Study

1 Peter

1. Read through 1 Peter and to the following:
  1. 1. In the initial verses of the book, Peter describes himself and states to whom he is writing. In the last verses of the book, he tells why he wrote this epistle. Mark every reference to the author in a distinctive color and every reference to the recipients in another color. Record your insights about the author and his purpose in writing on the Structure of 1 Peter.
    2. Pay close attention to the recipients of 1 Peter. What is their condition? What is going on in their midst? Record what you learn on the Observation chart.
2. Look for and mark in a distinctive way the key words (and their synonyms and pronouns): suffering (trials and all synonyms), grace, glory, salvation, any reference to Jesus' future revelation, love, Holy Spirit, called, chosen, holy, precious, perishable (imperishable). On a separate sheet of paper, list the truths you learn from every mention of the key words.
3. Peter gives the reader many commands and instructions. You notice these by the construction of the sentence. The verb usually comes first and the "you" is implied. An example is seen in 1:13: "Prepare your minds for action."

- - 1. In a distinctive way, mark Peter's instructions or commands. Then list these under "General Instructions" on the Observations chart.
    2. First Peter was written not only for the recipients but also for you. Think about how Peter's instructions and commands apply to your own life.

1. Peter also instructs specific groups of people such as servants, wives, husbands, etc. List his instructions to each group under the heading on the Observations Chart.
2. From what you have read, why are the believers to do these things? Or what future events is the motivation for living life in accordance with Peter's exhortations?
3. Finally, summarize the theme of each chapter and record it on Structure of 1 Peter.

1. Persecution - Christians are able to identify with Christ's sufferings when they are persecuted for their faith (1:6; 2:12, 19-21; 3:9, 13-18; 4:1, 12-16, 19; Ps 69:26; Is 50:6; 53:7; Jer 15:15; Dan 3:28; Zech 2:8; Mark 10:30; Luke 21:12; John 5:16; 15:20; Rom 8:35; 2 Cor 1:10; 4:9; 2 Tim 3:12)