1 Peter Study Guide for Leaders
written by Christine Lee
Table of Contents
Introduction
Authorship
The letter itself identifies “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ” (1:1) as the author. However, as long as there has been critical scholarship, there has been debate about the authorship of 1 Peter. Pseudepigraphy was not an uncommon practice in the early church. Those who deny Petrine authorship point to factors such as: the quality of the Greek (would an “unschooled” fisherman have such a elegant and fine style of Greek?), the presence of “Paulinisms” (expressions and ideas that were common to the apostle Paul), the probability of a relationship between Peter as an “apostle to the Jews” to an audience comprised primarily of Gentiles, and the development of Christian thought present that is some think is more appropriate to a time several decades after Peter’s death. Those who affirm Petrine authorship place the burden of proof on those who deny it, given the self-identification of Peter as the author. They would say that if the burden of proof is not strong or airtight enough to prove otherwise, than one can reasonably accept Peter as the author. For those interested in further discussion on the reasons for and against Petrine authorship, consult J. Ramsey Michaels or Peter David’s commentaries.
One theory is that 1 Peter was a semi-official communication from the church in Rome to a wide circle of congregations and as such, it didn’t have to be written by Peter personally. The elegant style of Greek might have been the work of a professional to whom Peter made his ideas known (some conjecture that it could have been Silvanus, mentioned in 1 Peter 5:12) and whose finished work Peter approved. For our purposes here, we will refer to the author as Peter in the study guide.
Date
Possible dates of 1 Peter range anywhere from A.D. 62 (before his supposed date of martyrdom) to A.D. 96 (Clement already referenced 1 Peter at this time). Questions about the exact date primarily revolve around when the persecution Peter references occurred. His encouragement to compliance with the government lead some to believe that this could not have been during the time of the outright persecution of Christians during Nero’s reign or the end of Domitian’s reign. It is possible that the letter was written at the outset of persecution under Nero as an early strategy for coping with the state. Some think that the persecution might have been primarily on a local, social level rather than a result of imperial policy.
Recipients
The recipients of 1 Peter are clearly addressed in 1:1, “God’s chosen ones…in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.” These were Christians living in the northwest part of Asia Minor bordering the Black Sea. It is unclear who first brought the gospel to these believers. Paul had established churches in the southern area of Galatia, but as Luke tells us in Acts 16:6-10 “the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to enter” Asia and Bithynia. The readers seem to be primarily Gentile Christians, though there was likely a mix of Gentile and Jewish Christians. References such as 1:14, 1:18, 2:9-10, 2:25, 4:3-4 talk about a “former ignorance”, an “empty”, “pagan” way of life, which would not have been the case for religious Jews.
Some have also argued that the term translated “aliens” or “strangers” (1:1) is not just a spiritual metaphor for these early believers, but that it referred to their social status as well. J.H. Elliot is the primary commentator who put forth this view. He believes that the recipients were a socially marginalized group of people who were temporary residents or aliens, with no citizenship and rights thereof. The message that they were chosen to be members of God’s family would have had particular resonance with them.
Purpose
The purpose of 1 Peter is to encourage Christians to live with faithfulness to the gospel, holiness in life and love for others, so our society can see the glory of God. Our presence in the world is rooted in our identity as the people of God - chosen, called and saved by him. As “elect aliens”, we belong to God’s family and yet we are sojourners in the world. While we may experience difficulty and suffering as a result of our identity, it is this very truth that leads us into God’s mission and being the presence of Jesus in the various spheres of our world.
Week of January 10-16: 1 Peter 1:1-19
Peter begins his letter by reminding his readers of their identity, who they are in God and what he has done for them in Christ. It is this reality that defines and sustains them in the world, and also gives perspective on their suffering. They now had the results of salvation in their lives, which inevitably grates against a sinful society.
Opening questions:
1. How would you describe the word “salvation” to someone who may have heard the word before but doesn’t understand what it means?
2. What does it mean to be citizens of the kingdom of God?
Discussion/reflection questions:
1. What does it mean to be “the elect” (vs. 1)
How does God electing (or choosing) you express his love and compassion?
2. What does it mean to be an “alien” or “exile”?
How does the idea of being an alien – a citizen of a different kingdom – resonate with you? How does it feel abstract?
