New Catholic Bible/The First Letter of Peter

**The First Letter of Peter**, as translated by the Catholic Book Publishing Corp in the New Catholic Bible.

## INTRODUCTION

### Witnesses to Hope

Grave threats darken the horizon for the Churches located in Asia Minor. For the most part, these communities have been founded by Paul and his coworkers. They bring together in one assembly, one faith, and one conception of life Jews and Gentiles who have become Christian. Such a union could appear strange to people on the outside. In addition, these men and women have broken away from the ways of life and thought of those who surround them. Christians are thus suspected of subversive behavior and morals.

If persecution has not struck as yet, it is just around the corner. We can think of the Emperor Nero, who gave rise to the first persecutions in A.D. 64. We have the impression that for the moment Christians are being subjected mainly to pressures, vexations, scorn, and suspicions, and they are despised and ostracized from the social life of their area.

In such circumstances, could Christians forget that, according to the Old Testament and the Gospel, the onset of opposition announces the last times and that Christ has promised persecution as an advance sign of his return (see Mt 5:11f; 10:22; Lk 21:12-19)? Believers must not be frozen in fear. The moment must inspire a renewal of hope. They must remain filled with courage, joy, simplicity, and loyalty, keeping their eyes on the future, the great future of the encounter with Jesus (see 1 Pet 1:5, 13, 20; 2:12; 4:5, 13, 17; 5:1-4, 10). This is not a case of minimizing the judgment that is also coming, for Christians regard it with hope, not fear.

The First Letter of Peter seems to be an excellent example of catechesis as practiced around the sixties of the first century. Here and there, the author seems to have read Paul, the discourses in Acts, or passages of the Gospels; we have in this document part of the patrimony of Christian initiation and instruction.

In addition to giving us a theology of Baptism, a teaching about the baptismal life, this document is also one of the texts best suited for conveying an understanding of the mystery of the Church, the community that carries out God’s plan in the midst of the world, the new human race that is maturing in Christ. The theology of the Church is in this case a spirituality of joy.

In this Christian milieu one places the Gospel into evidence when one speaks of salvation, hope, and the time of God for humanity. One must focus on the mystery of Christ: the innocent, humble, and suffering Christ, in whose footsteps believers must walk, exposed to all kinds of attacks (see 1 Pet 2:9, 21-23).

Appeal is always made to this Letter when the topic is Christ’s descent to the netherworld (see 1 Pet 3:19f; 4:6). The theme can receive diverse interpretations, among which it is difficult to navigate. It certainly stresses Christ’s sovereignty over all humanity from its origin as well as his sovereignty over the universe, and it demonstrates the universal efficacy of his redemptive work.

This Letter presents the Christian life as something simple and right, without any complicated rule of life but with the sense of love and loyalty. When they are threatened by persecution and when they live in a perspective of the end of the world, these Christians do not construct any new project for society. They accept the structures and conditions of life that form part of their world. However, in this real context, they want to bear witness to righteousness, loyalty, and the meaning of human duties. It is in this sense that we must read the passage concerning slaves, women, and public officials (see 1 Pet 2:13—3:7). In the face of persecution, they reflect on the meaning of suffering and on the Beatitudes. They must remember that the servant is not greater than the Master, as Christ declared (see Mt 10:24).

A very ancient tradition, the first attestations of which go back to the end of the first century, attributes this Letter to Peter, the head of the Apostles. Critical studies often cast doubt on the attribution because of the difficulties it raises, but good arguments for it are not lacking. The text is written in simple and correct Greek; Peter was linked with the family of Zebedee, which ran a fishing business in Galilee, and so would have known the language. Moreover, in its final redaction, the Letter may have been fine-tuned by the writer’s secretary, Silvanus or Silas, a Greek by birth and found more than once in the company of Paul (see Acts 15:22; 17:4; 2 Cor 1:19).

Peter would have written this Letter from “Rome,” which was the most current interpretation of “Babylon” (1 Pet 5:13). For in Judaism this name signified the power that from time to time oppressed the Jewish faith and scattered the people, and from the first century B.C. onward that power was Rome.

In a more dramatic context, the Book of Revelation (18:2, 10, 21) uses the same image for the public authority that persecutes. On the other hand, we also know that Peter was martyred in Rome, under Nero, in A.D. 64 or 67.

