Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Book of 1 Peter
First Peter encourages Christians facing persecution to stand firm in living hope, to live holy lives as strangers and pilgrims in the world, and to follow the example of Christ's suffering. It is a letter of hope and holiness for hard times. This commentary walks through it verse by verse.
About This Commentary
The First Epistle of Peter was written by the apostle Peter to believers scattered across Asia Minor who were facing persecution for their faith, likely in the early to mid-60s AD. Peter, himself restored after failure, writes with pastoral warmth to strengthen suffering Christians. He anchors them in the living hope of the resurrection, calls them to holy living as pilgrims in a hostile world, and points them to the example of Christ, who suffered for us and left us a pattern to follow.
This commentary covers 1 Peter verse by verse, with the Greek words that sharpen the meaning, verified background, and an Apostolic reading. The letter is a fountain of assurance: an unfading inheritance kept in heaven, redemption by the precious blood of the spotless Lamb, the new birth through the ever-living word, and hope that outlasts every trial. References are given at the foot of each chapter.
This commentary on 1 Peter is now complete, covering all five chapters verse by verse.
Author
The apostle Peter, writing to scattered, suffering believers.
Setting
Christians facing persecution across Asia Minor, early to mid-60s AD.
Key Themes
Living hope, holiness, and following Christ in suffering.
Central Truth
Redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, the spotless Lamb (1:19).
Translation
King James Version (KJV) throughout.
The Chapters
1 Peter Commentary
The chapters below are available now. The rest are being written and will open here as they are finished and verified.
1 Peter 1:1-25
Born Again to a Living Hope
Peter anchors suffering believers in a living hope through the resurrection, an unfading inheritance kept in heaven, redemption by the precious blood of Christ, and the new birth through the ever-living word of God.
Read Chapter 1 →1 Peter 2:1-25
A Royal Priesthood
Built on Christ 'a living stone,' believers become 'lively stones... a spiritual house, an holy priesthood,' crowned with glorious titles: 'ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people... called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.' Following Christ under suffering, we look to the One 'who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree... by whose stripes ye were healed.'
Read Chapter 2 →1 Peter 3:1-22
A Reason of the Hope
Wives and husbands honor one another, prizing 'the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.' The whole church repays evil 'contrariwise blessing.' Facing hostility, 'sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you,' for 'Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.'
Read Chapter 3 →1 Peter 4:1-19
Stewards of the Grace of God
Done with the old life, believers live 'to the will of God,' and, since 'the end of all things is at hand,' 'have fervent charity... for charity shall cover the multitude of sins,' serving 'as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.' Under 'the fiery trial,' they 'rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings,' and 'if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God.'
Read Chapter 4 →1 Peter 5:1-14
Casting All Your Care Upon Him
Elders 'Feed the flock of God... being ensamples to the flock,' awaiting 'a crown of glory that fadeth not away' from 'the chief Shepherd.' All are 'clothed with humility,' 'casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.' Be 'vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about... whom resist stedfast in the faith,' resting in 'the God of all grace,' who will 'make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.'
Read Chapter 5 →