1 Peter Intro NextPeter, First Epistle of - This epistle is addressed to "the strangers scattered abroad", i.e., to the
Jews of the
Dispersion (the Diaspora).
Its object is to confirm its readers in the doctrines they had been already taught. Peter has been called "the
apostle of
hope," because this epistle abounds with words of comfort and encouragement fitted to sustain a "lively hope." It contains about thirty-five references to the Old Testament.
It was written from
Babylon, on the
Euphrates, which was at this time one of the chief seats of Jewish learning, and a fitting centre for labour among the Jews. It has been noticed that in the beginning of his epistle Peter names the provinces of
Asia Minor in the order in which they would naturally occur to one writing from Babylon. He counsels (1) to steadfastness and perseverance under persecution (1-2:10); (2) to the practical duties of a holy life (2:11-3:13); (3) he adduces the example of
Christ and other motives to patience and
holiness (3:14-4:19); and (4) concludes with counsels to pastors and people (ch. 5).
This entry includes text from Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897.
1 Peter Intro Next