a body of flesh like us. Through a virgin birth, the Son of God became Jesus the Son of Man, fully God and fully Man. When the time came, Jesus was nailed to a cross as our sacrifice, taking our sin and thus the wrath of God, he died in our place. The shedding of his life’s blood was the required ransom price for our salvation, redeeming us from sin and death and justifying us (making us right) before God. Jesus became our sacrifice, like the lambs before him, but Jesus was the perfect sacrifice in that his sacrifice was a onetime sacrifice because it was sufficient to cover all sin, past, present, and future.

Has Jesus become your ransom and redeemed you from your bondage of sin and death and justified you before God? Have you become a child of his through spiritual birth and adoption? If not, do not wait any longer, for now is the time for salvation.

^1:20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you ²¹ who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

In the previous lesson we were reminded of the cost to God to redeem us from sin and death. That ransom price was the blood of Jesus Christ. At such a high cost to purchase our salvation, we need to respond, even under persecution and affliction, to be holy in our conduct. In this lesson we will consider more details about the one we have faith in who gives us hope in the midst of suffering.

Before creation, God knew the people he would create would disobey him and turn away from him, and in order to bring some of them back to him, the Son of God would have to become the Son of Man through a virgin birth and die in our place to provide us with salvation. This “was foreknown before the foundation of the world” and at a predetermined time God’s plan would unfold here on earth.

In eternity past the plan was formed, to be executed in the “last times” for our sake as sinners. The “last times” is referred to as a time in history when sinful people in need of a savior populated the earth. At a precise time Jesus Christ would appear and reveal who he was through signs and wonders and would explain the gospel to the growing hatred of Jewish religious leaders, who eventually would have him nailed to a cross to die, but death could not hold him and he rose from the dead to be glorified by God.

The death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ provides us with faith and hope. Notice that this hope forms bookends for this paragraph as it begins with verse 13 with hope and ends with verse 21 with hope. The paragraph begins with our hope set “on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” and ends with our “hope in God.” Hope is also found in the theme of 1 Peter, which is “hope in the midst of suffering.”

I find it interesting that we find ourselves in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic in which we are afflicted in various ways. In view of our study of 1 Peter, do you have hope in the midst of your suffering? As a righteous God, he must judge sin and maybe our sin has become sever enough for him to bring judgment upon us. For the unbeliever, judgment is in the form of punishment, but for the believer it cannot be punishment because Jesus Christ was punished in our place for our sin, so judgment for the believer is punitive and comes in the form of discipline to draw us  back to himself. It will be interesting to see if this pandemic elevates China as a greater world leader and more clearly establishes her as the power from the east of Revelation.

^1:22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, ²³ since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. (1 Peter 1:22 – 23 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the foreknowledge of God in knowing that created mankind would disobey him and become spiritually dead and in need of a savior. God had also planned in eternity past that a savior would be sent to rescue some by purchasing their salvation. It is in this work of God that we have hope. In this lesson we will look at our spiritual birth.

Those in exile, that Peter is writing to, have responded to the truth in obedience and as a result of their new lifestyle, they have brought purity to their souls. This purity has prepared them to sincerely show brotherly love to one another from a pure heart. Paul adds to this in 1 Timothy 1:5 when he speaks of love that “issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

This change of life has resulted from being born again and are now spiritually alive. Consider the following verses on being born again. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3 ESV). According to his great mercy, God caused us to be born again. “Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures” (James 1:18 ESV). It is by his will and not ours that we were born again (John 1:13). If we are not born again, we cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).

Peter indicates that when we are born again it is from a seed that is imperishable, a seed that is from God (1 John 3:9). The seed from man produces a person that perishable but the seed from God results in that which is imperishable. ⁵⁰ “I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. ⁵³ For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’” (1 Corinthians 15:50, 53, 54 ESV).

^1:24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, ²⁵ but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you. (1 Peter 1:24 – 25 ESV)

In the previous lesson we saw the need of being born again with a seed that is from God, a seed that is imperishable. In this lesson we will see an example of that which is perishable and that which is imperishable.

There are three things in view here: (1) human flesh, (2) plant life, and (3) the word of the Lord. Human flesh and plant life are equated, as they are several places in Scripture, as being temporal while the word of the Lord remains forever.

James compares the lowly and rich brother with the flower and the grass in James 1:9 – 11 ESV: ⁹ “Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, ¹⁰ and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. ¹¹ For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also, will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.” No matter how rich we become or how important, we will face away like the flower and the grass.

Peter is quoting from Isaiah 40: 6 – 8 ESV: ⁶ “A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. ⁷ The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. ⁸ The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

The point Peter is stressing is the eternal importance of the word of God. As God’s children, we were born of an imperishable seed through the eternal word of God. This word was preached to those believers in exile as it was preached to us, and through hearing that word, the gospel of truth, hope and life, we were born again. Because of sin our bodies were made perishable, but we have the promise to be raised in Christ from the dead to inherit an eternal body. This word is indeed good news as it has granted new life to believers.

1. Who wrote 1 Peter, and to whom was the letter addressed?

Answer:
The apostle Peter wrote this letter to Christians whom he describes as “elect exiles” scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1). These believers were living as spiritual outsiders in a culture that did not share their faith in Christ. Peter reminds them that although they may feel displaced in the world, they have been chosen by God and belong to Him. Their true identity is determined not by their circumstances or social standing but by their relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

2. What does Peter teach about the believer’s salvation in 1 Peter 1:2?

Answer:
Peter presents salvation as the work of the triune God. Believers are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, and brought into obedience to Jesus Christ and cleansing through His blood. Salvation therefore originates in God’s purpose, is applied through the work of the Holy Spirit, and is accomplished through Jesus Christ. The Christian life rests securely upon God’s gracious work rather than human achievement.

3. What is the “living hope” described in 1 Peter 1:3?

Answer:
The believer’s living hope comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is “living” because Christ Himself is alive and because the hope He provides cannot be destroyed by suffering or death. Christian hope is therefore more than optimism about the future. It is confident expectation based upon the historical reality of Christ’s resurrection and God’s promise of eternal life.

4. What inheritance is awaiting believers?

Answer:
Peter describes the believer’s inheritance as “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Earthly possessions can deteriorate, become corrupted, or disappear, but God’s promised inheritance cannot. This gives suffering Christians an eternal perspective. Whatever they may lose in this world cannot compare with what God has permanently secured for them in Christ.

5. How does God protect believers as they await their salvation?

Answer:
Peter says believers are “by God’s power being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). Their security ultimately rests in God’s power. Although Christians may experience trials, opposition, and uncertainty, God remains faithful to preserve His people as they trust Him. The fullness of the salvation already begun in them will ultimately be revealed when Christ returns.

6. Why does God allow believers to experience trials?

Answer:
Peter explains that trials test the genuineness of faith in much the same way fire tests and purifies gold (1 Peter 1:6–7). Trials do not necessarily indicate that God has abandoned His people. Instead, God can use difficult circumstances to reveal, strengthen, and refine genuine faith. Because faith is more precious than gold, its purification has eternal significance and will ultimately result in “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

7. How can believers rejoice even while experiencing suffering?

Answer:
Christian joy is rooted in Christ rather than circumstances. Peter’s readers had not physically seen Jesus, yet they loved Him and believed in Him, rejoicing “with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8). Their present trials were temporary, but their relationship with Christ and the salvation He provided were eternal. Believers can therefore experience genuine sorrow and genuine joy at the same time because their hope extends beyond their present circumstances.

8. What does Peter mean by “obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls”?

Answer:
Peter points toward the ultimate completion of God’s saving work (1 Peter 1:9). Believers already possess salvation through faith in Christ, yet they also await its final and complete realization. Their faith is moving toward a promised destination—the fullness of salvation when God’s redemptive purposes are completed. This assurance encourages Christians to persevere faithfully.

9. What did the Old Testament prophets understand about the coming salvation?

Answer:
The prophets carefully searched and inquired concerning the salvation God had revealed through them (1 Peter 1:10–12). The Spirit of Christ testified beforehand about the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. Although the prophets did not see the complete fulfillment during their lifetimes, their messages ultimately pointed toward Christ. Peter therefore presents the gospel not as a new or disconnected message but as the fulfillment of God’s long-established redemptive plan.

10. What does 1 Peter 1:13 teach about preparing the mind for Christian living?

Answer:
Peter calls believers to prepare their minds for action, remain sober-minded, and place their hope completely upon the grace that will be revealed when Jesus Christ returns. Christian faith involves disciplined thinking. Instead of allowing fear, suffering, temptation, or worldly values to control their thoughts, believers are to deliberately focus their hope upon God’s promises and the return of Christ.

11. Why are Christians commanded to be holy?

Answer:
Peter writes, “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15). God’s own holiness provides the pattern for Christian living. Because believers belong to a holy God, their lives should increasingly reflect His character. Holiness is not merely separation from sinful behavior; it is a life increasingly devoted to God and shaped by His character, purposes, and commands.

12. What does it mean to “conduct yourselves with fear” during one’s earthly life?

Answer:
The fear Peter describes in 1 Peter 1:17 is reverent respect for God rather than terror of Him. Believers recognize God as their Father, but they also recognize Him as the impartial Judge. Therefore, they should not treat sin casually or take God’s grace for granted. Their lives should demonstrate humility, obedience, reverence, and an awareness that they live continually before God.

13. What price was paid for the believer’s redemption?

Answer:
Christians were not redeemed with temporary possessions such as silver or gold but “with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:18–19). Peter draws upon Old Testament sacrificial imagery to emphasize the perfection and sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. Redemption was purchased at immeasurable cost—the life of the sinless Son of God.

14. What does Peter teach about God’s plan for Christ?

Answer:
Peter says Christ “was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times” for believers (1 Peter 1:20). Christ’s death and resurrection were not emergency responses to unexpected events. They were part of God’s redemptive purpose established before creation. This gives believers confidence that salvation rests upon God’s eternal plan rather than human circumstances.

15. How are faith and hope ultimately directed toward God?

Answer:
Through Christ, believers have come to trust in God, who raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him glory. Therefore, Peter says, “your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:21). The resurrection demonstrates God’s power and faithfulness and provides the foundation for Christian confidence. The God who raised Christ from death can be trusted with both the believer’s present life and eternal future.

16. What relationship should exist among believers?

Answer:
Peter commands Christians to “love one another earnestly from a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22). Obedience to the truth produces sincere brotherly love. Christian love is not superficial sentiment but active, persistent concern for fellow believers. Because Christians share the same new birth and belong to the same spiritual family, their relationships should visibly demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel.

17. What does it mean to be “born again” through the Word of God?

Answer:
Peter explains that believers have been born again “not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). Physical life is temporary, but the new life God gives through the gospel has an eternal character. God’s Word brings the message of salvation through which people come to faith, and its truth remains dependable because God’s Word does not pass away.

18. What contrast does Peter make between human life and God’s Word?

Answer:
Quoting Isaiah 40:6–8, Peter compares humanity to grass and human glory to the flower of grass. Grass withers and flowers fall, illustrating the temporary nature of human life and accomplishment. In contrast, “the word of the Lord remains forever” (1 Peter 1:25). Everything people ordinarily depend upon eventually passes away, but God’s truth and promises remain eternally secure.

19. What central message ties 1 Peter 1 together?

Answer:
The chapter calls believers to live with hope, holiness, reverence, and love because they have been redeemed by Christ and given an eternal inheritance. Peter begins with what God has done—He has caused believers to be born again, given them living hope, secured their inheritance, and redeemed them through Christ’s blood. He then explains how those truths should shape their lives: they can endure trials with faith, set their hope on Christ, pursue holiness, reverence God, and love one another earnestly.

20. How should 1 Peter 1 change the way Christians view difficult circumstances?

Answer:
First Peter 1 teaches believers to interpret temporary circumstances in light of eternal realities. Trials may be painful, but they cannot destroy the inheritance God has secured. Suffering may test faith, but God can use that testing to refine it. The uncertainty of earthly life is contrasted with the permanence of God’s Word, the certainty of Christ’s resurrection, and the promise of His return. Christians therefore do not deny the reality of suffering; they face it with a living hope grounded in the risen Christ and confidence in the faithfulness of God.

