Time Well Spent Bible Study with Cornelius F. Warren

The Apostle Peter writes to scattered Jewish Christians who were undergoing intense persecution for their faith. He reminds his readers that “God … has given us the privilege of being born again” (1 Peter 1: 3). Therefore they should not be surprised when suffering comes their way; they should expect it, prepare for it, and respond to it correctly. Peter also encourages them to imitate Christ through a submissive spirit toward one another. If they do, God will richly reward them when the trials of life are over. 

What people need is both hope and holiness in a hostile world. That is to say, they need to hear and apply the message of 1 Peter. The apostle wrote this letter to Christians from Rome just before Nero’s fierce persecution of Christians. But the pressure was already on many who held to this new belief in Jesus as God in human flesh, who died on a Roman cross and was raised from the dead. Believers were being slandered. Gentile Christians were reviled by their former partners in sin. These Christians needed to know how to handle these trials that came upon them on account of their seeking to follow Christ.

Peter points them to Christ, our great example, who endured unjust suffering from a hostile world, but who maintained both hope and holiness by submitting Himself to the Father’s sovereign purpose. That’s the message of 1 Peter:

In spite of a hostile world, Christians can live in hope and holiness by submitting to God.

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