###  **The Divisions of The First Letter of Peter**

The First Letter of Peter may be divided as follows:

**I: Salutation (1:1-2)**

**II: The Privileges and Responsibilities of Salvation (1:3—2:10)**

**III: God’s People in a Hostile World (2:11—3:12)**

**IV: Christian Conduct in Suffering and Persecution (3:13—5:11)**

**V: Conclusion (5:12-14)**

## CHAPTER 1

### To the Faithful in the Dispersion.

**1** Peter,

an apostle of Jesus Christ, to all the exiles of the Dispersion who are now living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, **2** chosen

in the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification by the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood: may grace and peace be yours in abundance.

### The Song of the New Life.

**3** Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy he has given us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead **4** and to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you **5** who because of your faith are being protected by God’s power until the salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end of time.

**6** This is a reason for you to rejoice, even if now for a little while you must suffer trials of many kinds. **7** Thus, the genuine quality of your faith—which is more valuable than gold that is perishable even if it has been tested by fire—may be proved worthy of praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

**8** Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with a joy that is indescribable and glorious. **9** For you are achieving the goal of your faith, that is, the salvation of your souls.

**10** This salvation was the subject of intense scrutiny and investigation by the Prophets

who spoke about the grace that you were to receive. **11** They were searching out the time and the circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ

within them was pointing when it testified in advance to the sufferings that Christ would endure and the glories that would then follow.

**12** It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been announced to you through those who proclaimed the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even the angels long to catch a glimpse of such things.

**13**

### Convictions for Living.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action. Be calm and fix your hopes completely on the grace that you will be granted at the revelation of Jesus Christ. **14** Like obedient children, do not yield to the evil desires you had in your former ignorance. **15** He who called you is holy. Therefore, be holy yourselves in all your conduct. **16** For Scripture says, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

**17** If you address as Father the one who judges everyone impartially on the basis of each person’s deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile here. **18** For you are aware that you were ransomed from your futile way of life inherited from your ancestors not with perishable things like silver or gold, **19** but with the precious blood of Christ,

a lamb without blemish or defect.

**20** He was chosen before the foundation of the world, but in this final age he has been revealed for your sake. **21** Through him you have come to believe in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and your hope are fixed on God.

**22** Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to truth so that you have genuine love for your brethren, love one another intensely with all your heart. 23 You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

**24** For:

All flesh is like grass,

and all its glory like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, and the flower fades,

**25** but the word of the Lord endures forever.

It is this word that has been proclaimed to you.

## CHAPTER 2

**1** Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all deceit, hypocrisy, and envy, and all slander. **2** Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may advance on the path to salvation, **3** now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

### The Mystery of the Church.

**4** Come to him, a living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious. **5** You, too, are like living stones, being built up into a spiritual temple and a holy priesthood

to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. **6** For it states in Scripture,

“See, I am laying a stone in Zion,

a cornerstone chosen and precious.

Whoever believes in it

will not be put to shame.”

**7** Therefore, it is precious to you who believe. However, for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone,”

**8** and

“A stone that makes them stumble,

and a rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they disobey the word—for this they were born.

**9** But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people claimed by God as his own possession,” so that you may proclaim the praise of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

**10** Once you were not a people,

but now you are God’s people.

Once you had not received mercy,

but now you have received mercy.

### Lead a Good Life amidst Pagans.

Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles not to succumb to the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. **12** Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles so that, although they now malign you as evildoers, they may observe your good works and glorify God on the day of visitation.

**13**

### Christianity Is Not a Subversive Group.

For the Lord’s sake, submit to every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme **14** or of governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do good works. **15** For it is the will of God that by doing right you should silence the ignorant talk of fools.

**16** As servants of God, behave as free people, but do not use your freedom as a means to cover up wrongdoing. **17** Give due honor to everyone. Love your fellow believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

**18**

### Recommendations for Slaves.

Slaves, submit to your masters with due respect, not only to those who are kind and forbearing but also to those who are harsh. **19** It is a sign of grace if you endure the pain of unjust suffering because of your awareness of God.

**20** What credit do you deserve if you are patient when you are beaten for doing wrong? However, if you are patient when you do what is right and suffer for it, you have earned merit with God.

**21**

This, in fact, is what you have been called to do, because Christ himself suffered for you and left an example for you to follow in his footsteps.

**22** He committed no sin,

and no deceit was found on his lips.

**23** When he was abused, he did not retaliate. When he suffered, he made no threats, but he placed his trust in the one who judges justly. **24** He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live in righteousness.

By his wounds you have been healed. **25** For you were like sheep who had gone astray, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

## CHAPTER 3

### Recommendations for Spouses.

**1** In the same way, you who are wives should accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if they do not believe the word, they may be won over without words simply by the conduct of their wives **2** as they observe your reverence and your chaste behavior.

