Structure and Overview of 1 Peter

I’ve been thinking a lot about this first century biblical letter lately. Here is my most recent attempt to summarise the flow:

Greetings: 1:1-2: Elect exiles; chosen by Father, through Spirit, for Jesus Christ

 

Apocalyptic narrative:

1:3-5: Father has rebirthed us into an imperishable inheritance, through Christ’s resurrection from the dead, preserved by faith and ready to be revealed at last time

1:6-9: You rejoice in trials, which refine faith in Jesus Christ, whom you love and in whom you believe

1:10-12: This salvation is attested by the Spirit, through prophets and evangelists

 

Apocalyptic mindset:

1:13: Know the hope of the grace associated with the revelation of Christ

Facing those inside the new family: Called to belong to God’s fatherly house:

1:14-16: Obedient children: do not conform to former desires; do become holy

1:17-21: Children of the Judge: do not pursue former futile conduct; do live with reverent fear

1:22-2:1: Purified brothers: do not live as that which passes away; do love one another

2:2-3: Newborn infants: desire pure milk

Facing those outside the family: Called to belong to God’s covenantal house

2:4-5: Come to Christ, rejected by humans but chosen by God

2:6-8: Rejected by humans

2:9-10: Chosen by God as a Priesthood

 

Apocalyptic conduct:

2:11-12: As exiles, put away former desires, conducting yourselves well among the Gentiles so that they might glorify God when he visits

Accepting human authority for the Lord’s sake:

2:13-17: All: king

2:18-25: Master

3:1-7: Husband

Accepting suffering for the Lord’s sake:

3:8-12: All: Repay evil with blessing

3:13-17: Sanctify Christ as Lord

3:18-22: Christ: from flesh to Spirit

4:1-11: You: from flesh to Spirit

 

Apocalyptic suffering and glory:

4:12-19: Sharing Christ’s sufferings & waiting to share Christ’s glory at the time of his revelation

5:1-11: Humility in the face of suffering, trusting God who opposes the proud but gives grace to humble sufferers

 

Greetings: 5:12-14: Stand fast

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