FIRST PETER

By Dr. Barry L. Davis

info@mindofchrist.net

STUDENT’S GUIDE

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW
INTERNATIONAL VERSION. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.
Used by permission of ZondervanPublishing House. All rights reserved.
 LESSON ONE
FIRST PETER AUTHORSHIP AND BACKGROUND

I. Author ~ (1 Pet. 1:1)

A. Peter was a (Matt. 4:18). He continued in this trade for some
time after he was led to Christ.
B. He was led to Christ by his brother, (John 1:40-42).
C. Peter's hometown was (John 1:44).
1. Bethsaida means " " or " ."
2. Most geographers locate the city on the north end of the Sea of Galilee
and just east of the Jordan.
D. Peter was and evidently had a family.
1. Matt. 8:14 speaks of his wife's mother being ill.
2. Paul specifically states that Peter had a wife in 1 Cor. 9:5.
E. Peter was among the " " Apostles--a title that has been given
to Peter, James, and John because of their intimacy with Christ during His
ministry. It was these three Apostles who witnessed:
1. The raising of Jairus' daughter, Mark 5:37.
2. The Transfiguration of Christ, Matt. 17:1.
3. The Lord's agony in Gethsemane, Matt. 26:37.
F. Peter's character and nature was and ,
though sometimes .
1. When Jesus walked on the water, Matt. 14:22-33.
2. His denial of Christ, Luke 22:31-34, 54-62.
3. His bold entrance into the empty tomb, in contrast to John's hesitance,
John 20:1-8.
4. He was the first of the Apostles to witness the Resurrection, 1 Cor.
15:5; Luke 24:33-34.
G. Peter was a among the and in the early church.
1. In every list of the Apostles (Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Acts 1:13)
Peter is mentioned .
2. In the book of Acts Peter is the most character next to
the Apostle Paul.
a. The first to preach the Gospel to the (Acts 2).
b. The first to preach the Gospel to the (Acts 10
and 11).
H. Jesus renamed him Cephas (Aramaic), or Peter (Greek), which means a
, or a .
1. This name suggest Peter's future strength, endurance, and foundational
position in the church.
2. It also suggest his dependence on the Church's true Rock: Jesus
(Matt. 16:16-18; Eph. 2:19-20; 1 Pet. 2:4-8).
I. A third century Christian, Origen, records that Peter was martyred by being
, feeling unworthy to die as Christ had.

2 Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis

II. Background of 1 Peter
A. Addressed to .
1. 1 Pet. 1:1 says that the letter was addressed to Christians in Pontus,
Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. These were Roman provinces in
what is now called Asia Minor, or Turkey.
2. Paul had founded churches in Asia and Galatia; we have letters from
him to Ephesus, Colosse, and Galatia. But Peter seems to have known
these Christians as well.
3. The people Peter was writing to were mostly likely both Jews and
Gentiles who had been converted to the Christian faith. These people had
been " " (1 Pet. 1:1) because of their faith in Christ.
B. Date and Place written
1. 1 Peter was probably written around the time of the
, or A.D. 64.
2. From 5:13 we can conclude that Peter wrote this epistle from Babylon.
The name Babylon is probably symbolical for .
C. Immediate Setting
1. The Christians addressed by Peter in this epistle were experiencing
many for their faith (1:6-7).
2. Slander by fellow citizens was one of those trials (2:12).
3. Darker still were the shadows of by the state
which Christians throughout the Roman empire feared. Everyone knew
about those martyred by Nero in Rome. Would the fires spread to the
Christians in Asia Minor?
4. Peter wrote this letter not to assure the Christians that persecution
would not come, but to them to stand true and
suffering for Christ's sake and with His strength, even as
the persecution grew more intense.

III. Main Themes:

A. The Reality of in the lives of Christians – offers encouragement
and challenge. Suffering is mentioned 16 times by using 8 different Greek terms.
B. Centered on the Father and .
C. Christians are who used to live in the darkness of paganism
but have been brought into an experience of salvation.
D. Christians are the people of God and are described in terms drawn from the
Old Testament descriptions of .
E. The Old Testament is seen as a – at least in its
prophetic teaching about the Messiah and His people.
F. Strong emphasis on Christian (“holiness”).
G. is prominent.

