Upwards Church

Commentary – A Living Hope – 1 Peter 1: 3-12

Posted on October 29, 2025 by dkoop

Even as these believers faced persecution, they could remember God’s grace and continue to live as God desired. Not all believers are persecuted for their faith, but everyone faces times of stress, discouragement, or despair. This section introduces the blessings of salvation (1:3–12). Peter’s words echo through the centuries, reminding us of God’s grace and sovereignty over all of life, encouraging us to glorify and live for him.

1:3 Peter launched into praise of God the Father, who had chosen and cleansed the believers (1:2). All honor goes to God. The Old Testament believers praised God, but the New Testament believers praised him with an entirely new name, one never used in the Old Testament: Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is “Father,” the first person of the Trinity. He did not exist before the Son, for the Son has always existed (John 1:1–3; 17:5, 24). God the Father sent the Son, and the Son responded in full obedience.
We find God’s mercy always at the center of any discussion of salvation. Only God’s mercy would allow him to have compassion for sinful and rebellious people. Salvation is given to us because of God’s boundless mercy alone. That salvation is called the privilege of being born again. Jesus used this concept of new birth when he told Nicodemus that he had to be “born again” in order to see God’s Kingdom (see John 3). In the new birth, we become dead to sin and alive to God with a fresh beginning. People can do no more to accomplish their “new birth” than they could do to accomplish their own natural birth. In his introductory comments, Peter thanked God for the new spiritual lives of the believers to whom he was writing.
Believers are born again not for this world, in which they are no more than foreigners, but for a wonderful expectation of life to come. That expectation is based on the conviction that God will keep his promises to raise us because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. By rising from the dead, Christ made the necessary power available for our resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:22). Christ’s resurrection makes us certain that we too will be raised from the dead. Believers are “born again” from their sinful state into the life of grace, which, in the end, will become a life of glory. We shouldn’t be discouraged by earthly trials, for we have the Resurrection to be our backup.

1:4 The word translated inheritance is also used in the Old Testament to describe the inheritance to which the Jews had looked forward in the Promised Land of Canaan (Numbers 32:19; Deuteronomy 2:12; 19:8–10). Christians look forward to another inheritance—eternal life with God. Jesus Christ is God’s only Son; thus he is sole heir (Mark 12:7). However, as children of God, believers also become heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) of this priceless inheritance.
Peter used three Greek words, each beginning with the same letter and ending with the same syllable in Greek, to describe this inheritance (aphthartos, amiantos, amarantos).

This inheritance is pure—it won’t lose its glory or freshness. It is undefiled—it will never become unfit for us or polluted by sin. It is beyond the reach of change and decay—meaning it will never pass away, disappear, or come to ruin as the result of hostile forces. These words contrast this inheritance with all earthly, human possessions. Nothing in the natural order—catastrophe, sin, age, evil—can affect it. God has made it indestructible, existing for all eternity.

Believers have noncancelable and nontransferable reservations in heaven. The inheritance is kept in heaven for us. The word kept is in the perfect tense in Greek, expressing a past activity with results that continue in the present; God has been keeping and still keeps the inheritance there—prepared, reserved, certain, and waiting. No matter what harm might come to believers on earth, the inheritance awaits, for it is kept safe with God.

1:5 In these words, Peter answered concerns that might have arisen in the minds of persecuted believers: Will we be able to endure and remain faithful to Christ if persecution becomes more intense? What good is an inheritance kept in heaven if we are not kept safe?
Peter explained that, in spite of persecution and even violent death, God, in his mighty power, will protect them. The word translated protect is a military term used to refer to a garrison within a city (see also 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Jude 1:24). It’s an inner area of protection. No matter how the world persecuted or killed believers’ bodies, God was guarding their souls. Peter gave a double locked security for believers. First, the inheritance is protected (1:4); second, the believers are protected to receive that inheritance because they were trusting him.
Believers have already received salvation through their acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior, but the fullness of that salvation, its complete rewards and blessings, will be revealed on the last day—that is, the judgment day of Christ (see Romans 14:10; Revelation 20:11–15). What has started will be fully disclosed when he returns.

1:6 Because of the promises of the inheritance, believers can be truly glad—referring to deep, spiritual joy (see Luke 1:46–47; Acts 16:34; 1 Peter 4:13). This type of rejoicing remains, unhindered and unchanged by what happens in this present life. Believers would have to endure many trials. When Peter wrote of trials, he meant the response of an unbelieving world to people of faith. Christians became the target of persecution for four main reasons: (1) They refused to worship the emperor as a god and thus were viewed as atheists and traitors. (2) They refused to worship at pagan temples, so business for these moneymaking enterprises dropped wherever Christianity took hold. (3) They didn’t support the Roman ideals of self, power, and conquest, and the Romans scorned the Christian ideal of self-sacrificing service. (4) They exposed and rejected the horrible immorality of pagan culture.