1 Peter 2 calls believers to grow in their salvation, live as God’s chosen people, and demonstrate their faith through holy conduct in a world that may reject or misunderstand them. Peter begins by urging Christians to put away sinful attitudes and long for the pure spiritual nourishment of God’s truth so that they may mature in faith. He then presents Jesus Christ as the living stone, rejected by humanity but chosen and precious to God, and describes believers as living stones being built into a spiritual house and holy priesthood. Peter reminds them of their remarkable identity as “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession” (1 Peter 2:9), called to proclaim God’s excellencies and live honorably among unbelievers. This new identity should shape everyday conduct, including respect for governing authorities and faithfulness even when suffering unjustly. Peter ultimately points to Christ as the supreme example: Jesus suffered without retaliation, bore our sins on the cross, and entrusted Himself to the righteous Judge. The chapter therefore joins Christian identity, holy living, submission, suffering, and Christ’s atoning sacrifice, teaching believers that because they belong to God through Christ, their lives should visibly reflect the character and grace of the One who called them “out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

^2:1 So, put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. ² Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:1 – 3 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the section about believers being called to be holy in their conduct. With this lesson we begin a new section about believers being living stones and holy people.

To be holy in our conduct, Peter lists five things we are to put away: (1) all malice, (2) all deceit, (3) hypocrisy, (4) envy, and (5) all slander. In place of these things, Peter then instructs us to long for pure spiritual milk that is needed for spiritual growth.

Paul also speaks about these things Peter instructs us to put away. In Ephesians 4:22 he speaks of these things in reference to our old self and says, “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.” When being born spiritually, we become a new creation in Christ in which old things are to be put away and new things learned (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Ephesians 4:31 (ESV), Paul tells his readers to “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” and in Colossians 3:8 the list of things to put away is “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”

What is the meaning of the terms mentioned by Peter? The following definitions are from two sources. The first definition listed is from Smart Lookup in Microsoft Word and the second is as listed.

(1) Malice – is “the intention or desire to do evil; ill will.” “The desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another.”  Link 1

(2) Deceit – is “the action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.” “The act of causing someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid.” Link 2

(3) Hypocrisy – is “the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform; pretense.” “a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; behavior that contradicts what one claims to believe or fee.” Link 3

(4) Envy – is “a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck.” “painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage.” Link 4

(5) Slander – is “the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation.” “the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another’s reputation.” Link 5

Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Children cannot begin life on an adult diet but must begin with milk and as spiritual growth takes place the diet is to change. Paul said, “I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready” (1 Corinthians 3:2 ESV). The same thing is found in Hebrews 5:12 ESV: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food.”

As newborn children, Peter instructs them of the importance of desiring milk for growth. The need to study the word in regard to one’s salvation and spiritual growth. This study and application are to result in a more mature spiritual diet, described by Paul, of solid food.

When one comes to the Lord and tastes and sees that he is good (Psalm 34:8) and have tasted the goodness of God and the powers of the age to come (Hebrews 6:5) then that one should live a live that brings honor and glory to God and not to self. Let us be holy in our conduct.

^2:4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, ⁵ you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” (1 Peter 2:4 – 6 ESV)

In the previous lesson Peter listed five things we are to put away as believers and then gave instruction to begin spiritual life on the milk of the word. In this lesson we are described to be like living stones being built up as a spiritual house, a living temple.

“As you come to him” suggest a daily personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, beginning at the time of being born again and continuing in fellowship throughout life. The Lord that we come to is described as “a living stone rejected by men.” From our Gospel Harmonization Study, we watched the relationship between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders deteriorate to the point where they finally had him nailed to a cross to die to remove him from their lives and to remove his influence on those who were following him.

Jesus was sent to them by the Father to reveal to them more about God and to do for them what the law could not do. The law could only point out their sin but could not save them from their sin. Jesus came to fulfill the law and then die as their perfect sacrifice providing the way of salvation. For this sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation, he was “rejected by men, but in the sight of God chosen and precious.”

Jesus died but death could not hold him and in three days he rose from the grave and thus became the living stone that had such favor before God. This living stone became the corner stone built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20). He was God’s chosen one to provide for our salvation, “and there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 ESV).

In verse 5, Peter describes us as being “like living stones” and are described by Paul as building material being joined together to grow into a holy temple in the Lord to become a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:21 – 22). Peter is here seeing the Old Testament temple being replaced with a new living temple in which God dwells. As we are born again we become “like a living stone” indwelt by the Holy Spirit. As lost sheep are found and come to salvation the living temple grows and one day will be complete.

In the person of Jesus Christ, God was “laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, but rejected by many. Those who do believe in him will not be put to shame at his second coming but will have confidence to come before him and receive their resurrected bodies (John 6:39 – 40). This living temple that Peter is describing is the kingdom that Jesus spoke of to his disciples that they could not understand. Even today the unsaved cannot understand this and see such a description as foolishness.

⁷ So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” ⁸ and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. (1 Peter 2:7 – 8 ESV)

In the previous lesson we learned that we were like living stones that were being used to build a living temple in which God dwells in the life of each stone. In this lesson we will see the stone that we are like became a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who did not believe.

Looking at various translations on “So the honor is for you who believe” we see two possibilities in meaning. First is the perception of the value of the stone by those who believe in contrast to those who reject. Those who accept and embrace the living stone (the Lord) will be honored as God’s children. The second possibility looks at the honor or shame experienced at the second coming of the Lord at the last days. Those who believed will be honored with their resurrected bodies, but those who rejected the living stone will experience shame of loss.

Peter then turns his focus to those who do not believe. That stone that was not believed and was rejected became the cornerstone of a living temple built from those who believe and became like the living stone. What a beautiful and marvelous building that will be in which each one of us have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and we all perfectly fit together and function together under the head who is Jesus Christ. This building is referred to as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:9), the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3), and the kingdom of God (Revelation 12:10).

Those who do not believe, the living stone becomes to them a stone of stumbling. In the words of Isaiah, “And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem” (Isaiah 8:14 ESV). This prophesied stone has become the means of their falling. Their stumbling is not God’s fault but is their own for they are tripped up because of their refusal to obey the gospel being delivered to them. As the rock of offense, it denotes an obstacle to faith, something that arouses anger and rejection.

If from Ephesians 1:11, one believes that God chooses who will be saved, does that mean that God is to blame for their stumbling? God may choose but at the same time anyone who desired salvation will not be denied. This is a great mystery that many cannot comprehend. God does choose but man still has free will. They are not separate doctrines but do form a unity. Peter does not deny human responsibility and emphasizes that people are guilty if they fail to believe. Every person is born spiritually dead and as a result “None is righteous, no, not one, no one understands; no one seeks for God” (Romans 3:10 – 11 ESV). These who do not believe stumble because they do not obey, they do not seek God.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

In the previous lesson we saw that the living stone was a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who did not believe. In this lesson the focus will be on those who believe and what they become.

Verse 9 indicates four things we as believers are: (1) a chosen race, (2) a royal priesthood, (3) a holy nation, and (4) a people for his own possession. As believers with these characteristics we have an assignment which is to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Taking a closer look at the four descriptions for believers yields the following:

(1) A chosen race – suggest a collection of individuals chosen by God. It is by God’s grace rather that human choice that explains why some people come to salvation and others do not. Since God has chosen some to be his people, no one can boast that they chose to be included in the chosen race. We “who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13 ESV). “So, then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy” (Romans 9:16 ESV). ⁴ “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—” (Ephesians 2:4 – 5 ESV).

(2) A royal priesthood – does not mean, in the context of early Christianity, a priesthood that served royalty, nor a priesthood of kings, and since Peter does not provide context from which to derive a meaning specific to Christianity we are left to form an opinion. Looking back to Exodus 19:6 we find: “And ye shall be to me a royal priesthood and a holy nation: these words shalt thou speak to the children of Israel.” The literal meaning in Exodus 19:6 is clear. God told Moses to tell the Israelites that if they kept his covenant, they would be a chosen people, royal priesthood, and a holy nation. It appears that Peter is applying this title to believers as well. See this link for further insight.

(3) A holy nation – refers to a chosen group of people set apart from other nations. In the context of Exodus 19:6, Israel was God’s chosen nation. Today the church is seen as God’s chosen people and as such are seen as a holy people chosen from the nations of the world and set apart as a holy nation, the kingdom of God.

(4) A people for his own possession – The context of Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 7:6, Isaiah 43:21, and Malachi 3:17 clearly refer to Israel as the people for his own possession, but on the cross when Jesus Christ died in our place to cover the penalty of our sin he paid our ransom price with his blood and thus he purchased us back. As believers we belong to God through this transaction, this finished work on the cross.

With this unique position as believers, Peter explains that it comes with responsibilities. These we will look at in the next lesson.

^2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9 – 10 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the four descriptions Peter applies to believers. With this lesson we will finish this section by looking at our responsibilities as believers and see a difference between believers and unbelievers.

As believers we are to proclaim God’s excellencies to the people around us. We are to ¹⁹ “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19 – 20 ESV).

When God called us out of darkness we were seen as “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3) but God “delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son (Colossians 1:13 ESV) and now we are known as children of God.

Verse 10 then draws a distinction between those of unbelief and those of belief. Those of unbelief are described as “not a people [who] had not received mercy” and those of belief as “God’s people [who] have received mercy.” It is clear that Peter is alluding to Hosea to form verse 10. For example, in Hosea 1:6 ESV: “She conceived again and bore a daughter. And the Lord said to him, “Call her name No Mercy, for I will no more have mercy on the house of Israel, to forgive them at all.””; in Hosea 1:9 ESV: “And the Lord said, “Call his name Not My People, for you are not my people, and I am not your God.””; and in Hosea 1:10 ESV: “Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it shall be said to them, “Children of the living God.””

Because of their disobedience God referred to the people of Israel as “not a people” or “not my people.” Peter then uses Hosea 2:23 to apply to believers who have salvation through God’s mercy and have become a people. “and I will sow her for myself in the land. And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’; and he shall say, ‘You are my God.’” (Hosea 2:23 ESV).

The point Peter is making in verses 9 and 10 is that as believers we are a special chosen people which are the result of God’s great mercy and as a result we need to live holy lives as his children and act responsibly.

^2:11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. ¹² Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:11 – 12 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the section in which Peter described us as living stones and a holy people. With this lesson we start a major section of 1 Peter which covers 2:11 through 4:11. Verses 11 and 12 introduces this major section and emphasize that those who have trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation are to bear witness to the gospel by their holy conduct. With this lesson we will cover the first section of that major section.

“Beloved” introduces a new section and also denotes believers who are seen as “sojourners and exiles” or as “foreigners and exiles” (NET). A “sojourner” is one who is in a country for a temporary time. They are from another place they call home and are visiting as foreigners with the expectation of returning home soon. They are seen as exiles or refugees in the land where they are now.

Peter is encouraging these believers “to abstain from the passions of the flesh.” They are to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14 ESV). To put on the Lord is to “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24 ESV); it is to “have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:10 ESV). To abstain from the passions of the flesh is to not allow the flesh to gratify its desires because “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24 ESV).

These “passions of the flesh” are dangerous because they wage war against our soul. John sees these passions of the flesh along with the desires of the eyes and the pride of life as not being from the Father but from the world (1 John 2:15 – 17). James asks us what causes quarrels and fights among us and then says, “Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” (James 4:1 ESV).

These in exile are Jews and Peter instructs them to keep their conduct honorable as they live among the Gentiles. Paul instructs us to “aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man” (2 Corinthians 8:21 ESV). We are to “be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15 ESV).

This holy conduct is important because they will experience persecution from the Gentiles they are forced to live with. When they speak against them as evil doers and they see their response of good works, they will be encouraged to glorify God on “the day of visitation.” We are to “let [our] light shine before others, so that they may see [our] good works and give glory to [our] Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 ESV).

What is this “day of visitation” that Peter speaks of? The NET Bible translates “day of visitation” as simply “when he appears.” It denotes a time when God intervenes directly in human affairs, either for blessing or for judgment. Blessing would seem to be in view here since part of the motive for good behavior is winning the not-Christian over to the faith.

During this time of coronavirus are we as believers demonstrating holy conduct as a witness to unbelievers who are also suffering in many ways? No matter what our suffering is from are we able to demonstrate love, joy, and peace before them? Is our conduct framed in kindness, gentleness, and goodness? This is the essence of what Peter is telling these exiles.

^2:13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, ¹⁴ or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. (1 Peter 2:13 – 14 ESV)

With the previous lesson we covered a short section that spoke of the importance of honorable conduct as one lives among unbelievers. With this lesson we begin a section on submission to those in authority over us.

We are to be subject to every civil authority. Paul details this in Romans 13:1 – 7 (ESV). It is a long passage but is important enough to quote here: ¹ “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but too bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, ⁴ for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ⁶ For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. ⁷ Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”

ESV states “every human institution.” This is also translated as “every human authority”, “every human creation”, “every institution”, or “every creature who is human”. The text that follows suggest that “every human institution” is a good choice.