**3**

Do not seek to adorn yourself externally—by the braiding of your hair and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothing. **4** Rather, let your adornment be of your inner self, the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

**5** It was in this way that the holy women who placed their hope in God long ago used to adorn themselves and be submissive to their husbands. **6** Thus, Sarah obeyed Abraham and called him her “lord.” You are now her daughters as long as you live good lives and never allow fears to alarm you.

**7** Likewise, you who are husbands must show consideration for your wives in your life together. Treat your wife with respect, for even though she is the weaker partner, she is also an equal heir of God’s gift

of life. Thus, your prayers will not be hindered in any way.

### Mutual Love.

**8** Finally, all of you should be united in spirit, sympathetic, filled with love for one another, compassionate, and humble. **9** Do not repay evil with evil or abuse with abuse. On the contrary, repay with a blessing. This is what you were called to do, so that you might inherit a blessing. **10** For:

“If anyone wishes to love life

and to experience good days,

he must restrain his tongue from evil

and his lips from deceitful speech.

**11** He must turn away from evil and do good,

seek peace and pursue it.

**12** For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

and his ears are attentive to their prayer.

However, the face of the Lord

is set against those who do evil.”

### The Blessings of Suffering for Righteousness.

Now who is going to harm you if you are eager to do what is right? **14** Yet even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you are thereby blessed. Have no fear of others, and refuse to be intimidated by them. **15** Rather, revere Christ as Lord in your hearts.

Always be prepared to offer an explanation to anyone who asks you to justify the hope that is in you. However, do so with gentleness and respect **16** and with a clean conscience so that those who slander you for your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. **17** For it is better to suffer for doing what is right, if such is the will of God, than for doing what is wrong.

**18**

### Christ’s Victory and Descent to the Netherworld, and Christian Baptism.

For Christ also suffered for our sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but raised to life in the spirit.

**19** In the spirit

also he went to preach to the spirits in prison, **20** those who had refused to obey long ago while God waited patiently in the days of Noah during the building of the ark. In it only a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water.

**21** This water prefigured Baptism, which now saves you. It does so not by the washing away of dirt from the body but by the pledge of a good conscience given to God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. **22** He has entered heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

## CHAPTER 4

**1** Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, you should arm yourselves also with the same intention. For anyone who has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin **2** and for the remainder of life on earth must be ruled not by human passions but by the will of God.

**3** You have already spent enough time in doing what the Gentiles like to do, pursuing a life of debauchery, licentiousness, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and sacrilegious idolatry. **4** They are surprised that you no longer join them in a life of dissipation, and they revile you as a result. **5** However, they will have to render an account to him who stands ready to judge

the living and the dead.

**6** And this is the reason why the gospel was preached even to the dead, so that, although they might be judged in the flesh like men, they might enjoy the life of God in the spirit.

### Qualities of a Christian Community Waiting for Christ.

**7** The end of all things is near. Therefore, lead disciplined lives and be watchful in prayer. **8** Above all, maintain the fervor of your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

**9** Be hospitable to one another without complaining. **10** Like good stewards of the varied graces of God, use whatever gift each one of you has received to serve one another.

**11** Whoever speaks should do so as one who is speaking the very words of God. Whoever serves should do so with the strength that God provides. In all things, let God be glorified through Jesus Christ, for to him belong all glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

**12**

### Courage and Joy in Suffering.

Beloved, do not be surprised that you are being tested by a fiery ordeal,

as though it were something extraordinary. **13** But rejoice insofar as you are sharing in the sufferings of Christ, so that your joy will be without limit when his glory is revealed.

**14** If you are reviled for the name of Christ, consider yourself blessed, for upon you rests the Spirit of glory

and of God. **15**

However, let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, or any other kind of criminal, or as one who meddles in another person’s business. **16** Let it be because you are a Christian,

not considering it a disgrace, but glorifying God because you bear this name.

**17** The time has come for the judgment of the household of God to begin. If it begins with us, how will it end for those who refuse to obey the gospel of God?

**18** And:

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the godless and those who are sinners?”

**19** And so, those who suffer in accordance with God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.

## CHAPTER 5

### Faithful and Humble Leadership.

**1** I now exhort the presbyters

among you, as a fellow presbyter myself and a witness to the sufferings of Christ, and as one who has shared in the glory that is to be revealed. **2** Be shepherds of the flock of God that has been entrusted to your care. Watch over it, not as a duty, but willingly in accord with the will of God, not for sordid gain, but because you are eager to do so.

