1 Peter 1:1–12

Explore the Bible 
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

LIVING WITH HOPE

1 Peter 1:1–12
Peter wrote this epistle from Rome around A.D. 62–63 to encourage the new Christians in what is modern-day Turkey to stand firm in the grace of God (5:12). He encouraged them to remain faithful and live in hope in times of distress, knowing that God would vindicate them and that they would certainly enjoy the salvation the Lord has promised.  

Hope: Recognize Its Basis (1:1–5)
We can stand firm in God’s grace and live with hope because we are taught in Scripture that salvation was planned by God and is permanent. Jesus designated Peter as an authoritative messenger and interpreter of the gospel. Peter began by describing the basis for our hope as Christians. He encouraged them by declaring that they were elected by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit and redeemed by the Son.

Peter emphasized God’s sovereignty and initiative in salvation. Father God had set His covenantal affection upon them, but He in no way violated their will. The glorious mystery of our salvation by the triune God runs deep in these waters. Peter then wrote of their conversion. As the gospel is preached the Holy Spirit works, bringing people to faith and holiness. Our redemption by Jesus was described as “sprinkling with His blood.” Christians should live with hope because we have been foreknown by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit and cleansed by the Son.

Not only was our salvation planned; it is also permanent! Father God has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus. Believers have an unshakable hope for the future, for Jesus’ resurrection is a pledge of their own future resurrection. Our inheritance in Jesus is imperishable, undefiled and unfading in heaven. The “hope” of verse 3 is described as an “inheritance.” Nothing can tarnish or extinguish that secure inheritance. We are being guarded by God’s power through faith. Father God will protect believers through His power by sustaining their faith to the end. 

Hope: Rejoice in Response (1:6–9)
Peter realized that joy was mingled with grief as believers in Asia Minor suffered various trials.  These sufferings were God’s will for His people so that their faith might be purified and shown to be genuine. Sometimes trials discipline us when we have disobeyed God’s Word (Ps. 119:67). At other times trials prepare us for spiritual growth or even help to prevent us from sinning (2 Cor. 12:1–9). We do not always know what God is up to, but we can trust Him to know and do what is best. Such faith has a great reward, for at the return of Jesus, honor and praise will belong both to Jesus and His faithful followers. As we live for Jesus we should also expect to have our faith tested at times. We too must remember that Jesus is sovereign and in control.  His plan will be realized and His power is sufficient for the challenges we face.

Joy, however, is not reserved only for the future when Jesus returns. Even now His disciples love Him, believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible joy. Salvation is precious. It enables us to live for Jesus and to love Him even in the midst of the trials we must face. The living hope we have in Jesus enables us to respond with rejoicing.

Hope: Recall God’s Grace (1:10–12)
We can live with hope as we recall that salvation was promised back in the Old Testament Scriptures. The prophets prophesied the saints’ salvation, predicted the Savior’s suffering and proclaimed the Spirit’s service. The prophets predicted the coming of Messiah to atone for our sins, but they did not know when He would come. They hoped upon hope that their prophecies would be fulfilled in their day. 

Peter’s main point is that believers in Jesus are incredibly blessed to live in the time when the predictions of the prophets have come to pass. If the Old Testament prophets searched so diligently into the truths of salvation and yet had so little to go on, how much more ought we to search into this subject now that we have a complete word from God!