The Book of 1 Peter
1 Peter encourages suffering Christians scattered across the empire to stand firm in hope, holiness, and humility — and to cast their cares on the God who cares for them.
- Testament
- New (5 chapters)
- Type
- Epistle
- Author
- Peter the apostle, with Silvanus as scribe (5:12).
- Date
- Probably 62-64 AD, before the Neronian persecution.
Hope in suffering
Peter writes to Christians beginning to feel real social cost for their faith. His refrain: 'rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings' (4:13). Suffering is not strange; it conforms us to Christ.
Strangers and pilgrims
Peter calls believers 'strangers and pilgrims' (2:11) — people whose true citizenship is elsewhere. This stance reframes how we engage culture, government, hostility: with respect, but not as though this world is our home.
Key verses (KJV)
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
“Be ye holy; for I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:16 (citing Leviticus) (KJV)
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” — 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)
How to read 1 Peter
Five short chapters — read in one sitting. Read whenever you feel out of place as a Christian in your culture. Peter, who once denied Christ under pressure, knows exactly what he's writing about.
Read 1 Peter on your iPhone
Read the full book of 1 Peter in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
Read 1 Peter free on iPhone.
Download on the App Store