**3** Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. **4** Then, when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away.

### Humility and Firm Faith.

**5** In the same way, you who are younger must be submissive to those who are older. And all of you should clothe yourselves with humility in your relationships with one another, for

“God opposes the proud,

but he gives grace to the humble.”

**6** Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you. **7** Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares about you.

**8** Remain sober and alert, for your enemy the devil is on the prowl like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. **9** Resist him and be firm in your faith, for you are well aware that your brethren throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.

**10**

### Promise of Strength and Vindication.

After you have suffered for a brief period, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and support you. **11** All power belongs to him forever and ever. Amen.

### Final Greetings.

I have written this brief letter to you through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, in order to exhort you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

**13** Your sister Church

in Babylon sends you greetings, as does my son Mark. **14** Greet one another with a loving kiss.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

## FOOTNOTES

**1 Peter 1:1:**

Christians

regarded themselves

as the true Israel

and

made use of the term Dispersion,

which designated the Jews

who had been dispersed

and

awaited the reunion of their people

**(see** **James 1:1).**

By divine choice,

they are the New Covenant,

evoked by the mention

of the Blood of Christ

**(see** **Exodus 24:3-Exodus 24:8;** **And** **Hebrews 9:12-Hebrews 9:14).**

Related to the

three divine Persons,

the Church is born

of the Trinity.

This is an extremely

dense salutation.
**1 Peter 1:1:**
**Peter:**
**see** **notes** **on**
**Matthew 16:18;** **Matthew 16:19;** **And** **John 1:42.**
**Apostle:**
**see** **notes** **on**
**Mark 6:30;** **Romans 1:1;** **And** **Hebrews 3:1-Hebrews 3:6.**
**Exiles:**

literally,

“strangers”

or

“pilgrims,”

because the

homeland

and

inheritance

of the children of God

are in heaven

**(see** **1 Chronicles 29:15;** **Psalms 39:13;** **And** **Hebrews 13:14).**
**Living in Pontus . . . Bithynia:**

Jewish

and

Gentile

Christians

living in Asia Minor.
**1 Peter 1:2:**
**Chosen:**
**see** **note** **on**
**Ephesians 1:3—Ephesians 3:21.**
**Father . . . Spirit . . . Jesus Christ:**

all three persons

of the Trinity

are involved

in the redemption of the Elect.

**To be sprinkled with his blood:**

in the Old Testament,

the blood of a

sacrificial animal

was sprinkled on the altar

and

the benefit of

the sacrifice

descended on the offerer.

The sprinkled blood

of Christ

brings us these benefits:

**(1)**

justification

**(see** **Romans 5:19);**
**(2)**

sealing with

God’s Covenant promise

represented for us

in the Eucharist

**(see** **Luke 22:20);**
**(3)**

cleansing of all sin

**(see** **1 John 1:7);**

and

**(4)**

empowerment

to become citizens

of the

Kingdom of heaven

**(see** **Hebrews 10:19).**
**1 Peter 1:3:**

The author

stresses the

privileges

and

responsibilities

that come with salvation

(the Greek word means

“deliverance”

or

“preservation”).

Salvation was prophesied

in the past

and

achieved by God in Christ,

and it calls for a life

of

holiness

and

love

on the part of Christians,

including the true worship of God,

for they are a

“nation of priests.”
**1 Peter 1:3:**

Adversity can do nothing

in the face of

the joyous certitude of believers.

May they relive

the fundamental experience of faith

described in this grand praise.

In Christ,

the mercy of God

gives human beings

an inviolable faith

that has no common measure

with all human projects.

The rebirth of Baptism

opens

another life

and

another history;

a promise of salvation

is on the way to being fulfilled.

How then can Christ’s personal love

fail to take hold of hearts?

The plan of God

is not a theory

but

a reality

in the life of each person.

Today,

the goal toward which

all the expectations of the Prophets

were directed,

has become a reality

and it brings about the joy of angels.

In this great passage

of praise

the fundamental experience

of faith

is described.
**1 Peter 1:5:**
**The end of time:**

i.e.,

the time of salvation,

which is close at hand

in the sense

that it is certain;

the glorious coming of

Christ

is

the only really new thing

to be awaited.
**1 Peter 1:10:**
**This salvation was the subject of intense scrutiny and investigation by the Prophets:**

the inspiration of the Prophets

is attributed to

the universal effectiveness of Christ,

which works retroactively.