“To the emperor as supreme” does not suggest being superior to God or not being subject to him, but in the sense of being over all subordinate officers. However, within the Roman Empire, the emperor considered himself the highest ruler and in a way the only ruler. Peter is saying to these exiles that they are to obey, when possible, even this supreme ruler or those governors he sends to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

One of the leading ends of government is to punish evil doers based on established laws. One does not have to look far today to find governments that misuse their power resulting in great suffering on the part of many. God’s design was for government to suppress evil and encourage people to live in peace by praising those who do good. Today the “praise” part seems to be in short supply.

^2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. ¹⁶ Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. ¹⁷ Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2:15 – 17 ESV)

In the previous lesson we introduced the importance of submission to authority. In this lesson it will be pointed out that to do so is God’s will. It is also God’s will that we live as his servants.

It is the “will of God” that we be in submission “to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” God wants us to put to silence any false charges raised against us by the ignorance of foolish people by doing good under that submission.

We are to live as free people who are free to serve God. In Scripture, freedom is not a license to sin but an opportunity to do good. ¹³ “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”” (Galatians 5:13 – 14 ESV). Being a servant of God has its background in the Old Testament where it did not denote drudgery but was seen as an honor and a privilege. In Joshua 14:7, Moses was described as a servant of the Lord; in Psalm 89:3, David was referred to as a servant as well as in 2 Samuel 7:5, 8; and in 2 Kings 10:10, Elijah was referred to as a servant.

When I served the Lord in China, I saw examples of the lack of freedom that we had in America, but in America I saw many examples of how that freedom allowed people to sin and cover it up. We can be sure that eventually our sin will find us out (Numbers 32:23) but one may go for some time without being discovered. As Christians, we are not to use our freedom as a cover-up while doing evil.

We are then instructed to do four things: (1) honor everyone, (2) love the brotherhood, (3) fear God, and (4) honor the emperor. All people deserve the same honor and respect as the emperor, and of these four only God is to be feared. The term “brotherhood” is used in a broad sense to indicate familial relationships within the family of God.

An example of honoring others is given in Philippians 2:3 ESV: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Honor is shown by our humility before others as we see them as more significant than ourselves. Humility allows us to honor others while pride seeks to lower others to build up ourselves.

Brotherly love has a connection to humility in feelings of humanity towards others. It is a love that is ours to perfect when the Holy Spirit dwells within us and is expressed through its characteristics of “joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control” (Galatians 5:22 – 23 ESV). These characteristics express a lifestyle as we see needs in others and help meet those needs. Meeting needs in this way would be an expression of brotherly love.

To fear God refers to a specific sense of respect, awe, and submission to him. We fear God because he has the final say over where we will spend eternity. We fear the outcome because of his judgments. The reality of this is seen in 1 John 4:16 – 19 ESV: ¹⁶ “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. ¹⁷ By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. ¹⁹ We love because he first loved us.” We will experience fear because our love is not fully perfected and so we fear God because of possible punishment or fear of the unknown.

Jesus came and perfectly lived life. Our challenge is to grow to become like him. ²⁸ “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” (Romans 8:28 – 29 ESV). Where are you in this sanctification process?

^2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. ¹⁹ For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. ²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure; this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. ²¹ For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:18 – 21 ESV)

In the previous lesson we learned another aspect of God’s will for us, and that was to do good, living as servants of God, honoring everyone, loving the brotherhood, fearing God, and honoring those in authority. In this lesson we will learn more about submission as we cover 2:18 through 2:21.

Peter directs his comments next to those who are servants of some other person. Some translations replace “servant” with “slave” which was more appropriate at the time when this letter was written. To make this more relevant to modern readers, “servant” was used to suggest being under authority of another. At least we are “servants” of the Lord. To those we are subject to, we are to show respect. Like giving thanks in all things, servants are to show respect, not only to the good and gently, which the Lord is, but also to the unjust which people in authority sometimes are.

For those who are unjustly treated and continue to show respect, Peter has a word of encouragement. He says it “is a gracious thing” (ESV) or “this finds God’s favor” (NET). Showing respect under unjust conditions finds favor with God and pleases him. As they endure suffering they are aware of God’s presence and his supply of grace that allows them to continue on. Of what credit then is it if one is mistreated and endures the suffering? The credit is you please God and find favor with him. If one does good and does not sin when being unjustly treated it is a good thing, but if you sin when being unjustly treated and are beaten for it and you endure, of what benefit or credit is that?

Peter then tells them something that we do not think much about or identify with here in the west. This suffering they were enduring is what Christians were call to experience. Luke speaks of this in Acts 14:22 ESV: “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” We in the west, for a brief time in human history, have been spared enduring the “many tribulations” but with the arrival of the coronavirus this may indicate a change to our comfortable lifestyle and maybe allow for more tribulation.

Why are we called to suffer? One reason is that Jesus Christ suffered for us leaving us an example that we are to follow. He suffered and died for us to provide us with our salvation. As we were born again we were given a work assignment to help build the kingdom of God. That work will be resisted by the devil and those he uses against us will result in our suffering. This is clearly seen in many parts of the world and would probably be seen here in the west if lived holy and righteous lives and not like the world. We try to be so politically correct that we experience little or no opposition and accomplish only small amounts for the kingdom of God.

^2:22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. ²³ When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:22 – 23 ESV)

In the previous lesson we began our study of those working as servants who were suffering. With this lesson we will continue that study.

As these in exile suffer from being mistreated, Peter reminds them of Jesus who was mistreated and eventually nailed to a cross to die for their salvation. Jesus did not die because of any sin he committed because he committed no sin while living on earth. The fact that no deceit was found in his mouth alludes to Isaiah 53:9 ESV: “And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.” Isaiah specifically emphasized that the servant of the Lord would die as a substitute to remove the sins of his people. Please use this link to see Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12. This sinlessness of Jesus Christ was essential because as our Passover lamb he had to be perfect in order to die for our sin and not his own.

Verse 23 applies directly to their condition. These Christians, who are in exile in a foreign country are being reviled and as a result they long to retaliate in the face of unjust criticism or suffering. Peter reminds them that when Jesus “was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” Jesus responded as the lamb did in Isaiah 53:7 ESV: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”

Jesus did not seek justice by retaliating but continued to entrust himself to God “who judges justly.” From my study of those who suffer under persecution, I have found that when a person yields their desire for justice over to God then they are free to love and forgive those who are causing them to suffer. Jesus entrusted himself into the hands of his Father and “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV). His focus was on the joy that he would experience for an eternity as he spends time with us, not on wanting revenge against those causing him to suffer. These in exile are to endure their suffering with their hope fixed on the inheritance that is reserved for them in heaven (1 Peter 1:3).

Being called to suffer as Christians is not something we talk about in the western church, but instead our focus is on being comfortable, secure, and safe. However, this is not what we find in scripture. In 1 Peter 2:20 – 21 (ESV) we read: “But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure; this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” We must remember Jesus saying, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18 ESV) and Luke said: “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22 ESV). Why do we not suffer like believers in other parts of the world? Maybe it is because of our desire to seek comfort, security, and safety, we have become so much like the world that we do not remind them of holy and righteous living and thus they do not mistreat us out of their shame.

^2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24 ESV) ²⁵ For you were straying like sheep but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25 ESV)

In the previous lesson we continued our study of those working as servants who were suffering. With this lesson we will cover one more verse in that study by looking at what Jesus did for us.

²³ “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith” (Romans 3:23 – 25 ESV). To provide our redemption, Jesus became our sacrifice and took our sin upon himself (his body) and died on a cross (referred to as the tree). Jesus died in our place because “the wages of [our] sin is death” (Romans 6:23 ESV).

There are several prophecies about Jesus taking our sin. For example, in Isaiah 53:4 ESV: “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.”; in Isaiah 53:11 ESV: “Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.”; in Matthew 8:17 ESV: “This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”; and in Hebrews 9:28 ESV: “so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

As a result of being redeemed and justified before God, we as born-again believers are to “die to sin and live to righteousness.” Paul had much to say about this, especially in Romans. For example, in Romans 6:2 ESV: “How can we who died to sin still live in it?”; in Romans 6:11 ESV: “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”; in Romans 7:4 ESV: “Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.”; in Romans 7:6 ESV: “But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.”; and in Colossians 3:3 ESV: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

As we die to sin, we are to live to righteousness. This brings us to Galatians 2:20 ESV: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) but as Jesus Christ lives is us the result is righteous living. Paul rewords Galatians 2:20 in Romans 6:13 (ESV) and says: “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”

The healing spoken of in the context of verse 24 does not refer to physical healing but to the forgiveness of our sin. The death of Jesus should lead to a profound change in our lives as believers as we sever all ties with evil by dying to sin and devoting ourselves to righteous living. “[Jesus] was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 ESV). “[We have] been set free from sin, [having] become slaves of righteousness [instead]” (Romans 6:18 ESV).

In the previous lesson we did not have room to finish our study of the section about submitting to authority, so with this lesson we will finally finish.

Peter informs us that before conversion we were like sheep without a shepherd and wandered here and there according to our desires. Peter seems to begin verse 25 by drawing from Isaiah 53:6 ESV: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Similar material is found in other verses, for example in Psalm 119:176 ESV: “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.”; and in Ezekiel 34:6 ESV: “they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with none to search or seek for them.”

Jesus spoke of these sheep as lost sheep that are to be searched for in Luke 15:4 – 7 ESV: ⁴ “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? ⁵ And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. ⁶ And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ ⁷ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

As lost sheep, we are referred to “children of wrath” in Ephesians 2:3. ⁴ “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4 – 5 ESV). It is by grace through faith that we have been saved (Ephesians 2:8) and now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. As believers, our souls are now alive and are under the care of our Shepherd and Overseer Jesus Christ. This is an especially important and beautiful thing to know. This is security that the world knows nothing about.

In John 10:11, Jesus refers to himself as the good shepherd that lays down his life for the sheep. We will finish this lesson and this section by quoting John 10:11 – 17 ESV: ¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹² He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. ¹³ He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. ¹⁴ I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So, there will be one flock, one shepherd. ¹⁷ For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.”

1. What does Peter mean when he tells believers to “put away” sinful attitudes and behaviors?

Answer: In 1 Peter 2:1, Peter calls Christians to put away “all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.” These behaviors are incompatible with the new life believers have received through Christ. Peter is emphasizing that spiritual rebirth should produce visible changes in relationships with others. Christians are not merely to avoid outward wrongdoing but also to reject the attitudes of the heart that produce division, jealousy, dishonesty, and harmful speech.

2. Why does Peter compare believers to newborn infants?

Answer: In verses 2–3, Peter tells believers to “long for the pure spiritual milk” so that they may grow spiritually. Just as an infant naturally desires nourishment, Christians should hunger for God’s truth. Spiritual growth is not automatic; believers need continual nourishment from God’s Word. Peter connects this desire with having “tasted that the Lord is good.” Experiencing God’s grace should create an even greater desire to know Him and grow in Him.

3. What does Peter mean when he describes Jesus as a “living stone”?

Answer: In verse 4, Jesus is called “a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious.” The image combines strength and permanence with life. Although people rejected Christ and crucified Him, God chose and honored Him as the foundation of His saving work. Jesus is therefore the secure foundation upon which God’s people and God’s purposes are established.

4. How are believers themselves “living stones”?

Answer: According to verse 5, believers are being “built up as a spiritual house.” Because Christians are united with Christ, the Living Stone, they also become living stones in God’s spiritual temple. Christianity is therefore not simply an individual relationship with God; believers are joined together as God’s people. Each Christian has a place in the spiritual community God is building through Christ.

5. What does it mean that Christians are a “holy priesthood”?

Answer: Peter teaches that believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ and are called to offer “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (v. 5). These sacrifices include worship, obedience, praise, service, generosity, and lives surrendered to God. Unlike the Old Testament priesthood, this priesthood belongs to the entire community of believers because Christ has opened the way into God’s presence.

6. Why is Jesus both a cornerstone and a stone of stumbling?

Answer: In verses 6–8, Peter explains that a person’s response to Christ determines whether He becomes the foundation of salvation or a cause of stumbling. Those who believe in Christ will not ultimately be put to shame. Those who reject Him stumble because they refuse God’s Word. Jesus does not change; the difference lies in how people respond to Him. He is God’s chosen cornerstone whether people accept or reject Him.

7. What is the significance of Peter calling believers “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession”?

Answer: These descriptions in verse 9 emphasize the new identity God gives His people. Christians belong to God because of His gracious choice and saving work. They are called to holiness, service, worship, and witness. Their identity is not based primarily upon nationality, social position, wealth, or achievement but upon their relationship with God through Christ. This privileged identity also carries a purpose: believers are to “proclaim the excellencies of him” who called them from darkness into light.

