[:en]1 Peter was written by Peter to the Jewish Christians who were driven out of Jerusalem and scattered through Asia Minor, Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, Bithynia and all believers everywhere. His purpose was to give comfort and hope to the Christians who were being persecuted for believing and obeying Jesus. He urged them to continue their loyalty to Christ because trials will refine their faith. He commanded them to live holy lives, to fear and trust God.
Peter was one of the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus. He was part of the inner group with James and John that Jesus chose for special training and fellowship. He was one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and the Sonof God. Although he had denied Jesus three times, but he repented and became a great apostle.
Peter encouraged his readers by declaring that all believers – Jews and Gentiles – were chosen by God and belong to Him. He mentioned about the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit. The Father chose us, Jesus Christ died for us and Holy Spirit sanctified us.
PRAISE TO GOD FOR A LIVING HOPE (vs. 3-12)
In His mercy, God has given us a living hope and an imperishable inheritance. but all believers must face trials and persecutions. We must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities to become genuine Christians resulting in praise, glory and honor when we meet Christ.
BE HOLY (vs. 13-25)
“Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (vs. 13-16)
Live your lives in “reverent fear” – healthy respect to all powerful God because He has ransomed us with the precious blood of His own Son. Obey the truth, love one another deeply with a sincere heart.
Peter reminded beleivers that everthing in this life is temporary and will eventually disappear. Only God’s will, word and work are permanent. Let us focus our time, money and energy on the permanent – the Word of God and our eternal life in Christ.
“For all men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; and the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever” (vs. 24-25)[:]