The unity of the two Testaments

is here highlighted.
**1 Peter 1:11:**
**The Spirit of Christ:**

the Holy Spirit is called thus

because

Christ sent him

(see Jn 16:7)

and

ministered through him

(see Lk 4:14, 18).

The sufferings

**that Christ would endure and the glories:**

this is a theme

found throughout the Bible

**(see** **Psalms 22;** **Isaiah 52:13—Isaiah 53:12;** **Zechariah 9:9f;** **Zechariah 13:7;** **Matthew 16:21-Matthew 16:23;** **Matthew 17:22;** **Matthew 20:19;** **Luke 24:26,** **Luke 24:46;** **John 2:19;** **Acts 3:17-Acts 3:22;** **Acts 4:12-Acts 4:16;** **Acts 5:1,** **Acts 5:4,** **And** **Acts 5:9f).**

Those who are united

with Christ

in everything,

including suffering,

will also be united

with him

in glory.

And in the midst

of their

present sufferings

they will benefit

from the fact

that he has

already entered

into his glory

**(see** **1 Peter 2:3,** **1 Peter 2:8,** **1 Peter 2:21;** **And** **1 Peter 3:21f).**
**1 Peter 1:13:**

An existence

given over to

passions

and

inclinations

is without

meaning

or

real purpose.

But Christians are delivered

from insignificance;

it is God

who becomes

their reason for living

and

its accomplishment.

This is translated

by a profound reversal

of

sentiments

and

behavior.

Believers have a sense of God

and

his holiness,

and they bear something of

God’s absoluteness

in their existence.

A life saved by the gift of Christ

is an Easter.

From then on,

fraternal love becomes the goal.

Thus, the Christian life

is something new,

a new birth,

and

a new destiny.

It is developed

by coming to maturity

in one’s reflection

upon the word of God.
**1 Peter 1:19:**
**Ransomed . . . with the precious blood of Christ:**

i.e.,

bought back

or

redeemed

in the way laid out

in the Scriptures

**(see** **Exodus 13:13;** **And** **Exodus 21:30).**

Our need for being ransomed

comes from our bondage to

Satan

and

sin

**(see** **John 8:34;** **Romans 6:17,** **And** **Romans 6:23).**

Jesus has

bought our freedom

by paying

not

silver

or

gold

but his own blood

**(see** **Ephesians 1:7;** **And** **Revelation 5:9),**

i.e.,

his Death

**(see** **Matthew 20:28;** **Mark 10:45;** **And** **Hebrews 9:15)**

or

Christ himself

**(see** **Galatians 3:13).**
**1 Peter 1:22:**
**Born anew . . . through the . . . word of God:**

the Christian’s new birth

results

from the action

of the Holy Spirit

**(see** **Titus 3:5),**

but the word of God

also plays

an important part therein

**(see** **James 1:18).**

The latter

presents the Gospel to us

and

summons us

to repent and believe in Christ

**(see** **1 Peter 1:** **v.** **25).**
“the word of the living and enduring God.”
**1 Peter 2:4:**

The following terms—

**spiritual temple,**
**chosen race,**
**royal priesthood,**
**holy nation,**
**a people claimed by God as his own possession—**

were coined

by the Old Testament

to express

Israel’s awareness

f itself

as a people called upon

to carry out God’s plan.

The Church

regards herself

as chosen by God

and

called to act in such a way

that human life itself

becomes a worship of God.

This passage

can be more

profoundly understood

**by** **reflecting** **upon**
**1 Corinthians 3:16;** **And** **Ephesians 2:20-Ephesians 2:22.**
**In** **1 Peter 2:** **verses**
**1 Peter 2:** **verse** **9** **And** **1 Peter 2:** **verse** **10**

citations from the Old Testament

occur in this order:

**Isaiah 43:20-Isaiah 43:21;** **Exodus 19:5-Exodus 19:6;** **Hosea 1:6-Hosea 1:9;** **And** **Hosea 2:23-Hosea 2:24.**

These are reminiscences

more than citations.
**1 Peter 1:5:**
**Holy priesthood:**

all who are

united with Christ

by faith

share in the

priesthood of Christ

**(see** **note** **on** **Hebrews 8:6-Hebrews 8:13).**
**1 Peter 1:8:**
**For this they were born:**

the author states

that by

rejecting the Gospel,

the people of

the former Covenant

have lost

their prerogatives,

which have now been given

to the people

of the New Covenant,

i.e.,

Christians.

