1 Peter
Use of Old Testament
1 Peter uses a large amount of Old Testament imagery as well as Scriptural references in its content
"fiery ordeal"
Peter likens believers to metals that have to go through fire (trials) in oder to become pure and holy
Spiritual growth images
Peter likens new believers to new born babies. Babies crave and drink milk so that they can grow strong. Likewise, Peter tells new believers to crave the word of God and growing in his ways.
Sheep/flock
Peter likens the body of believers to sheep, He calls the leaders of the church to shepherd God's flock that's under their care
"a living hope"
The hope we have in Christ is a living hope, as apposed to perishable earthly hopes of this world.
Thesis of letter
in 1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our lord, Jesus Christ, who
"royal priesthood"
Christians are a people set apart to worship God and to be holy, just like the priests of the OT Jewish nation
"living stone" "spiritual house"
Christians are the spiritual house for God. This house is composed of living stones (individual believers).
Circular Letter
It was intended for multiple congregations
God's chosen people
Originally the Israelites were God's chosen people, but 1 Peter makes it known that now any Christian is considered to be added to and part of that group and are to be holy.
Suffering with and for Christ
Major Theme of 1 Peter. Peter makes sveral points about suffering: 1. Jesus predicted such suffering for his followers 2. Suffering may be allowed by God, but it does not come from Him 3.God cares for those who suffer 4.The time of suffering will be short 5.Those who cause suffering will be defeated and punished 6.Those who have endured unjust suffering will be blessed and rewarded
Baptism & spiritual growth
Major theme in 1 Peter. Baptism is mentioned in connection with the appeal or pledge to God that believers offer and the salvation that they recieve through the resurrection of Christ. Many interpreters have thought that much more of the letter can be related to the general theme of baptism or at least that its contents could be especially meaningful for the newly baptized.
Christians as the new Israel
Major theme in 1 Peter. Christians are described with terminology and categories traditionally used for Israel. Gentiles who believe in Jesus are identified as "a chosen race, a royal preisthood, a holy nation, God's own people."
Relationship to earthly authorities
Major theme in 1 Peter. Peter commands Christians to submit to authorities on earth, even non-christian ones. At this time Christianity was beginning to look like a bunch of rebels, so Peter told Christians to be submissive except in some non-negotiable things.
Humility and discipline
Peter tells all believers to have humility and discipline because "God apposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Who was Peter?
The most celebrated of all Jesus' disciples. Often called "Simon" or Simon Peter", he is listed first amoung the twelve. He is in many gospel stories. He is singled out as one who will have a distinctive role in the post-easter church. He was martyred in Rome under the emperor Nero around 64-68.
"Exiles of the dispersion...."
The recipiants of 1 Peter. Regions located in Asia Minor, probably listed in order which the letter was delivered to them.
Suffering for doing right
They should regard as blessing any abuse that they suffer for doing good. In this way they will follow the example of Christ.
Author
This letter presents itself as being written by the apostle Peter, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, who now regards himself as an elder in the church. The letter could be pseudepiraphical, but it definitely has a "Peterine perspective"