The Book of 1 Peter
1 Peter encourages suffering Christians scattered across the empire to stand firm in hope, holiness, and humility — and to cast their cares on the God who cares for them.
- Testament
- New (5 chapters)
- Type
- Epistle
- Date
- Probably 62-64 AD, before the Neronian persecution.
Hope in suffering
Peter writes to Christians beginning to feel real social cost for their faith. His refrain: 'rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings' (4:13). Suffering is not strange; it conforms us to Christ.
Strangers and pilgrims
Peter calls believers 'strangers and pilgrims' (2:11) — people whose true citizenship is elsewhere. This stance reframes how we engage culture, government, hostility: with respect, but not as though this world is our home.
Key verses (KJV)
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
“Be ye holy; for I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:16 (citing Leviticus) (KJV)
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” — 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)
How to read 1 Peter
Five short chapters — read in one sitting. Read whenever you feel out of place as a Christian in your culture. Peter, who once denied Christ under pressure, knows exactly what he's writing about.
Read 1 Peter on your iPhone
Read the full book of 1 Peter in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
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From the blog
Frequently asked questions
What is the Book of 1 Peter about?
1 Peter is a book of Epistle, running to 5 chapters. Its main threads: Hope in suffering; Strangers and pilgrims.
Who wrote the Book of 1 Peter?
Peter the apostle, with Silvanus as scribe (5:12).
Where does 1 Peter come in the Bible?
1 Peter is one of the 27 books of the New Testament in the Protestant canon, grouped with the Epistle books. You can walk the canon in order using the previous and next links on this page.