1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls.
10 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you:
11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
24 For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Overview of 1 Peter Chapter 1
1 Peter Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the themes of hope, holiness, and the enduring nature of faith amidst trials. The apostle Peter addresses a group of believers who are facing persecution and encourages them to remain steadfast in their faith.
Salutation and Identity of Believers
The chapter begins with a greeting from Peter, who identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He addresses the recipients as “elect exiles” scattered throughout various regions, emphasizing their identity as chosen by God.
- Elect Exiles: This term signifies their status as both chosen by God and living in a foreign land, highlighting their spiritual journey and the challenges they face.
- Grace and Peace: Peter wishes them grace and peace, setting a tone of hope and encouragement for the readers.
Living Hope Through the Resurrection
Peter emphasizes the concept of “living hope” that comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is foundational for the believers, providing them with assurance and strength.
- Inheritance: The hope includes an imperishable inheritance, which is kept in heaven for them, symbolizing eternal life and the promises of God.
- Faith and Protection: Believers are protected by God’s power through faith, ensuring that they can endure trials and remain steadfast.
Trials and Testing of Faith
Peter acknowledges the reality of suffering and trials that the believers are experiencing. He reassures them that these challenges serve a purpose.
- Refining Fire: Just as gold is refined by fire, their faith is tested to prove its genuineness.
- Result of Faith: The outcome of this testing will result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Joy in Salvation
Despite their current suffering, Peter encourages the believers to rejoice in their salvation. He highlights the profound nature of their faith and the blessings that come with it.
- Prophets and Angels: Peter notes that the prophets of old sought to understand the salvation that has now been revealed, and even angels long to look into these things.
- Call to Holiness: Believers are called to be holy as God is holy, reflecting their identity and the transformative power of their faith.
Living Out the Faith
Peter urges the believers to live out their faith actively, emphasizing the importance of obedience and sincerity in their actions.
- Obedience to the Truth: They are to purify their souls by obeying the truth, which leads to sincere love for one another.
- Enduring Word of God: Peter reminds them that the Word of God is eternal, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of human life.
Conclusion
1 Peter Chapter 1 encapsulates the essence of Christian hope and the call to live a holy life amidst trials. Peter’s message is one of encouragement, reminding believers of their identity in Christ and the eternal promises that await them. The chapter sets the stage for the rest of the letter, which further explores themes of suffering, community, and faithfulness.
