1 Peter 1:1-9
1: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen
The apostle Peter, one of the twelve disciples, formerly called Simon until Jesus changed his name to Peter (Matthew 16:17-18), wrote this epistle from Babylon to the believers who were scattered. It was most likely written around 67-68 A.D., before the persecution of the later years of Nero, but after Paul’s epistles, possibly even after his death.
Peter wrote to believers—those "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." He sent grace and peace, and blessed God the Father and the Lord Jesus who, he said, had caused those who believe in Him to be born again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter said it was His great mercy that caused this to happen, and give us a living hope in Jesus.
He described the inheritance believers receive through Jesus Christ—an inheritance which is “imperishable and undefiled.” It won’t fade away. It’s eternal and pure. It’s reserved in heaven for those who believe in Christ. Peter acknowledged that his readers greatly rejoiced in this inheritance, even though they had various trials they were distressed by at the time. These trials, however, would reveal—or prove—the faith of believers. These trials would reveal that their faith will result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. They were being protected by the power of God, and their salvation would be revealed in the end.
The trying of our faith proves our faith. Just as James spoke of our actions—works—proving our faith and justifying us (James 2:14-26), and the testing of our faith producing endurance through which one is approved and blessed with the crown of life (James 1:2-12), so Peter said the trying of our faith results in praise to the Lord. He said their faith was much more precious than gold. Faith is tested by fire, purified as gold is, yet even more precious. He noted that even though they had not yet seen the Lord, they loved Him and believed in Him. They had faith in and love for the Lord, and greatly rejoiced with inexpressible joy. As a result, the outcome of their faith would result in obtaining the salvation of their souls.
2: according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.
3: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
3: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4: to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5: who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6: In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
7: so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
8: and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
9: obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
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The apostle Peter, one of the twelve disciples, formerly called Simon until Jesus changed his name to Peter (Matthew 16:17-18), wrote this epistle from Babylon to the believers who were scattered. It was most likely written around 67-68 A.D., before the persecution of the later years of Nero, but after Paul’s epistles, possibly even after his death.
Peter wrote to believers—those "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father." He sent grace and peace, and blessed God the Father and the Lord Jesus who, he said, had caused those who believe in Him to be born again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter said it was His great mercy that caused this to happen, and give us a living hope in Jesus.
He described the inheritance believers receive through Jesus Christ—an inheritance which is “imperishable and undefiled.” It won’t fade away. It’s eternal and pure. It’s reserved in heaven for those who believe in Christ. Peter acknowledged that his readers greatly rejoiced in this inheritance, even though they had various trials they were distressed by at the time. These trials, however, would reveal—or prove—the faith of believers. These trials would reveal that their faith will result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. They were being protected by the power of God, and their salvation would be revealed in the end.
The trying of our faith proves our faith. Just as James spoke of our actions—works—proving our faith and justifying us (James 2:14-26), and the testing of our faith producing endurance through which one is approved and blessed with the crown of life (James 1:2-12), so Peter said the trying of our faith results in praise to the Lord. He said their faith was much more precious than gold. Faith is tested by fire, purified as gold is, yet even more precious. He noted that even though they had not yet seen the Lord, they loved Him and believed in Him. They had faith in and love for the Lord, and greatly rejoiced with inexpressible joy. As a result, the outcome of their faith would result in obtaining the salvation of their souls.
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