Name
The title “1 Peter ” comes from the author Peter who identifies himself in 1:1. His given name was Cephas, but Jesus changed his name to Peter (John 1:42). Both names mean “rock” or “stone.”
Author
Peter, an apostle of Christ, identifies himself as the author in 1:1. Additional internal evidence is seen in the similarity of style between Peter’s epistles and his sermons recorded by Luke in Acts.
Some claim Peter could not have been the author because he was a fisherman and lacked formal Rabbinical training. However, as noted in 1 Peter 5:12, Peter used Silvanus as an amanuensis (secretary). Silvanus (Silas) was a highly educated Jewish Christian and a Roman citizen. Furthermore, Peter had some 30 years of public speaking in the ministry in which he likely refined his communication of Gospel truths with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
External evidence comes from early church fathers who all accepted Peter as the author, including Eusebius, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Polycarp, and Clement of Alexandria.
Genre
General Epistle
Literary Form
The epistle of 1 Peter is an encyclical, meaning it was intended to be read by a wide audience carried from city to city (see 1 Peter 1:1).
Time Frame
Peter likely wrote the epistle sometime after Paul was released from prison in A.D. 62 (because he does not mention Paul in prison) and just before A.D. 64 when persecution of the Christian church under Nero began. Certainly no later than A.D. 67 when he was martyred. Peter discusses Christians’ trials in the Roman Empire, and it seems the governments are operating as usual. He does not mention the severe persecution of Christians but alludes to it coming in the future.
Emphasis
Peter’s intended audience was composed of Jewish and Gentile Christians, who were living in the northern provinces of modern-day Turkey. As the minority population, they lived under Roman law, and many were probably household servants or slaves. With this in mind, Peter’s emphasis is on combining solid doctrine with practical issues of living out their lives as Christians, while maintaining their hope in their heavenly home.
Outline
- Salutation (1:1)
- Chosen for salvation (1:3-2:10)
- The Christian life and testimony (2:11-3:7)
- Be alert to coming persecution (3:8-4:19)
- Instructions to elders, leaders, and the community (5:1-11)
- Concluding doxology (5:12-14)