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 LESSON TWO
FIRST PETER 1:1-12

Verse 1
1. Peter claims to be an "apostle of Jesus Christ".
2. According to Thayer's Greek Lexicon an apostle is "a , ,
one sent forth with orders."
3. Peter, at the very beginning, establishes that he has been by Christ
to write this epistle.
4. He addresses this letter to "God's elect".
B The word "elect" means , , , or as we
might put it, " ".
B The "elect" are Christians – those whom God has chosen to obtain salvation
through Christ.
5. These believers had been "scattered"; many Jews had left Palestine and had been
dispersed throughout the area Peter mentions. For the Gentiles, this could mean they
lived quite a distance from one another.

Verse 2
1. These Christians were "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father".
2. Notice we have been chosen as a , not as (Eph. 1:4-5).
3. God invites to be a part of this group (Jn 3:16; Rom. 10:13; Rev. 22:17).
4. All three members of the Godhead take part in our salvation:
B God the Father it.
B God the Spirit it.
B God the Son it.

Verse 3
1. Christians have been given the new birth.
2. We were given birth the first time by our Father. We are given birth the
second time by our Father (John 3:3).
3. The Christian's hope is not dead, it is very much .
4. The basis of our hope is the of Jesus Christ.

Verse 4
1. The word "inheritance" signifies an given by one's Father.
2. This inheritance is our eternal blessing from God that can never perish, spoil, or fade.

Verse 5
1. The word translated "power" is where we get our words , ,
etc (Rom. 1:16).
2. Notice that God's part is to us with His protective power, our part is to
have in God and His Son, and to remain faithful.
3. This salvation we have inherited will be fully at the end of the age, but
is our present possession when we trust in Christ (1 John 5:13; John 5:24).

4 Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis

Verse 6
B The trials we encounter in this life will seem as nothing compared with the joy of
(Rom. 8:18).

Verse 7
B Our faith is proved through a process.

Peter’s Analogy
I. Refining process
1. Gold: proved by fire
2. Christian's faith: given trials and testings.
II. from process
1. Gold: pure gold remains after admixtures, alloys, and dross
removed
2. Christian's faith: "greater worth than gold"
III. Time of
1. Gold: "perishes"
2. Christian's faith: abides till "Jesus Christ is revealed"
IV.
1. Gold: greatly admired by man because of its fine quality
2. Christian: receives praise, glory, and honor from God

Verses 8-9
1. Peter's recipients had not seen Christ because:
B the place which they lived (vv. 1-2).
B because of the time in which they lived.
2. We see Christ with the eye of faith (John 20:29; Rom. 8:24-25).
3. We rejoice because we will soon have reached the consummation of the Christian
life, our eternal salvation.

Verses 10-12
1. Neither the nor the have been allowed to receive the full
revelation of Jesus Christ.
2. Even though the prophets about Christ, and the angels
to Him and to others, only those who have come after the Cross
have been able to comprehend its message.
3. We in the have received the greatest of blessings.

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 LESSON THREE
FIRST PETER 1:13-25

1. COMMITTED TO HOLINESS (vv. 13-16)

A. Prepare your for action (v. 13).
1. “gird up the loins of your mind” (NKJV)
2. is necessary to holiness (Ps. 26:2; Eccl. 7:25;
Isa. 26:3; Rom. 12:2; Matt. 22:37; Rom. 8:6; Lk. 6:40; Dan. 10:12)
3. How? ; ; ; ;
good books; ; etc….
B. Be Self-Controlled (v. 13)
1. Literally – “ ”; calm; collected; well-balanced; temperate.
2. This occurs when I allow to control my mind, actions, etc…
C. Set your hope…(v. 13).
1. (The Message) “…be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when
Jesus arrives…”
2. This is the that the spoke of (v. 10).
3. We live in along with the creation (Rom. 8:19).
D. Do not conform… (v. 14)
1. Obedience is demonstrated through (Rom. 12:1-2).
2. Ignorance is in my spiritual life (Eph. 2:1-2).
E. Be holy in all you do (vv. 15-16)
1. A holy life is built upon a (see v. 13).
2. My commitment level is clearly shown by my
(Jas. 3:13; Eph. 5:8)
3. The example I follow is .

