Peter addresses himself not as Simon but as Peter, “The Rock”, a name given to him by Jesus. He also acknowledges himself as an apostle, a “sent one”. He is writing to “strangers in the world”. Those to whom he is writing had been dispersed throughout a wide area. They are strangers, as we are strangers in an alien land. Our real home is in heaven. We are sojourners here, as they were there.

It seems that Peter may be strengthening and building on what Paul had started. If that is the case, it is a great example of two aspects of the gift of apostleship. One characteristic is that an apostle can blaze new ground and establish new ministry. Another characteristic of an apostle is that of empowering a ministry that may be floundering and breathe into it new life. In either case, Peter certainly was using his gift of apostleship.

Peter tells us that we may suffer grief in all kinds of trials so that our faith may be proved genuine. Faith is proved genuine by persevering through many trials. If our faith crumbles under pressure, we probably haven’t had enough trials in our lives.   Salvation is secure even though our body may suffer. 

Peter mentions the prophets and searching intently for evidence of the coming of the Messiah.  This leads us to think that Peter was writing to people who would know of these Scriptures.

1 Peter 1:12b
Even angels long to look into these things.

Angels are curious about the gospel and salvation through Jesus, but they have no need of it. They cannot receive salvation because they are not equal with believers.

1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

We grow as Believers in Jesus much like we grow as babies and children. As we get nourishment from milk, we grow, and soon that nourishment is not enough. It isn’t healthy. It would not be healthy to give a child, or an adult, just milk. We need to move on to more solid food.  We should crave this pure spiritual milk, which nourishes us and causes us to grow spiritually.  But we must also as Paul states, "move on from the elementary teachings."

Peter says to that we are like living stones being built into a spiritual house, "offering spiritual sacrifices..."

Paul wrote something similar. 

Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 

1 Peter 2:25 For you were once like sheep going astray, but now have returned to the Shepherd...

Was Peter speaking to the Jews who had turned away from God and have returned?  Or is he speaking generally to those who are Believers but stray from the perfect path?

1 Peter 3:7b
…so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
What are some things that may hinder our prayers?

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

That’s why we all need to study the Bible, not just read the words, but really study. This is how we will be able to give correct answers.  The last part of the verse gives us warning to give these answers with gentleness and respect and not in an "in your face" kind of way.

Jesus "went and preached to the spirits in prison".  When the people were destroyed by the flood those evil spirits who had inhabited people suddenly had no one to inhabit. The only place they could go was back to the abyss. (see Jude) He didn’t preach a message of salvation.  He announced that He is the victor over sin and death.

1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

This was nearly 2,000 years ago. The beginning of the end had begun.

“Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”

We should not be distracted by anything, or as we are told earlier “so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” Not being self-controlled and clear minded can hinder our prayers. 

1 Peter 4:16
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

What a great responsibility we have as Christians! We bear His Name!  Therefore we should display the qualities of His character.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

He didn’t say some things, or just the big stuff…he said ALL. He can handle it! He’s GOD!

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

There is nothing that Satan would like any better than to devour (Greek word  for devour is katapino and means  "to gulp entirely"). Satan seeks to devour our testimony, our witness. We must be alert to his schemes, and they are many. Peter tells us that we must “submit to God” and be “clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray” and then we are told to “stand firm”!

Pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are undergoing sufferings just because they bear His Name.

Peter exhorts the people concerning suffering by telling them that they must suffer "a little while" and after that they will be restored and made strong, firm, and steadfast. Was Peter speaking from experience? Think of what Peter suffered during the three days between Jesus' death (after Peter had denied Jesus) and the time that He appeared privately to Peter. What agony must Peter have suffered and what joy he felt to be restored! No wonder Peter could be strong, firm, and steadfast!

Peter mentions "She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings...", a sentence that implies present tense. Does this mean that Peter was in Babylon (60 miles southeast of Baghdad in modern day Iraq) when he wrote this letter?