Study of First Peter Lesson 1

INTRODUCTION FIRST PETER

AUTHORSHIP

1. Evidence for Petrine Authorship is early and clear and is as strong as any book in the N.T.. Internal evidence affirms it (1:1).

2. Eusebius placed it among the undisputed canon and it was attested as Peter's by Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria and Polycarp (early Church Fathers).

3. It is only since the 19th Century that radical critics sought to discredit the epistle as to authorship and canonicity. The strongest modern criticism is that Peter was incapable of writing this quality of Greek. But he knew Greek coming from a Bilingual area, Galilee, was also familiar with Paul's epistles and Quotes the LXX, evidence that he was proficient in Greek.

4. The statement of Acts 4:13 "Uneducated and untrained". This simply means that in the eyes of the council made up of the Sadducees and Pharisees that he was unschooled in the theological institutions of the day, no Rabbinic training as did Paul.

THE READERS OF FIRST PETER

1. It was written to believers residing in 5 provinces in Northern Asia (1:1) North of the Taurus Mountains, now northern Turkey.

2. They are made up of a racial Mix of Both Jews and Gentiles. (5:14) but "You all who are in Christ."

a. It was written to Local Churches (flocks) in these area (5:1-13) Paul sent Silvanus (Silas) to deliver it.

b. Diaspora minus the definite article in 1:1 plus the evidence in 1:14, 2:9,10 indicates a predominantly Gentile audience.

1. idolatry is a sin that the Jew of this period would not be charged with. (this was not always true)

2. carefully distinguished from the covenant people, the Jew, formerly not a people. 2:9,10

3. uses his Greek name not his Aramaic name Cephas

c. Conclusion: It is a diaspora of the Gentile Royal Family with a smattering of Jewish Believers among pagan idolaters.

d. The areas are where Paul didn't minister.

OCCASION OF FIRST PETER (4:12 )

1. The immediate occasion was information received by Peter that these Believers were being persecuted for the faith. (1:6, 3:13-17, 4:12-19)

2. There is no direct mention of actual martyrdom, imprisonment or confiscation of property. i.e. (Heb 10:34 )

3. The persecution took the form of malicious slander (4:14,15)

4. Because they withdrew from the vices of gentile pagan religion and culture they were suspect. (4:4-5)

5. Apparently there were also charges of disloyalty to the state. 2:13-17

6. They are not the result of an organized state persecution of the Church as would be the case shortly, 64 A.D. ----- under Nero which spread from Rome..

PLACE AND DATE:

1. The place written from is stated in the epilogue as "Babylon". (5:13)

a. It is not referring to Babylon (historical) B(H) since there is no evidence either biblical or extra-biblical (includes tradition) of Peter ever having been there.

b. There is also no mention of a Church there at B(H).

c. The large Jewish community that was in Babylon was forced to leave in the 5th Century BC due to a plague and persecution so says Josephus.

d. This leaves Rome as the alternative since tradition has Peter in Rome where he ministered and was martyred. (arrived in 62AD, martyred in 64AD)

e. Tradition goes back to the beginning of the 2nd Century, which is before the exaggerated claims for the Roman Church came into vogue.

f. Conclusion: Peter is calling Rome Babylon due to its religion, Caesar worship, affluence, and anticipated change in policy toward the Church in 64AD.

2. THE DATE:

a. Date of writing is in the early 60's prior to Nero's death which was in 68 AD. (tradition says that Peter was martyred by Nero).

b. But it must have been written prior to the outbreak of the Neronian persecutions, since a systematic state inspired persecution is not in view here in 1 Peter.

c. Conclusion: 62-64 AD.

PURPOSE OF 1 PETER

1. Stated in 5:12: "I have written briefly exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God - stand firm in it."

2. Exhortation to Believers is its main thrust - therefore deals with practical application of BD under varying circumstances of life.

3. It contains some 35 imperatives - commands to the Believer (honorable action for R/F)

4. Exhortation to patiently endure suffering [undeserved] so as to secure your eternal reward at the Rapture. (1:7)

5. Exhortation to authority orientation even when they become abusive. (2:13-3:6)

6. Exhortation to grow in BD. (2:2).

Overview:

1. Opening salutation: 1:1-2

2. 1:3-12 this opening paragraph sets forth the glories of our salvation, doctrinal section.

This provides a foundation for the exhortations that follow which are to strengthen the believers in the midst of their suffering.

3. 1:13-2:10 first series of exhortations that are founded on the provisions of their salvation, their position in Christ.

4. 2:11-3:12 this second series of exhortations appeals to them based on their position in the World. Know that your actions in life have a great impact on the cause of Christ!

5. 3:13- 5:11 Some exhortations dealing with the theme of the Christian suffering in life.

6. 5:12-14 Peter's closing remarks.

First Peter Chapter One

Opening Salutation 1:1-2

Peter Pe,troj Greek form of the Aramaic of Cephas; name was given to him by Jesus. John 1:42

Term means small stone, or rock; Jesus reaffirmed this name in Matt. 16:18

an apostle of Jesus Christ

stating that he is an apostle establishes his authority - avpo,stoloj

This says that he understood that as an apostle he belonged to Jesus Christ and it was from Christ that he derived his authority and it was Christ who backed his ministry.