2. COMMITTED TO FEAR AND FAITH (vv. 17-21)

A. Fear (v. 17)
1. Fear (reverence) of God because (Heb. 12:28)
2. Fear of God because He is our
a) He is not referring to the final judgment in the sense of
determining our . That has been decided (John 5:24).
b) This could be referring to the level of at judgment
(1 Cor. 3:12-15)
c) Most likely it refers to God’s for us when we
are disobedient while still on this earth (Heb. 12:5-11).
B. Faith (vv. 18-21)
1. Faith in something more than we had known in the past (v. 18)
2. Faith in the sufficiency of the (v. 19).
a) The reference to blood indicates that Christ’s death was
.
b) The has always been in the
mind of God (v. 20)
c) The plan was not fully revealed until the church age (v. 20).

6 Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis

 3. Faith in God is derived directly through our understanding of the
and of Christ (v. 21).
a) His – “Christ” (v. 19).
b) His – “without blemish or defect” (v. 19).
c) His – “precious blood” (v. 19).
d) His – “raised him from the dead” (v. 21; Rom.
4:25).
e) His – “glorified him” (v. 21).

3. COMMITTED TO LOVE (vv. 22-25)

A. The ability to love comes obeying the truth (v. 22).
1. Our love is for “one another” (v. 22).
2. Our love is from the depth of our (v. 22).
-- This love is based on our common – “brothers”.
B. Our love is for those things that endure:

Temporary Enduring
All men (v. 24) New Birth (v. 23)
Grass (v. 24) Word of the Lord (v. 23)
Men’s glory (v. 24)
Flowers (v. 24)

LIFE APPLICATIONS:
• Whatever your past may include, God is in the business of giving you a
.
• Do not resist or resent the trials of your life, but view them as God-designed
instruments of .
• Continue to examine your life for true marks of and
to Jesus Christ.
• Cultivate a “ ” toward God.
• Regularly the benefit of Christ’s death for you.
• Consider ways that you can demonstrate a sincere and deep love for
.

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 LESSON FOUR
FIRST PETER 2:1-12

Verse 1
x“Therefore” – Function: of what proceeded. What? A call to .
x “rid yourselves of” – Literally, to “ ”, “ ”.

“Rid yourselves of:” Meaning: How it corrupts:

1. Malice Wanting to hurt others Hurt feelings/Ruined reputation

2. Deceit Manipulation of others to
serve your own ends.
3. Hypocrisy Wearing a mask – two faced
4. Envy Discontent, jealousy
5. Slander Discredit or belittle someone
Lost trust
Terrible witness
Broken friendships; eats away at
your spiritual life.
Causes rumors/backbiting

Verses 2-3
x Peter instructs us to "crave pure spiritual milk" "newborn babies".
ÐThe baby desires nourishment, the Christian desires
nourishment.
Ð More than just receiving this nourishment, we are to ardently long for it – or
“ ” it in the same way a newborn desires his/her mother’s breast milk.
Ð This spiritual milk must be “pure”, that is, free from . The idea is
that a baby does not desire milk that has been thinned down or has impurities in
it. Neither does the believer.
x What is “spiritual milk?”
Ð It refers to the of the Word of God. The Word of God that
brought Christians to birth will continue to them.
Ð By receiving this nourishment we grow in spiritual stature. is the
next stage after birth or the germination of the seed (1 Cor. 3:6-7).