The Scripture references

**in**
**1 Peter 2:** **vv.** **1 Peter 2:6-1 Peter 2:10**

reflect the concern

of early Christianity

to explain

Israel’s unbelief

in light of

the Old Testament itself.
**1 Peter 1:10:**

The author

sets forth

a few practical implications

of what it means to be

God’s people

in a hostile world.

Christians

are to be submissive to others—

to civil authority,

to masters,

and

to spouses

in imitation of

Christ’s submissiveness.

He ends up citing five virtues

from Christ’s life

that should be of help

to all.
**1 Peter 2:11:**

Christians

are to be on their best behavior

in the midst of pagans

even if for a time

they are greeted with

criticism

and

hostility

because they do not accept

the morals of the age.

On the day of the Lord’s arrival,

everything will be made clear.

While they wait for that day,

Christians are on earth

as a pilgrim people,

i.e.,

they do not put their

stamp of approval

on

any society

and

any culture.
**1 Peter 2:13:**

Christianity

is not subversive

and

does not oppose the organization

of society on principle.

The first persecutions

were based on such accusations,

and

it is one more reason

to stress their loyalty

but

also their sense of freedom.

Political power

has its ultimate foundation

in

God

the Creator

of human society,

and not in the personality

of those who govern

**(see** **Romans 13:1-Romans 13:7;** **And** **Titus 3:1).**

In the Book of Revelation,

the Christian attitude

toward the imperial power

will be less serene.
**1 Peter 2:18:**

The first generations of Christians

have above all

the concern to spread the Gospel

as the response

to desire for salvation

on the part of all people.

The believers are only a handful.

It would be a mistake

to attribute to them

the plan to develop a critique

of the structures of society.

But they themselves

model new

human

and

social

relations.

Many of them are slaves;

in the Church,

they are recognized as full Christians.

This is one more reason

not to lay oneself open

to the accusation of insubordination

that is leveled

at these new communities.

Hence, for the present moment,

here is a way of living with service,

even in conditions of injustice.

The example of Christ

imposes itself;

it is interpreted here

in magnificent terms

by means of one of the great texts

about

the Servant of God

**(Isaiah 53:5-Isaiah 53:12).**

We should not interpret this text

as presenting a doctrine

of resignation.

It calls for an attitude

that refuses to respond

to injustice

with

hatred

or

duplicity

**(see** **Ephesians 6:5-Ephesians 6:9;** **Colossians 3:22-Colossians 3:25;** **1 Timothy 6:1-1 Timothy 6:2;** **And** **Titus 2:9-Titus 2:10).**
**1 Peter 2:21:**

The example of Christ

is obvious;

it is here

interpreted

in grandiose terms

by means of

the great text

on the Servant of God

**in**
**Isaiah 53:5-Isaiah 53:12.**
**1 Peter 2:22:**
**He committed no sin . . .:**

Christ

was absolutely sinless

**(see** **Acts 3:14;** **2 Corinthians 5:21;** **Hebrews 4:15;** **Hebrews 7:26;** **And** **1 John 3:5).**
**1 Peter 2:25:**
**The shepherd and guardian of your souls:**

the sheep

had wandered

from their shepherd

(Christ),

but now they have

returned to him.

Thus, the Suffering Servant,

vindicated in the Resurrection

**(see** **Isaiah 52:13;** **And** **Isaiah 53:11),**

becomes the Good Shepherd

**(see** **John 10:11;** **And** **John 13:10).**

For

“shepherd”

in the Old Testament,

**see** **Psalms 23;** **Isaiah 40:11;** **And** **Ezekiel 37:24.**
**1 Peter 3:1:**

How does one’s Christianity

affect the way

that one lives family life?

The main problem

is the difficult one

of the wife

who converts

but is not followed

by her husband.

Let her not seek

to put pressure on him,

but let her give him

the witness of

a Christian wife

whose gentleness and silence

are in contrast

to agitation and vanity.

A Christian husband

is asked to regard his wife

as a believing Christian

in all respects,

to understand

feminine psychology,

and

to show great sensitivity

of heart

**(see** **1 Corinthians 7:12-1 Corinthians 7:15;** **Ephesians 5:32-Ephesians 5:33;** **And** **Colossians 3:19).**
**1 Peter 3:3:**

The author

does not prohibit

the use of jewelry

and

other adornments

but stresses the fact

that the greatest adornments

are spiritual ones.
**1 Peter 3:7:**
**An equal heir of God’s gift:**

both spouses

in a marriage

have received

the same gift

from God.

