1 Peter 1

Passage overview

First Peter 1 begins with a greeting from the apostle Peter to believers in various regions who are scattered. Peter calls those who receive this letter “exiles scattered abroad” and “those chosen,” emphasizing that they are a community born anew through God’s providence and the grace of Jesus Christ. In his greeting, he prays that God’s peace and grace may be abundant.

1versePeter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are living as foreigners in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

2verseaccording to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

3verseBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4verseto an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,

5versewho by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6verseIn this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved in various trials,

7versethat the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ—

8versewhom, not having known, you love. In him, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory,

9versereceiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10verseConcerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently. They prophesied of the grace that would come to you,

11versesearching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them pointed to when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow them.

12verseTo them it was revealed that they served not themselves, but you, in these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

13verseTherefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober, and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ—

14verseas children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance,

15versebut just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior,

16versebecause it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

17verseIf you call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judges according to each man’s work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear,

18verseknowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things like silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers,

19versebut with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish or spot, the blood of Christ,

20versewho was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in this last age for your sake,

21versewho through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope might be in God.

22verseSeeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently,

23versehaving been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.

24verseFor, “All flesh is like grass, and all of man’s glory like the flower in the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls;

25versebut the Lord’s word endures forever.” This is the word of Good News which was preached to you.

Living Hope and Assurance of Salvation

In Chapter 1, believers are explained to have gained a living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a central point. In other words, the community of faith has been promised an inheritance that is kept safe in heaven, imperishable and undefiled, and unfading, and it declares that God will protect that inheritance.

  • Those who believe experience trials and hardships, but this is emphasized as a process that refines their faith into purity.
  • It also says that even in trials, you can enjoy “inexpressible and glorious joy.”

Fulfillment of Prophecy and the Value of the Gospel

The apostle Peter mentions that the prophets of the Old Testament explored and investigated the salvation that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Today, believers are reminded that the gospel they have received is a treasure so precious that even angels long to look into it. This makes you think again about how valuable the gospel of salvation is as grace.

Exhortation to a Holy Life

Now, Peter advises believers to prepare their minds, be self-controlled, and fully hope for the grace that will be brought to them when Jesus Christ comes. He emphasizes that the life of faith must move beyond the days of ignorance in the past, and as God is holy, we too must live holy lives.

  • The believer calls God “Father,” yet at the same time, you must live in reverent awe.
  • The reason you are freed from sin is the precious blood, namely the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Brotherly Love and Sincerity

Peter urges believers to love one another deeply and sincerely. This is because it is a life reborn through the word of God, which cannot perish—and is therefore sure and lasting. The believer’s life is renewed within the word, and the word ends by emphasizing its eternity.

Meditation Points

  • In what situations do I hold on to my living hope?
  • How does the grace of salvation come to me in my daily life as such an amazing value?
  • I reflect on whether holiness is evident in my life as God is holy.

Applying to My Life

  • As I go through suffering, I meditate on how my faith is being refined.
  • I think about what specific practices it means to live with love and holiness, and I make a commitment today to serve those around me with God’s love.