Verses 4-10
xIn contrast to the temple at Jerusalem and the Jewish synagogues, the church is
made up of materials--both the chief and the stones
( ) that make up the building (Eph. 2:20-21).
x The word rejected (vv. 4, 7) means to reject after and .
Christ was rejected after the Jews had examined or tried Him and they found He did not
fit their preconceived ideas about the Messiah. Jesus is also rejected by all those who
refuse Him as (Matt. 12:30).
x The Christian (“holy priesthood) does not offer God sacrifices of bulls and goats, but
gives Him sacrifices (v. 5).
Ð ____________ (Heb. 13:15)

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 Ð ____________ (Rom. 12:1-2)
Ð ____________ (Phil. 4:15-18)
xChrist became a stone over which the Jews and because
He did not meet their preconceived ideas. They refused to believe or obey the
of the gospel of Christ (v. 8).
x vv. 9-10 give us four descriptions of Christians:

Description: Meaning:
Chosen People by God
Royal Priesthood (also v. 5 “holy priesthood” to serve
Holy nation Church is the fulfillment of –
from many nations come one.
People belonging to God We are God’s

x These four descriptions (above) are of a people with a purpose – to declare the
of God (v. 9b).
Ð We are able to do this because we are fully aware of our .
Ð We were formerly in , were not , and did not know
(v. 10).
Ð As God’s chosen people, the church now experiences , ,
and .

Verses 11-12
xVerse 11 repeats a now familiar theme in 1 Peter--that Christians are aliens and
strangers in the world. How might living up to the description of verse 9 cause
Christians to be alienated from the world?
x (v. 12) The phrase "the day He visits us" has several possible interpretations:
1) The Day of Judgment.
2) The time God visits the pagans who are beholding the Christians behavior with
salvation.
3) The coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish state in A.D. 70.*
(Heb 10:25; James 5:1-8)
* The above passages seem to support interpretation ____. The pagans, having
become Christians because of the influence of these disciples, would "glorify
God" because they were safe. History attests to the fact that no Christians were
harmed in the destruction of Jerusalem because they had already fled.

LIFE APPLICATION
• Spiritual growth should be a for believers.
• is a mark of excellence in behavior.
• Do not say anything about other believers in their that you would
not say to them personally.
• should characterize the relationships and interactions of those who
follow Jesus Christ.
• Every Christian should be a good for Christianity.

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 LESSON FIVE
FIRST PETER 2:13-25

If you were to rate your natural inclination for being submissive on a scale of one to ten,
where would you place yourself and why?

Resistant Submissive
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1. OUR CALLING: (v. 13)

A. Submit (vv. 13, 18) is a military term meaning to or .
B. Peter says we are to submit for the Lord's sake. We are to act in this manner
for the good of, or as a part of our to the Lord.

2. OUR POSITION: (vv. 13-20; Romans 13:1-7)

A. We are to submit to authority (v. 13).
B. This includes servitude to government (13-17).
1) This command of Peter's is particularly significant when we consider
that these Christians were under a pagan government and a wicked
emperor (Nero?), yet they were to obey this exhortation.
2) The only time a Christian is to disobey secular authority is when it
forces him/her to be to God (Acts 5:28-29; 4:18ff).
3) Notice the different levels of respect (v. 17):
a) the brotherhood
b) God
c) the king
4) We treat our governing leaders with respect for three reasons:
a) For the Lord's sake (v. 13);
b) It is will (v. 15);
c) To the ignorant talk of foolish men (v. 15).
5) The role of government is spelled out for us clearly (v. 14; Rom. 13)
a) for doing right (v. 14; Rom. 13:3-4)
b) those who do wrong (v. 14; Rom. 13:3-4).
c) To “bear the sword” also carries the idea of the
citizenry. It is the God-ordained role of government to use
to maintain order.
C. This includes servitude to our (vv. 18-20).
1) Peter addresses slaves (v. 18). This word can mean servants,
especially household servants.
2) The servant’s relationship with their masters is in many ways similar to
our modern situation today.
3) Submission is to be given to both good and evil masters (v. 18).
4) Unjust suffering makes us “conscious of God” (v. 19). The reference
here is either to our obedience to God’s will, or possibly connected to the
sufferings of Christ in the context that follows.

