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The Book of 1 Peter | |
1 Peter is a letter in the
Bible's New Testament. The author of the letter is Peter. Peter was a disciple
(student) of Jesus. And Peter became a leader in the first Christian church, in
Peter wrote his letter to
Christians who were suffering great troubles. Peter wanted them to trust God
more. Their troubles would test them. But they were joyful, even when they
suffered. They were joyful, because they trusted God's promises. And they were
joyful, because Jesus died for them. So, Peter encouraged them
to be holy. Their troubles would last for a short time. But God's word lasts
always. And they will always live with God in heaven. There, they will not
suffer. God chose them to be his
people (1 Peter 2:10). So, they were special people. They did not belong to this
world (1 Peter 2:11). They belonged in heaven. Jesus suffered many
terrible things, too. But he did not reply when people insulted him. He did not
complain. He trusted God. And when Jesus died, he suffered the punishment for
our evil deeds. This was how he made us into the people of God (1 Peter
2:21-25). We should copy Jesus, even
when we suffer. We should respect our husbands and wives (1 Peter 3:1-7). We
should respect our employers (1 Peter 2:18-21). And we should even respect
rulers and governments (1 Peter 2:13-17). They might be evil. But we should
still be good. We should tell them gently about Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). We might suffer because we
are Christians. But even if this happens, we should be glad. And we should
praise God that we are Christians (1 Peter 4:12-19). Peter advised these
Christians to love each other (1 Peter 4:8). And, he had special advice for the
church leaders (1 Peter 5:1-4).
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