Introduction - I Peter 1:1

This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.

Following the typical letter writing format of the first century, Peter has identified himself as the author of this epistle, and he tells us to whom he is writing…God’s chosen people in foreign lands. So let’s take a few moments to talk about Peter…who is he?

Peter was one of the original 12 disciples, in fact he was the very first disciple chosen to be a follower of Jesus. He was known as Simon at that time, and his trade was fishing. Let’s read what Mark recorded in his gospel:

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and followed him. (Mark 1:16-18)

When Peter was called by Jesus, he did not hesitate one moment. He didn’t even take time to gather his belongings, or say goodbye to his family…he never once looked back. He simply followed Jesus from the moment Jesus called him. If that sounds like a person of strong faith, keep in mind he didn’t even know Jesus yet.

Peter was a Galilean…a group of people who were known to be adventuresome, ready for anything new. They were also impulsive, and emotional, quick tempered and quick to argue. These traits definitely described Peter. He was the disciple who was quick to speak out, and bold enough to question Jesus. It was his impulsiveness that caused Jesus to rebuke him more than the other disciples.

Even though Peter’s claim that Jesus was the Son of God caused Jesus to change his name from Simon to Peter, meaning "rock", it was this "rock" that also denied his Lord three times, just as Jesus had predicted. Peter’s leadership role was reestablished when Jesus asked him three times if he loved Him, and commanded him to take care of Jesus’ sheep.

We see Peter as the key spokesperson at Pentecost; healing the lame man at the temple; going against the Sanhedrin’s demand that he be silent about Jesus; and reaching out to Cornelius, a Gentile, after it was revealed to Peter that the gospel was universal. Yes, Peter was given a second chance to prove his love for Jesus.

The purpose of this letter is to offer encouragement and hope to Christians in a time of suffering. The Roman civil authorities required believers to make the confession that "Caesar is Lord". Because of their faith in Jesus Christ alone, they were scattered throughout Asia Minor and facing persecution.

In his letter, written about AD 64, Peter reminded his recipients that they could remain victorious in their spirit in spite of the troubles they were facing. No matter what the external circumstances were, their citizenship was in heaven, for salvation is eternal, but this life is only temporary.

Peter felt so unworthy of the grace Jesus had bestowed on him that he requested to be crucified upside down on a cross, rather than in the same manner Jesus died. He was a fellow sufferer, but he was looking to the future. Read his words in I Peter 5:1-4:

And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory.