1 Peter 1

In this chapter, Peter writes to believers who are scattered throughout various regions. He encourages them in their faith by reminding them of their living hope through Christ’s resurrection and their eternal inheritance. Despite trials, they are called to live holy lives, reflecting God's character as His chosen people.

1 Peter 1:1-2 (NKJV)
"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied."

Peter addresses believers as pilgrims, emphasizing their temporary status on earth as they await their heavenly home. They are "elect," chosen by God according to His foreknowledge, highlighting the divine plan for their salvation. The Holy Spirit sanctifies them, setting them apart for obedience and purification through Christ’s sacrifice. Peter prays for them to experience an abundance of grace and peace in their journey of faith.

1 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"

Peter praises God for His mercy, which has given believers a new birth into a living hope. This hope is alive and active because it is based on Christ’s resurrection from the dead, assuring believers of their future with Him. The resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope, pointing to the promise of eternal life.

1 Peter 1:4 (NKJV)
"to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,"

Believers have an inheritance that is eternal, pure, and unfading. Unlike earthly inheritances that can decay or be lost, this heavenly inheritance is secure and waiting for them. It is a reminder of the eternal reward promised to those who belong to Christ.

1 Peter 1:5 (NKJV)
"who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

The believers are protected by God's power, which keeps them secure in their faith. This protection is tied to their faith, and it is aimed toward the ultimate salvation that will be fully revealed when Christ returns. The emphasis here is on God's sustaining grace that guards believers until the end.

1 Peter 1:6-7 (NKJV)
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,"

Peter acknowledges that believers may suffer through various trials, but these trials serve a purpose. They test and refine their faith, much like fire refines gold, and this process results in faith that brings praise, honor, and glory to God. The temporary nature of suffering contrasts with the eternal joy that will come when Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 1:8-9 (NKJV)
"whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls."

Though the believers have not physically seen Jesus, they love Him and trust in Him. This faith fills them with indescribable joy because they are assured of their salvation. Peter emphasizes the great reward of faith—the salvation of their souls, which they are already experiencing in part and will fully realize in the future.

1 Peter 1:10-12 (NKJV)
"Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into."

The salvation believers experience was long prophesied by the prophets, who diligently sought to understand the timing and details of Christ’s suffering and the glory that would follow. The prophets were told that their messages were meant not for their time but for the benefit of future believers. Even angels long to understand the mystery of the gospel, showing its profound significance.

1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV)
"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"

Peter calls believers to prepare their minds for action, urging them to be self-controlled and to focus entirely on the grace they will receive when Christ is revealed. This mindset of readiness and hope is essential for living out their faith amid the challenges of life.

1 Peter 1:14-16 (NKJV)
"as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'"

Peter reminds believers that they are to live as obedient children of God, not returning to their previous sinful desires. Instead, they are to reflect the holiness of the God who called them. Holiness means being set apart in every aspect of life, as they follow God’s example of purity and righteousness.

1 Peter 1:17 (NKJV)
"And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;"

Believers are reminded that God is an impartial judge who will evaluate everyone’s deeds. This knowledge should inspire them to live in reverence and respect toward God during their temporary life on earth, recognizing the seriousness of their calling.

1 Peter 1:18-19 (NKJV)
"knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

Peter emphasizes the high cost of their redemption—it was not purchased with perishable things like money, but with the priceless blood of Christ. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, offered Himself as a sacrifice to redeem them from their former, futile way of life. This underscores the immense value of their salvation.

1 Peter 1:20-21 (NKJV)
"He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."

Christ’s sacrifice was not an afterthought but part of God’s eternal plan. He was chosen before the world began but revealed in the last times for the benefit of believers. Through Christ, they believe in God, who raised Jesus from the dead and glorified Him, giving believers a solid foundation for their faith and hope.

1 Peter 1:22 (NKJV)
"Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,"

Peter urges believers to love one another deeply and sincerely, as a natural outcome of their purified lives. Obedience to the truth, through the Holy Spirit, leads to genuine love for fellow believers. This love should be intense and come from a pure heart, reflecting their transformed nature in Christ.

1 Peter 1:23-25 (NKJV)
"having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because 'All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.' Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you."

Believers have been born again through the eternal word of God, which contrasts with the temporary nature of human life. While human achievements and glory fade like grass, the word of the Lord is everlasting. This enduring word is the gospel, which has brought them new life and hope.