1 Peter

1 Peter is the 60th Book of the Bible. He had been beaten, threatened, punished, and imprisoned because he preached the Word of God. Peter never lost his hope and faith in living a holy life while in the face of suffering, just like Jesus Christ. Peter had been with Jesus when He was alive and bore witness to His suffering. He encouraged other suffering Christians to do the same, as well.

Peter wrote to a group of people that probably included both Jews and Gentiles.  Peter was speaking not just to Jews or just to Gentiles but to Christians who were living their lives in such a way that they would have stood out as among the surrounding culture.

Living in close proximity to Jesus Christ for more than three years had provided the apostle Peter the best possible example of what it looked like to live in holiness amid a hostile world. More than any other man who walked the earth, Jesus modeled that lifestyle. Peter therefore points us in the best possible direction, to Jesus Himself. The apostle called Christians to “sanctify Christ as Lord” in their hearts, that believers might live and act as Jesus desires during their short time here on earth (1 Peter 3:14–18). This would include submission to authority—even unjust authority—in the government, in the home, and in the workplace. Jesus becomes the focal point for ordering one’s life in the midst of trials and tribulations. By rooting their perseverance in the person and work of Christ, believers can always cling to hope in the midst of suffering.

Peter’s encouragement to us is one of perseverance in faith. It isn’t enough for us to simply get up every morning and trudge through each day; neither is it advisable to paste a smile on our faces and ignore troubles. Instead, the lesson of 1 Peter is to push through the troubles, recognizing their temporary presence in our lives while walking in holiness and hope as people of faith.

Your troubles have come in order to prove that your faith is real.It is worth more than gold. 1Peter1:7