Written by the Apostle Peter, c. A.D. 64
By reciting the greatness of God Who called them through the Gospel, recalling the example of Christ, and by expounding both positive and negative principles of conduct inherent in their election, Peter exhorts and encourages believers to live in hope and practical holiness with a view to convert those who viewed their faith with suspicion. Peter wrote from Rome around A.D. 64.
Chapter 1:1—2:10 Christian Salvation
After identifying his readers as believers living in various provinces of Asia Minor (1:1-2), Peter describes the greatness of their salvation (1:3-12). Their faith contains a confident expectation of the future ("living hope," 1:3-5), yielding present joy (1:6-9), based on the past expectancy of the prophets to the amazement of the angels (1:10-12). Their salvation has certain results: a practical separation from sin (1:13-16), deep reverence for God (1:17-21), and a heart-felt love for others (1:22-25). Finally, their salvation has as its goal their maturity (2:1-3), and serving others before God as believer-priests (2:4-10).
Chapter 2:11—3:11 Christian Submission
Because non-Christians in their community looked upon their faith with suspicion, Peter exhorts his readers to evangelize them through their example of excellent living by obeying civil authority (2:11-17), submitting to their masters/employers (2:18-25), maintaining peaceful marriages (3:1-7), and by living in peace and being a blessing to others before God (3:8-12).
Chapter 3:12—5:14 Christian Suffering
Even though they were persecuted for their faith, Peter encourages them to continue expressing their faith in their lives (3:13-17), just as Christ did in His suffering (3:18-22). Peter reminds them that the purpose for suffering is to mature them and grant them the opportunity to represent the gospel to others (4:1-19). Finally, Peter encourages church leaders to enjoy leading God's people knowing that God cares for them all (5:1-14).
Quine's View of the Key Verse: 1 Peter 3:8-9
"To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing."
