Introduction to 1 Peter

The Apostle Peter wrote his first epistle to give comfort and guidance to believers who were facing harassment. He could see the mounting tensions; the opposition of the Jews, and the growing friction with the pagan Romans, and he likely wrote this book just prior to Nero blaming the Christians for the burning of Rome in AD 64, and the outbreak of savage and widespread persecution. The Church was new, poorly understood, had little history to give it credibility in the eyes of the world, and Christians became easy targets. In the midst of this, Peter wanted to teach them how to suffer as Christians, and to endure until the end without losing hope, joy, or wavering in their faith. Our situation is not altogether different today. Opposition towards Christianity and biblical standards is growing rapidly as society openly rejects God and His design. The Church can either speak the truth, or choose to be silent. True disciples follow Christ in all things as they yield to the Spirit of God. Are you ready to suffer for what you believe?