10 Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis

 5) were also to treat their servants in a fair
manner (Eph. 6:9; Philemon vv. 15-16).
3. OUR EXAMPLE: (vv. 21-25)
A. Notice the connections the text points out between Christ's suffering and a
Christian's submission in this trying situation:

Christian (vv. 18-20) Christ (vv. 21-25)

a) Submission to those who are harsh
b) Received pain of unjust suffering but
conscious of God.
c) Suffers for doing good and endures
it for God.
a) Insults hurled at Him
b) He suffered but made no threats remained
c) Suffers for doing good and endures
it for mankind.

B. Christ’s is given to us as a model (v. 23; Matt.

27:12-14; 34-44).
C. Here the doctrine of substitution is made clear:
1) Christ bore (v. 24; Isa. 53:5).
2) Christ gave us (v. 24; Rom. 4:5).
3) This is the gospel of (2 Cor. 5:21) – the Divine
exchange.
D. There are two specific actions that we must make in response to this:
1) to sin (v. 24; Rom. 6:11-14).
2) for righteousness (v. 24).

Summary: An objective atonement is indicated in the affirmation of the above

verses. The truths of the gospel are that man is a sinner and that he must in
some way meet the demands of God's righteous judgment against him. The
answer to the dilemma is that Christ bore our sins in His own body on the cross.
Through this suffering of humiliation and death, we are spiritually healed.

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 LESSON SIX
FIRST PETER 3:1-7

Marriage is like twirling a baton, turning handsprings, or eating with chopsticks. It looks
easy until you try it. ~ copied

1. Background Notes:
Note 1: In the first century when Peter wrote, women were largely considered
. Marriage was viewed primarily as a business arrangement,
which created an environment where wives could be treated as .

Note 2: The traditional Household Code in Greek philosophy suggests that the
wife’s demeanor towards her husband reflects the of the husband’s
leadership, the of the family unit, and even the sense of peace and
order in the Roman Empire. Therefore, a woman viewed as insubordinate could
be treated very harshly, and not just by her husband. It was a social, not just a
family issue.

Note 3: The of religion in the Roman world would have

complicated things. Part of a wife’s “submission” was the acceptance of the
husband’s religion. For most, this would not have presented any problems, for
religion was generally not exclusive. A woman would merely the gods
and/or goddesses worshipped by her mate. A convert to Christianity, on the other
hand, renounced not only her own gods and goddesses, but those of her spouse
as well. Becoming a Christian, therefore, would have been viewed as rebellion. In
such a scenario one could not be a Christian wife and also be submissive.

2. In verse 1 Peter says "in the same way...". Peter is here making a transition from
to wives (2:18-25).
a) Just as the behavior of was the model for slaves submitting to
their masters, and for Christians to submit to human authority, so it is for wives
submitting to their husbands.
b) Remember, "submit" is a military term meaning to place or .
c) The same term is used in Ephesians 5:21 and implies a .

3. Peter does not counsel Christian women to leave their pagan husbands, he
emphasizes that these men may be won to Christ by the of their wives (v. 1).

4. Peter's desire is that the husbands be converted. Notice that they are won to Christ
(v.1).

5. What the pagan husband will notice about his wife is how she lives now that she has
become a Christian. There are two things Peter mentions (v.2) that will make him sit up
and take notice:
1) Her . This word refers not just to sexual purity but also to purity of

12 Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis

 , , and .

2) Her . She has an of God that causes her to

live a good life.

6. In vv. 3 & 4 Peter stresses that a woman's true beauty is not measured by her
appearance but by her qualities.

Background Note: In the ancient world a married woman with braided hair
wearing expensive jewelry and nice clothing would be viewed as promiscuous.
Such attire suggested an intention to seduce. In public, it was interpreted as a
sign of being unfaithful to one’s husband, and certainly not submissive.

7. The beauty of these qualities (#6) are (v.4) and are based on a gentle and
quiet spirit. Peter says that these qualities are of "great worth" (surpassing value) in
sight.

8. The important thing for women to do (and all believers) is to put “their hope in God”
(v. 5) as did their spiritual ancestors (v. 6).

