Introduction

Peter introduces himself in the first verse of his letter as, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.” This letter is written to other first-century Christians in, what is now, modern-day northern Turkey. At the end of the letter, we find out that Peter has written with the help of Silas (Silvanus). Silas was quite likely his secretary, recording his thoughts word for word.

Peter’s letter was written before the worst of the persecution began. Nero became the emperor in AD 50. He had married Claudius’s daughter and somehow became heir to the throne, even over Nero’s biological son. In the late 50’s he began to develop the gladiator games, which created a bloodlust among the people. They wanted more than just fighting. They wanted fighting–to the death.

All of this coincided with a growing paranoia in Nero. If Nero even suspected a hint of treason, he had people executed or forced them to commit suicide. Even his own family and friends weren’t exempt. His was self-absorbed, power-hungry, sexually immoral, and paranoid. His life was more debased and unsavory than our modern-day soap operas. Over time, he became a tyrant and began to compare himself to the gods, promoting his own emperor worship cult.

On July 19^th, in AD 64 a fire broke out near Circus Maximus, the stadium for the gladiator games in Rome.  It burned much of the city. The fire burned for 6 days. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote saying, “First, the fire swept violently over the level spaces. Then it climbed the hills-but returned to ravage the lower ground again. It outstripped every counter-measure. . . Terrified, shrieking women, helpless old and young, people intent on their own safety, people unselfishly supporting invalids or waiting for them, fugitives and lingerers alike–all heightened the confusion.”

Most people believe that Nero conspired to set the fire to clear the way for another palace. History seems to agree, and Nero’s dream, the Domus Aurea, was later built over the ruins.

After the fire, the rumor that Nero was the source of the fire needed to be squashed. Nero decided to place the blame on others, scapegoats. Christians got the blame. Nero began large-scale, state-sponsored persecution. According to history, Nero took pleasure in the public persecution of Christians. He had them covered in tar, strapped to posts and used as torches for his garden parties. Some were sewn into animal skins and released into the stadium where they were devoured by wild animals. Others were hunted down and executed. Peter, the Apostle was killed during this persecution. According to history, he was crucified upside down on a cross.

1 Peter was written during a time when the persecution was present, however, more muted. Peter could obviously see the possible future. One of the purposes of Peter’s letter is to encourage his readers and prepare them for persecution and suffering.

 

1 Peter 4:12-13 ¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^q to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice^r inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^s so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^t

Day 1 – 1 Peter 1

Read 1 Peter 1

I have often wondered how people can remain hopeful in spite of terrible suffering. A few years ago, I met Robert Rogers. Robert Rogers and his family were caught in a flash flood. His wife and four children perished. The only reason he lived is that he was sucked out of the driver’s side window. You can read more of his story online.

I don’t know how a person recovers from such devastation. Since his loss, he founded a ministry called Mighty In the Land. His testimony is a message of hope even in the midst of suffering. Robert’s hope is not in the circumstances of this world. His hope is in the One who conquered death and sin and in the promise that one day he will see his loved ones in heaven.

Peter’s letter is full of hope. Not the kind of hope, that is wishful thinking. This hope is based on the promises of God fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Peter reminds his readers that they have a new birth given to them by Jesus Christ. It’s a new birth into a “living hope,” not a dead hope (1 Peter 1:3). Why? Well, the answer is because of the resurrection.

Paul said something similar in 1 Corinthians 15. Paul said that if the resurrection didn’t happen then we are to be pitied more than all mankind. Apart from the resurrection, we are living a lie. Our faith is useless apart from the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:13-14). Paul rejoices in the fact that Christ has indeed been raised. The tomb is empty. Therefore, sin and death have no power (v. 55-57). Their sting is gone!

Peter encourages his readers, and yes us, saying that our inheritance is in heaven and that it is an inheritance that is safe, secure, and will never spoil. Suffering lasts for a moment, but heaven lasts forever (1 Peter 1:6). Salvation has been the sure hope of God’s people throughout history. It’s more than just a ticket to heaven. It is the goal of our faith, our inheritance, and our longing.

Holy Living

Hope is also our motivation for living a Godly life!

Peter tells us to “set our hope fully on the grace” given us in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 1:13). We do this in part by refusing to conform to sin, whether it is internal or external. We are called to holiness because God is holy. The word holy in the original context means “set apart” and different.

One of the ways we live “set apart lives” is by realizing that our home is not here. The moment we put our faith in Christ, we became citizens of a heavenly kingdom. As the gospel song, This World is Not My Home says,

This world is not my home, I’m just a passing thru,
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore. 

Our life now is but a sojourn to our eternal home (1 Peter 1:17)!

You are of great value to God! You were literally purchased with something more valuable than silver and gold. You were redeemed from an empty life of sin. The redemption price: “the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19).

Obedience to God and love for others is an act of worship to the one God who has done everything for us. This is what Peter wanted his first readers to know, and now us.

Application:

1. What does this understanding of hope do for you when you think about the suffering that happens in this life?
2. What kinds of feelings come up when you think about an inheritance that is safe, secure, and “kept in heaven for you?”
3. What does it look like for you to resist conforming to sins desires? You might want to look at Romans 12:1-2.

Consider writing down a key verse or verses from today on an index card or small piece of paper and carry it with you today. Look at it as often as you can as a reminder of what we learned today.

Possible Verses: 1 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 1:14-15