1. Salvation and Living Hope (1 Peter 1:1-12)
Peter addresses the “elect exiles” and speaks about the living hope through Jesus’ resurrection, an imperishable inheritance, and the salvation ready to be revealed (1:3-5).
Rejoicing in trials, because through them, faith is refined and leads to praise at Jesus’ return (1:6-9).
Prophets prophesied of this grace and the sufferings and glories of Christ (1:10-12).
2. Holiness and Obedience (1 Peter 1:13-2:3)
Believers are exhorted to prepare their minds for action, be sober-minded, and live in holiness, not conforming to their previous desires (1:13-16).
Conduct yourselves with fear and reverence, knowing you were redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus (1:17-21).
Love one another earnestly and crave pure spiritual milk for growth (1:22-2:3).
3. The Living Stone and Chosen People (1 Peter 2:4-10)
Jesus is the living stone, chosen by God but rejected by men (2:4-8).
Believers are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and God’s special possession, called to proclaim His excellencies (2:9-10).
4. Living Among the Gentiles (1 Peter 2:11-25)
Live honorable lives among the Gentiles, submit to human authorities for God’s sake, and honor all people (2:11-17).
Servants should be subject to masters, even the unjust. Jesus is the ultimate example of suffering for doing good (2:18-25).
5. Roles in Relationships (1 Peter 3:1-7)
Wives should be submissive to their husbands, focusing on inner beauty. Husbands should live with understanding and honor toward their wives (3:1-7).
6. Suffering for Righteousness (1 Peter 3:8-22)
Harmony, sympathy, and love are urged, with a call to bless those who do harm and always be prepared to give a defense of the hope within (3:8-15).
Christ suffered once for sins and was made alive in the spirit (3:18-22).
7. Living for God (1 Peter 4:1-19)
Live for the will of God, no longer for human passions (4:1-6).
Live with alertness, fervent love, hospitality, and using God-given gifts to serve others (4:7-11).
Rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings, and commit yourselves to the faithful Creator (4:12-19).
8. Shepherding the Flock (1 Peter 5:1-11)
Elders are to shepherd the flock willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain (5:1-4).
Younger men are to be submissive. Everyone is to be humble, casting anxieties on God, and be watchful against the devil (5:5-9).
God will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish believers after they have suffered (5:10-11).
9. Conclusion (1 Peter 5:12-14)
Peter’s purpose in writing is to exhort and testify to the true grace of God (5:12).
Greetings from “Babylon” and final blessings (5:13-14).
Overall Themes:
1 Peter emphasizes enduring suffering and persecution with hope and joy, based on the accomplished work and example of Jesus Christ. The epistle encourages believers to live holy lives, maintaining good conduct among unbelievers, and grounding themselves in their identity as God’s chosen people.