Grief and suffering do not happen without cause or reason. While it may never be clear to us, God must be trusted to carry out his purposes, even in times of trial. All believers face such trials when they let their lights shine into the darkness. We must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities and prepares us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience (Romans 5:3–4; James 1:2–3) and help us grow to be the people God wants. In comparison to the wonderful joy ahead, the trials last only for a while. Because of this they could rejoice, even as they suffered grief.

1:7 While God may have different purposes in the trials that face his people, one overriding result of all trials is clear: they test people’s faith, showing that it is strong and pure. To God, believers’ faith is more precious than mere gold, the most valuable and durable substance of the time.
Genuine faith is indestructible for all eternity. However, it may take the fire of trials, struggles, and persecutions to purify it, removing impurities and defects. God values a fire-tested (or “stress-tested”) faith. Through trials, God burns away our self-reliance and self-serving attitudes, so that our genuineness reflects his glory and brings praise to him.
How do trials prove the strength and purity of one’s faith? A person living a comfortable life may find it very easy to be a believer. But to keep one’s faith in the face of ridicule, slander, persecution, or even death proves the true value of that faith. Such faith results in praise and glory and honor bestowed upon the believers by God himself when Jesus Christ returns (is revealed) to judge the world and take believers home.

1:8 Peter had known Jesus Christ personally—talked with him, walked with him, questioned him, professed faith in him. Yet Peter understood that most of the believers to whom he wrote had not known Jesus in the flesh. He commended their love for him even though they had never seen him (see also John 20:29). And even though they could not see him, they put their trust in him. To trust him means “to put one’s confidence in,” “to depend upon.”
We, like Peter’s audience, have not ever seen Christ in the flesh, but one day our faith will be rewarded when Christ returns to take us home. On that day and for eternity, we shall see him face-to-face (Revelation 22:3–5). Until then, we live by faith, with hope and joy. This ought to give us glorious, inexpressible joy.

1:9 Believers express joy (1:8) because of their belief in and love for Jesus Christ. The reward for trusting Christ will be the salvation of their souls. Believers receive salvation when they accept Jesus Christ as Savior, yet salvation will not be complete until Jesus Christ returns and makes everything new. In the meantime, we continue growing in the Christian life and experiencing more and more of the blessings of salvation. As we continue to believe and rejoice, we also continue to grow toward maturity in Christ and to our promised salvation.

1:10–11 This salvation, now so clear to those who believe, had been a mystery to the Old Testament prophets who wrote about it through the inspiration of the Spirit of Christ, but wanted to know more about it. The prophets were amazed by the prophecies God gave them. They had many questions, and they wondered what was meant by Christ’s suffering. Peter was saying, “How can you be discouraged? Don’t you realize that you have seen the fulfillment of all the prophets’ yearning?” Jesus once said to his listeners, “Many prophets and godly people have longed to see and hear what you have seen and heard, but they could not” (Matthew 13:17; see also Luke 10:23–24). The believers of Peter’s day (as well as believers today) had the privilege of understanding the prophets’ writings better than the prophets themselves had understood them. All of those prophets’ predictions regarding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ had been completely fulfilled. Other prophecies concerning the end times are being or are yet to be fulfilled.

1:12 The Spirit revealed to the prophets that the prophecies would not happen during their lifetime. The prophets had the great honor of having Christ’s Spirit speak through them, but the privileges of our understanding are even greater and should move us to an even deeper commitment to Christ.
All the experiences regarding the coming salvation that the prophets had so wanted to see and hear have now been announced by those who preached the Good News. As the Spirit inspired the prophets, so he inspired the apostles and missionaries in the first century. This is all so wonderful that even the angels are watching these events unfold. Angels are spiritual beings created by God who help carry out his work on earth. Just as the prophets could not understand or experience the coming salvation and grace because it would occur after their lifetimes, neither can the angels understand or experience it because they are spiritual beings who do not need the blood of Christ to save them.
The word translated “watching” means to peek into a situation as an outsider. The angels watch (and often are sent to minister to) believers as they struggle and face ridicule or persecution. The angels know that God’s people are recipients of God’s grace and blessings and that one day they will be highly honored in the coming Kingdom.

www.Upwards.Church

Message Audio/Video and Outline: https://upwards.church/leander-campus/watch-now-message-videos

Watch Messages: YouTube-Upwards Church

Facebook: Upwards Church

Read Along Daily Bible Reading: YouVersion (https://www.bible.com/organizations/370f8a6e-16bc-464f-8c43-0b7623fd2952)

Source:

Bruce Barton et al., Life Application New Testament Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2001), 1103–1105.

