1 Peter is book 21 of the 27 books of the New Testament and belongs to the General Letters section. See how it fits with the rest in our guide to all 66 books of the Bible.
Quick facts
- Section
- New Testament · General Letters
- Genre
- Letter (circular letter of encouragement)
- Author (traditional)
- The apostle Peter, writing from Rome ('Babylon') with the help of Silas (Silvanus).
- Other views on authorship
- Many scholars think it was written by a follower of Peter in his name; others accept Petrine authorship, explaining the good Greek by Silas's role as secretary.
- Date (traditional)
- About AD 62–64, shortly before Peter's death under Nero.
- Other views on dating
- If by Peter, early 60s; if pseudonymous, roughly AD 70–95.
- Chapters
- 5
- Verses
- 105
- Reading time
- About 12 minutes (2,366 words in the BSB)
What is 1 Peter about?
Peter writes to churches across five regions of Asia Minor, in what is now Turkey. These believers were not facing official, empire-wide persecution so much as daily hostility: slander, social exclusion and suspicion because they no longer joined in local customs and worship.
Peter's answer begins with identity. Through the resurrection of Jesus they have a new birth, an imperishable inheritance and a new family. They are a chosen people, a royal priesthood and a holy nation — titles once given to Israel at Sinai. Because their real home is with God, they live as foreigners and exiles in this world.
The letter then gives practical counsel for life under pressure: honourable conduct, respect for authorities, gentleness in hard households and marriages, humility and readiness to explain their hope. Christ's own suffering is the model and the comfort, and Peter closes as a shepherd urging elders to care for God's flock.
Outline of 1 Peter
| ChaptersCh. | Section |
|---|---|
| 1:1–2:10 | A living hope and a new people New birth, holy living, and believers as God's chosen people. |
| 2:11–3:12 | Good lives among outsiders Submission to authorities, slaves and masters, wives and husbands, following Christ's example. |
| 3:13–4:19 | Suffering for doing good Be ready to give a reason for your hope; Christ suffered for sins once for all. |
| 5 | Shepherds and the flock Elders care for God's people; humility, cast your anxieties on God, resist the devil. |
Key themes
- Living hope. Hope in 1 Peter is not wishful thinking. It rests on Jesus' resurrection and looks toward an inheritance that cannot fade.
- Suffering and glory. Peter treats suffering for doing right as sharing in Christ's sufferings, a path that leads to glory, as it did for Jesus.
- Identity as God's people. Believers from many nations now share Israel's calling to be a priestly people who declare God's praises.
- Witness through conduct. Good behaviour, gentleness and respect can silence critics and even win them over.
Key people and places
- Peter — Apostle and eyewitness of Christ's sufferings.
- Jesus — The suffering Shepherd and living cornerstone.
- Silas (Silvanus) — A faithful brother who helped write or carry the letter.
- Mark — Called Peter's 'son', sending greetings.
- Sarah — Held up as an example of hope in God.
- Noah — His rescue through the flood pictures baptism.
Places: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia, Babylon (likely Rome).
Key verses in 1 Peter
Quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.””
“But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,”
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
How 1 Peter fits the big story
1 Peter applies Israel's story to the church. The language of exile and scattering recalls the exile in Jeremiah, and the titles given at Sinai in Exodus 19 are now given to believers from every nation. Peter draws heavily on Isaiah 53 to explain Christ's suffering on our behalf. The letter connects to Peter's own story in the Gospels and Acts, and its companion is 2 Peter, which turns from suffering to false teaching.
How to read 1 Peter
At 5 chapters a day you can read 1 Peter in 1 day — in one sitting. Underline every mention of 'suffering' and every mention of 'hope' or 'glory'. You'll see Peter pairing them on almost every page.