Hence,

there should be

mutual respect

and

love

between them

**(see** **Ephesians 5:33;** **And** **Colossians 3:19).**
**1 Peter 3:8:**

Mutual love of Christians

is expressed

in a new type of

social relations

and

inner attitudes

that lead up to

evangelical behavior

**(see** **Luke 6:28;** **And** **Romans 12:9-Romans 12:20).**
**1 Peter 3:13:**

Persecution

must not come

as a surprise

to believers;

it is their lot

according to one of the

Beatitudes of the Gospel

**(see** **Matthew 5:10),**

almost repeated here

word for word.

Thus,

Christians follow

the example of Christ,

ready to justify their hope

but

refusing to retaliate

with hatred and violence.

They are not

enemies

of

society

or

other people,

a crime that has apparently

already been

leveled at them.
**1 Peter 3:18:**

The author

presents the vision

of a new world.

Christ’s

Death

and

Resurrection

have been

victorious over sin;

the risen Lord

dominates the universe

and

all the

good

or

evil

forces in it,

e.g.,

angels,

dominations,

and

powers.

Christ truly died

and was in the

sojourn of the dead,

as the New Testament

more than once attests

**(see** **Matthew 12:40;** **Acts 2:31;** **Romans 10:7;** **And** **Ephesians 4:8-Ephesians 4:10).**

The intent of this passage

is probably to say that

nothing

human

or

cosmic

can be excluded

from the Redemption

that Christ effected.

It is in this sense

that we are to understand

the article of the Creed

that speaks of Christ

“descending into hell.”

The story of Noah

**(see** **Genesis 6:1—Genesis 7:4)**

is interpreted as

a saving of the righteous

and

a destruction of sin;

it seems to be taken

as a

symbolic anticipation

of Baptism,

which at the time

was received

by immersion.
**1 Peter 3:19:**
“by the Spirit . . . through which.”
**1 Peter 4:5:**
**Him who stands ready to judge:**

the New Testament

assigns judgment

to both

the Father

and

the Son

on the last day

**(see** **John 5:27;** **And** **Acts 17:31).**
**The living and the dead:**

i.e.,

those who are alive

as well as those

who have died

when the

last day arrives.
**1 Peter 4:7:**

Living

in expectation

of the

Lord’s Second Coming,

Christian communities

are characterized

by a

serious atmosphere,

by relationships of

responsibility

and

fraternity,

and by concern

for prayer

and

the Liturgy.
**1 Peter 4:12:**

Hostility

seems to be unleashed

against the communities.

We will always be astounded

by the conviction

of the

first Christian generations

in the face of persecution.

They do not regard

it as a strange fate

but as something

that indicates

the arrival of a new age,

that of the

last times of history.

It announces

a change in the course

of the things of the world.

The destiny of Christ

is not only an example

to consider

but a mystery to share

in these conditions.

However,

the persecution in question

must be a real one

against the faith

and

not a reaction

against the abuses

committed by

Christians themselves.

Concerning

the necessity

of persecution

and

the meaning

of the announcement

of a change,

**see** **Matthew 5:11-Matthew 5:12;** **Luke 6:22-Luke 6:23;** **And** **Luke 21:12-Luke 21:19.**
**1 Peter 4:12:**
**Fiery ordeal:**

literally,

“fire for testing.”

Suffering

is a source

of purification.
**1 Peter 4:14:**
**Spirit of glory:**

because

the Spirit

bestows glory

after trials.
**1 Peter 4:15:**

There is suffering

that believers

bring down upon themselves

by their own

sins

and

weaknesses

and

suffering that God

allows to afflict them.

In both instances,

they should entrust themselves

to

God

and

offer their sufferings to him.
**1 Peter 4:16:**
**Christian:**

this word

occurs only here

and

**in**
**Acts 11:26;** **And** **Acts 26:28**

in the

New Testament.
**1 Peter 5:1:**

The presbyters

(or elders)

exercise responsibilities

in the life

of communities

**(see** **1 Timothy 5:17;** **And** **Titus 1:5-Titus 1:9).**

However,

authority

always experiences

the temptation

to exercise power

for its own profit.

This should

not be the case

in a Christian group.