Posted in Resilient Faith - 1 & 2 Peter | Tagged 1 Peter, 1 Peter 1, Born again, inheritance, Jesus Christ, living hope, persecution, trials | Leave a comment

A Living Hope – 1 Peter 1:3-9

Posted on October 28, 2025 by dkoop

Hope is an interesting word in America. For many, hope is only wishful thinking. For example, I love college football and am a huge Texas A&M fan. As the season begins I may say, “I hope the Aggies win the national championship!” I don’t know if they will, each year seems like it could be a good year then I find myself disappointed. In America hope often equals uncertainty. In the Bible, hope is equals certainty!

In his book Heaven, Randy Alcorn recalls this story: “In 1952, young Florence Chadwick stepped into the waters of the Pacific Ocean off Catalina Island, determined to swim to the shore of mainland California. She’d already been the first woman to swim the English Channel both ways. The weather was foggy and chilly; she could hardly see the boats accompanying her. Still, she swam for fifteen hours. When she begged to be taken out of the water along the way, her mother, in a boat alongside, told her she was close and that she could make it. Finally, physically and emotionally exhausted, she stopped swimming and was pulled out. It wasn’t until she was on the boat that she discovered the shore was less than half a mile away. At a news conference the next day she said, ‘All I could see was the fog.…I think if I could have seen the shore, I would have made it’”

This is a grim reminder of what hopelessness can do to us. When we lose hope, we essentially lose the will to love, grow, and persevere. Times of trial, stress, and temptation eventually weigh us down and drain our zeal for life. Peter’s hearers were facing something similar, but on a much grander scale. The threats and persecution they were experiencing had the potential to derail their faith.

In our scripture today, Peter shows them how to put hope into action. Let’ look at these verses (1 Peter 1:3-9) and learn three ways to stand with hope.

We have Hope given through Jesus Christ

Standing with hope means that we remember what God did for us in Christ. Peter says God has, “caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (v.3). Notice the passive language Peter uses here. We did not do this: God did this! He caused us to be born again. He gave us this living hope. He raised Jesus from the dead and in doing, raised us up with Him.

Ever since Jimmy Carter’s presidency, news commentators have struggled to understand what Christians mean by “born again.” Almost always in the news media, “born again” is a term of derision. So let’s unravel the facts:

All Christians are born-again. The term is a wonderful metaphor of new life from God. I cannot be a Christian without a fresh beginning based on the salvation Christ brings.
Born-again people have the Holy Spirit living inside of us to guide us, teach us, counsel us and provide us God’s presence.
To be born-again is a magnificent gift from God. It is also a dividing line. Cross it, and we enter God’s kingdom. Not everyone will understand. But that’s no cause for pride or defensiveness. Live out God’s gift as a believer sharing the good news with others. That’s our new job that accompanies our new birth.

If we are going to live out our hope in the present, we must look to the past. Considering how the Bible describes our sinful state before we became Christians, we should look back with gratefulness in our hearts for what God has done.

Many of us can recall the thoughts we harbored, the motives we embraced, and the sins that we willfully committed. But God had mercy on us and gave us new life. Now, our hope is rooted in His saving work.

John Newton understood how important it is for Christians to reflect on God’s goodness toward us when he wrote “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see” (Newton, Amazing Grace).

How often do we reflect on the time when God saved us? Do we understand how undeserving we are of God’s grace? May we never forget God’s amazing grace in our lives. This is our path to have a living hope.

In verses 4 and 5 Peter tells his hearers of the certainty of their future inheritance. What God has for His people cannot be destroyed (imperishable), cannot be tainted (undefiled), and will not fade away (unfading). The reason our inheritance is so certain is explained when Peter says it is, “kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (v.5). By His power, God is upholding now as we await our inheritance in the future.

The thing to notice here is that God is responsible for our future.

God is the one who holds us, sustains us, and preserves us even as we wait for our complete redemption. Standing with hope requires that we rest in what God will do for us in the future. If we really understood what God has prepared for us, we could virtually endure anything. C.S Lewis believed that our reward in Heaven would essentially reach back into all the disappointments and failures in our lives and fill them with glory. He said, “Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even agony into a glory” (The Great Divorce, 69).

