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1 Peter 1

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1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect who are exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 now that you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, 11 trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. 13 Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. 15 But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy." 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake. 21 Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him; and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.

‹ Chapter 0 1 Peter — All Chapters Chapter 2 ›

Study Notes — 1 Peter 1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

In 1 Peter 1, the apostle Peter greets the believers in Asia Minor, describing them as elect exiles, chosen by God and scattered throughout the world. He blesses God for the new birth and living hope that believers have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and holiness, urging believers to set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed. The chapter concludes with a call to believers to be holy, as God is holy, and to conduct themselves with reverence during their time as foreigners and strangers in the world, referencing 1 Peter 1:1-25.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the apostle Peter's first letter to the believers in Asia Minor, who were facing persecution and hardship. The chapter sets the tone for the rest of the letter, which emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and living a life that is pleasing to God. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, referencing the prophets and the scriptures, as seen in 1 Peter 1:10-12. The early Christian church was experiencing significant growth and expansion, and this chapter provides guidance and encouragement for believers in the face of challenges and opposition.

Heart Application

This chapter calls believers to set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed, and to conduct themselves with reverence during their time as foreigners and strangers in the world, as urged in 1 Peter 1:13 and 1:17. It emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and holiness, urging believers to live a life that is pleasing to God, as stated in 1 Peter 1:14-16. As believers, we are called to trust in God's power and mercy, and to live a life that reflects our status as elect exiles, chosen by God and scattered throughout the world.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the hope that believers have in Jesus Christ, and how it affects their lives. It emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and holiness, and urges believers to set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed, as seen in 1 Peter 1:3 and 1:13. The chapter also highlights the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which demonstrates the power and mercy of God, giving believers a new inheritance and a future hope.

Voices from the Church

“The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the grand argument for the hope of the believer, and the great encouragement to faith and obedience, as seen in 1 Peter 1:3.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The elect exiles are those who have been chosen by God and scattered throughout the world, and who are called to live a life that is set apart for Him, as stated in 1 Peter 1:1-2.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction and Greeting (1:1-2) — The chapter begins with a greeting to the believers in Asia Minor, who are described as elect exiles, chosen by God and scattered throughout the world.
  2. The Living Hope (1:3-5) — The chapter highlights the living hope that believers have in Jesus Christ, which is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the power and mercy of God.
  3. The Inheritance of Believers (1:4-5) — The chapter emphasizes the inheritance that believers have in Jesus Christ, which is imperishable and undefiled, as stated in 1 Peter 1:4.
  4. The Call to Holiness (1:13-16) — The chapter urges believers to set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed, and to conduct themselves with reverence during their time as foreigners and strangers in the world.
  5. The Conclusion (1:22-25) — The chapter concludes with a call to believers to be holy, as God is holy, and to love one another deeply, as stated in 1 Peter 1:22-25.

Core Doctrines

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
This chapter emphasizes the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the basis for the living hope that believers have, as seen in 1 Peter 1:3.
The Doctrine of Election
The chapter highlights the idea that believers are elect exiles, chosen by God and scattered throughout the world, as stated in 1 Peter 1:1-2.
The Importance of Faith and Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer, as urged in 1 Peter 1:14-16 and 1:22.
The Concept of Grace
The chapter refers to the unmerited favor and blessing that God gives to believers, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:10 and 1:13.

Lessons from 1 Peter 1

  1. The Importance of Hope — This chapter teaches the importance of having a living hope in Jesus Christ, which is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the power and mercy of God.
  2. The Significance of the Resurrection — The chapter highlights the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the basis for the living hope that believers have, as seen in 1 Peter 1:3.
  3. The Call to Holiness — The chapter urges believers to set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed, and to conduct themselves with reverence during their time as foreigners and strangers in the world.
  4. The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer, as urged in 1 Peter 1:14-16 and 1:22.
  5. The Concept of Grace — The chapter refers to the unmerited favor and blessing that God gives to believers, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:10 and 1:13.

Themes from 1 Peter 1

  1. The Living Hope — This chapter emphasizes the living hope that believers have in Jesus Christ, which is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the power and mercy of God.
  2. The Elect Exiles — The chapter highlights the idea that believers are elect exiles, chosen by God and scattered throughout the world, as stated in 1 Peter 1:1-2.
  3. The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer, as urged in 1 Peter 1:14-16 and 1:22.
  4. The Call to Holiness — The chapter urges believers to set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed, and to conduct themselves with reverence during their time as foreigners and strangers in the world.
  5. The Concept of Grace — The chapter refers to the unmerited favor and blessing that God gives to believers, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:10 and 1:13.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What is the living hope that believers have in Jesus Christ, and how does it affect their lives?
  2. How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ demonstrate the power and mercy of God, giving believers a new inheritance and a future hope?
  3. What does it mean to be an elect exile, and how does this status affect the way believers live their lives?
  4. How can believers set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed, and conduct themselves with reverence during their time as foreigners and strangers in the world?
  5. What is the relationship between faith, obedience, and holiness in the life of a believer, as emphasized in 1 Peter 1:14-16?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction and Greeting (1:1-2)

1:1 The chapter begins with a greeting to the believers in Asia Minor, who are described as elect exiles, chosen by God and scattered throughout the world.
1:2 The greeting is followed by a statement of the purpose of the letter, which is to encourage believers to stand firm in their faith despite persecution and hardship.

2. The Living Hope (1:3-5)

1:3 The chapter highlights the living hope that believers have in Jesus Christ, which is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the power and mercy of God.
1:4 The living hope is described as an inheritance that is imperishable and undefiled, and that will be revealed in the last time.
1:5 Believers are protected by the power of God through faith, and are being guarded for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

3. The Inheritance of Believers (1:4-5)

1:4 The inheritance of believers is described as imperishable and undefiled, and will be revealed in the last time.
1:5 Believers are protected by the power of God through faith, and are being guarded for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

4. The Call to Holiness (1:13-16)

1:13 The chapter urges believers to set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1:14 Believers are called to be obedient children, and to not conform to the evil desires they had in their ignorance.
1:15 Believers are called to be holy, as God is holy, and to conduct themselves with reverence during their time as foreigners and strangers in the world.
1:16 The call to holiness is based on the fact that believers are elect exiles, chosen by God and scattered throughout the world.

5. The Conclusion (1:22-25)

1:22 The chapter concludes with a call to believers to love one another deeply, from the heart.
1:23 Believers have been born again of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.
1:24 The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever.
1:25 The word of the Lord, which was spoken through the prophets, is the good news that was preached to believers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the living hope that believers have in Jesus Christ?

The living hope is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the power and mercy of God, as seen in 1 Peter 1:3. It is an inheritance that is imperishable and undefiled, and will be revealed in the last time, as stated in 1 Peter 1:4-5.

What does it mean to be an elect exile?

To be an elect exile means to be chosen by God and scattered throughout the world, as stated in 1 Peter 1:1-2. It emphasizes the idea that believers are not at home in the world, but are rather strangers and foreigners, living for a different kingdom.

How can believers set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed?

