Introduction To 1 Peter by Pastor TheophilusLambo
Channel: Theophilus Lambo
Date: 2021-03-23

Author
The author clearly identifies himself as Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ" -- an obvious reference to Simon Peter, a son of Jonah, and a leader of the first-generation church.
Persecutions and the Epistle's Date
It is difficult to affix a date independently of who is the author. Other than local persecutions, the first State-instigated persecution took place in 64 AD when Nero blamed Christians for the destruction of Rome by fire. Roman historian Tacitus tells us that Christians were persecuted by Nero with public approval for "hatred of the human race." Early Christian tradition attests that both Peter and Paul lost their lives under Nero. Other persecutions took place under Domitian in 95 AD. In 110 or 111 AD, Pliny asks Emperor Trajan for guidance as to what extent he should punish those who have been identified as Christians.
Significance and Theology
Though it is only five chapters long, 1 Peter is an important Letter for us to study, since it contains a number of themes that Christian disciples must master if we would serve Jesus faithfully in our own day. Some of the main themes include hard lessons that you may have struggled with:
• Appreciating our salvation rather than taking it for granted
• Learning obedience and submission even though it's tough
• Practicing holiness without developing a sanctimonious smirk
• Living in the world without being tainted by it
• Emulating Christ's sacrificial lifestyle so it becomes our own
• Growing through our sufferings rather than being defeated by them
• Being faithful in our relationships with family, employers, and employees
• Grasping our true identity as God's people
• Preparing for judgment without being driven by fear
• Developing the character of leaders of which God can be proud
Though 1 Peter teaches us a lot about what God is like, it is also an intensely practical book that teaches us to grow and change in positive ways.