How often do you think of Heaven and the future God has for us? Does it impact how we make decisions? Will we resolve to live with eternity in mind?

We can have Hope through trials.

Peter drew his reader’s attention to the past, to the future, now he hones in on the present. In light of what God has done and what God will do, believers are called to do two things: suffer well and continue praise God in all things. In verses 6-9 Peter tells them that they are and will continue to experience suffering. The reason is so that “the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (v.7).

Is there a contradiction between living a life of hope and living a life of suffering? Not at all; in fact, Peter’s point was that we have a living hope while we have suffering and trials. Peter was writing to Christians scattered abroad because of persecution; they were suffering for Christ. This portion of this letter is a huge boost of encouragement to continue in hope.

But there is something more: as we stand with hope through suffering, our joy grows in Christ. Peter emphasized that because of our love for Jesus and our faith in Him, we “rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy.” Why? Because we are in the process of receiving the goal of our faith, which is the salvation of our souls.

I’ve often heard seasoned pastors say, “If you haven’t faced suffering, just live long enough and you will.” The testimony of Christians around the world ratifies the reality of suffering for the people of God, even if the experience of American Christians is not like the persecuted church in more hostile regions. Sadly, we might think we’re suffering if our Wi-Fi goes out or the server brought us the wrong order at the restaurant. Peter reminds us that “various trials” (v. 6) will come, and they’re meant to refine our faith, so rest in our identity in Christ, regardless of the circumstances.

Why me? The problem has vexed philosophers since they first asked questions: Why does an all-powerful, good God permit suffering? To which most people add: “And if someone has to suffer, why me?” Instead of answering these questions on the philosophical level, Christians face suffering by adopting a new set of responses:

Confidence that God knows, plans, and directs our lives for the good. It’s hard to calculate sometimes, but God always provides his love and strength for us. God leads us toward a better future.
Perseverance when facing grief, anger, sorrow, and pain. Christians believe in expressing grief, but we should never give in to bitterness and despair.
Courage because with Jesus as Brother and Savior, we need not be afraid. He who suffered for us will not abandon us. Jesus carries us through everything.

We can have Hope that we are growing more like Christ

Many of us are accustomed to taking pictures on our phones and posting the pictures to various social media pages immediately. Back in the day, however, we took pictures and had to wait for them to be developed. This process of development took a while and we were excited to see how things would turn out.

God uses the experiences of our lives to develop us. This includes the periods of trial our time in the dark room, so to speak. This is something that we can rejoice about now while anticipating an even greater celebration later! We know that in the end, God will have done a marvelous work in us. This is our hope, even though we cannot currently see how it will all turn out.

We can maintain our hope because we know that God is in control of our lives: beginning, middle, and end. After our earthly lives have ended, God has even more in store for us. Knowing this should encourage us to endure the trials and tribulations we face. God is preserving our reward and preserving us until we reach it.

As we close, consider how comprehensive our hope is. We can look back at what God has done and forward to what He will do, which empowers us to live now with joy and peace. This is what it means to have a living hope.

Darrell

In the next post, I’ll put some biblical commentary for a deeper dive.

www.Upwards.Church

Message Audio/Video and Outline: https://upwards.church/leander-campus/watch-now-message-videos

Watch Messages: YouTube-Upwards Church

Facebook: Upwards Church

Read Along Daily Bible Reading: YouVersion (https://www.bible.com/organizations/370f8a6e-16bc-464f-8c43-0b7623fd2952)

Sources:

Bruce B. Barton et al., Life Application Bible Commentary – 1 & 2 Peter and Jude, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1995), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “1 PETER 1”.

LifeWay Christian Resources http://www.biblestudiesforlife.com

Posted in Resilient Faith - 1 & 2 Peter | Tagged 1 Peter, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Born again, hope, Jesus, living hope, new birth, persecution, perseverance, salvation, suffering, trials | Leave a comment

