In his final words of his letter Peter leaves some advice for the leaders of the church (5:1-4), the youth of the church (5:5a), and the church in general (5:5b-11). The instruction to the elders (spiritual leaders) dealt with the way they conducted their leadership among the church. Peter writes, “Shepherd [teach] the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion [duty] but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd [Jesus Christ] appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (5:2-4). In brief, Peter commands the elders to willingly accomplish their ministry while not seeking financial gain or practicing harsh leadership methods through manipulating or intimidating. Those who lead well are seeking to please God and will one day be recognized when God judges our works on earth (5:4). Next Peter addresses the youth in the church instructing them to “submit yourselves to your elders” (5:5). This simply implies that those who are under spiritual leadership within the church should honor and respect their leaders with a right heart attitude. Lastly, Peter commands that every church member be characterized by humility which carries the idea of serving one another without selfishness. Humility is thinking more highly of others than yourself knowing that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble…that He may exalt you in due time” (5:5b-6). At the conclusion of his letter Peter returns to his theme of suffering. He tells believers to allow God to handle all their cares and concerns because He cares about them (5:7). He also reminds them that the devil will try to discourage them so they should “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (5:8). Peter’s readers could have confidence that their sufferings would bring strength to their faith and stability to their relationship with God (5:10-11). The application is clear to those of us who read this letter hundreds of years later – don’t quit when times are hard. Keep the faith knowing there is hope in Jesus Christ, who will make all things right one day. No matter what hardship you face, know that God will provide the strength to handle it and bring confidence to your faith in Him.

Dear God, help me to trust You during trials knowing that You are always in control. May I see Your goodness and grace through each experience.

1 Peter 4 is what I would call a summary chapter. Peter’s main theme throughout his writing has been living an obedient Christian life even when things are not going your way. In particular his readers were suffering persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ and the fact that they now lived differently from the culture around them. Already, Peter had reminded them about the sufferings of Christ and how He should serve as the ultimate example of handling opposition with humility as well as obedience to the truth (4:1). He writes that we have “spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles [the world]…” so now we should live our lives obeying the will of God (4:2-3). Yes…those without faith in Jesus Christ will “think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation [evil]” (4:4) but the believers’ responsibility is to God (who will judge all men), not to men. Peter then reminded his readers about the certainty of the second coming of Christ which would bring a final end to this persecution and suffering (4:7-11). Peter was giving them hope. So how should a follower of Christ view his present sufferings? Those who obey Christ should not think suffering is “strange” or abnormal, but should “rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings…. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (4:13-14). Peter continues “if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (4:16). Peter makes it evident that God can be glorified as a result of the sufferings of His people. Although many use persecution as evil against believers, God can turn it into good. “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (4:19).

Dear God, use that which is meant for evil to bring glory to You.

Having been the main theme throughout his writing, Peter again challenges his readers to continue living out their faith even though they were suffering resistance from the culture. Christians are usually persecuted for two reasons: being distinct from the culture and proclaiming Jesus as the only way to God. Since believers now lived their lives according to God’s ways they no longer participated in the carnality of the culture. Those outside the church probably wondered why their ways were no longer good enough for those with new found faith in Christ. Also, this new faith in Christ naturally caused them to stand against the worship of false gods and those around them did not like this. Instead of inciting a rebellion amongst Christians against the culture, Peter advised them to let their lives speak louder than their words. For this reason he writes “be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing…love life…refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it” (3:8-11). What would following this code of conduct do? “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers…” (3:12). God listens to those who follow His ways. Peter goes on to remind them that good conduct rarely is returned with evil (3:13), but even if it was they should not be fearful (3:14). Instead of fearing, followers of Christ should always be prepared to explain the reason for the hope inside of them, which is Christ (3:15-17). The salvation from sin and hope of eternal life provided Christians with the patience to suffer wrongdoing on this earth. Peter reminded his readers that even Christ had suffered for doing right, but what others meant for evil brought good (3:18-22). Maybe you are experiencing persecution at the hands of those who do not understand your faith in Jesus Christ. Be strong and faithfully live out God’s ways remembering that this life is only temporary. There is hope for you beyond the struggles of this life!

