Preaching through First Peter has been one of the most enjoyable book studies I have had the privilege of doing. Practical, pastoral, deeply challenging, and full of hope, this book is a favorite for many and one that I would heartily recommend putting high on the list of our expositional priorities.
Peter was a man who knew failure. He had looked into the eyes of the lovely One of heaven after denying Him three times. Having returned from this shame, he was instructed to strengthen the brethren, and, knowing the temptations and trials these believers would be facing, he sought to build them up so they would not share his failure.
I have found every portion of this book to be greatly helpful, both personally and corporately.
Peter tells us why he wrote this epistle in 5:12, “By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.” He wanted them to recognize and follow after the “true grace” in the midst of times of trial and testing.
Concerning the importance of this epistle, one commentator writes, “This epistle is both timely and relevant to the present-day believer. We need this letter in a day when many seem to have lost sight of the unfading inheritance and are diverted by the glitter of gold and tinsel. Others are suffering deeply and can find no immediate answer to their sorrow. These need a glimpse of the glory and of the consummation of their faith to lift up their hearts and spur them on.”
Theme of the book: suffering and glory
The believers were currently in the midst of “various” trials and at the time of writing were headed into “fiery” trials. Peter explains these trials from the Lord’s perspective and, using the example of Christ, shows the way to suffer and the glory that follows these trials when responding according to His will.
Outline of the book:
The salvation of the believer (1:1–2:12)
This salvation is not just the receiving of life in Christ, but walking in that life until we enter into the fullness of our salvation when the believer is united with his inheritance in heaven. In light of this inheritance, the believer is to have hope and be holy while exercising both his holy and royal priesthood.
The submission of the believer (2:13–3:12)
Followers of the Lord Jesus are to be submissive, obedient people. The believers are told to show themselves under authority as citizens to government, servants to earthly masters, wives to husbands, husbands to their roles and responsibilities, and all to the blessed and abundant life the Lord has for us. You’ll note that in each of these categories the believer is to “do good” and hence to glorify the Saviour (2:15; 2:20; 3:6; 3:11). We certainly do not believe that we need good works before salvation, but we just as certainly see they are expected after!
The suffering of the believer (3:13–5:14)
We are called to suffering. How does the follower of Christ respond to potentially devastating circumstances? By sanctifying the Lord God in our hearts (3:15), by not spending any more time in the will of the Gentiles (4:3), by having a fervent love for one another (4:8), by rejoicing (4:13), by shepherding (5:2), and by humbling ourselves (4:6)—just to name a few. Christ’s suffering and the resulting glory are held up as our example and hope. Anyone who has lived very long has either suffered greatly or witnessed it in others, and the hope of glory to follow does much to strengthen the hands of those currently in the midst of “fiery trials.” First Peter also shows a model of how we might biblically love those who are suffering. Peter, by the Spirit of God, is counseling these dear saints. We would do well to copy the counsel of the Word of God as we seek to love and build up the Lord’s people.
Helpful commentaries
Within the following works are extensive bibliographies with numerous helpful reference materials for further and deeper study.
• What the Bible Teaches, First Peter by J. Boyd Nicholson, published by John Ritchie.
• Expositions of Holy Scripture by Alexander Maclaren, published by various publishers and also available online.
• Talk Thru the Bible by Wilkinson and Boa, published by Nelson Reference.
Be sure to make the most of word studies while studying the book. The simple Greek tools (designed for non-Greek students) are very helpful, as the original meanings add beautiful depth to the text.
Difficulties in interpretation
While studying 1 Peter, consider the following:
• When and how did Christ preach to the spirits in prison (3:19)? William Kelly has a whole book on this passage.
• What does it mean that baptism saves us (3:21)?
• In what sense has the believer “ceased from sin” and what is the application (4:1)?
• How was the gospel “preached also to those who are dead” (4:6)?
These are not impossible passages to address but will require careful study and forethought by the expositional teacher if they are to be handled accurately and profitably.
Doctrinal implications
Many core doctrines are set forth by Peter as a help for these suffering believers. The doctrines of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, the church, and the end times are all discussed at some level.
Application
We live in a church that is largely satisfied and consumed with the world around us. Preaching on holiness (being set apart from sin and unto the Lord), keeping our focus on eternal things, turning from sin, submitting to authority for the Lord’s sake, suffering for godliness, and the hope of glory to follow, are as relevant and necessary today as they have ever been.
Let us preach on this book for the building up of the body, in order that the Lamb that was slain may receive the reward of His suffering.
Endnote
1 J. Boyd Nicholson, What the Bible Teaches, First Peter (Kilmarnock, Scotland: John Ritchie Ltd., 1987) p. 4.