Resilient Faith – 1 Peter 1:1

Posted on October 28, 2025 by dkoop

Remember when the opposition began? At first, they were subtle—your friends decided that going to church was “stupid.” The later years, you found that your Christian lifestyle contrasted sharply with that of most of your peers, and often they would make fun of your purity and stand for Christ. As you grew in age and experience, you discovered that the attacks increased, especially when you spoke up against wrongdoing, took time to help those in need, and shared your faith. Your strong witness by life and word cost you friends and threatened your job.
Regardless of your personal persecution, you probably have not come close to what first-century believers experienced. A quick perusal of Acts will reveal stonings, beatings, imprisonments, murderous plots, and executions—all for spreading the truth about Christ. Some of the most severe of the persecutions came at the hands of Nero. This Roman emperor became obsessed with eliminating Christians and their faith. The Roman historian Tacitus said, “Besides being put to death, [Christians] were made to serve as objects of amusement; they were clad in the hides of beasts and torn to death by dogs; others were crucified, others set on fire to serve to illuminate the night when daylight failed” (Annals 15.44). The price for following Christ was high.
First Peter was written to persecuted Christians, to those living in Rome and throughout the Roman province of Asia. This letter encourages believers to remain strong; it explains how to live during difficult times; it offers hope to all who suffer for the faith. First Peter speaks to believers in all ages—those in the first century and in our century. God tells us how to respond to our tough times, especially when we are persecuted for what we believe. Read 1 Peter and discover courage, strength, and hope.

Verse 1: Peter: apostle of Christ, one of the original twelve disciples, outspoken leader, and courageous preacher.
We first meet Peter when his brother, Andrew, brings him to Jesus (John 1:40–42). The sons of John (John 1:42; 21:15–17) and probably from Bethsaida in Galilee (John 1:44), Peter and his brother were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16) and partners of James and John (Luke 5:10). Peter and Andrew first followed John the Baptist. When John pointed out Jesus as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29), Andrew accepted his teacher’s testimony and immediately left to get his brother, Simon, to introduce him to the Messiah. Jesus addressed Andrew’s brother as “Simon” and then changed his name to “Peter,” meaning “rock” or “stone” (John 1:42).

Peter addressed his letter to the churches located throughout Bithynia, Pontus, Asia, Galatia, and Cappadocia. Paul had evangelized many of these areas; other areas had churches that were begun by the Jews who were in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, heard Peter’s powerful sermon, became Christians, and returned home with the gospel (see Acts 2:9–11).

This initial encounter seems to have had little effect on Peter because he returned to Capernaum to continue his vocation as a fisherman, perhaps awaiting further instructions. Subsequently, Jesus twice called Peter to follow him. The call first occurred on the Sea of Galilee, where the four business partners were fishing together. They left their nets to “fish for people” (Matthew 4:18–22). The second, confirming call occurred when Jesus selected the Twelve (Mark 3:13–19).
Almost immediately, Peter assumed the unofficial role of leader of the disciples. He regularly served as their spokesman and is named first in all the lists (see, for example, Matthew 14:28; 15:15; 18:21; 26:35, 40; Mark 8:29; 9:5; 10:28; John 6:68). More than likely, Peter’s leadership arose from his character and personality. Totally devoted to his Lord, Peter enthusiastically spoke out and took the lead.

Belonging to the inner circle of disciples and being a powerful force in the early church, Peter is mentioned in the New Testament more often than all of the other eleven put together. Peter was present when Jesus raised Jairus’s daughter from the dead. He also was privileged to be one of just four to hear Jesus’ discourse on the fall of Jerusalem and the end of the world (Mark 13:3ff). He and only two others (James and John) were at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1) and were very close to Jesus in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). Peter and one other disciple (John) were sent to prepare for the Last Supper (Luke 22:8). Peter also was present when Christ gave the great commission (Matthew 28:16–20) and when he ascended into heaven (Luke 24:44–53).
Although Jesus had renamed him “rock,” at first Peter was anything but rock solid. Impulsive, he often spoke without thinking (see, for example, his rebuke of Christ in Matthew 16:22 and his comments after the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:4), and he jumped to defend Jesus with a sword (John 18:10). Despite his best intentions, Peter tended to respond quite poorly under pressure, falling asleep in the garden during Jesus’ most difficult hour (Matthew 26:40–41) and vehemently denying the Lord when accused of being his follower (Matthew 26:69–74).

