New Testament · General Letters · World English Bible
1 Peter
"Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you."
— 1 Peter 5:7 
The Reading LensEvery verse pulled to the top of a book is chosen by three questions: Where is God’s heart here? Who is He protecting? Who is being saved by the action? It marks the place where those answers come into clearest focus — a “look at this, in this book.”
About the Letter
Addressed to scattered believers across five provinces of Asia Minor, called exiles and strangers — which is both their legal situation and the letter’s governing image for how to understand it.
The occasion is suffering: not yet systematic persecution, but hostility, slander and social cost. Its repeated answer is to keep conduct so plainly good that the accusations have nothing to attach to.
It is unusually rich in Old Testament language applied to the readers — a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation — terms previously used of Israel, now addressed to congregations largely of Gentiles.
5 Chapters
A Living Hope
Born again to a hope and an inheritance kept in heaven — followed immediately by the acknowledgment that they are grieved by various trials, and gold tested by fire.
Living Stones
The stone the builders rejected, and the readers built into a house as living stones themselves. Then conduct among the Gentiles, and a word to household slaves that leads straight into the example of Christ.
Suffering for Doing Good
Husbands told to honour their wives as joint heirs so their prayers are not hindered. Always be ready to give an answer — with gentleness and respect. And the difficult passage about the spirits in prison.
The End Is Near
Hospitality without grumbling, and gifts used to serve one another. Then the fiery trial — not to be surprised by it — and the observation that judgment begins with the household of God.
To the Elders
Shepherd the flock willingly and not for money, not domineering but as examples. Humility toward one another. The anxieties cast on him, and the adversary prowling.