3. What are the implications of being “elect aliens”, belonging to God’s family yet being aliens/exiles/sojourners in our society?
How do you experience the tension of your Christian identity as an “elect alien” in the context of your work? Social circles? Family relationships?
4. What does verse 2 say about the purpose of our election? What does that mean?
Where you have become too “at home” in this world? How does that compete with the purpose of our election?
5. What is the “living hope” into which we were born (vs. 3)? How does Christ’s resurrection from the dead giving us this living hope?
Can you think of examples, from your life or others, where the reality that Jesus has been raised “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion” (Eph. 1:21) give you concrete hope?
What does it look like for hope to transform the way you live?
6. What is our “inheritance” (vs. 4)? How does Peter describe our inheritance?
How do the words “imperishable,” “undefiled” and “unfading” contrast with the things we tend to put our hope in?
7. What is different about the way Peter uses the term “salvation” in this passage (vv. 5, 9)?
8. What reason does Peter give for the trials in our lives (vs. 7)?
How have you seen your faith in Christ tested recently?
9. How is the “inexpressible joy” in verse 8 manifested in your life? What things in your life, or issues of identity, subdue that joy?
Suggestions for Prayer:
• Spend time blessing God and praising him for his salvation.
• Ask God to open the eyes of your heart “so that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Eph. 1:18-19)
• Pray for God’s grace and courage to live out our identity as “elect aliens” in the contexts we live in.
Week of January 17-23: Peter 1:13-25
This passage is a call to holiness as a response to the hymn of praise in 1:3-12, blessing God for his salvation. The previous passage expressed who we are as “elect aliens,” what God has done for us and what he is doing in us. As a result, we are to live lives of holiness and love, in response to and because of the death and resurrection of Jesus for our sakes.
Opening questions:
1. Do a free association with the word “holy.” What ideas, images, people come to mind?
2. Think of someone you know who you would describe as holy, in the biblical, desirable sense and not the negative, cynical sense. What is that person like?
Discussion/reflection questions:
1. What is the “grace” that Peter is referring to in verse 13? How can something in the future impact the way you live in the present?
2. Peter exhorts the believers to set their hope “fully”, wholly, completely, on this grace. Is there anything that you are setting your hope in that is not Jesus?
3. What does it mean to “prepare our minds for action” and “be sober-minded”? What is the connection between the two?
How does this help us set our hope fully on Jesus?
4. What causes your mind to be un-alert and unclear spiritually? How does your mind get spiritually sluggish and foggy with other things?
5. Rather than being conformed to our previous desires, this passage calls us to be conformed to God’s character, to be holy because God is holy. Why is our “similarity” in this to God so important to him?
6. What does it mean to be “holy”? What does it look like to live a holy life?
What beliefs and assumptions in our society make it difficult to live a holy life? What are some of the challenges you face personally in living a holy life?
7. What does it mean to “fear” God? How have we in the church abused this idea of fear, and how have we dismissed it?
8. What is the significance of verses 18 and 19 to living our lives with the fear of God? What effect or impact do those verses have on you?
9. The first part of verse 22 and verse 23 is a reference to our conversion through the life-giving and creative word of God. What is the connection between our conversion and the command that follows, to “love one another earnestly from the heart”?
What does it look like, concretely, to “love one another earnestly from the heart”? What kind of attitudes, perspectives and behavior would come from this kind of love? How can we foster that kind of love at All Angels’?
Suggestions for Prayer:
• Spend time thanking God for redeeming us through the precious blood of Jesus.
• Repent of those things that have kept you from setting your hope fully on Jesus.
• Ask God for his love and power to live as he has called you to live – in holiness and love for others.
Week of January 24-30: 1 Peter 2:1-10
As a result of being born again, we are called to get rid of the things that hinder love in our community, and to long for those things that help us “grow up” together spiritually. We have been chosen by God to be a holy priesthood that reflects and proclaims his glory in the world.
Opening question:
When you reflect on the idea of “spiritual growth,” do you think of it as primarily as something individual, or as corporate/collective? Why is that?