9. Background to v.7:
In contrast to vv. 1-2 where the focus is on Christian wives and pagan husbands,
here Peter discusses how Christian husbands should relate to Christian wives.
As noted above, in the first century it was customary for the wife to adopt the
religion of her husband so that if he were converted to Christianity, it is likely that
she would be too. Peter seems to assume that this would be the case. Peter
reminds husbands that the respect they are to show to all people (2:17) is also
due to their own wives. That a husband had any obligation to his wife was a
startling new principle in the first century.

For example, the Roman writer Cato said: If you were to catch your wife in an act
of infidelity, you can kill her with impunity without a trial; but, if she were to catch
you, she would not venture to touch you with her finger, and, indeed, she has no
right
.
10. The above was not, however, the Christian ethic. Both Peter and Paul (see Eph.
5:25-33) make a point of identifying the obligations of a husband to a wife:
a) Be . That a husband should think about how he treated his wife
was a new notion in a society where a wife was treated as property.
b) Treat them with . This phrase is literally assigning honor.
c) The wives are "heirs with you". Both husband and wife are equal participants
in the grace of God.

11. From the Eph. 5 passage we learn some other obligations of the husband:
a) ? (v. 21)
b) Love your wives as (v.25).

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 c) Love your wives as you (v.28).
d) Love your wives as you (v.33).
e) The husband is to be (v.31), becoming one flesh.

12. Both husband and wife play differing in God's plan of marriage. One is not
more than the other. Each plays a significant part in God's plan. If one is not
living up to expectations, the marriage . If both partners are
in to Christ, first and foremost, the marriage will be a successful one.

14 Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis

 LESSON SEVEN
FIRST PETER 3:8-17

1. Be humble and united in spirit (v.8)

a) "live in harmony with one another" literally – “Be… of mind” (KJV).
Î This is having an attitude of the mind that strives for harmony. We should
strive to have the same basic , ,& .
Î It is a matter of uniting under the & of the church.
b) "be sympathetic" (Rom. 12:15)
c) "love as brothers" - this is one word in the original, . The
meaning is to have love for others the church.
d) "be compassionate" - ASV says "tenderhearted". The idea is that we should be
easily moved by the or of others.
e) be "humble" - this doesn't mean to think unfavorably of oneself, but to have a
estimate of your own worth, ability, and limitations.
2. Return blessing when evil is done to you (vv. 9-12)
The meaning is clear: if you would love life, then guard your tongue, turn away
from evil, do good, and live at peace with your fellowmen. As you practice these
principles day after day, you will find true satisfaction. This is what it means
when we speak of a godly attitude toward all of life. ~ Richard De Haan

3. Conduct yourself as a Christian when suffering for righteousness (vv. 13-17)

a) Know that you are . (vv.13-14a)
Î Under ordinary circumstances you will not be harmed for doing good, but if
you are remember that you are receiving the blessings of God (see v. 12).
b) Trust . (vv. 14b-15a)
Î "Do not fear what fear; do not be frightened" Do not fear what
people fear.
Î The alternative to fear is to focus attention on someone else. Peter says we
should focus on Christ--"in your hearts set apart (or reverence, make holy,
sanctify) Christ as Lord".
Î To "set apart" Christ as Lord means really to believe that , not
one's human , is truly in control of events.

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 Î To have such reverence "in your hearts" is to maintain continually a
deep-seated inward confidence in Christ as reigning Lord & King (v. 22).
c) Use this opportunity to witness while doing right (vv. 15b-17)
Î Concerning the testimony about our hope in Christ, v. 15 demands:
1. We must be or ready to give it.
2. We must be ready to give it (at any & every time).
3. We must be able to give it to .
4. We must give it with & .
Î How can we fulfill our obligation as Christians to the above?
1. Know you believe.
2. Know you believe.
3. To know these things you must .
4. Practice giving your own .
5. Read books on .
Know What You Believe & Know Why You Believe – Paul Little
Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
Evidence That Demands a Verdict – Josh McDowell
More Than A Carpenter – Josh McDowell
The Claims of Christ – Barry Davis
Give Me An Answer – Cliffe Knechtle
Christianity Stands True – Lynn Gardner
The Case for Christ – Lee Stroebel

Î A large part of our witness is based on our own personal behavior. The
following is vv. 16-17 from the Living Bible:
Do what is right; then if men speak against you, calling you evil
names, they will become ashamed of themselves for falsely
accusing you when you have only done what is good. Remember, if
God wants you to suffer, it is better to suffer for doing good than for
doing wrong!

