The Apostle Peter probably wrote 1 Peter in the early 60s AD, around 30 years after Christ’s death and resurrection. He mentions the persecution faced by the churches he was addressing, which were spread across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and made up of Jews and Gentiles. We can read examples of persecution in the Book of Acts, but it begins even in the Gospels. Soon after writing 1 and 2 Peter, it seems that Peter may have been crucified like his Lord.

Why would anyone follow Christ when it brought such suffering? Because belonging to Christ is worth any pain that might follow. Peter sets our hearts and minds on the glory and grace that will be ours when Jesus returns.

In this way, 1 Peter is a powerful tonic for the persecuted church, but it helps all of us. It enriches all Christians by pointing us to our true home. It inspires us with God’s grace and His glorious plans for us, so that we see the value of pressing on faithfully like His Son. Our increasingly Christlike, holy lives will attract the attention of a watching world, and even if we must suffer undeservedly, God will glorify himself through us and, in a little while, lead us to our eternal home.

The Structure of 1 Peter

Key Verse
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 5:10