Discussion/reflection questions:
1. What are the implications of a life filled with the things listed in 2:1?
• kakia: “malice, ill will,” the force that destroys fellowship
• dolos: “deceit, guile, stealth,” being less than honest and truthful
• hypokrisis – “hypocrisy, insincerity,” inconsistency between belief and practice
• phthonos – “envy, jealousy,” inability to rejoice in the blessing and success of others
Which of these things do you have most difficulty with? How have you seen this stifle your spiritual growth?
2. What does it mean to “grow up into salvation”? (The growth Peter is talking about may include individual growth, but in context is talking about corporate growth.) Are there other analogies of growth that can give us insight into this?
3. Think about what milk does for an infant in the early stages of life. What can we gather are the things that make up the “pure, spiritual milk” Peter is referring to?
4. When Peter talks about being like newborn infants, he is not referring to being baby Christians; he is talking about the manner in which they long for pure, spiritual milk. What would a community that had this intense spiritual longing be like?
How can we cultivate that longing as a group, and in our larger church?
5. What are the two ways that people encounter Jesus, the living Stone, in this passage?
The theme of being rejected by people and being chosen by God are prominent in this passage as it relates to Jesus and as it relates to the church. What about this encourages you? Disturbs you?
6. What does it mean for us to be “living stones that are being built up as a spiritual house”? What spiritual truths does this image convey?
7. Continuing in the imagery of the temple, Peter says that we are a “holy priesthood”. What is the role and function of the priesthood? What do priests do?
Do you have difficulty thinking of yourself as part of a holy priesthood? If so, why?
8. Looking at verses 9 and 10, what is the primary purpose of the church? What does this mean concretely?
How can we live this out individually and corporately? Is there anything would we do differently?
Suggestions for Prayer:
• Praise God for the ways in which he has called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.
• Pray for the witness of All Angels’ Church and the larger church in New York City.
• Ask God for boldness, love, joy and courage as we go out as his priests into the marketplace, our families, our communities, and our world.
Week of January 31-February 6: 1 Peter 2:9-3:7
This is a difficult and controversial passage, especially for 21st century Western Christians living in a democratic and individualistic society, a world vastly different than the ancient world of 1 Peter. We must acknowledge that passages such as these have been used to justify horrible evils in the past. It is important for us to look at this passage in its context, understanding that with all of our personal/cultural baggage and lenses, it is difficult for us to hear it as the original readers would have. That said, there are still important truths for us to receive about living as Christians within the various spheres of our society, along with raising important questions that we will continue to wrestle with.
Keep in mind that Peter’s primary concern in this passage is not about defending or opposing the evils of slavery, nor defining gender roles for all times and in all cultures. Peter is speaking to a scattered group of socially marginalized, persecuted people from a new religious “sect” trying to figure out their collective identity in society for the first time. How should a Christian live under imperial rule? How should a Christian slave relate to his or her master, both the good and the bad ones? (**See note on slavery) How should a Christian wife relate to her non-believing husband, when worshipping in a different religion than her husband would have been viewed as an act of insubordination?
Keep in mind as well that for these early Christians, many of whom were used to being subject to these higher authorities, the message of freedom in Christ was exhilarating and liberating. However, this freedom was also used and abused as a pretext for inappropriate and sinful behavior. We see this being addressed in some of Paul’s letters as well, most notably to the church in Corinth.
**Note: Slavery in the ancient world shared some similarities with modern slavery, but also had vast differences. It was not racially based. It was not a permanent condition of life and there was the opportunity for freedom and Roman citizenship after a period of time. They could own property. Education was encouraged with some slaves being better educated than their masters. The occupations of slaves were diverse, including doctors, teachers, writers, accountants, secretaries and sea-captains. While slavery should not be defended on any ground, we must also acknowledge that it differed in significant ways than modern slavery.
Opening questions:
What do you think of or what do you feel when you hear the word “submit”?
How have the personal, ethnic, or societal contexts that you’ve grown up in affected your understanding of the word “submission”?
Background on the word “submit”:
The Greek word for “submit” is a combination of hypo (meaning ‘under’) and tasso (to order, place, appoint). While we cannot determine the meaning of the word solely on the basis of its roots, it can give us some insight into the meaning of the verb, according to Scott McKnight, “to order oneself under or according to a given relationship,” “to live according to the governmental order.”
A Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility and carrying a burden.” (from the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament)
Discussion/reflection questions:
Note: Given the length and complexity of this passage, there are four sets of questions provided. The first set gives a broad “bird-eye” view of the passage. The following three sets look at the various categories of people addressed. You will likely not have time to cover all of these questions, but may want to choose a few from the broad overview, and then focus on one particular group for discussion. People can feel free to take these questions and reflect further on their own, or your group can return to another category on a different week. I’d also suggest printing out copies of this passage that I sent you in its entirety for the group.
Broad Questions
1. Read the entire passage through and identify:
• What is Peter’s primary concern in this passage?
• Who are the four groups of people (or relationships) that Peter is addressing?
2. How do verses 9 through 12 frame and inform the rest of the passage? How do the exhortations to submit relate to these verses?
3. Why would Peter tell persecuted Christians living under imperial rule, slaves and wives to submit to their government leaders, masters and husbands when this was already the obvious and expected thing for them to do?
Another way of getting at this: From a first century perspective, these various social groups were at the bottom of the ladder and did not have personal “rights” in our modern of understanding of the word. As part of one of these social groups, what might have been surprising or empowering for you in hearing this portion of Peter’s letter?
4. What are the reasons and motivations that Peter gives for submitting to these authorities?
5. Taking a step back from this passage and thinking about our context today, when might submission be an inappropriate Christian response in the context of these social relationships? Are there other biblical passages or truths that support this?
6. What are the ways that the church has been co-opted by our culture when it comes to the idea of submission?
7. Where are some areas in your life that you sense God is calling you to submit?
Topical Questions
Government
• How does he apply living as God’s people to civil authorities?
• What is the expectation for governing authorities?
• What does it look like for Christians to “do good” in society?
• How are we expected to use our freedom?
• Is there anything that strikes you as subversive in verse 17 with regard to honoring the emperor?
• When is it appropriate to disobey civil authority?
• What is your attitude toward our governing authorities? How does being a Christian impact the way we react and respond to our government that might be different than the rest of our world?
• What are some ways that we can “do good” in our communities?
Slaves
• How does addressing submission to unjust masters give Peter’s audience perspective?
• Why does God call some into this type of suffering?
• How did Jesus respond to unjust authority, and why did he respond in this way?
• How did Jesus’ death change our relationship with sin? What ability did we attain?
• Where in your life are you subject to authority that is unjust or unfair?
• How does your reaction to authority proclaim the gospel to those observing?
• What does it look like for you to entrust yourself to God in the midst of unfair treatment?
Wives and Husband
• Why do biblical statements about wives submitting to their husbands stir up so much controversy?
• What reason does Peter give for wives submitting to their husbands in this passage?
• How have you seen conduct have a greater effect than words? How can this apply beyond the marriage relationship?
• How does Peter’s exhortation to wives in verses 3 and 4 speak against the prevailing standards for women in our culture?
• What does it mean to have “gentle and quiet (or peaceful) spirit”? What does it NOT mean?
• What are some of the things that women at that time might have “feared”(vs. 6b)? How would that fear have been addressed and subdued by godly submission?
• How do you think 1st century men would have reacted to Peter’s exhortation in verse 7 regarding their wives? How would this have been countercultural in those days?
• What does it mean for husbands to live with their wives “in an understanding way”? What would this look like practically?
• Despite some interpretations of verse 7, “the weaker vessel” means to be physically weaker and lack the advantages that men have. What reason does Peter give for husbands to honor their wives?
• Think about what it means to be “co-heirs of the grace of life.” How would this impact the way not only spouses view and treat each other, but brothers and sisters in Christ, both married and single?
Suggestions for Prayer:
• Pray that God would glorify himself through our lives in our communities, workplaces, homes and relationships.
• Pray for the presence and power of Jesus to influence and transform the lives and decisions of our government leaders, employers, spouses, and loved ones.
• Pray that the spirit of wisdom, humility and courage, would rest on us as we seek to respond appropriately within the various spheres of our lives.
Week of February 7-13: 1 Peter 4:12-19
As we approach this passage, it is important for us to remember the distinction between general suffering in life that can happen to everyone, and suffering that comes specifically because of the gospel and one’s commitment to Christ. In this passage, Peter frames suffering as something common to the followers of Jesus, a way of identifying more deeply with him that leads to worship and glorifying him.
Opening question:
How are suffering and worship related?