8. What transformation does Peter describe in verse 10?

Answer: Peter contrasts the believers’ former condition with their present standing before God: “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” Their identity and salvation are entirely rooted in God’s mercy. What they could never accomplish for themselves, God has graciously provided through Christ.

9. Why does Peter describe Christians as “sojourners and exiles”?

Answer: In verse 11, Peter reminds believers that although they live in this world, their ultimate citizenship and allegiance belong to God. Therefore, they must resist “the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” Christians live within earthly societies and responsibilities, but they should not allow the values and desires of the surrounding culture to determine how they live. Their lives should reflect the character of the kingdom to which they truly belong.

10. Why is honorable conduct among unbelievers important?

Answer: Peter explains in verse 12 that believers should live honorably even among those who accuse them of wrongdoing. A godly life provides visible evidence of the transforming power of God. Christians cannot always prevent criticism or false accusations, but they can live in such a way that their conduct contradicts those accusations. Their good deeds may ultimately cause others to recognize and glorify God.

11. What does Peter teach about Christians and human government?

Answer: In verses 13–17, Peter instructs believers to submit to legitimate human authorities “for the Lord’s sake.” Christians should be known for doing good rather than for needless rebellion or disorder. Peter’s command does not make government the believer’s highest authority; God remains supreme. This is captured in the concise commands of verse 17: “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” The emperor receives honor, but only God receives fear and ultimate allegiance.

12. What does Peter mean when he says believers should live as people who are free?

Answer: Verse 16 teaches that Christian freedom is not permission to do whatever one desires. Believers have been freed from slavery to sin so that they may become “servants of God.” True Christian freedom therefore expresses itself through willing obedience to God. Freedom must never become a disguise or excuse for sinful behavior.

13. Why does Peter address servants who were suffering unjustly?

Answer: In verses 18–20, Peter speaks directly to household servants who had little social power and could experience harsh treatment. He teaches that patiently enduring unjust suffering because of one’s awareness of God is gracious in God’s sight. Peter does not call wrongdoing good; rather, he distinguishes suffering for wrongdoing from suffering despite doing good. The Christian response to injustice should reflect trust in God’s ultimate justice.

14. How is Christ the supreme example for believers who suffer unjustly?

Answer: Peter points directly to Jesus in verses 21–23. Christ “committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth,” yet He suffered terribly. When insulted, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He did not threaten. Instead, He entrusted Himself “to him who judges justly.” Jesus demonstrates that refusing revenge is not weakness but an expression of profound trust in God’s righteous judgment.

15. What does Peter mean when he says Christ “bore our sins in his body on the tree”?

Answer: Verse 24 points to the substitutionary nature of Christ’s death. Jesus bore the penalty of sin on behalf of sinners when He died on the cross. His death does more than provide an example of suffering; it provides atonement for sin. The purpose is transformation as well as forgiveness: “that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” Christ saves believers from sin’s guilt and calls them into a new life characterized by righteousness.

16. What does “By his wounds you have been healed” mean in the context of the chapter?

Answer: Peter draws upon Isaiah 53 and places the statement directly within the context of Christ bearing our sins. The central healing in view is the restoration brought about through Christ’s suffering and death—especially healing from humanity’s sinful and alienated condition before God. Christ’s wounds provide the basis for reconciliation with God and a transformed life of righteousness.

17. Why does Peter describe people as sheep who had gone astray?

Answer: In verse 25, Peter again echoes Isaiah 53. Sin causes people to wander away from God like sheep leaving their shepherd. Through Christ, believers have now “returned to the Shepherd and Overseer” of their souls. Jesus not only saves His people but continues to guide, protect, watch over, and care for them.

18. What is the central message of 1 Peter 2?

Answer: Because believers belong to Christ, their new identity should produce a new way of life. They are living stones in God’s spiritual house, members of His chosen people, recipients of His mercy, and witnesses to His goodness. Their transformed identity should be visible through holiness, honorable conduct, respect for others, submission to proper authority, endurance during unjust suffering, and trust in God. At the center of the chapter stands Jesus Christ—the Cornerstone upon whom believers are built, the Savior who bore their sins, the Example they follow in suffering, and the Shepherd who watches over their souls.

1 Peter 3 continues Peter’s instruction on how believers are to live faithfully and honorably in a world that may misunderstand or oppose them. He begins by addressing marriage, encouraging wives and husbands to demonstrate godly character, respect, understanding, and honor in their relationships. Peter then broadens his instruction to the entire Christian community, calling believers to unity, compassion, humility, and a willingness to bless rather than retaliate when treated unjustly. Because Christians may suffer for doing what is right, they are to remain steadfast, honoring Christ as Lord and always being prepared to explain the hope within them with gentleness and respect. Peter points to Christ as the supreme example: the righteous Savior suffered for the unrighteous in order to bring sinners to God, yet His suffering resulted in victory and exaltation. Through Christ’s death, resurrection, and triumph over all spiritual powers, 1 Peter 3 assures believers that faithful suffering is never meaningless and encourages them to maintain a clear conscience, confident hope, and unwavering allegiance to Christ.

^3:1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, ² when they see your respectful and pure conduct. (1 Peter 3:1 – 2 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the section about submitting to authority. With this lesson we continue the theme of submission to authority by looking at wives in relationship to their husbands and then husbands in their relationship to their wives.

Verse 1 beginning with “Likewise” extends the discussion of authority into this section. Just as servants are to be subject to their masters, so wives are to be subject to their own husbands. Notice that the purpose Peter gives for being subject is to win their husbands over if they are unsaved. Even if they are disobedient to the word, they may be won over by the way they live in good conduct, not by what is said. “How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband?” (1 Corinthians 7:16a ESV) says Paul.

It is true that words have power (Proverbs 18:21) but they may sometimes produce the wrong result because of misunderstanding, but when respectful and pure conduct is lived out it is demonstrating love and caring for her husband. In 1 Corinthians 9:19 – 22 (ESV), Paul describes how he used his conduct to win more to Jesus Christ: ¹⁹ “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. ²⁰ To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. ²¹ To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”

As I reflect on this conduct that Peter tells wives to live out, Galatians 5:22 – 23 (ESV) comes to mind in which the characteristics of love are listed: “joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control.” Living in this way, especially under difficult circumstances, can have a powerful and quieting effect in a relationship. Showing kindness, goodness, and gentleness can be a powerful witness to the unsaved of a different lifestyle.

It may appear that Peter has changed the subject in verse 3 by speaking of hair, jewelry, and clothing but reading verse 4 shows that he has not. We will see this in the next lesson.

^3:3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— ⁴ but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. (1 Peter 3:3 – 4 ESV)

In the previous lesson we saw submission linked to ones conduct for the purpose of winning one over or promoting better relationships. In this lesson we will see Peter link submission to the heart.

Peter draws the attention of wives to external things that might seem important to them like the care of their hair, the jewelry they display, and the quality of their clothes. Paul in his first letter to Timothy points out ⁹ “that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, ¹⁰ but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9 – 10 ESV). The braiding of hair and the wearing of jewelry was common in upper-class Roman society. This was to be in contrast to the Christian woman’s desire for inner beauty of the heart. Peter is not forbidding the braiding of hair or the wearing of jewelry but is suggesting modesty and good taste.

During a time of judgment Isaiah points out how women who had focused on external things will lose those things. ¹⁸ “In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, and the crescents; ¹⁹ the pendants, the bracelets, and the scarves; ²⁰ the headdresses, the armlets, the sashes, the perfume boxes, and the amulets; ²¹ the signet rings and nose rings; ²² the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags; ²³ the mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils” (Isaiah 3:18 – 23 ESV).

Those external things require effort to maintain, can be easily lost, as in the Isaiah example, and cannot be take with you when you die. They promote pride and not humility of heart. That which is important, Peter says, is the “hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.”

As a man, I find it is easy to be drawn to a woman’s external form and how she displays herself which becomes a form of sensual stimulation and may promote unhealthy desire and possible future trouble. As a man, when I meet a woman who is focused primarily on developing the inner quality of her heart and not on external display, I see her as a woman of great value and in place of desire I experience a sense of love. Which woman would be most effective in reaching lost souls for God’s kingdom?

Cultivating this imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit has an important place in the witness of Christian women and is something you can take with you through death and enjoyed in heaven. It is a quality that is very precious in God’s sight and thus should be embraced in this life for use now as well as in heaven.  

^3:5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, ⁶ as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

⁷ Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:5 – 7 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the importance of women doing that which is very precious in God’s sight and that was adorning the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. Peter now points out that part of this adorning of the inner person, that holy women who hoped in God did, was to submit to their own husbands.

One of the women of the Old Testament who adorned herself by submitting to her husband was Sarah. Her submission is described in terms of obedience to him, not like a child is to obey a parent but in following his direction and leadership. From Genesis 18:12, we can see that in the culture of that day, Sarah referred to Abraham as her lord, not implying a slave master relationship.

These holy women, like Sarah, hoped and trusted in God that if they did good, harm would not come to them as they submitted to their husband’s direction and leadership. Included in doing good is to not fear intimidation. Wives who trust and hope in God as they do good while, under submission to their husbands, are described as children of Sarah because of following in her footsteps.

Having defined submission as following direction and leadership, not as a slave to a master, Peter now speaks to the husbands and instructs how they are to relate to their wives, and points out two areas they need to pay attention to: (1) learn to understand your wife and (2) honor her as the weaker vessel.

Research has shown that there are inherent differences in how men’s and women’s brains are wired and how they work. This is not to say that one is better than the other, it is just that they work differently and may see things differently. Having been married to the same women for over 60 years, I am well aware of some of these differences.

A woman may want balance in life while a man may seek status. There are emotional differences in how felt and expressed. There are differences in how conflict is handled. She usually has more friends than he. She is usually multi-tasked, and he is single focused. To not take into account that women are different, men can say and do things that are not nurturing to their relationship with their wives. I know I have, so Peter tells us men to live with our wives in an understanding way. We are to honor them with their differences which when understood can complement our lives very well.

Connecting back to 1 Peter 1:4, Peter points out that wives have an inheritance waiting just as we do. Like there is a difference in authority in the trinity, there is a difference of authority between husband and wife, but that does not make one inferior to the other. The thing that men need to understand is if they mistreat their wives, God will hinder their prayers. Husbands, do not take that lightly!

^3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the section about husbands and wives and their proper relationships. With this lesson we begin a new section about suffering for the sake of righteousness.

The section begins with “Finally” possibly suggesting that we are near the end of the letter. Realizing that there are still two chapters to go, we are to understand that “finally” is used to provide a transition from the preceding specific instruction to a list of godly virtues that all believers are called to live out at all times.

The first virtue listed is to live in unity or in harmony with one another as Paul says in Romans 12:16. To encourage harmony, and thus unity, Paul suggest that we not be haughty, but to associate with the lowly and to never be wise in our own sight. In Philippians 2:2, he adds being of the same mind, having the same love, and being in full accord.

We are to show sympathy or to be sympathetic when someone experiences a misfortune. Being sympathetic would include showing comfort, support, encouragement, compassion and caring.

We are to have brotherly love or to love other believers in particular. To love is important. For example, in 1 John 2:5 ESV: “Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.”; in 1 John 3:14 ESV: “Whoever does not love abides in death.”; in 1 John 3:18, we are instructed not to “love in word or talk but in deed and truth.”; and in 1 John 4:7 – 8 ESV: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” God demonstrated to us that this love is to be a sacrificial love that seeks to benefit others.

We are to have a tender heart or as in Ephesians 4:32, “tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” A tender heart is one disposed to show compassion and kindness especially toward the faults of erring brethren for the purpose of helping them overcome those faults.

We are to have a humble mind, to show humility. Paul speaks of this in Ephesians 4:2 – 3 ESV: ² “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

We will look at more virtues in the next lesson when we cover verse 9.  

^3:9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered the virtues of being “harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble” (NET). Peter continues his instruction by telling them not to repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but instead we are to bless them. This is not going to be easy to do but it is what Jesus did. During his entire ministry, he was hated by the Jewish religious leadership who eventually decided that he had to die to remove his influence over the people. In spite of a growing number of enemies, Jesus could have spoken a word and eliminated them from the face of the earth, but instead he allowed them to nail him to a cross where he surrendered his life in purchasing salvation for those who would believe in him.

When we are wronged, we desire to see justice on those who wronged us but as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we are to surrender to God the need of justice as he surrendered to his Father, and when we do an amazing thing happens. As we look to Jesus, we see that he endured the cross, despising the shame because of the joy he knew he would experience in his relationship with those he was dying for (Hebrews 12:2). In our case, when we surrender the need of justice to God, he gives us the ability to love and forgive those who wronged us. Those who suffer persecution report receiving this ability as a gift from God. This is the blessing Peter speaks of when we do not seek to get even.

