1 Peter: An Introduction

The first letter of Peter is believed to have been written around 62 or 63 CE. Historical tradition holds that the letter was written by Peter, one of the original 12 disciples, while he was in Rome, and Peter addressed it to a church in Turkey. Peter, who was called as the apostle to the Jews, in this letter, appears to be addressing gentiles who have entered into the faith.

There are reminders about God’s promises and addresses to what people now are before God, through Christ Jesus. They are statements with which, people of the Jewish faith would be in good understanding and would not need reminding of such an introductory statement. The belief of the letter being addressed to gentiles is further cemented with the comments about turning back to the non-godly ways.

As we embark through a devotional on the first letter of Peter, take hope that it was written for a church under suffering and persecution for following the way of Jesus. The letter gives you a shovel to help turn the earth around you and thus allowing your roots to grow deep in God.

For us today, this letter is highly applicable. In a world which is turning more ungodly and polluted with sin every day, it is becoming harder to walk an authentic Christian faith without facing persecution or discrimination.

Furthermore, in a world which promotes self-gain and building up one’s empire and glory, living a life of self-sacrifice and giving away treasures of the earth is contrary to society and that in itself will bring much trouble as your life lived convicts people of the sin and greed that pollutes them.

As we start this journey, pray to the Lord of Lords that He strengthen you to be able to endure the persecutions that must come as a child of God. Take this period of devotion to grow deep roots in the Word and build your relationship with God.

The roots you till now and the relationship you make will help you to sustain your faith and fruits of righteous works in times of struggle and persecution. May, by the end of this devotional, you be in a position to lay down your life for Jesus to be glorified through your obedience to Him.