Dear God, help me to be faithful in obeying Your ways even when things are not going well. May I see beyond the “now” in order to see the hope You have in store for those who love You.

Peter takes a large portion of his letter to address proper behavior in order to be an example to the unbelieving. In this section Peter specifically focuses on the subject of relationships in several areas: relationship with the world (2:11-12), relationship with government (2:13-17), relationship with your employer (2:18-25), and the relationship between husbands and wives (3:1-7). In essence, Peter was saying that a person’s relationships in these areas will either help or hinder an individual’s witness before others. First, let’s look into our relationship with the world. Peter does remind them that the world is a temporary home for those who have faith in Christ. He calls them “sojourners and pilgrims” (2:11). The instruction is very simple here – practice good behavior so the unbelieving will see your life and their attention will be turned to God’s life changing power (2:12). Secondly, Peter commands his readers to “submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake…for this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men…” (2:13-15). Submitting to government carries the idea of willingly placing yourself under their authority. Although government does not always make the right decisions, Christians have a responsibility to obey the authority placed over us. Next, Peter examines the relationship between and employee and his or her employer. In a day when people complain about their boss and slack off at the workplace, Peter challenges followers of Christ to act differently. Whether a boss is good or bad, Peter advises the Christian to endure it and remember the suffering Jesus Christ experienced, even though he was innocent. Fairness is not always characteristic in the workplace so a believer should be prepared to be treated wrongly. Instead of rebelling against your employer, have faith that God will provide the grace which will sustain you through trying times. The last relationship about which Peter writes is the connection between a man and wife. It seems in keeping with the other relationships Peter has addressed, the husband in this marriage is not a follower of Christ (3:1). The wife is commanded to be submissive (willingly place herself under the authority of the man) and remember that “without a word” the husband “may be won by the conduct of their wives when they observe your chaste [purity] conduct accompanied by fear [of God]” (3:2). Peter then urges the wives not to just give attention to the outward appearance, but also the attitude of the heart, which is true beauty (3:3-6). In no way is Peter saying that the husband is superior to or more valuable than the wife, but he is reminding them that God has placed man as the authority over the home. This is God’s design. However, Peter quickly turns to the Christian husbands and gives them some important instruction about his relationship with his wife. “Husbands…dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel…that your prayers may not be hindered” (3:7). Although the husband is not called to submit to the authority of his wife, he is commanded to submit himself to her needs and feelings. A husband must make it a priority to understand his wife. When Peter refers to the wife as a “weaker vessel” he is not implying she is less important, but that she is in need of her husband’s protection. All of the relationships Peter has mentioned are imperative for the believer to conduct with holiness and submission. The way a follower of Christ handles their relationships has a direct influence on how others view God. How are your relationships?

Dear God, help me to conduct my relationships in a way which would draw people’s attention to Your goodness, grace, and mercy.

Peter has already used the subject of life throughout his letter to refer to Jesus. He called him the living hope (1:3), the living word (1:23), and now he calls him the living stone (2:4). Using a stone to explain Jesus is unique because this particular stone is living and gives life to others. The illustration of a stone seems to indicate a foundation which is found in Him, giving life to those who are dead in sin. Now those who have faith in Jesus Christ become living stones which are “being built up [as] a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [good works] acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (2:5). Through Jesus we have received life and are now living out the life He has given us before the world around us. Peter then turns his attention to the Old Testament where he cites several scriptures as proof that Jesus Christ is the foundational stone and will save those who believe in Him or destroy those who reject him (2:6-8). Peter then directly addresses his readers with some powerful words about their life in Christ: “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (2:9-10). I would challenge you to go back and read that again. What a wonderful thought that we are God’s people and He has chosen us to declare His glory to all people. Peter knew these people were experiencing trials, but He wanted them to trust in Jesus Christ, the Living Stone, who had chosen them to be His people and entrusted them with sharing His goodness and mercy.

Dear God, I pray that as a part of Your people I will declare Your goodness and glory among all the world.

