An Introduction to 1 Peter

The Apostle Peter faced extreme persecution. He wrote the epistle of 1 Peter from the confines of a Roman prison. How should we as believers in Christ respond to persecution and hardship? This sermon is the first in our new series: The Epistle of First Peter. 

1. The Author of 1 Peter 

• Peter was one of the 12 disciples of Christ.
• He lived in Bethsaida and later in Capernaum both near the Sea of Galilee.
• He was a professional fisherman.
• His brother, Andrew, brought him to Christ.
• Jesus changed his name to Peter meaning “rock.”
• He was part of Jesus’ inner circle of friends.
• He was known for being impulsive, head-strong, quick-tempered, and sometimes proud.
• He was the only one of the disciples that walked on water. He defended Christ when Christ was arrested.
• He denied the Lord three times.
• He repented and humbled himself in preparation for his future ministry.
• He was used greatly at Pentecost as the local church was started.
• He was one of the leaders of the apostles.
• He was persecuted and crucified upside down. 

2. The Background and Setting of 1 Peter 

• It was written shortly after the destruction of Rome by fire in July of A.D. 64.
• Nero, the emperor, needed a scapegoat so he blamed the fire on the Christians.
• As a result, the Christians living in different Roman provinces were viciously persecuted.
• Peter writes to the persecuted believers scattered all over the Roman provinces. 

3. The Location of Peter When Writing 1 Peter 

• Three Views
  • Babylon = A small city in northern Egypt
  • Babylon = Ancient Babylon
  • Babylon = An alias or code name for Rome
• I personally believe Peter was in Rome because tradition says Peter was crucified upside down in Rome around A.D. 67 which is only two years after this book was written. 

4. The Purpose of 1 Peter (1 Peter 5:12)

• The phrase, “that this is the true grace of God,” refers to the message of the gospel and the gospel truths Peter reminds them of in this book.
• The purpose is to encourage and strengthen the suffering Christians in the truth of the gospel.
• The purpose is to confirm the truth of the gospel to these suffering Christians.
• The purpose is to command the suffering Christians to stand firm in the truth of the gospel.