1 Peter 1:1–12

Bible Studies for Life
Assistant Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Faith Under Fire
1 Peter 1:1–12

Exiles on Earth (1–2)
Peter’s first letter was addressed to a group of Christians called “elect exiles.” They were most likely those displaced from society because of their faith in Christ. Their dislocation may have included alienation from families as well as estrangement from the wider Greco-Roman culture. The references to Asia Minor provinces indicate a physical displacement; they were essentially immigrants most likely from Rome. Peter began his encouragement by reminding them that even though they were exiles on earth, they had been spiritually “chosen by the foreknowledge of God.” This position comes to believers through Trinitarian activity: foreknowledge of God the Father, sanctification of the Holy Spirit and the sprinkling of Christ’s blood. The entire Godhead is invested in believers being chosen by God and naturally results in obedience. In the Old Testament, covenantal terms between God and His people required confession of obedience and sprinkling of blood (Ex. 24:3–8). We also find both elements here: chosen by the foreknowledge of God and obedience of these believers in continuity with God’s faithfulness.

‘A Living Hope’ (3–5)
Peter began with a triumphant blessing for this great election because salvation is the result of God’s mercy. And in God’s mercy, He is our Creator; He causes us to be born anew through Jesus Christ’s resurrection. God is not only Father to His Son, Jesus Christ, but through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, God is also Father to all those born again.  Peter tells us that believers are born again to “a living hope,” an enduring inheritance (imperishable, undefiled and unfading). And this inheritance is in essence unlike the treasures of this earthly existence: God’s living hope for believers cannot be stolen or destroyed. And believers are safeguarded by God’s power through faith until the very end.

Protected by God’s Power (6–9)
Peter described salvation in specific and glorious terms in order to encourage his readers. In spite of the experience of hardship, suffering and trial, believers are to rejoice in the resplendent nature of salvation. Salvation originates from God’s mercy, Jesus Christ’s saving act and the Holy Spirit’s sanctification. Salvation also has a glorious destination that abides forever. And as believers strive toward this eternal inheritance, they are not left alone but protected by God’s power. But the magnificence of salvation from beginning to end was not the only reason for Peter’s exhortation to rejoice in spite of hardship. Trials serve as the necessary instrument for refining and strengthening faith. And genuine faith is what yields praise, glory and honor in the end. God’s protection of believers, often misunderstood as exemption from life’s adversity, means rather insurance against faithlessness in view of trials. God is invested in securing a strong, authentic faith. Thus life’s misfortunes are neither signs of a condemning nor capricious God but opportunities for a genuine faith. This perspective on trials requires belief that God is present in our adversity and active in producing faithfulness rather than unfaithfulness. It requires faith that God is at work in spite of all seeming signs that He is absent. Peter reminds us believing in the invisible God is the foundation of our faith (cf Heb. 11:1).

A Historical Inheritance (10–12)
The gospel message by which believers are saved is the same message the Old Testament prophets proclaimed. The prophets devoted time and earnest interest concerning the salvation Jesus Christ would bring through His death and resurrection. Thus Peter further encouraged the suffering believers with a historical inheritance; all of the Old Testament prophets’ devotion with respect to grace comes to benefit believers. And the gospel message is of such magnitude that the heavenly hosts yearn to simply look upon it. This profound sense of salvation is frequently relinquished in view of material gain and lost at the smallest hint of hardship. Perhaps Peter’s understanding of salvation can help us to reconsider the rich treasures of grace in its full dimension and gain courage to remain faithful in the midst of even great misfortunes.