In his instruction, Peter informs them that “in this” they were called, that they may obtain a blessing. “In this” would refer to suffering from being wronged. Peter is saying that as believers we may be called to suffer at times. We covered this in 1 Peter 2:20b – 21 ESV: 20b “But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” Being a gracious thing in the sight of God provides us with the ability to love and forgive when we follow in his steps.

^3:10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; ¹¹ let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. ¹² For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:10 – 12 ESV)

In the previous lesson we saw the importance of surrendering our need of justice to God and in exchange receive the ability to love and forgive those who wronged us. Having pointed this out, Peter continues his teaching by drawing from Psalm 34:12 – 16. Even in the face of persecution, if one “desires to love life and see good days” that one is to “keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.” The tongue seems to have a mind of its own and needs to be kept in check because “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21 ESV).

Not only are we to be careful in what we say, but in our behavior we to turn away from evil and do good. To experience God’s blessing, we are to obey him in daily life and if we do not we may experience his discipline. Any father who loves his children will discipline them to correct and to guide them and as God’s children we can expect the same.

As we control our tongue and turn away from evil to do good, we need to also seek peace. A lack of peace comes when we have wronged someone. The wage of sin is death and a form of this dying is the lack of peace. Through his death on the cross, Jesus provides the means of forgiveness which is a means of obtaining peace. When we sin against God and others, we need to reconcile to obtain peace through being forgiven.

Peace and anxiety cannot coexist; it is one or the other, but not both at the same time. When one is anxious, peace can be found by embracing Philippians 4:6 – 7 (ESV) by faith: ⁶ “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Those who seek to be righteous, who desire to love life and see good days, will seek to keep his tongue under control, and when tempted to do evil will turn away to do good, and will maintain peace with others and with self. This is a gracious thing in the eyes of the Lord and opens his ears to our prayers, especially our prayers to live in the ways being described here.

This righteousness spoken of here is not our righteousness from living out the ways described but is the righteousness from Jesus in exchange for our sin. The desire to live out his righteousness provides a listening ear for God to hear our prayers to live as we should in obedience.

^3:13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, ¹⁵ but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷ For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:13 – 17 ESV)

In the previous lesson, Peter gave three things we are to do for righteous living: (1) control the tongue, (2) turn away from evil and do good, and (3) seek peace and pursue it. Peter continues this theme by asking a question: “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?”

As one thinks about that question and thinks about the many areas of the world where there is persecution against Christians who desire to do what is good, it does not take long to create a list of who can create harm. We know that Peter is writing to Christians who are being persecuted, so what then does he mean by the statement that no harm will come to them? He is not saying that they will not suffer because they are, so he must mean that no one can harm their faith. No matter how severe the persecution, their faith will be able to withstand it, even to the point of death. Jesus speaks of this in Matthew 10:28 ESV: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

In 2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV), Paul writes, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” These in exile are suffering as they continue to be faithful and are zealous for what is good. Even if Christians should suffer now for their faith, God will reward them. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 ESV). No matter what Satan does to stir up trouble against us, we know that God is for us and is with us and the final victory is ours in Jesus Christ.

We are not to fear our persecutors or to be troubled by them. We are to leave our need of justice in the hands of God and receive his blessing in the ability to love and forgive those who cause us to suffer. This becomes a powerful witness to those opposing us and is a message that has resulted in many evil doers coming to salvation. Paul is a great example of this. There are many examples of this being reported from areas of persecution today where love and forgiveness has opened a way for the gospel.

As these exiles suffer, Peter instructs them to continue to honor Christ the Lord as holy and always be ready to give a reason to those who ask why and how they can continue to love and forgive as they endure suffering. Their focus, and ours, must be on the living hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and on an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us, not on the endless suffering we may be experiencing at the hands of evil ones.

Today the coronavirus may cause believers to experience conditions similar to persecution being experienced by these in exile. Like persecution, the coronavirus is resulting in the loss of jobs and the growing suffering and fear that follows. Social distancing is also an issue under persecution. What Peter is telling these believers in exile should be taken to heart today.

^3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, ¹⁵ but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷ For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:14 – 17 ESV)

In the previous lesson we considered how we should live under persecution but did not quite cover all that Peter had to say. At the end of that lesson we were looking at the importance of being prepared to make a defense to those who ask us how and why we are able to love and forgive those who are causing us to suffer. As important as the content of our answer is, how we respond is equally important. A good message delivered improperly destroys the impact of the message. Peter tells them to respond with gentleness and respect and with a clear conscience.

We are to hold the mystery of the  faith with a clear conscience (1 Timothy 3:9), desiring to act honorably in all things (Hebrews 13:18), and when we respond we are to let our speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6) to lessen hostilities. We are to speak with gentleness that perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25).

Believers whose conduct is holy are often slandered for their good behavior with false charges. If we live to maintain a clear conscience in the face of their slander, then our good behavior may cause them to be put to shame. Jesus was hated by many who reviled his good works and was slandered before others before nailing him to a cross, but his death purchased our salvation. As we are reviled for our good works and slandered before others, we suffer and may even die, but in the process the kingdom of God grows.

It is better to suffer for doing good because in so doing we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. To compromise our faith is to do evil which will eventually lead to suffering without God’s blessing. Are we willing to pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus no matter where he takes us, or will we live for ourselves and possibly show that we do not belong to Jesus and thus have not been born again? Who or what have you surrendered your life to? There is only one right choice and that is Jesus Christ.

^3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, ¹⁹ in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, ²⁰ because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. ²¹ Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ²² who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. (1 Peter 3:18 – 22 ESV)

We have completed a series of lessons on our suffering for righteousness sake. Peter now points out that Jesus Christ suffered once for sins. Jesus died as the righteous one for the unrighteous. Because of our sin we were alienated from God, but through his death and resurrection he redeemed us (purchased us back) from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2) and by his blood (the ransom price) as our sacrifice, he justified us (he made us right and acceptable before God) (Romans 5:9).

We now come to a verse that is difficult to explain and over which there is much debate among the scholars. Some say that Jesus went to announce his victory over evil to the fallen angels who await judgment for their role in leading the Noahic generation into sin. These scholars believe this will take place sometime between his death and ascension. I rule this out because in Luke 23:43, Jesus said to one of the criminals on the cross next to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” This statement would place Jesus in heaven (paradise) before the resurrection of his body, just as we will be in heaven before the resurrection of our bodies.

The second option held by scholars is that Christ’s preaching of repentance was through Noah to the unrighteous humans, now dead and confined in hell, who lived in the days of Noah. God waited patiently for many years while Noah built the ark and preached to those watching and mocking him. How many years it took is debatable; maybe 120, 100, 60 or some other length of time. How long it took is not important. What is important is that God provided time for them to repent as he does for us today. Out of all those who lived in the day of Noah, only eight were able to come on the ark to make it safely through the water.

We now come to another difficult verse in which a comparison is drawn between salvation in the ark and baptism. In both cases there is salvation by grace through faith. The eight on the ark believed and it is believers who are baptized. Water and God’s judgment is involved in both cases. The water of judgment killed those not on the ark because of their lack of faith and repentance. The water of baptism reflects God’s judgment against those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Being baptized is a public witness to one’s faith in Jesus Christ.

Baptism does not save one anymore that it washes off dirt from the body, but it is an indication of an appeal to God through faith for a good conscience through salvation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus died, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Baptism indicates our death as we enter into the water and then as we rise from the water it indicates our rising from the grave with Jesus Christ to be with him in heaven where he has all authority.

1. What does Peter teach about marriage and the conduct of Christian wives in 1 Peter 3:1–2?

Answer:
Peter teaches that a Christian wife should demonstrate her faith through respectful and godly conduct. He particularly addresses situations in which a husband does not “obey the word.” Rather than relying solely on argument or persuasion, the wife’s Christlike life can become a powerful testimony. Peter says such husbands may be “won without a word by the conduct of their wives” when they observe their wives’ “respectful and pure conduct.” Peter is emphasizing the evangelistic power of a transformed life. Genuine faith is not merely spoken; it becomes visible through character, faithfulness, purity, and respect.

2. What does Peter mean by emphasizing “the hidden person of the heart” in 1 Peter 3:3–4?

Answer:
Peter contrasts outward appearance with inward character. He is not teaching that personal appearance or appropriate clothing is inherently wrong. Rather, he warns against making outward adornment the primary source of beauty, worth, or identity. The beauty God values most is found in “the hidden person of the heart,” particularly “the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” Physical beauty changes with time, but godly character has lasting value before God. Peter therefore directs believers toward cultivating inward qualities produced by faith rather than depending upon external appearance for significance.

3. Why does Peter use Sarah as an example in 1 Peter 3:5–6?

Answer:
Sarah represents the godly women of earlier generations who placed their hope in God. Peter emphasizes that their conduct flowed from trust in God rather than fear of circumstances. Sarah respected Abraham and followed his leadership while ultimately placing her confidence in the Lord. Peter tells Christian women that they are Sarah’s spiritual daughters when they “do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.” The emphasis is significant: biblical submission is not presented as fearful helplessness but as faithful obedience grounded in confidence in God.

4. What responsibilities does Peter give Christian husbands in 1 Peter 3:7?

Answer:
Peter commands husbands to live with their wives “in an understanding way” and to show them honor as “heirs with you of the grace of life.” A Christian husband must therefore seek to understand his wife, treat her with dignity, and recognize her equal spiritual standing before God. Peter adds a serious warning: husbands must behave this way “so that your prayers may not be hindered.” A man cannot separate his relationship with God from the way he treats his wife. Spiritual maturity must be demonstrated within marriage through understanding, honor, love, and consideration.

5. What qualities should characterize the Christian community according to 1 Peter 3:8–9?

Answer:
Peter calls believers to demonstrate unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, tenderness, and humility. These qualities describe relationships shaped by Christ rather than selfishness. Christians are also commanded not to repay “evil for evil or reviling for reviling.” Instead, they are to bless those who mistreat them. This reflects the example and teaching of Jesus. Believers have received God’s blessing and are therefore called to become instruments of blessing even toward people who oppose them. Christian relationships should display a radically different response to hostility than the pattern commonly seen in the world.

6. Why does Peter quote Psalm 34 in 1 Peter 3:10–12?

Answer:
Peter uses Psalm 34 to reinforce his teaching that righteous living involves both words and actions. The believer who desires to “love life and see good days” must guard the tongue from evil, turn away from wrongdoing, pursue what is good, and “seek peace and pursue it.” Peter then reminds his readers that “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.” God sees the conduct of His people and hears their prayers. The quotation encourages Christians to pursue righteousness and peace even while living in difficult or hostile circumstances.

7. How should Christians respond when they suffer for doing what is right according to 1 Peter 3:13–14?

Answer:
Peter acknowledges that believers may suffer even when they are doing good. Such suffering does not mean that God has abandoned them. Instead, Peter says, “even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.” Christians therefore should not allow threats or persecution to control them through fear. Their security rests in God rather than in favorable circumstances. Faithfulness to Christ may sometimes bring opposition, but the believer can remain confident that God sees, honors, and ultimately vindicates those who remain faithful to Him.

8. What does it mean to “honor Christ the Lord as holy” in 1 Peter 3:15?

Answer:
To honor Christ as holy means to recognize Him as the supreme Lord of one’s life. Instead of allowing fear of other people to dominate the heart, the Christian gives Christ the highest place of reverence, loyalty, and obedience. When Christ occupies that position, believers can face opposition with courage because their ultimate allegiance belongs to Him. Peter connects this inward devotion to outward witness: a heart firmly centered upon Christ prepares the believer to explain confidently why he or she possesses hope.

9. What does 1 Peter 3:15 teach about explaining the Christian faith to others?

Answer:
Peter tells believers to be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Christians should therefore understand what they believe and be able to explain why their hope rests in Jesus Christ. Yet Peter also specifies how this defense should be given: “with gentleness and respect.” Christian apologetics is not merely about winning arguments. The manner of the believer should reflect the character of Christ. Truth should be communicated clearly and courageously, but also graciously, respectfully, and lovingly.

10. Why is maintaining a good conscience important according to 1 Peter 3:16–17?

Answer:
A good conscience comes from living consistently with one’s profession of faith. Peter recognizes that Christians may be falsely accused or slandered. When believers maintain godly conduct, however, their lives provide evidence against those accusations. Those who revile their “good behavior in Christ” may ultimately be put to shame. Peter concludes that “it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” Christians cannot always control whether they suffer, but they can control whether their suffering results from faithfulness or wrongdoing.