Peter’s life provides strong testimony to the reality of the Resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit. Consider the great contrast between his earlier pattern as leader of the disciples and his later actions as leader of the early church. Peter preached boldly and powerfully, at Pentecost (Acts 2) and beyond. Jailed and then warned by the Jewish religious leaders not to preach about Jesus, Peter did so anyway (Acts 4:13–20). Later, Peter was jailed again, this time by civil authorities. Herod already had executed James, and Peter would be next. But God miraculously released Peter, who continued to minister in Jesus’ name (Acts 12:1–19).Other significant events in the life and ministry of Peter include: leading the disciples through the process of choosing a successor to Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15–26), condemning Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1–11), denouncing Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:18–23), healing Aeneas and restoring Tabitha to life (Acts 9:34–40), baptizing the first Gentile Christians (Cornelius and his household, Acts 10), and participating significantly in the Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1–11).
At first, Peter ministered exclusively among the Jews (Acts 1:1–5:41). But that began to change when persecution against Christians intensified in Jerusalem. At this time, many Christians scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, but they preached the gospel as they went, and many Samaritans responded (Acts 8:4–8). Soon thereafter, Peter and John were sent to verify that, in fact, the conversions were real (Acts 8:14–25), and Peter’s ministry began to expand. Not long afterward, on a journey throughout the country, teaching believers, healing the sick, and telling the Good News about God’s salvation, Peter received a vision from God (Acts 9:32–10:16). Through this vision, Peter realized that Gentiles were no longer to be considered “unclean” and should be told about Christ. Thus, when invited by Roman servants to come to the home of Cornelius, the centurion, Peter agreed and traveled to Caesarea. There, in the home of this Roman soldier, Peter preached and then witnessed the power of God transform these uncircumcised Gentiles (Acts 10:22–48). Later, when Peter explained his actions, the apostles and others praised God (Acts 11:18). Peter learned from personal experience that God’s message was for all the world. Later, Peter seems to have become an intermediary between the two main factions of the early church: Jewish Christianity, centered in Jerusalem, and the ministry to the Gentiles, championed by Paul (see Acts 15:6–11).

As described above, after the Ascension, Peter’s early ministry was focused in Jerusalem. But then he seems to have traveled beyond, perhaps even to Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1:1), the areas mentioned as destinations for this epistle. Eventually, Peter traveled to Rome, where he ministered among the beleaguered believers. This must have occurred after Paul’s first imprisonment (A.D. 59–62), for Paul’s prison epistles make no mention of Peter. This letter probably was written around A.D. 64, just before the terrible persecution of Christians by Emperor Nero (A.D. 65–67). Strong tradition holds that Peter was executed in Rome by Nero in A.D. 67, crucified upside down, feeling that he was unworthy to die as Jesus had. Jesus’ words to Peter in John 21:18–19 seem to imply a death by crucifixion, but no historical proof has been found to confirm this tradition.
By God’s mercy, Peter became a fearless and outspoken servant of his risen Lord, eventually dying for his faith. God changed this man, and he can change you, too, into a rock-solid witness for Christ!
That Peter wrote this book bearing his name is attested to by its content. Reminiscences of personal acquaintance with Christ fill this letter (for example, compare 5:5 with John 13:3–5). The content of this epistle also seems to parallel Peter’s speeches recorded in Acts. Compare, for example, 1:17 with Acts 10:34; 1:21 with Acts 2:32–36 and Acts 10:40; and 2:7–8 with Acts 4:10–11.

Written from Rome in about A.D. 64.
According to the unanimous testimony of the early church, Peter ministered in Rome until his martyrdom. Peter wrote this letter from Rome, around A.D. 64, just before the intense persecution of the church under Nero. Rome was the capital city of the vast and mighty Roman Empire, which stretched from Britain to Arabia. With a population of approximately one million, Rome was the diplomatic and trade center of the world and the largest city.

At first, Christianity was tolerated in Rome as a sect of Judaism. But in the last few years of Emperor Nero’s reign (he ruled from A.D. 54 until his death in 68), he authorized capturing, torturing, and killing Christians. In A.D. 64, a large part of Rome was destroyed by fire, probably started at Nero’s order. The emperor publicly accused the Christians in the city, giving him an excuse for terrible atrocities, including throwing believers to wild dogs in the Colosseum, as a spectator sport. During these terrible persecutions, believers were forced to choose between the emperor and Christ; those who chose Christ often died for their faith. Both Paul and Peter are believed to have been victims of Nero’s reign of terror.

Certainly Peter would have seen the mounting persecution, leading him, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to warn believers of “many trials” (1:6), beatings “for doing right” (2:20), suffering “for doing what is right” (3:14, 17), participating “with Christ in his suffering” (4:13), and suffering “according to God’s will” (4:19). With all these warnings, Peter includes words of encouragement and hope (1:7–9; 4:12–19; 5:10–11) and instructions for how to live (1:13–21; 2:1–3, 11–25; 3:1–17; 4:1–11; 5:1–9).

