1 Peter

Written by Petros (Peter). Petros was one of Yeshua’s closest disciples. A fisherman who left everything behind to follow the man he thought was the Jewish Messiah. Yeshua gave him the name Cephas. Both Cephas (Hebrew) and Petros (Greek) mean rock. Despite denying Yeshua three times on the night he was betrayed, he was still the only other person who ever walked on water, and Yeshua also gave him the keys of the kingdom of the heavens. (What do you think that means?) Peter went on to be a leader in the early church, particularly to Jews living outside of Israel..
We think Peter wrote these two letters around 60AD.
Peter doesn’t say where he was, but traditionally it has been thought he wrote this letter from Rome.
Peter says he is writing to the “selected expatriates of the dispersion”. So, Christian Jews scattered around the world. But in particular to those in Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia - all in the area which is modern Turkey.
Probably those scattered from Jerusalem from the persecution mentioned in Acts 8


	1 Peter
	Who, When, Where
	Written by Petros (Peter). Petros was one of Yeshua’s closest disciples. A fisherman who left everything behind to follow the man he thought was the Jewish Messiah. Yeshua gave him the name Cephas. Both Cephas (Hebrew) and Petros (Greek) mean rock. Despite denying Yeshua three times on the night he was betrayed, he was still the only other person who ever walked on water, and Yeshua also gave him the keys of the kingdom of the heavens. (What do you think that means?) Peter went on to be a leader in the early church, particularly to Jews living outside of Israel.. We think Peter wrote these two letters around 60AD. Peter doesn’t say where he was, but traditionally it has been thought he wrote this letter from Rome. Peter says he is writing to the “selected expatriates of the dispersion”. So, Christian Jews scattered around the world. But in particular to those in Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia - all in the area which is modern Turkey. Probably those scattered from Jerusalem from the persecution mentioned in Acts 8
	Summary
	An encouragement to persecuted Christians living in exile to live good lives in front of their “hosts” and to be willing to give an answer for their beliefs. To talk the talk and walk the walk. Including a reminder of what Christian marriage looks like and how God’s values are different from those of the world around us. And finally an encouragement to endure suffering and to use the gifts we have for the benefit of those around us.
	Before You Read
	How special are you to God? How should Christians behave when they live in foreign countries? Does that include you, where you live now? What should we do if we are persecuted? What is the foundation for a Christian marriage, how should that look? What do you think the qualifications for church leaders should be?
	Key Verses
	1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Christians are royal priests, holy, God’s special possession. Wow. 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart the Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Always be prepared to give an answer. What would you say? Why do you have the hope you have? 1 Peter 3:18 For the Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, This is one of the clearest statements of why Yeshua, the son of God, died. 1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. We have each received a special gift… but not for our own benefit. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Cast all your anxiety on him… all. Do you? Or do you hang on to it sometimes? Or are you casting your anxiety on someone else? How is that working for you?
	After You Read
	What verses really stood out to you? How would you summarize this book in a sentence or two? What is it about? What is God trying to say to us? How do you measure up against 1 Peter? How are you doing as a Christian living in a non-Christian world? How is the book of 1 Peter like the book of Jeremiah? Especially chapter 2.