Believers can set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed by trusting in God's power and mercy, and by living a life that reflects their status as elect exiles, as urged in 1 Peter 1:13 and 1:17.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 1 Peter 1:3 → John 1:1 The living hope that believers have in Jesus Christ is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which demonstrates the power and mercy of God, giving believers a new inheritance and a future hope.
2 1 Peter 1:10 → Acts 3:18 The prophets spoke of the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow, as seen in Acts 3:18 and 1 Peter 1:10-12.
3 1 Peter 1:15 → Leviticus 11:44-45 The call to holiness is based on the fact that believers are elect exiles, chosen by God and scattered throughout the world, as stated in 1 Peter 1:1-2 and Leviticus 11:44-45.
4 1 Peter 1:22 → John 13:34-35 The command to love one another is based on the fact that believers have been born again of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God, as seen in 1 Peter 1:22-23 and John 13:34-35.
5 1 Peter 1:23 → James 1:18 Believers have been born again of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God, as stated in 1 Peter 1:23 and James 1:18.
6 1 Peter 1:24 → Isaiah 40:6-8 The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever, as seen in Isaiah 40:6-8 and 1 Peter 1:24-25.
7 1 Peter 1:25 → Psalm 119:89 The word of the Lord, which was spoken through the prophets, is the good news that was preached to believers, as stated in 1 Peter 1:25 and Psalm 119:89.
8 1 Peter 1:3 → Romans 6:4 The living hope that believers have in Jesus Christ is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which demonstrates the power and mercy of God, giving believers a new inheritance and a future hope, as seen in Romans 6:4 and 1 Peter 1:3.
9 1 Peter 1:10 → Hebrews 1:1-3 The prophets spoke of the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow, as seen in Hebrews 1:1-3 and 1 Peter 1:10-12.
10 1 Peter 1:15 → 1 Thessalonians 4:7 The call to holiness is based on the fact that believers are elect exiles, chosen by God and scattered throughout the world, as stated in 1 Peter 1:1-2 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7.

Sermons on 1 Peter 1

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 10): Grand Mystery of the Bible (Salvation) by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about a friend named Everett who had a strong determination to serve God. However, the speaker's quiet friend sitting beside
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 11): Wherefore, Gird Up Your Minds and Be Sober by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant. He uses the analogy of a violinist who neglects to tune his instrument, resulting
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 12): As Obedient Children by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the American spirit of rebellion and the importance of freedom. He references the historical event of pouring tea overboard in Boston Harbor
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 13): On Fashioning Ourselves as Christians by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of fashioning ourselves as Christians according to God's holiness rather than our former lusts. He explains that while we are not fixed in our
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 2): God's Abundant Mercy by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a man who wanted to look presentable before going to a fine place. However, he was rejected because the artist wanted him as he wa
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 15): The Precious Blood, Our Only Hope by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about two men who are stranded in a cold and dangerous mountainous area. They realize that their only hope of survival is to start a fire.
Alan Redpath Chosen to Be Holy by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost impor
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 17): Seeing Ye Have Purified Your Souls by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being able to order and structure one's preaching or teaching. He uses 1 Peter 1:22 as a perfect verse for a sermon outline
A.W. Tozer (1 Peter - Part 16): christ...foreordained, Manifest by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker expresses a deep sense of urgency and awareness of the approaching judgment of God. He emphasizes that the earth is growing old and that a mere blink of
David Wilkerson A Crisis of Faith by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher addresses the crisis of faith that the Church of Jesus Christ is currently facing. He highlights the disturbing events happening in the world, such as

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Peter 1

In this chapter, the apostle Peter greets the believers in Asia Minor, describing them as elect exiles, chosen by God and scattered throughout the world. He blesses God for the new birth and living hope that believers have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and holiness, urging believers to set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed. The chapter concludes with a call to believers to be holy, as God is holy, and to conduct themselves with reverence during their time as foreigners and strangers in the world, referencing 1 Peter 1:1-25. As Matthew Henry notes, this chapter provides a powerful introduction to the themes of hope, holiness, and the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The significance of the resurrection

The chapter highlights the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the basis for the living hope that believers have, as seen in 1 Peter 1:3. This event demonstrates the power and mercy of God, giving believers a new inheritance and a future hope.

The emphasis on faith and obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer, as urged in 1 Peter 1:14-16 and 1:22. Believers are called to set their hope fully on the grace that will be theirs when Jesus Christ is revealed, and to conduct themselves with reverence during their time as foreigners and strangers in the world.

The use of the term "elect exiles"

The chapter uses the term "elect exiles" to describe believers, emphasizing their status as chosen by God and scattered throughout the world, as stated in 1 Peter 1:1-2. This term highlights the idea that believers are not at home in the world, but are rather strangers and foreigners, living for a different kingdom.

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