11. What central truth about Christ’s death is taught in 1 Peter 3:18?

Answer:
Peter provides a concise statement of the gospel: “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.” Jesus was completely righteous, yet He suffered on behalf of sinful humanity. His sacrifice was sufficient and decisive—He suffered “once for sins.” The purpose of His death was reconciliation: “that he might bring us to God.” Sin separated humanity from God, but through Christ’s substitutionary suffering, believers are forgiven and restored to fellowship with God.

12. What is the meaning of the difficult statement about Christ proclaiming “to the spirits in prison” in 1 Peter 3:19–20?

Answer:
This is one of the most debated passages in the New Testament. Several interpretations have been proposed. Some understand Peter to mean that Christ, through the Spirit, preached through Noah to the disobedient people of Noah’s generation. Others understand the “spirits in prison” as fallen spiritual beings associated with the rebellion surrounding Noah’s time, to whom Christ proclaimed His victory. Still others understand the passage as describing Christ proclaiming His triumph after His death.

Although the precise identification of the “spirits” is debated, Peter’s larger message is clearer: Christ has triumphed over evil, judgment belongs to God, and those who belong to Christ are ultimately secure. The reference to Noah reinforces Peter’s encouragement to Christians who were a faithful minority living among an unbelieving world.

13. How does Noah and the flood relate to baptism in 1 Peter 3:20–21?

Answer:
Peter explains that eight people were “brought safely through water” during the flood and then says, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you.” He immediately guards against misunderstanding by explaining that he is not referring merely to the physical washing of the body—“not as a removal of dirt from the body.” Rather, baptism represents “an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Baptism outwardly identifies the believer with Christ and His saving work. The saving power is not found in water itself but in Jesus Christ, particularly His death and resurrection, to which baptism points.

14. How does 1 Peter 3 end with assurance of Christ’s victory?

Answer:
Peter concludes by declaring that Jesus Christ “has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.” Christ’s suffering did not end in defeat. His death was followed by resurrection, ascension, exaltation, and supreme authority. Every spiritual power is ultimately subject to Him. This conclusion strengthens Peter’s entire message about suffering. Christians may presently experience rejection or persecution, but they belong to the victorious Christ. Their present circumstances do not determine the final outcome—Jesus does.

15. What is the central message of 1 Peter 3 for Christians today?

Answer:
1 Peter 3 teaches believers to demonstrate their faith through godly relationships, righteous conduct, gracious witness, faithful endurance, and confidence in the victory of Christ. Faith should transform marriage, relationships within the church, responses to hostility, and conversations with unbelievers. Christians should be prepared to explain their hope while doing so with gentleness and respect. When suffering comes because of faithfulness, they can remember the pattern of Christ: suffering was followed by triumph. The chapter ultimately directs believers away from fear and toward confidence in the risen and exalted Lord, who suffered for sinners, brought them to God, and now reigns over all powers.

1 Peter 4 calls believers to live decisively for God in light of Christ’s suffering and the approaching fulfillment of God’s purposes. Peter urges Christians to leave behind their former sinful ways and devote the remainder of their earthly lives to the will of God, even when others misunderstand or criticize their changed behavior. Because “the end of all things is at hand,” believers are to remain self-controlled and prayerful, love one another earnestly, practice hospitality, and faithfully use their God-given gifts to serve others and glorify God through Jesus Christ. Peter then turns again to the reality of suffering, reminding his readers not to be surprised by the “fiery trial” they are experiencing. Suffering for the name of Christ is not a cause for shame but an opportunity to rejoice, knowing that believers share in Christ’s sufferings and will also rejoice when His glory is revealed. The chapter concludes by encouraging Christians who suffer according to God’s will to entrust themselves to their faithful Creator while continuing to do good.

^4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. ³ For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. (1 Peter 4:1 – 3 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the section about suffering for righteousness’ sake. With this lesson we begin a new section about stewards of God’s grace.

Peter keeps the suffering of Jesus before these exiles as an encouragement. If Jesus was willing to suffer and die for them, then they should prepare themselves to think in the same way. Jesus suffered and died and rose from the dead to cover our sin. He lived a perfect life and as a result he could be our perfect sacrifice and take our sin and die in our place. How this results in a sinless life for those who are suffering as exiles is debated, thus another difficult verse.

The ESV footnote for verses 1 – 2 indicates three possibilities. In summary these three possibilities are:

(1) The one who suffered was Jesus Christ and being perfect he could take our sin. This is unlikely the meaning.

(2) Believers are dead to the power of sin as a result of dying with Jesus Christ. This is similar to what Paul spoke of in Romans 6:1 – 11.

(3) What seems more feasible for our context here is that when “believers are willing to suffer, the nerve center of sin is severed in their lives. Although believers will never be totally free from sin in this life (cf. James 3:2; 1 John 1:8), but when believers endure suffering for the sake of Christ they show that their purpose in life in not to live for their own pleasures but according to the will of God and for his glory.”

In many parts of the world where persecution of Christians is carried out, it is understood that to believe and then to live for the Lord will result in suffering. Being willing to turn from one’s former way of life, like Peter describes in verse 3, and suffer for desiring to live a holy and righteous life has a way of greatly reducing our sin level and thus we have ceased from sinning [so much]. We will never be free from sin in this life, but we have been given that potential through being born again. This will be fully realized when we reach heaven and are delivered from this body of sinful flesh.

^4:4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; ⁵ but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. (1 Peter 4: 4 – 6 ESV)

In the previous lesson we tried to explain the meaning of whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. Peter ties that concept into how we once lived in sin to a changed lifestyle. “With respect to this” change of lifestyle from how they were living in verse 3, the unbelievers are “surprised” by the moral transformation of believers. Peter associates their sin with “debauchery” and in Ephesians 5:18, Paul describes debauchery as being drunk with wine. This change will make the unbelievers uncomfortable, who are still living in sin, and they will malign those who have by faith been born again. In 1 Peter 2:12 that maligning was spoken of as speaking against them as evildoers and in 1 Peter 3:16 they are slandered and reviled for their good behavior.

Those who continue to live in sin in unbelief “will give account” to Jesus Christ who is ready to judge the living and the dead. The “living” are those unbelievers who are still alive on earth when Jesus returns in judgment. Those who are “dead” are those unbelievers who have died and are in the grave. Jesus is the one who is “appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42 ESV). These unbelievers were causing the believers to suffer now but the time is coming when the unbelievers will be judged and will suffer eternally for their sin. Peter is telling these who are suffering to bear their opposition and trials with patience, not feeling that God had forgotten them, and not to attempt to avenge themselves because the Lord will punish them when he comes in judgment. These who have maligned these children of God will give an account before God for all the wrongs that they have done.

The dead in verse 4 referred to unbelievers who had died, but now in the context of verse 6, the “dead” refer to those who heard the gospel and believed and are now dead. As believers they suffered persecution for their faith. This persecution is spoken of as being “judged in the flesh” in their earthly life. They died in the midst of physical abuse from the ungodly, but they will enjoy life from God in the spiritual, heavenly realm because of the gospel.

^4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be self-controlled and sober minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹ Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:7 – 9 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered an example where those who heard the gospel and believed and were then persecuted by those who chose to remain in their sin. Peter now continues his message to these exiles and tells them that “the end of all things is at hand.” In James 5:8, James refers to this “end of all things” as “the coming of the Lord” when they should have established hearts that reflect a particular lifestyle. Peter now describes that lifestyle.

Peter begins by telling these believers to “be self-controlled and sober minded for the sake of [their] prayers.” He spoke of being “sober-minded” in 1:13 and having their “hope fully on the grace that will be bought to [them] at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Peter reminds them that the lack of having self-control and not being sober minded could affect their prayers. Jesus said to “watch and pray that you not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41) and in Luke 21:36 (ESV) he said, “stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Peter then indicates that the most important thing they are to do is to “keep loving one another earnestly (or fervently), since love covers a multitude of sins.” Christian love is to be patient and forgiving toward the offenses of a fellow Christian. Paul describes love in 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7 ESV: ⁴ “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant ⁵ or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; ⁶ it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Love has the ability to cover a multitude of sin in how one responds when a sin is committed as suggested by Proverbs 10:12 ESV: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” If someone sins against us and they seek our forgiveness, love is more likely to grant it. When we see someone sinning and we help to restore that one, we “will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20 ESV).

We are to “show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (verse 9). “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2 ESV). Being “hospitable” was a requirement in being an overseer (1 Timothy 3:2). Hospitality was admired by both the Romans and the Jews and was much needed in an era when inns could be dangerous and unpleasant.

^4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10 – 11 ESV)

In the previous lesson we saw the importance of love. Peter’s focus is now on the gift each has received from God. In Romans 12:6 – 8 (ESV), Paul elaborates on this: ⁶ “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; ⁷ if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching. ⁸ the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” The gift or gifts that one receives is determined by God based on the work he has assigned to us to do. These gifts are according to grace and are a resource needed to accomplish our task.

When we were born again, we became “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17) for doing “good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV). To do these good works will require the use of God’s gift(s) given to us. Peter points out that these gifts are to be used in relationship with one another, whether it be in serving or in teaching as two examples.

Grace is the foundation of our salvation and it provides us with the power needed to live the Christian life and to serve God and others. Paul said it very well in 1 Corinthians 15:10 ESV: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” Are we being good stewards of God’s grace?

Peter gives two examples of being good stewards: (1) what we say and (2) how we serve. Peter is using these two examples to divide the spiritual gifts into speaking gifts and serving gifts. We see this division in Romans 12:6 – 8 given above. If we speak, or writing as I am doing, we must remember that we represent God and must honor him with our words. If we serve we are to serve with the strength God provides giving him the credit for what is accomplished. Whether we speak or serve we are to glorify God through Jesus Christ.

Apart from abiding in Jesus Christ we cannot bear fruit, in fact we can do nothing at all (John 15:5). Both the unsaved and the saved can work for God, but only the saved can-do good works that bear fruit to the glory of God. The gift of God’s grace enables this fruit bearing, which adds an eternal dimension to our work. It is not what we accomplish that is important, but what we accomplish to the glory of Jesus Christ and thus to the glory of God

^4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12 – 13 ESV)

With the previous lesson we completed major section three with a theme of living as aliens to bring glory to God in a hostile world. With this lesson we begin major section four with a theme of persevering in suffering.

From the beginning of this letter, Peter has been trying to keep the focus of these exiles on hope in the midst of their suffering, which he now points out may include episodes of fiery trials. They are not to see them as something strange happening to them, but as a test of their faith. Peter then reminds them of a fiery trial Jesus Christ endured on the cross in suffering for them. He reminds them that they are sharing Christ’s sufferings. Paul speaks of this in Philippians 3:10 – 11 ESV: ¹⁰ “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” I am not so sure that the western church knows much about the power of his resurrection and even less about sharing his sufferings.

We are reminded from Hebrews 12:2 (ESV) that Jesus “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.” Jesus suffered with Joy and now Peter instructs them to rejoice in their suffering with Jesus, and as they do that now they will one day rejoice and be glad when the glory of Jesus is revealed.

In 1:7 Peter speaks of experiencing various trials for the purpose of testing the genuineness of their faith to see if it has the potential of producing praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The testing of one’s faith now is to develop it to where it can perform as needed in the future. Part of that future is described as fiery trials, which serve the purpose of further developing their faith. That faith is to produce a confidence for the day of judgment (1 John 4:17), that we not shrink from him in shame at his coming (1 John 2:28).

Our rejoicing is not because of our suffering but over the outcome of our growing faith and growing character. That character growth is seen in Romans 5:3 – 5 ESV: ³ “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴ and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵ and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Why can we rejoice in the midst of our suffering? We can rejoice because of the qualities that suffering produces beyond the pain we experience in preparation for the glorious future we will have with Jesus Christ for all eternity.

^4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (1 Peter 4:14 – 16 ESV)

In the previous lesson we considered the benefits of suffering in developing a faith for the future. In this lesson we will look at what might cause our suffering. The first thing Peter lists is being insulted for the name of Christ. In Psalm 89:50 – 51 (ESV), the psalmist said, ⁵⁰ “Remember, O Lord, how your servants are mocked, and how I bear in my heart the insults of all the many nations, ⁵¹ with which your enemies mock, O Lord, with which they mock the footsteps of your anointed.” As the Lord’s servants we will be “mocked” or “insulted” for the name of Christ. But Jesus said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Matthew 5:11 ESV).

As Jesus told Peter about being blessed when being insulted, Peter now tells us and then gives a reason for why we are blessed. He says it is because “the Spirit of God rests upon you.” This is quoted from Isaiah 11:2 ESV: “And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” There is little doubt that Peter is making reference to the Holy Spirit.

