Introduction to 1st Peter

Here's my introduction to the book of 1st Peter, and to its course.

The first letter from Peter is believed to have been written just shortly before the beginning of the terrible persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Nero in A.D.64. It is believed that Peter wrote this epistle from Rome, which he figuratively referred to as "Babylon" (1 Peter 5:13; See Lesson #1 notes for details). There weren't many people to speak of in the literal old city of Babylon. And we have no tradition among the early Christian teachers that ever refers to Peter having spent time there. We do however, have a very strong tradition that says Peter spent the last years of his life in Rome. His reference to Mark being there with him (1 Pet. 5:13) is also believed to support this view because we do have texts showing us that Mark was in Rome at least surely at an earlier time, during Paul's first Roman imprisonment (See Colossians 4:10). In this case he may have still been there and had a residence there.

This letter was written to the believers who were scattered throughout the Roman world (non-Jewish primarily, although its truth could aid the Jew as well as the Gentile; see details in lesson #1). The contents of this letter really focused on encouraging the believers in the face of persecution and instructing them to live a godly life in Christ Jesus! The letter was quite timely considering the persecution that was soon to break out under Roman Emperor Nero in A.D. 64. It is believed that it was later in that year (A.D. 64) that Peter's life was taken away; shortly after the Christians had been accused by Nero of causing the great fires in the city of Rome (which many suspect Nero actually started). Peter died a Martyr's death at the hands of Rome, just as Jesus had prophesied to him many years earlier (See John 21:17-19). Christian church leaders from the early centuries talked about the manner of Peter's death. Tertullian speaks about it at the end of the 2nd century, and Origen also as can be found in Eusebius, Church History, book III. Origen stated: "Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downwards, as he himself had desired to suffer." It is was said that Peter did not consider himself worthy to die in the same way as his Savior, and so requested an upside down crucifixion. It is also a historical fact that Roman soldiers would amuse themselves at times by crucifying people in different body positions on Crosses. Sparing the details, it is important to note that Peter gave all for Jesus and was faithful unto death! He will surely receive the crown of life as was promised! Let us only be faithful to God above all things--even unto death, by His grace! May you be blessed and inspired as you study through the letters of the Apostle Peter.

Blessings,

Ben