In | Workbook: 1 Peter’s Audience

Grab your Workbook Journal!

[Record your answers in the workbook provided at the beginning of this course.]

Since we lack the full context for every New Testament letter—since each is far removed from its original sending and motivation—our knowledge of each letter’s source and audience depends on what we can learn from its content (i.e., In the Text). The sender is often identified at the beginning, as we see in those letters attributed to Paul and Peter.  But the sender is not always identified, as is the case with those attributed to John and the book of Hebrews. Many letters list names of recipients while the wider context of the exchange, and clues to its applicability to the larger church, are not as obvious.

Sometimes the best way to begin to appreciate a letter’s audience is to ask a series of simple questions—questions that allow us to zero in on the type of people the author appears to be addressing. This is really part of the letter’s content and context.

Read 1 Peter 1–3 and see what you can learn about the letter’s audience.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia … 1 Peter 1:1 (NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16 (NIV)

1. Based on these verses, are the recipients of 1 Peter already believers? 

… and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:21 (NIV) (cf 1:3, 22-23; 2:2)

2. Based on this verse, are the letter’s recipients preparing to be baptized? 

… who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 1 Peter 1:2 (NIV)

For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:17 (NIV)

3. Based on these verses, is Peter trying to convince them to make a commitment to live for God? 

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed …. Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 1 Peter 1:7, 13 (NIV)

4. Based on these verses, are the recipients of Peter’s letter looking ahead to the second coming?

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us …. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:12, 15 (NIV)

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing …. Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? … keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:9, 13, 16 (NIV)

5. Based on these verses, does this group of Christians consist of insiders or outsiders in their respective community?

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6 (NIV)

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us …. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 1 Peter 2:12, 19-20 (NIV)

6. Based on these verses, are the letter’s recipients treated well and respected for their faith? 

7. Having processed these questions, summarize the identity of 1 Peter’s recipients in one or two sentences.