The mention of the Spirit resting upon us who suffer might be pointing back to John 1:33 where the Spirit descends and remains on Jesus. If the Spirit came to rest on and abide with Jesus then maybe he would come and rest on and abide with those who being persecuted. The idea being communicated here is that if they are called to suffer, they will not be left or forsaken. They might hope that God would impart his Spirit to them in proportion to their sufferings, providing them with joy and peace. It is this Spirit that comes upon those who are persecuted that provides them with the ability to endure their trials. This is a great benefit that God provides for his children.

Apart from suffering for the name of Christ, one may suffer as a result of their sin (1 Peter 2:20) when punished. Such sin is pointed out here as murder, stealing, doing evil, and being a meddler. The message Peter is communicating is, if you are going to suffer, suffer for the right reasons.

²⁴ “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, ²⁵ choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. ²⁶ He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. ²⁷ By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:24 – 27 SV). Those who do not know God will mistreat those who do and who are willing to suffer while serving him. These evil ones hated Jesus without a cause (John 15:25) and they will hate us without a cause (John 15:20).

If we are willing to stand with him and suffer as a Christian, let us not be ashamed but rejoice in our suffering as he did when suffering for us. As the Spirit enables us, let us glorify God in the name of Jesus Christ.

^4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” ¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:17 – 19 ESV)

In the previous lesson we saw the importance of being willing to suffer as a Christian. In this lesson we will look at this suffering in the context of the church.

Since Peter is the main character in the book of Acts before Paul’s conversion, I chose to study first and second Peter in parallel with our study of Acts which begins with the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit, the ascension of Jesus, the choosing of Matthias to replace Judas, and then the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Pentecost marks the beginning of the church or as mentioned here, the household of God. (Some say “the household of God” refers to the temple, but in this context I believe church is fitting.)

Initially the church grew in an environment of relative peace in Jerusalem during the first six chapters of Acts, with the only disturbance being the two arrest of the disciples, who with Matthias replacing Judas, are now called the apostles. However, change is coming with the selection of the seven men to serve in the Jerusalem church.

One of the seven was Stephen, who was “full of grace and power [and] was doing great wonders and signs among the people,” but there were some “who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, [who] rose up and disputed with Stephen.” (Acts 6:8 – 9 ESV).  This dispute resulted in Stephen’s arrest and then being stoned to death (Acts 6:8 – 7:60).

At the stoning of Stephen was a pharisee named Saul who approved the execution, and who would raise up a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. As a result, believers were scattered throughout the regions of Juda and Samaria, except for the apostles who remained in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1). This judgment that began against the church was because of their disobedience in taking the gospel outside of Jerusalem to Juda and Samaria and then to the rest of the world.

If God judges the household of God for its disobedience with persecution what will be the outcome of those who do not obey the gospel of God? This judgment which God begins on his own people will, with certainty, come upon those of unbelief who do not obey the gospel of God.

To say that “the righteous is scarcely saved” does not mean that the righteous are just barely saved, but that their salvation was during a time of suffering and was not easy or simple. If it is a difficult thing for the righteous to be saved, then the ungodly and the sinner will certainly perish.

Believers suffer in accord with the will of God because he rules over everything that happens to them. God does judge his creation and for the unbeliever that judgment comes in the form of punishment, but for the believer it cannot be punishment because Jesus was punished in our place. For the believer, the judgment is punitive and is seen as the discipline of his teaching us to do what is according to his will. God is faithful and is loving and therefore we should entrust our lives completely to his care just as Jesus did when he suffered in purchasing our salvation. Such trust in the midst of suffering manifests itself in holy conduct.

1. What does Peter mean when he tells believers to “arm yourselves with the same way of thinking” as Christ? — 1 Peter 4:1–2

Answer: Peter calls believers to adopt the attitude demonstrated by Jesus in His suffering. Christ remained obedient to the Father even when obedience brought suffering. Christians should likewise resolve to follow God regardless of the cost. Peter’s statement that “whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” does not mean that suffering makes a person sinless. Rather, suffering for Christ demonstrates a decisive break with a life dominated by sin. The believer’s goal is no longer to live according to human passions but “for the will of God.” Following Christ therefore involves a fundamental change in allegiance: God’s will, rather than sinful desire, becomes the governing purpose of life.

2. How should a believer’s former life differ from his or her new life in Christ? — 1 Peter 4:3–5

Answer: Peter reminds his readers that they have already spent enough time pursuing the sinful practices characteristic of unbelieving society. He mentions sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. Conversion to Christ produces a change of direction. Because believers no longer participate in the same sinful lifestyle, former companions may be surprised and may even malign them. Christians should not allow social pressure or ridicule to draw them back into their former way of life. Peter reminds them that those who reject God will ultimately “give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” The Christian can therefore endure human criticism while remaining faithful to the judgment and approval of God.

3. What does Peter mean when he says that the gospel was “preached even to those who are dead”? — 1 Peter 4:6

Answer: The most natural understanding is that Peter refers to people who heard and believed the gospel while they were alive but had since died. Their physical deaths might have caused other believers to wonder whether the promises of the gospel had failed them. Peter assures his readers that although these believers experienced physical death like everyone else, they now “live in the spirit the way God does.” Physical death does not defeat the saving work of Christ. Those who belong to Him possess eternal life and will ultimately share in His victory.

4. How should Christians live in light of “the end of all things”? — 1 Peter 4:7

Answer: Peter does not encourage speculation about dates or prophetic schedules. Instead, the expectation of Christ’s return should produce disciplined Christian living. He tells believers to be “self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” Awareness that history is moving toward God’s appointed conclusion should make Christians spiritually alert rather than careless. Prayer, clear thinking, holiness, and faithful obedience are appropriate responses to the certainty that Christ will return and God’s purposes will be completed.

5. Why does Peter emphasize love among believers? — 1 Peter 4:8–9

Answer: Peter says, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” Christian fellowship involves imperfect people who will sometimes offend, disappoint, or misunderstand one another. Earnest love refuses to allow every offense to become a source of division. It is willing to forgive rather than continually expose and magnify another person’s failures. Peter connects this love with hospitality, which believers are to practice “without grumbling.” Genuine Christian love is therefore both forgiving and practical, opening one’s life and resources to serve others.

6. What responsibility does every Christian have concerning spiritual gifts? — 1 Peter 4:10–11

Answer: Peter teaches that “each has received a gift” and should use it “to serve one another.” Spiritual gifts are not given primarily for personal recognition but for the benefit of the Christian community. Peter broadly describes gifts involving speaking and serving. Those who speak should do so “as one who speaks oracles of God,” treating God’s truth with reverence and faithfulness. Those who serve should depend upon “the strength that God supplies.” The ultimate purpose of every spiritual gift is not the glory of the individual but “that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

7. Why should Christians not be surprised when they experience suffering? — 1 Peter 4:12–13

Answer: Peter describes suffering as a “fiery trial” and tells believers not to regard it as something strange. Faithfulness to Christ can bring opposition because Christians belong to a Savior whom the world rejected. Such suffering also tests and strengthens faith. Rather than interpreting persecution as evidence that God has abandoned them, believers can understand suffering for Christ as participation in “Christ’s sufferings.” Peter even tells them to rejoice because present suffering will eventually give way to extraordinary joy “when his glory is revealed.”

8. Why is suffering for the name of Christ considered a blessing? — 1 Peter 4:14

Answer: Peter declares, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed.” The blessing does not lie in pain or mistreatment itself but in what the suffering reveals: the believer belongs to Christ. Peter adds that “the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” God’s presence remains with His people when they suffer because of their loyalty to Jesus. Human rejection therefore does not mean divine rejection. A believer may be dishonored by the world while simultaneously being honored and sustained by God.

9. Is all suffering evidence of Christian faithfulness? — 1 Peter 4:15–16

Answer: No. Peter carefully distinguishes suffering for wrongdoing from suffering for Christ. Christians should not suffer as murderers, thieves, evildoers, or meddlers. Consequences resulting from sinful or foolish behavior should not be confused with persecution for righteousness. However, “if anyone suffers as a Christian,” Peter says that person should “not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” The important issue is not merely whether a believer suffers but why the believer suffers.

10. What does Peter mean when he says that judgment begins “at the household of God”? — 1 Peter 4:17–18

Answer: Peter teaches that God’s judgment begins with His own people. In context, this does not mean that Christians are condemned along with unbelievers. Rather, God uses trials to test, purify, discipline, and refine His people. Peter then makes a sobering comparison: if God’s own people experience His refining judgment, how much more serious will final judgment be for “those who do not obey the gospel of God.” The suffering of Christians is temporary and refining; the judgment awaiting persistent rejection of the gospel is far more serious.

11. How should Christians respond when suffering is within God’s will? — 1 Peter 4:19

Answer: Peter concludes the chapter with a clear instruction: “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” Christians are not told merely to endure suffering passively. They are to trust God and continue doing what is right. Calling God the “faithful Creator” emphasizes both His power and His trustworthiness. The God who created His people is fully capable of preserving them. Suffering should therefore lead neither to despair nor retaliation but to deeper trust, continued obedience, and persistent goodness.

12. What is the central message of 1 Peter 4?

Answer: The central message of 1 Peter 4 is that believers should live faithfully for God’s will, serve one another with the gifts God provides, and remain steadfast when obedience to Christ brings suffering. Christians have left behind their former sinful way of life and now belong to Christ. Their lives should be characterized by prayer, earnest love, hospitality, service, and the faithful use of spiritual gifts. When trials come because of their faith, they should not be ashamed or surprised. Instead, they can entrust themselves to their faithful Creator, continue doing good, and look forward to the joy that will accompany the revelation of Christ’s glory.

1 Peter 5 concludes Peter’s letter by focusing on faithful leadership, humble service, steadfast resistance to the devil, and confidence in God during suffering. Peter first addresses the elders, urging them to shepherd God’s people willingly, eagerly, and by godly example rather than through compulsion or selfish ambition, remembering that Christ is the Chief Shepherd who will reward faithful service. He then calls younger believers—and ultimately the entire church—to clothe themselves with humility toward one another and to humble themselves under God’s mighty hand. Believers are encouraged to cast their anxieties on God because He cares for them, while remaining sober-minded and watchful because the devil seeks to devour those who are vulnerable. Peter commands Christians to resist him firmly in the faith, knowing that suffering is shared by believers throughout the world. The chapter closes with a powerful assurance that after suffering for a little while, the God of all grace will personally restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish His people. Thus, 1 Peter 5 brings the letter’s message to its fitting conclusion: Christians can endure suffering with humility, vigilance, faith, and hope because God cares for them, strengthens them, and will ultimately bring them into His eternal glory.

^5:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: ² shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ³ not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:1 – 3 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished a major section devoted to our persevering during a time of suffering. With this lesson we begin the next major section of 1 Peter, which is devoted to the need to shepherd the flock of God.

In our study of Acts, we introduced the term “deacon” when we covered the choosing of the seven men to serve in the church (Acts 6:1 – 7). The term “elder,” which is the most common New Testament term for church leaders, is not introduced until Acts 11:30. Up to that point the use of elder in Acts was found in relationship with rulers and scribes (Acts 4:5). In Acts 14:23, it is indicated that elders were appointed in all the churches. In James 5:14, which dates back to sometime between A.D. 40 and 50, elders were to be called to pray over those who were sick.

Peter refers to himself as an elder and is now going to exhort the elders among those exiled churches, but first he refers to himself as a witness of the sufferings of Jesus Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed. Peter was with Jesus in the garden when he was arrested, tried, mocked, scourged, and then crucified. Concerning the glory that is going to be revealed, Peter is referring to the time on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured, and his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light (Matthew 17:1 – 13). Peter says this to remind believers that suffering comes before glory that will be revealed when Jesus returns.

In the midst of their suffering, Peter exhorts the elders of the churches to shepherd the flock of God that is among them. These elders are entrusted with the responsibility to tend to the members of the church as a shepherd would tend his sheep. These elders are to feed and watch over the flock. Peter now gives these elders three exhortations as to how they are to carry out their responsibilities: (1) they are to shepherd the church willingly, not out of a sense of compulsion, and do it according to God’s will, (2) they are to do their work eagerly and not out of pride or for shameful gain, and (3) they are to serve as examples to the flock and not use their position of leadership in a domineering fashion.

We will leave the remaining part of the paragraph for a short lesson to follow.

^5:4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. ⁵ Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:4 – 5 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the responsibilities of elders. In this lesson we will look at the reward elders will receive for doing their job well.

The chief Shepherd is the Lord Jesus Christ and is so identified in Hebrews 13:20 – 21 ESV: 20 “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

When Jesus comes again, he will reward those faithful pastors with an unfading crown of glory. This crown of glory is “unfading” just as our inheritance: 3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3 – 5 ESV). This crown of glory may be similar to the crown of righteousness described in 2 Timothy 4:8.