We might recall

the word of Jesus:

**“I am in your midst as one who serves”**
**(Luke 22:27).**

On this subject,

we could also read

Paul’s reflection

to the elders

of the region

of Ephesus

**(see** **Acts 20:28-Acts 20:35).**
**1 Peter 5:1:**
**Presbyters:**

the official teachers

of the

Christian community

**(see** **1 Timothy 5:17f;** **Titus 1:5-Titus 1:8;** **And** **James 5:14).**
**Witness to the sufferings of Christ:**

Peter had

been a witness

of all the

phases

and

aspects

of Christ’s ministry,

including his suffering

**(see** **Matthew 26:58;** **Mark 14:54;** **Luke 22:60-Luke 22:62;** **John 18:10-John 18:11,** **And** **John 18:15-John 18:16).**
**1 Peter 5:5:**

Nothing is more opposed

to the Gospel

than

pretense

and

pride;

hence this Letter

insists on attitudes

of submissiveness.

It also recommends

that Christians

remain steadfast

in the spiritual combat—

which is more difficult

to do in

this context

of threats—

in order to achieve true victory.

It is from God himself

that believers await the courage.

**You who are younger:**

these may simply

be the faithful

distinguished

from their leaders.
**1 Peter 5:12:**

The Letter

is doubtless

written at Rome,

the

“Babylon”

of the age

**(see** **The First Letter of Peter: Introduction).**
**Silvanus:**

one of

Paul’s coworkers

**(see** **1 Thessalonians 1:1;** **2 Thessalonians 1:1;** **And** **2 Corinthians 1:19)**

also known

by the name

of

“Silas”

**(see** **Acts 15:22;** **And** **Acts 17:4).**
**1 Peter 5:13:**
**Your sister Church:**

literally,

“Your chosen sister.”

**Mark:**

an occasional companion

of Paul

**(see** **Acts 12:25;** **And** **2 Timothy 4:11)**

and

probably

the author

of the

second Gospel.
**1 Peter 5:14:**
**Kiss:**

on the liturgical kiss,

**see** **1 Corinthians 16:20.**
**Peace to all of you who are in Christ:**

in concluding,

the author

stresses a basic theme

of the Letter—

the union

of believers

with Christ.

## OTHER BOOKS OF THE NEW CATHOLIC BIBLE TRANSLATION

 **THE BOOKS OF THE CATHOLIC BIBLE IN THE NEW CATHOLIC BIBLE TRANSLATION**

### Old Testament

#### Pentateuch/Torah:

1. The Book of Genesis
2. The Book of Exodus
3. The Book of Leviticus
4. The Book of Numbers
5. The Book of Deuteronomy

#### Historical Books:

1. The Book of Joshua
2. The Book of Judges
3. The Book of Ruth
4. The First Book of Samuel
5. The Second Book of Samuel
6. The First Book of Kings
7. The Second Book of Kings
8. The First Book of Chronicles
9. The Second Book of Chronicles
10. The Book of Ezra
11. The Book of Nehemiah
12. The Book of Tobit
13. The Book of Judith
14. The Book of Esther
15. The First Book of Maccabees
16. The Second Book of Maccabees

#### Poetic Books:

1. The Book of Job
2. The Book of Psalms
3. The Book of Proverbs
4. The Book of Ecclesiastes
5. The Book of the Song of Songs
6. The Book of Wisdom
7. The Book of The Wisdom of Ben Sira

#### Prophetic Books:

1. The Book of Isaiah
2. The Book of Jeremiah
3. The Book of Lamentations
4. The Book of Baruch
5. The Book of Ezekiel
6. The Book of Daniel
7. The Book of Hosea
8. The Book of Joel
9. The Book of Amos
10. The Book of Obadiah
11. The Book of Jonah
12. The Book of Micah
13. The Book of Nahum
14. The Book of Habakkuk
15. The Book of Zephaniah
16. The Book of Haggai
17. The Book of Zechariah
18. The Book of Malachi

### New Testament

#### The Four Gospels

1. The Gospel according to Matthew
2. The Gospel according to Mark
3. The Gospel according to Luke
4. The Gospel according to John

#### Pauline Epistles

1. The Letter to The Romans
2. The First Letter to The Corinthians
3. The Second Letter to The Corinthians
4. The Letter to The Galatians
5. The Letter to The Ephesians
6. The Letter to The Philippians
7. The Letter to The Colossians
8. The First Letter to The Thessalonians
9. The Second Letter to The Thessalonians
10. The First Letter to Timothy
11. The Second Letter to Timothy
12. The Letter to Titus
13. The Letter to Philemon

#### The General Epistles/Catholic Epistles

1. The Letter of James
2. **The First Letter of Peter**
3. The Second Letter of Peter
4. The First Letter of John
5. The Second Letter of John
6. The Third Letter of John
7. The Letter of Jude