1 PETER

A Living Hope for Elect Exiles

Ask the Apostle Peter

Ask about suffering, living hope, or our identity as exiles.

A Cinematic Introduction

First Peter is a letter of profound hope written in a time of growing hostility. Authored by the Apostle Peter—the fisherman who became a "rock" and a leader of the early church—this letter is addressed to a group of believers scattered throughout the Roman provinces of Asia Minor. He calls them "elect exiles," a term that perfectly captures their identity. They are chosen by God ("elect"), but they are living as foreigners and strangers ("exiles") in a culture that does not understand them and is becoming increasingly hostile toward their faith. They are experiencing "grief in all kinds of trials" (1:6) and being slandered for their new way of life. Peter writes this letter not to give them a way out of their suffering, but to give them a way to endure it with unshakable hope and exemplary conduct. The letter is a survival guide for exiles, teaching them how to anchor their identity in Christ, how to live holy lives in a pagan world, and how to find joy in the midst of suffering, all because of the "living hope" we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Part I

A Living Hope and a New Identity

The Foundation for Suffering (Chapter 1:1 - 2:12)

The Anchor of a Living Hope

Peter begins his letter not with the problem of suffering, but with the foundation of hope. He bursts into a song of praise:

✨ “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”

— 1 Peter 1:3-4

This is the anchor for the entire letter. Our hope as Christians is not wishful thinking; it is a "living hope" because it is grounded in a historical event: the resurrection. Because Jesus is alive, our future inheritance is absolutely secure. This certain hope, Peter argues, changes our perspective on present trials. Our suffering is temporary ("for a little while") and purposeful—it is refining our faith like fire refines gold, proving its genuineness. Therefore, we can "rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy" even in the midst of suffering.

A Holy People, A New Priesthood

Because of this great salvation, we are called to a new way of life. "Be holy," Peter commands, "because I am holy" (1:16). He then describes the new identity of these believers using a rich tapestry of Old Testament language that was once reserved for the nation of Israel.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." - 1 Peter 2:9

Peter is telling these scattered, marginalized believers that their true identity is not defined by their social status or their earthly citizenship. In Christ, they are royalty. They are priests with direct access to God. They are a holy nation, set apart for God's purposes. This new, glorious identity is the basis for their calling to live distinctive, holy lives as "foreigners and exiles" in the world.

Part II

Living as Exiles

Conduct in a Watching World (Chapter 2:13 - 4:11)

Submission and Respect

How should these "exiles" live in a pagan society? Peter's instructions are practical and counter-cultural. He calls them to submit to human authorities—to governments and rulers—"for the Lord's sake" (2:13). Their good conduct as law-abiding citizens is a powerful form of witness. He gives instructions for slaves to submit to their masters, even to those who are harsh. He gives instructions for wives to live in a respectful way toward their husbands, and for husbands to be considerate and respectful toward their wives. The goal in all these relationships is that their godly conduct might "silence the ignorant talk of foolish people" (2:15) and be a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel.

The Example of Christ's Suffering

Peter knows that this call to submissive, respectful living will often lead to unjust suffering. What should they do when they suffer for doing good? He points them to the ultimate example: Jesus Christ.

✨ “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly... By his wounds you have been healed.”

— 1 Peter 2:23-24

Christ is our model for how to endure unjust suffering. We don't take revenge or lash out. We entrust ourselves to God, the righteous judge, knowing that He sees and that He will vindicate us. Our suffering for doing good is not a defeat; it is a participation in the sufferings of Christ.

Part III

Standing Firm in the Fire

Hope in the Face of Fiery Trials (Chapter 4:12-5:14)

Rejoicing in Fiery Trials

Peter returns to the theme of suffering with even greater intensity. He tells his readers not to be surprised at the "fiery ordeal" that has come on them to test them, as though something strange were happening. Instead, he says, "rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (4:13). If they are insulted because of the name of Christ, they are blessed, because the "Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." Suffering for being a Christian is not a reason for shame, but a badge of honor.

Humble Shepherds and a Humble Flock

In his final instructions, Peter addresses the elders of the church, calling them to be shepherds of God's flock, serving not for personal gain but as eager examples to the flock. He then calls the whole church to humility: "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble'" (5:5).

He concludes with a final, powerful exhortation and promise:

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you... And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." - 1 Peter 5:6-7, 10

Conclusion: A Hope That Anchors the Soul

First Peter is a lifeline for Christians in every generation who feel like foreigners in a hostile world. It does not promise a life free from suffering. Instead, it offers something far better: a living hope that anchors our souls in the midst of suffering. It reminds us that our true identity is not found in our earthly circumstances, but in our status as God's chosen, holy, and beloved people. It calls us to live beautiful, honorable lives that serve as a powerful witness to a watching world. And it continually points us forward to the day when our trials will be over and the glory of Jesus Christ will be revealed. This letter is a powerful reminder that our present suffering is temporary, but our future inheritance is eternal, imperishable, and guaranteed by the resurrection of our Lord.