“Likewise,” or in the same way as the “elders” were faithful shepherds of the flock in subjection to the Lord, those of you who are younger, be subject to the elders who are shepherding you. These younger members of the congregation may have a tendency to be somewhat headstrong and resistant to leadership are instructed to submit themselves to their elders.

All of us, to some extent, are self-centered and need to take care to exercise humility towards one another. The importance of humility is stressed and illustrated by Jesus. In a discussion with his disciples about who is the greatest, he said, ²⁶ “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.” (Matthew 20:26 – 27 ESV). Jesus then demonstrated this principle when he ⁴ “rose from supper, he laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. ⁵ Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:4 – 5 ESV). Then in application to us, Jesus said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14 ESV). I am not suggesting, in this culture, that we wash one another’s feet but that we exercise humility towards one another.

It is important that we exercise humility because 6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:6, 10 ESV). God may not exalt us in this life, but the time will come when he will. Being humbled by our adversaries will not last forever and if we maintain a holy conduct, God will exalt us.

^5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:6 – 8 ESV)

In the previous lesson we ended with the statement: ⁶ “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:6, 10 ESV). We will continue that thought in this lesson.

When we are oppressed and caused to suffer our pride demands justice, but if we exercise humility and give the need of justice to God then he will give us grace to endure the persecution and, as we concluded in the previous lesson, he will exalt us at the proper time.

As we strive to remain humble during these demanding circumstances, we may experience some anxiety which God instructs us to cast upon him because he cares for us. The process of casting these anxieties on him is explained by Paul in Philippians 4:6 – 7 ESV: ⁶ “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Like any promise God makes it is available only through faith. If you do not believe that God will replace your anxiety with peace then he will not. It is so important that we exercise faith to grow it. I was forced to learn this when I was a missionary in China. Here in the west tend to apply other means rather than faith because of their availability due to our wealth. When we do we forfeit the blessing that God always seems to include with his promise. In the case of anxiety, the blessing is peace that guards our hearts and minds.

In addition to replacing anxiety with God’s peace, we are to be sober-minded and watchful. Being sober-minded occurs three times in 1 Peter: (1) in 1:13 when he spoke of preparing one’s mind for action, (2) in 4:7 when he spoke about our prayers, and (3) here in 5:8 in connection with the devil. When we covered being sober minded in 1:13 we associated it with a mind that is thoughtful, restrained, and serious about the conditions at hand. Those believers found themselves facing persecution causing their lives to be afflicted and as a result it was a time to make wise decisions on how to live, thus they need minds prepared for action in the face of their enemy. The enemy we face here is the devil.

In addition to being sober minded, Peter instructs us to also be watchful, or alert, that we are not caught off guard by the devil. We may maintain our guard in our physical realm but fail to be on guard to protect our souls from the evil plans of the devil. He is not to be taken lightly as he is described as an adversary that prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

In the context of persecution that results in our suffering, we must be careful (sober-minded and watchful) that persecution is not used by the devil to draw us into sin through unholy conduct. Sin destroys but holy conduct builds up. In the west we are not persecuted for our faith, but instead we are drawn into friendship with the world by the devil. That friendship is also sin and as a result there is little difference in conduct between members of a church and those outside.

^5:9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ¹⁰ And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹ To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:9 – 11 ESV)

In the previous lesson we covered the importance of being sober minded and watchful because our adversary the devil was seeking an opportunity to draw us into sin, and as he tries, we are to “resist him.” James also speaks of this in James 4:7 ESV: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” An aspect of resisting is to “give no opportunity” (Ephesians 4:27 ESV). Another is to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11 ESV).

As we resist the devil we must be firm in our faith and remember that “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 ESV). “We are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 ESV). Being born again, we have received the Holy Spirit and he is greater than the evil one who rules the world with his power. But to stand in victory requires firmness of faith, for without a faith that is firmly fixed on Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2), we will be like “children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:14 ESV). It is through faith that we are saved, and it is through faith that we walk with the Lord.

The devil, using evil men as his pawns, causes immense suffering in the world, especially among those who seek to live righteous lives. These exiles understand that, as do many throughout the world. Many have suffered and died for their faith and still do and will continue to until Jesus returns. When one suffers for the name of Jesus Christ, that one can be encouraged that there are others scattered around that also suffer. They are not alone!

It is the consensus of scholars that “a little while” refers to the period of time beginning with the ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:6 – 11) and continuing until his return at the end of the age. When compared to eternity, this is a short period of time in which suffering exist. As Paul said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18 ESV). The time we might suffer is short, truly short, when compared to the time we will experience glory.

⁴ “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4 – 5 ESV). Clearly, God is a God of mercy, grace, and love, and he has called us to experience his eternal glory in Christ, and as we suffer here on earth, he has promised that he will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us.

“The four verbs (restore, confirm, strengthen, establish) remind them, and us, that God will eventually restore whatever they have lost for the sake of Jesus Christ. Though they suffer now, it will be followed by eternal glory. By God’s grace they were called and by his grace they will be strengthened so that they are able to endure to the end.”

This brings us to the last verse of this major section in which Peter says, “To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Since God is a sovereign God, he rules over all and as a result believers have nothing to fear or be anxious about.

^5:12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting, and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. ¹³ She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. ¹⁴ Greet one another with the kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ. (1 Peter 5:12 – 14 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the last major section of instruction. With this lesson we will finish our study of 1 Peter.

Who is Silvanus? Peter regards him as a faithful brother. A search of the New Testament produces three verses that relate Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy in working together. The context of verse 12 suggest that Silvanus was the secretary who helped compose the letter, but both the ESV and NET footnote for verse 12 suggest, based on the Greek construction, that Silvanus delivered the letter. It is possible that both ideas are expressed here. Silvanus is also known by the name “Silas” in other parts of the New Testament.

 Peter sums up this letter by declaring that what he wrote is the true grace of God. As these exiles suffer under persecution they are to stand firm in the grace of God, keeping their conduct holy. It is interesting to note that the phrase “I have written briefly to you” is also found in the final greeting of Hebrews. “Grace of God is found 18 times in the ESV New Testament. It is used in connection with work that God is doing. It is a resource to be used in ministry.

“She who is at Babylon” is understood by scholars as referring to the church in Rome. Being “likewise chosen” indicates believers like those Peter is writing to in exile. The members of this church in Rome sends their greetings to those in exile, as “does Mark, my son.”

Mark is not actually Peter’s son, but one like a son because of their close friendship, which is well documented in a blog entry titled, “Mark’s Relationship with Peter was the Foundation for His Gospel” and is located at this link.

The “kiss of love” is a symbol like “foot washing” or “head covering” for wives which have symbolic meanings that change from culture to culture. To apply our western meaning of a kiss of love to the symbol in that culture would be a serious misunderstanding. This “kiss of love” is better understood in our western culture as a handshake or hug or bow varying by region of the western world.

Peter’s final words are: “Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” This is available to them because they are in Christ. Being born again provides them with the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is love and one of the characteristics of that love is “peace.”

We find ourselves at the end of the first letter of Peter. We will begin a study of the second letter of Peter with the next lesson.

1. What instructions does Peter give to the elders of the church?

Answer: Peter urges the elders to “shepherd the flock of God” entrusted to their care (1 Peter 5:1–2). Their responsibility is not merely administrative; they are to provide spiritual guidance, protection, instruction, and care for God’s people. They are to serve willingly rather than reluctantly and eagerly rather than for personal gain. Peter reminds church leaders that the congregation ultimately belongs to God, making leadership a sacred stewardship rather than a position of ownership or privilege.

2. What kind of leadership does Peter expect from Christian elders?

Answer: Peter calls for leadership by example rather than domination. Elders must not be “domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). Christian authority is therefore expressed through character, humility, faithfulness, and service. Leaders should demonstrate in their own lives the obedience to Christ that they encourage in others.

3. Who is the “chief Shepherd” mentioned in 1 Peter 5:4?

Answer: The “chief Shepherd” is Jesus Christ. Although earthly leaders have responsibility for caring for the church, Christ remains its supreme Shepherd and Lord. Peter teaches that faithful leaders serve under Christ’s authority and will ultimately answer to Him. When Christ appears, faithful shepherds will receive “the unfading crown of glory.” This places Christian ministry within the larger hope of Christ’s return and eternal reward.

4. Why does Peter emphasize humility among believers?

Answer: Peter teaches that humility should characterize relationships throughout the Christian community. Younger believers are instructed to submit to the elders, and everyone is told to “clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5). Pride places a person in opposition to God, while humility recognizes dependence upon Him. Peter supports this teaching with the principle that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

5. What does it mean to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God?

Answer: Humbling ourselves under God’s mighty hand means willingly submitting to His authority, purposes, and timing. Believers do not need to exalt themselves or force circumstances according to their own desires. Instead, they can trust God to act according to His wisdom. Peter promises that God will exalt His people “at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6). Humility therefore involves both submission and patient trust.

6. How are believers instructed to deal with anxiety?

Answer: Peter tells believers to cast “all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Rather than carrying fears and burdens alone, Christians are invited to entrust them to God. This command follows Peter’s teaching about humility because surrendering anxiety requires acknowledging that God is sovereign and that we are dependent upon Him. The foundation for such trust is deeply personal: God cares for His people.

7. Why does Peter warn believers to be sober-minded and watchful?

Answer: Christians face genuine spiritual opposition. Peter describes the devil as an adversary who “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Believers therefore must remain spiritually alert rather than becoming careless or complacent. Peter’s warning does not encourage fear but vigilance. Christians should recognize the reality of spiritual conflict while remaining firmly dependent upon God.

8. How should believers respond to the devil?

Answer: Peter commands believers to “resist him, firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:9). Resistance means refusing to surrender to temptation, deception, fear, or discouragement. The believer’s strength lies in steadfast faith in God and His truth. Peter also reminds suffering Christians that they are not alone; believers throughout the world experience similar trials. Awareness of the larger Christian community can strengthen believers when suffering makes them feel isolated.

9. What hope does Peter give Christians who are suffering?

Answer: Peter assures believers that suffering is temporary and God’s restoring work is certain. After they have “suffered a little while,” the God of all grace will Himself “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” them (1 Peter 5:10). Their suffering does not mean God has abandoned them. Instead, their future rests securely in the God who has called them “to his eternal glory in Christ.”

10. What does 1 Peter 5 teach about God’s grace?

Answer: God’s grace appears throughout the chapter as the believer’s source of strength and hope. God gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5), cares for those who cast their anxieties upon Him (5:7), and is described as “the God of all grace” who restores His suffering people (5:10). Peter concludes by affirming that the message he has written represents “the true grace of God” and commands believers, “Stand firm in it” (5:12). Grace is therefore not only the means by which Christians are saved but also the divine provision by which they endure faithfully.

11. What is significant about Peter’s statement, “To him be the dominion forever and ever”?

Answer: Peter’s declaration in 1 Peter 5:11 emphasizes God’s ultimate sovereignty. Christians may experience persecution, spiritual opposition, anxiety, and suffering, but none of these realities possesses final authority. Dominion belongs eternally to God. This truth gives believers confidence that their circumstances do not determine the final outcome—God does.

12. Who are Silvanus and Mark in Peter’s closing remarks?

Answer: Peter identifies Silvanus as a “faithful brother” through whom he has written briefly (1 Peter 5:12). Silvanus may have served as the letter’s carrier, secretary, or assistant in its composition and delivery. Peter also sends greetings from “Mark, my son” (5:13), almost certainly John Mark, a close Christian associate whom Peter regarded with fatherly affection. These references demonstrate the relationships and cooperation that characterized ministry in the early church.

13. What is Peter’s central purpose in writing 1 Peter?

Answer: Peter summarizes his purpose near the conclusion: “I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it” (1 Peter 5:12). Throughout the letter, Peter has encouraged Christians facing hardship to remain holy, hopeful, faithful, and steadfast. Their security does not depend upon favorable circumstances but upon God’s grace revealed through Jesus Christ.

14. How does 1 Peter 5 bring the entire letter to a fitting conclusion?

Answer: The chapter gathers together many of the letter’s major themes: faithful service, humility, suffering, spiritual vigilance, God’s grace, perseverance, and eternal glory. Leaders are called to shepherd faithfully, believers are called to live humbly, the anxious are encouraged to trust God’s care, and suffering Christians are commanded to resist the enemy and remain firm in faith. Peter closes with a powerful assurance: the God who has called believers to eternal glory will Himself restore, strengthen, and establish them. The final message of 1 Peter is therefore one of steadfast hope—stand firm in God’s grace because suffering is temporary, God’s care is certain, and His glory is eternal.