Verse 1
The opening sentence of 1 Peter identifies the audience as “God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners” in other lands. This phrase and the numerous Old Testament quotes have led many to believe that Peter was writing to Jewish Christians. This probably is not the case, however. Most likely, Peter was writing to Christians of all nationalities.
Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1:1) refer to formerly independent territories in northern Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Since 130 B.C., all of these territories had been under Roman control. The population was a mix of many races and cultures, including the native peoples, cultured Greeks, Orientals, and Jews. At the end of the first century A.D., the total population of these five huge provinces was approximately 8.5 million, one million of whom were Jews and eighty thousand, Christians. Luke explains in Acts that Paul did not minister in these northern provinces on any of his missionary journeys. On one occasion, he was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to travel there and directed, instead, to Troas and then to Macedonia (Acts 16:6–12). How this area was evangelized is unknown; perhaps it was through Peter, who may have traveled there with his wife (see 1 Corinthians 9:5) after the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1–29), or perhaps through the scattering of the believers.

Peter’s letter overflows with feelings of triumph in adversity, looking forward to God’s glorious future. Even as they were suffering, believers could have the confident assurance of God’s work in their lives and of their ultimate salvation.
Peter provides a powerful example of an encourager. He was not writing from a secure location, removed from the hardships of Roman life. Peter lived at the center of the persecution; yet, as he had for decades, he continued to preach courageously about his risen Lord until he, too, became a victim of Nero’s murderous schemes. Despite personal hardships, Peter, like Paul, wrote to encourage others, to build them up in their faith, and to give them direction and guidance. In your struggles, do you look inward or outward? Do you tend to feel sorry for yourself or to encourage others?

www.Upwards.Church

Message Audio/Video and Outline: https://upwards.church/leander-campus/watch-now-message-videos

Watch Messages: YouTube-Upwards Church

Facebook: Upwards Church

Read Along Daily Bible Reading: YouVersion (https://www.bible.com/organizations/370f8a6e-16bc-464f-8c43-0b7623fd2952)

Source: Bruce Barton et al., Life Application New Testament Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2001), 1095–1098.

Posted in Resilient Faith - 1 & 2 Peter | Tagged 1 Peter, Asia, believers, encourage, Nero, persecution, Peter, Rome | Leave a comment

You’re Invited! Resilient Faith – 1 & 2 Peter

Posted on October 24, 2025 by dkoop

You’re invited to our new message series: Resilient Faith (1-2 Peter)

Description: Life is hard. We all struggle and suffer. As followers of Jesus we often feel like we live in a hostile environment toxic to our faith. This series from 1 and 2 Peter shows us how we can have a resilient faith despite hardship, doubt, persecution and false teaching. Because of Jesus, a resilient faith can be ours. He gives us a faith that stands the tests of life.

Dates Titles Scripture

Oct. 26 – A Living Hope (1 Peter 1)

Nov. 2 – Grow Up in Your Salvation (1 Peter 2)
Nov. 9 – Resilient Marriage (1 Peter 3)
Nov. 16 – Resilient Leadership (1 Peter 5)
Nov. 23 –Stand on God’s Word (2 Peter 1)
Nov. 30 –Stand Ready for Christ’s Return (2 Peter 3) Thanksgiving Weekend

Introduction:

Crushed, overwhelmed, devastated, torn—these waves of feelings wash over those who suffer, obliterating hope and threatening to destroy them. Suffering has many forms—physical abuse, debilitating disease, social ostracism, persecution. The pain and anguish tempt a person to turn back, to surrender, to give in.

Many first-century followers of Christ were suffering and being abused and persecuted for believing in and obeying Jesus. Beginning in Jerusalem at the hands of their Jewish brothers, the persecution spread to the rest of the world—wherever Christians gathered. It climaxed when Rome determined to rid the empire of the “Christ-ones”—those who would not bow to Caesar.

Peter knew persecution firsthand. Beaten and jailed, he had been threatened often. He had seen fellow Christians die and the church scattered. But he knew Christ, and nothing could shake his confidence in his risen Lord. So Peter wrote to the church scattered and suffering for the faith, giving comfort and hope, and urging continued loyalty to Christ.

Peter begins by thanking God for salvation (1:2–6). He explains to his readers that trials will refine their faith (1:7–9). They should believe in spite of their circumstances; for many in past ages believed in God’s plan of salvation, even the prophets of old who wrote about it but didn’t understand it. But now salvation has been revealed in Christ (1:10–13).

In response to such a great salvation, Peter commands them to live holy lives (1:14–16), to reverently fear and trust God (1:17–21), to be honest and loving (1:22–2:1), and to become like Christ (2:1–3).

Jesus Christ, as “the living cornerstone” upon whom the church is to be built (2:4, 6), is also the stone that was rejected, causing those who are disobedient to stumble and fall (2:7, 8). But the church, built upon this stone, is to be God’s royal priesthood (2:9, 10).

