Simon Peter wrote the book of 1st Peter from "Babylon" (the city of Babylon in Mesopotamia? a town in Egypt? or the figurative name for Rome?) around A.D. 60, before or after. A wide range of subjects is covered, all of which are intended to strengthen the church in Northern Asia Minor in the face of a growing persecution. This is not a formal academic lecture (such as Romans) but rather a pastor exhorting his congregation. There is much in this letter that is relevant to Christians in the 21st Century.
God has elected or chosen all who will believe the Gospel for salvation. He desires that all shall be saved. He has chosen you! Have you responded to his call?
God has given all his children certain benefits as the result of salvation. Discover what those benefits are.
God calls his children to holy living. At root, this is becoming like Jesus Christ. However, we have to cooperate with the grace of God in the process of holy living.
What are the privileges of belonging to the church, the body of Christ? We are privileged to belong to the community of faith, to offer to God sacrifices of praise, and to give to a watching world a witness to the grace of God in Christ.
Does it make any difference how we live as Christians? The apostle, Peter, seems to think so. In fact, he calls on us as believers "to abstain from fleshly lusts".
How do we live together as believers in harmony? Discover how "responsible submission" plays a major role in Christian unity.
Discover three purposes for living a meaningful life.
Why is there suffering in the world? Discover what God has done about it.
What are the characteristics of a Christian leader - a pastor or a lay leader? A church leader must mature in the faith and in people-skills.
We all must face temptation. What is it and how do we deal with it successfully?