Bible Study – Book Outlines: 1 Peter

A. J. Higgins
Barrington, NJ

John 21 (“feed my lambs … sheep”) is the background of the epistle. Note Peter’s change in attitude toward suffering.

Author

  • His Identity – Peter, his Greek name
  • His Authority – An Apostle
  • His Visibility – Much of Peter’s own experiences seen in the epistle. Look at three occasions when he was taken aside with the three (Jairus’ daughter – new life, Mount of Transfiguration – glory, Gethsemane – suffering).

Audience

  • Relationship to their Nation – Strangers scattered: probably mostly Jews but also Gentile element seems clear from some of the Scriptures in Peter. Note, however, the many OT references and allusions. “Strangers” was more their relationship to where they were and not the same as of the dispersion in James.
  • Relationship to Location – Asia (Turkey of today); there would be local responsibility.
  • Relationship to the Lord – elect

Atmosphere

  • ch.1 – Scattered among the nations
  • ch.2 – Strangers in the wilderness
  • ch.3 – Subject ones in society
  • ch.4 – Sufferers in the fiery trial
  • ch.5 – Sheep facing the lion

Aim

1 Peter 5:12 gives the reason for the epistle: “exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.” Suffering saints noted 10 times.

Approach

He brings before them three things to strengthen them:

  1. Their Position – The Greatness of their Salvation
  2. The Pattern – The Greatness of their Savior (His perfect example of suffering)
  3. The Prospect – The Greatness of the Splendor of glory about to dawn. Glory 11x in epistle.

Aroma

  • ch.1 – Cross and a New Dignity – Leads to a New Duty
  • ch.2 – Cross and a New Direction – Leads to a New Devotion
  • ch.3 – Cross and a New Destination – Leads to a New Dependence
  • ch.4 – Cross and a New Dynamic – Leads to a New Discipline
  • ch.5 – Cross and a New Danger – Leads to a New Diligence

Associations

  • Job – Similar in the Trial
  • Numbers – Similar in the Time frame (wilderness journey)
  • Ephesians – Similar in its Teaching
  • Daniel – Similar in Tenor (fiery trial, Babylon, mouth of the lion, banquets and reveling). Peter was writing to exiles and strangers; abstain from fleshly lusts; “Peace be multiplied.” Daniel’s name means “My God is judge” and chapter 4 says God will judge.

Arrangement

  • ch.1 – Salvation We Possess (Suffering and Prophecy)
  • ch.2 – Spiritual Growth in Our Progress (Suffering and the Pattern, v21)
  • ch.3 – Submission and Our Priorities (Suffering and Purpose, v18)
  • ch.4 – Suffering and Patience (Suffering and Power, v1)
  • ch.5 – Service We Practice (Suffering and Proclamation)

Analysis

With the background of Egypt to Canaan, the epistle can be divided as follows:

1:1-2:10 – EGYPT: Elected, inheritance, girded loins, Passover Lamb, unleavened bread, the land to be possessed, spiritual house, chosen generation

2:11-4:11 – WILDERNESS: Pilgrims and strangers, war with Amalek, suffering, the ark going before

4:12-5:11 – CANAAN: Anticipation of the land, elders, adversary, stablish, strengthen, settle

(Note that these sections are also divided by the word “beloved.”)

Key Words

Grace (8x), called (5x), suffering and glory (linked 9x), sufferings of Christ (7x), seven mentions of the Spirit

Background

Matthew 16 may well be the background for 1 Peter, and Matthew 17 for 2 Peter. In Matthew 16, four themes are developed in Peter’s epistle – A Church to be Built, a Crown to Bestow, a Cross to be Borne, and a Coming to Bolster.

Outline

The Salvation We Enjoy (ch.1)

  1. The Hope We Have (vv1-12)
    1. Plan of the Godhead (vv1-2)
    2. Purpose of God (vv3-5)
    3. Pathway of Gain (vv6-9)
    4. Prophetic Writings (vv10-12)
  2. The Holiness We Display (vv13-25)
    1. Importance of Holiness (vv13-16)
    2. Incentives to Holiness (vv17-21)
    3. Implications of Holiness (vv22-25)

The Spiritual Growth We Exhibit (ch.2)

  • Sons in the Family (vv1-3) – Food and Its Appropriation
  • Stones in the Building (vv4-10) – Foundation of God and Implications
  • Strangers in the World (vv11-12) – Foreigners and Separation
  • Subjects in Society (vv13-17) – Features and Cooperation
  • Servants in the House (vv18-21) – Fear of God and Approbation
  • Sheep in the Flock (vv22-25) – Focus and Fortification

Submission and Its Expression (ch.3)

  • Value of Godly Conduct in the Home (vv1-7) – Family Concerns
  • Virtue of Godly Character in our Lives (vv8-12) – Formula for a Satisfying Life
  • Vital Need of Godly Consistency in Affliction (vv13-17) – Fear of God
  • Victory of Godly Conduct in Suffering (vv18-22) – Figure of Baptism

Suffering Endured (ch.4)

  • Strengthened for Holy Living (vv1-6)
  • Stewardship and Earthly Responsibility (vv7-11)
  • Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake (vv12-16)
  • Serenity Amidst Affliction (vv17-19)

Service that Enriches (ch.5)

  • Shepherds and Sheep (vv1-4)
  • Submission and Solidarity (vv5-9)
  • Spiritual Intelligence and Strength (vv10-11)
  • Salutations and the Secret (vv12-14)