Next, Peter explains how believers should live during difficult times (2:11–4:11). Christians should be above reproach (2:12–17), imitating Christ in all their social roles—masters and servants, husbands and wives, church members and neighbors (2:18–3:17). Christ should be our model for obedience to God in the midst of great suffering (3:18–4:11).

Peter then outlines the right attitude to have about persecution: Expect it (4:12), be thankful for the privilege of suffering for Christ (4:13–18), and trust God for deliverance (4:19).

Next, Peter gives some special instructions: Elders should care for God’s flock (5:1–4), younger men should be submissive to those who are older (5:5, 6), and everyone should trust God and resist Satan (5:7–11).

Peter concludes by introducing Silas and by sending personal greetings, possibly from the church in Rome, and from Mark (5:12–14).

When you suffer for doing what is right, remember that following Christ is a costly commitment. When persecuted for your faith, rejoice that you have been counted worthy to suffer for your Lord. He suffered for us; as his followers, we should expect nothing less. As you read 1 Peter, remember that trials will come to refine your faith. When they come, remain faithful to God.

Vital Statistics

Purpose: To offer encouragement to suffering Christians

Author: Peter

Original Audience: Jewish Christians driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor

Date Written: Approximately A.D. 62–64, possibly from Rome

Setting: Peter was probably in Rome when the great persecution under Emperor Nero began. (Eventually Peter was executed during this persecution.) Throughout the Roman Empire, Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith, and the church in Jerusalem was being scattered.

Key Verse: “These trials will show that your faith is genuine.… So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (1:7).

Key People: Peter, Silas, Mark

Key Places: Jerusalem, Rome, and the regions of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia Minor, and Bithynia

Special Features: Peter used several images that were very special to him because Jesus had used them when he had revealed certain truths to Peter. Peter’s name (which means “rock”) had been given to him by Jesus. Peter’s conception of the church—a spiritual house composed of living stones built upon Christ as the foundation—had come from Christ. Jesus had encouraged Peter to care for the church as a shepherd tending the flock. Thus, it is not surprising to see Peter using living stones 2:5–9) and shepherds and sheep (2:25; 5:2, 4) to describe the church.

1. God’s great blessings to his people (1:1–2:10)

2. The conduct of God’s people in the midst of suffering (2:11–4:19)

3. The shepherding of God’s people in the midst of suffering (5:1–14)

Peter wrote to Jewish Christians who were experiencing persecution for their faith. He wrote to comfort them with the hope of eternal life and to challenge them to continue living holy lives. Those who suffer for being Christians become partners with Christ in his suffering. As we suffer, we must remember that Christ is both our hope in the midst of suffering and our example of how to endure suffering faithfully.

MEGATHEMES
THEME	EXPLANATION	IMPORTANCE
Salvation	Our salvation is a gracious gift from God. God chose us out of his love for us, Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin, and the Holy Spirit cleansed us from sin when we believed. Eternal life is a wonderful gift for those who trust in Christ.	Our safety and security are in God. If we experience joy in relationship with Christ now, how much greater will our joy be when he returns and we see him face to face. Such a hope should motivate us to serve Christ with greater commitment.
Persecution	Peter offers faithful believers comfort and hope. We should expect ridicule, rejection, and suffering because we are Christians. Persecution makes us stronger because it refines our faith. We can face persecution victoriously, as Christ did, if we rely on him.	Christians still suffer for what they believe. We should expect persecution, but we don’t have to be terrified by it. The fact that we will live eternally with Christ should give us the confidence, patience, and hope to stand firm even when we are persecuted.
God’s Family	We are privileged to belong to God’s family, a community with Christ as the founder and foundation. Everyone in this community is related—we are all brothers and sisters, loved equally by God.	Because Christ is the foundation of our family, we must be devoted, loyal, and faithful to him. By obeying him, we show that we are his children. We must accept the challenge to live differently from the society around us.
Family Life	Peter encouraged the wives of unbelievers to submit to their husbands’ authority as a means of winning them to Christ. He urged all family members to treat others with sympathy, love, compassion, and humility.	We must treat our families lovingly. Though it’s never easy, willing service is the best way to influence loved ones. To gain the strength we need for self-discipline and submission, we need to pray for God’s help.
Judgment	God will judge everyone with perfect justice. We all will face God. He will punish evildoers and those who persecute God’s people. Those who love him will be rewarded with life forever in his presence.	Because all are accountable to God, we can leave judgment of others to him. We must not hate or resent those who persecute us. We should realize that we will be held responsible for how we live each day.