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The book of I Peter

Author

As with some of Paul’s letters, some scholars believe Peter wrote it, and others believe a follower of Peter wrote it.
Like Paul, Peter used an amanuensis (the technical name for secretary or scribe): 5:12a = “With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly.”
Who was Peter?

A fisherman before meeting Jesus.
Left his fishing business after meeting Jesus and became one of the 12 Original Apostles.
The leader of the Apostles while Jesus was alive.
The main leader of Christianity from 30-50.
Present at the Council of Jerusalem.
Traveled throughout the northeastern part of the Mediterranean Sea area from 50 to mid-60s.
Probably died during the time of Nero by being crucified upside down, probaby around 65.

According to one source not in the Bible, he was condemned to be crucified by Nero and stated that he was not worthy of being crucified like Jesus; therefore, he requested the Romans crucify him upside down.

Place and Time of Writing

Probably Rome.
Probably after the fire in Rome and during the persecution of Christians by Nero, which occurred in 64; so we will say 65.

Unique Characteristics

One of the General Epistles.
A personal letter from an older apostle to all Christians.

Audience

To all Christians.

Theme

Peter encouraged Christians to remain strong in their faith, even when being persecuted, and gives general instructions.

More details about I Peter

Why did Peter write I Peter?

By the time of this writing, Paul had written all of his letters (except maybe II Timothy) and, as far as we know, Peter had not written any. Perhaps, as he was entering the end of his life, he also considered writing a letter.
Starting in 64, with the fire in Rome, Peter had probably heard about or even seen the horrors that surrounded the persecution by Nero of the Christians. Therefore, he decided to write a letter encouraging them to remain strong in their faith during persecution. In addition, he also included general instructions as well.

Example of verses that focus on being persecuted (from NIV)

1:6b: "You may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials."
2:20b: "But if you suffer for doing god and you endure it, this is commendable before God."
3:14: "But even if you should suffer for what is right you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.'"
4:1a: "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude."
4:19: "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful creator and continue to do good."

Selected verses with general instructions

1:3-12: Praises to God

1:8 = “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”

1:13-2:12: Being made right with God.

2:9 = “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

2:13-3:7: Instructions to submit to leaders and for the relationship between husbands and wives.

3:8, 9 = “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

3:18 – 5:14 = Concerning suffering and how to live as Christians

4:12 = “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.”

Quiz with hover answers (Hover doesn't work for some smart phones and pads, so questions and answers here)

1. Peter was one of the 12 Original Apostles of Jesus.

2. Peter was probably beheaded since he was a Christian.

3. I Peter is one of the Pastoral Epistles.

4. Peter probably heard or even witnessed the Nero persecutions of Christians. Therefore, he wrote to encourage the Christians to remain strong during persecution.

5. Just like in many of Paul's letters to house churches, Peter also included a section at the end where he told Christians how to live.

Timeline up to the book of I Peter

Dates are approximate.

Year	Event
63 B.C.	Romans conquer Israel.
27 B.C.	Pax Romana began and lasted until A.D. 180.
4 B.C.	Jesus born.
	All dates after this are A.D.
27	Jesus baptized.
30	Jesus was crucified, buried, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven. Apostles travel to Jerusalem and choose Matthias to replace Judas as an Apostle. Day of Pentecost: Peter assumes leadership of Christianity.
30-50	Peter was leader of Christianity.
33	Jesus appeared to Paul and Paul became a Christian.
48	James written.
48-50	Paul's First Missionary Trip.
50	Council of Jerusalem; Paul became one of the main Christian leaders.
50-55	Paul's Second Missionary Trip.
51-53	Galatians, I & II Thessalonians, and I & II Corinthians written.
55-60	Paul's Third Missionary Trip.
55	Romans written.
60-62	Paul arrested in Jerusalem and taken to Rome. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon written while Paul was under house arrest in Rome.
62-63	(Not in Acts) Paul probably released from prison during this time.
63-65	(Not in Acts) Paul probably traveled. He may have gone to Spain.
63	I Timothy and Titus written.
64	Fire in Rome and Christians persecuted by Emperor Nero.
65	II Timothy and I Peter written. (Not in Acts)Paul back in Rome; he and Peter arrested and martyred: Peter was crucified upside down and Paul was beheaded.
67	Gospel of Mark written.
68	Hebrews written.
70	Temple in Jerusalem destroyed by Romans (it has not been rebuilt).
80	Gospels of Matthew and Luke written.
90	Gospel of John and book of Acts written.
95	Christians persecuted by Emperor Domitian; Apostle John exiled on island of Patmos where he wrote Revelation.
96	Emperor Domitian died; Apostle John probably moved to Ephesus.
100	Apostle John died; he was the last Apostle to die.
390's	New Testament canon "closed" at Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397).
1200's	Chapters added to the New Testament.
1500's	Verses added to the New Testament.

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