Current Teaching Series

1 Peter Summary

Author

This letter was written by the Apostle Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, as he neared the end of his life. As an Apostle, Peter was commissioned by Christ with a unique responsibility and authority to teach and shepherd the Church. This epistle was written around 62-63 AD, while Peter was in Rome, before persecution began in 64 AD.

Audience

Peter wrote to persecuted Christians, both Jews and Gentiles, who had been scattered throughout Asia Minor (modern day Türkiye) because of persecution. His purpose in writing was to encourage them in their faith, and remind them of their hope in Christ.

Structure

1:1-2        Greeting
1:3 - 2:12 | A living hope and a holy life
2:13 - 3:7 | Our submission and God’s glory
3:8 - 5:11 | Our suffering and Christ’s suffering
5:12-14 | Conclusion

Jesus

Jesus is the rejected Cornerstone of God’s temple (2:4-6), Shepherd of our souls (2:25), and our example of sinless suffering (2:21). He suffered and died in our place (2:24), was raised from the dead (1:3) and is exalted in power and authority at the right hand of the Father.

Key Verse

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.     1 Peter 1:3-4

Scripture Journals

If you joined us for a Sunday service, you may have received a 1 Peter Scripture Journal. We would encourage you to use your journal as a tool to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with the Lord.

1.   Read it Like a Book

At an average reading pace, it takes 20 minutes to read 1 Peter. Try to read the entire epistle before the end of January, and again throughout the preaching series to keep the big picture clear in your mind.

2.   Study and Pray the Bible

Read the preaching text ahead of time – the next preaching text will be included in Southshore Connects each week.

As you study, use your Journal to note:
a.     things that stood out to you
b.    questions you might have
c.     connections to other places in the Bible
d.    things to pray through

3.   Write Sermon Notes

Bring your Journal to church to use as your Bible reference, and a place to write sermon notes. Taking notes will help you to engage with the sermon, and can later help you remember what you have learned. And at the end of the series, all of your notes will be in one place.

4.   Keep it Handy

At the end of the series, your 1 Peter Journal will be a wonderful resource for whenever you return to this epistle. Revisiting your notes later can be a helpful way to see how the Lord has been at work in your life.

5.   Find Encouragement

This letter is full of future hope that will encourage you as you seek to follow Jesus as a sojourner and exile in the world.