Since those who evidenced faith in Jesus Christ had the hope of eternal life, Peter told them to “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:13). Girding up the loins carried the idea of gathering the loose parts of one’s robe in order to avoid hindrances while running or in battle. When Peter commands them to “gird up the loins of your mind” he is telling them to get their thoughts in order. Obviously these believers were facing a lot of physical as well as mental persecution and they needed to step back and gather their thoughts. The main thought which should bring mental peace is the fact that Jesus Christ was returning and would grant them eternal life. Although this fact provided hope for the future, what were Christians supposed to do in the meantime? Should they give up and just “fit in” with the culture around them? No. Peter writes that they should be “obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1:14-15). Holiness means to be separated from sin. God is holy means that He is perfect and has always remained separate from sin. As His followers we are required to live holy in all manner of life – attitudes, actions, and words. God redeemed us through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, releasing us from the power of sin and making those who have faith in Him His children (1:17-21). This truth provides the basis for us to live holy lives before the world. Our actions should reflect the very nature of God, which is holiness. Are you living a life separate from sin?

Dear God, help me to live a holy life before others. May I look to You for the perfect example of being separated from sin and seek to live the life You lived so that others will see You through me.

As Peter begins writing to what he calls “the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1:1) the reader can assume he is addressing those who don’t feel like they “fit in” on earth. Have you ever been to a place where you felt out of place…like you didn’t belong? This is the way the recipients of this letter felt as Peter is reminding them that they are foreigners in this strange land. Since Peter was writing to primarily Gentiles who had been dispersed as a result of persecution, it is safe to assume that these Christians had also turned their back on all the immoral festivities and idol worship of the culture. At one time they were joining in these drunken parties, but now their lives were changed because of faith in Jesus Christ. Those who lived next door and across the street from these believers criticized and even persecuted them for their new-found “religion.” The followers of Christ refused to include themselves in the sinful practices of the city and others took notice. Instead of respecting them, they became antagonistic toward them. If the historical situation with Nero burning the city had already taken place at the time of Peter’s writing, this added more persecution for those worshiping Christ. However, Peter did not instruct Christians to overthrow those who were mistreating, but he rather reminded them about what awaited them beyond this life. Peter writes “God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible [does not pass away] and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you…” (1:3-4). The living hope Peter writes about is eternal life where the Christian will experience peace, righteousness, and God’s everlasting presence. Although the follower of Christ will face trials on earth, the “end of your faith” results in the “salvation of your souls” (1:9). “The prophets…prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow” (1:10-11). Although the Old Testament prophets did not understand all the details about God’s plan to save mankind from sin, they had faith and that alone brought salvation. Now those of us who have lived following the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins clearly understand God’s plan of redeeming sinners (1:12). These truths should provide hope in the midst of persecution because we know that eternal life awaits those who put their faith in Jesus Christ.

Dear God, sometimes this life is hard but help me to catch a glimpse of the hope of eternal life.

The author of this letter was a fisherman before Andrew, his brother, brought him to meet Christ (John 1:40-42). Peter was the son of Jonah(s) and was also known as Simon (Greek) or Simeon (Hebrew). Jesus changed his name to Cephas (Aramaic), meaning stone or rock, which signified how Jesus would use him in the future to establish the church. Some of the details we know about Peter is that he was married, he was an apostle, and seemed to be the leader of the apostles. Most of his ministry is documented in the first twelve chapters of Acts. Peter’s life ended in martyrdom when he was crucified upside down (AD 67-68). This first letter of Peter was written a couple years before his death during a time of severe persecution of Christians. The emperor Nero was ruling over Rome (AD 64-65) and he had an uncontrollable desire to build. When he ran out of room, he purposely set fire to the city in order to be able to build again. The Roman citizens were furious as they had lost everything. Nero quickly realized the mess he had created so he blamed the fire on the Christians. Followers of Christ lived in fear each day as the Roman citizens sought revenge upon them. It was under these circumstances which Peter wrote this letter to encourage the Christians to be strong and holy amidst persecution. Themes such as hope and trust in God make their way to the surface as Peter seeks to comfort those who are being persecuted.

Dear God, provide understanding as I read through 1 Peter. Help me to apply what I read to my own life.