Discussion/reflection questions:
1. Why does Peter tell his audience not to be surprised at the “fiery trials” they are experiencing (vs. 12)?
How do your expectations about what life should be like prepare – or not prepare – you for suffering well?
2. What reasons does Peter give for rejoicing and worshiping in the midst of suffering?
3. How does shame (loss of honor/esteem) play into your willingness to suffer for Christ?
4. What are some examples of times when we look at suffering as a result of sin and call it suffering for Jesus?
5. Is there a difference between “suffering” for taking a stance that stems from your Christian convictions (e.g. political views, homosexuality, etc.) and suffering for the gospel, or is it the same thing?
6. What are some examples of how Christians “suffer” or are “shamed” in our society because of the gospel and their identification with Jesus? Have you ever had any experiences with being shamed or “losing honor” because of your commitment to Christ?
7. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
“Our lack of suffering is, in part, due to a lack of nerve on the part of the church to challenge our contemporary world with the message of the cross and to live according to the teachings of Jesus with uncompromising rigor. While the Bible never states that every Christian of every age will always suffer, Paul does state that ‘everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted’ (2 Tim. 3:12). I take this to be not an absolute prediction by Paul for all ages, but a general principle rooted in the nature of a fallen world… As a guiding principle, those who live faithful lives in an unbelieving world will find opposition to both their ideas and their practices.”
-Scott McKnight
8. What would it look like for the church to “challenge our contemporary world with the message of the cross and live according to the teachings of Jesus with uncompromising rigor”? What would we do the same? What would we do differently?
9. In the Old Testament, judgment began with God’s people and in God’s own temple. Read Malachi 3:1-6 for reference. How do we read 1 Peter 4:17-18 in light of being on this side of the cross for believers? For those who don’t believe?
How does your life reflect or not reflect the imminence of judgment?
10. Out of all the attributes that Peter could have chosen, why would he highlight God as a “faithful Creator” as an encouragement to suffering believers?
Suggestions for Prayer:
• Pray for the persecuted church around the world. Go to www.persecution.com for news and ways that you can pray for those suffering for Christ.
• Pray for our church and the church in the U.S. that we might boldly proclaim the message of the cross and live according to the teachings of Jesus with uncompromising rigor.
Week of February 14-20: 1 Peter 5:5b-11
As Peter wraps up his letter, he leaves his readers with some final exhortations rooted in God’s character and action that provide strength, peace and courage for the journey ahead.
Opening question:
As you look back over the past five weeks of our study, what has been one thing from 1 Peter that has particularly struck you?
Discussion/reflection questions:
1. As Christians, what should be our state of mind toward life?
2. What is humility? Why is it so important to God?
Conversely, what is pride? And what is it about pride that stirs up God’s opposition?
3. God’s “mighty hand” is an image deeply rooted in the Old Testament. This “hand” delivered Israel from Egypt (Ex. 3:19; 6:1; Deut. 9:26), this hand was behind his works in the New Testament (Luke 1:66; Acts 4:28-30). It represents his salvific action on behalf of his people, for his purposes.
Why would Peter tie this idea of “humbling ourselves” and “the mighty hand of God” together? What is the relationship between the two?
4. How is “casting our anxiety” on God a way of humbling ourselves?
5. Where in your life are you struggling with pride and/or anxiety? What are some ways that you could cast your anxieties on God?
6. In verse 8, Peter returns to this theme of being alert and watchful. What is your reaction to the reality that the devil is “your adversary” and that he is “seeking to devour” you? What are some of the devices Satan uses to try and “devour” followers of Jesus?
7. Where have you sensed spiritual opposition in your life lately? How do you need to be more active in resisting?
Apply this on a church-wide level. Where do you sense spiritual opposition in our community at All Angels’? How do we need to be more active in resisting?
8. As we seek to be more alert and watchful in regards to the anxieties of life and spiritual opposition we face, what part of verse 10 most encourages you?
Suggestions for Prayer:
• How have you experienced the “God of all grace” in your life recently and over the course of this study? Spend time thanking him for this.
• Think about the things that have been causing you anxiety. Give them over one by one to God.
• Worship is spiritual warfare and aids us in “resisting the devil.” Spend time in worship, praising God for his character as it has been revealed to you through 1 Peter.
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