The main point of 1 Peter is to encourage Christians to live holy, faithful lives and do good even when they face unfair suffering, rejection, or persecution from the world around them. This is a letter from Peter to the believers who had been dispersed throughout the ancient world and were under intense persecution. If anyone understood persecution, it was Peter. He was beaten, threatened, punished, and jailed for preaching the Word of God. He knew what it took to endure without bitterness, without losing hope and in great faith living an obedient, victorious life. This knowledge of living hope in Jesus was the message, and Christ’s example was the one to follow.
The author is identified as the apostle Peter and the date of writing is likely between AD 60 and 65. He describes himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He is probably the most famous because of his character. He speaks more than the other disciples. He was one of the three who Jesus took aside to special events with James and John. He delivered the first sermon in Acts 2.
Critics have questioned his authorship mainly because he was an uneducated fisherman from Galilee. They argue that he seems well-versed in rhetoric and philosophy and speaks in a sophisticated manner. Peter mentions, however, that he had the assistance of Silas (5:12) who he described as a faithful brother. Peter was more than a simple fisherman. His sermon at Pentecost, however, shows a learned man, filled with the Spirit.
Whatever our education God can use us, we do not have to be learned or eloquent. The apostles confounded the people when they spoke in other languages, which they had never learned, as the Spirit gave them utterance, so that all could understand in their own language at Pentecost. In Exodus when Moses said he couldn’t speak eloquently for God to the people, God said, “Who made man’s mouth …. Have not I?”
I quote from one commentator, “Critics often challenge Peter’s authorship of 1 Peter due to his background as a Galilean fisherman. Another objection to Peter’s authorship of 1 Peter concerns the timing of widespread persecution of Christians. Some critics argue that it began during the reign of Emperor Domitian, after Peter’s death. However, lesser persecution was evident right from the church’s infancy, as recorded in the book of Acts (for example, Acts 4:1–3). Further debate surrounds the use of the word Babylon (1 Peter 5:13), possibly as a code word for “Rome,” but the precise meaning of Peter’s reference remains ambiguous.”
There is ample evidence for the authenticity of Peter’s authorship of 1 Peter. He mentions his own name at the beginning, and many have compared similarities between the epistle and his sermon in Acts. This letter makes reference to Peter’s personal experiences with Jesus and his sermons from the book of Acts. Peter confirms Satan as the great enemy of every Christian, but the assurance of Christ’s future return gives the incentive of hope.
Also, many church fathers and historians support his authorship, such as Tertullian.
Peter addressed “God’s elect” and “exiles” (v1,2) these were believers scattered across Asia Minor because of persecution and, together with Silas, wrote to encourage them in their suffering and exhort them to holiness, endurance, love and honourable conduct before all.
Though this time of persecution was desperate, Peter reveals that it was actually a time to rejoice. He says to count it a privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ, as their Saviour suffered for them.
We are living in days when Christians are marginalised and face persecution and discrimination. It should not surprise us because Jesus said that if they hate Me, they will hate you (John 15:18-25). Even casual comments can lead to anti-Christian tirades. Peter’s comments should encourage us how to deal with these situations.
One commentator says that the assurance of eternal life is given to all who believe. One way to identify with Christ is to share in His suffering. To us that would be to endure insults and slurs. This is so minor compared to what Christ suffered for us on the Cross. Stand up for what you know and believe is right and rejoice when the world and Satan aim to hurt you.
No other book of the Bible focuses on suffering and glory as much as First Peter. This epistle was written to give Christians a fuller understanding of what’s going on: the present sufferings and the glories to come. Christian suffering is something to expect
