1 + 2 PETER BOOK OVERVIEW
NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS: PETER’S MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH
As one of the twelve disciples, Peter was a close follower of Jesus and a leader within the early church. Peter began in Jerusalem before continuing throughout the world to share the news of Jesus. 1 + 2 Peter are letters from Peter to a group of churches throughout Asia Minor. At this time, believers were facing great hostility, so Peter wrote to offer hope in suffering and encourage them to endure in their faith. Because Peter witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus and knew that he would be martyred for his faith, his message to believers is both powerful and convicting.
1 Peter argues that believers should utilize their suffering to bear witness to Jesus. Peter also emphasized that believers should allow their suffering to help them gain hope for the future return of Christ. He compared the suffering of believers to the suffering that Christ experienced on the cross. The purpose of Peter’s second letter is to remind believers to guard the truth and continue to grow in their knowledge of Christ. Peter told his readers to remember his teachings, to guard against false messengers, and to anticipate the return of Jesus.
MAIN IDEAS: THE COST + REWARD OF FOLLOWING JESUS
It is better to suffer for doing God’s will than to suffer for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:17)
God cares for His people and can be trusted with all fear and anxiety. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
The Holy Spirit provides everything believers need for living a godly life. (2 Peter 1:3)
God will rescue the righteous from trials and free believers from their bondage. (2 Peter 2:9)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: GIVER OF NEW LIFE
As Peter introduced his letter, he stated that the resurrection of Jesus serves as living hope to all believers (1 Peter 1:3-5). A risen Savior lets hope arise! The living Savior brings living hope! Peter continued by saying that followers of Jesus have been born again through God’s Word and are called to love one another with pure hearts. Peter was not just inviting people into a new religion or belief system; he was inviting them into new life found in Jesus.
Quoting Isaiah 40:6–8, Peter reminded believers that God’s Word is eternal and lasting (1 Peter 1:24-25). Although we will eventually perish in this life, Jesus offers the hope of eternal life. Not only are believers instructed to live new, transformed lives on Earth, but they can also hope for their future lives in eternity. Peter encouraged the believers to prepare their minds for action and set their hope fully on the return of Jesus. Peter emphasized that the hope of eternal life with Christ should influence believers’ lives on Earth.
JESUS IN 1 + 2 PETER: BELIEVERS SUFFERING WITH CHRIST
Peter promised believers that they could have eternal hope for the future, but he also promised that they would experience suffering. Peter viewed suffering as both an opportunity and a blessing. When facing persecution or trials, followers of Jesus are given the chance to express the hope of Christ in seemingly hopeless situations. Peter wanted believers to be prepared to share the reason for their hope and spread the good news of Jesus.
Peter saw suffering for the gospel as a way of participating in the story of Christ. Because Christ suffered, following Jesus also includes suffering. Peter said that those who suffer are done with sin, so those who accept Jesus as the Savior will experience suffering. Instructing the believers to be prepared, Peter told them not to be surprised when they face suffering and to adopt the attitude of Christ.