16 Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis

 LESSON EIGHT
FIRST PETER 3:18-22

I. The Great Exchange (v.18)

A. Christ is portrayed as the perfect illustration of the truth of v. 17 (Luke 17:25;
Acts 1:3; Heb. 13:12).
B. Peter states that His death took place " ". This expresses its
uniqueness as the one act that secures (Rom. 6:10; Heb. 7:27;
9:12, 26, 28; 10:10). Christ's sacrifice does not need like the
Jewish sacrificial system demanded.
C. Christ died " " (Gal. 1:4; 2 Cor. 5:21). The death of Jesus both
removes sin and cancels its effects. Sin no longer stands as an impenetrable wall
between sinners and God because Christ’s death has brought
(Col. 1:19-20; Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 2:18; 3:12; Heb. 10:19-22).
D. Christ acted as the One on behalf of people.
This is the doctrine of atonement or .

II. Preaching to the spirits in prison (vv. 18-20).

Various Interpretations and Problems

Interpretation #1: The “spirits in prison” were the mongrel offspring of a union between
fallen angels and mortal women (Gen. 6:1-2). Proponents of this view claims that when
Jesus died He descended into Hades and preached to the mongrel offspring
(imprisoned spirits), proclaiming that He had paid the price for sin.

Problems with Interpretation #1:

• Assumes the “sons of God” of Genesis 6:1-2 are fallen angels even though the
text never says this. It also assumes that supernatural beings can procreate with
human beings.
• The purpose for Christ’s declaration is not given. Some claim that Christ was
giving the evil offspring a second chance. This is one place Roman Catholicism
finds a proof-text for the doctrine of purgatory.

Interpretation #2: This is similar to Interpretation #1, except that rather than the “spirits
in prison” being the offspring of a demonic/human union, they are the fallen angels
themselves. This view holds that the “sons of God” of Genesis 6:1-2 possessed human
men who had sexual relations with women who had offspring that were more evil than
their fathers. Proponents of this view claims that Christ’s purpose in descending into
Hades was to tell this group of fallen angels that their doom was certain.

Problems with Interpretation #2:

• Assumes the “sons of God” of Genesis 6:1-2 are fallen angels (see #1).

Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis 17

 • Why would Christ need to tell these fallen creatures something they are already
aware of? During Christ’s ministry the demons begged Him not to torture them
“before the appointed time (Matt. 8:29).

Interpretation #3: The “spirits in prison” are wicked beings (fallen angels) and Old
Testament believers. Proponents of this view claim that between Christ’s death and
resurrection He descended into Hades to make an announcement to the wicked spirits
and to release Old Testament saints being kept there in a special compartment. Those
who hold this view use Ephesians 4:8-10 as a proof-text. Proponents teach that Jesus
had a dual purpose in descending into Hades:
1) He announced to the fallen angels that He had conquered sin and paid its
penalty.
2) He went to the Old Testament believers to proclaim His sacrifice immediately
after His death and then took them to heaven.

Problems with interpretation #3:

• Again, why must Jesus announce to fallen angels knowledge they already
possess.
• Assumes the “compartment” theory of Hades is to be taken literally.
• Assumes the Old Testament saints could not enter heaven until the Cross Event.

Interpretation #4: The “spirits in prison” are the souls of people to whom Christ
preached through the person of Noah by the power of the Holy Spirit during the 120
years the Ark was being built.

Problems with interpretation #4:

• Does “put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit” (v. 18) refer to
Christ’s human body and spirit or to the Holy Spirit? In other words, is this a
reference to Christ’s resurrection or to a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ
through the person of Noah by the power of the Holy Spirit?
• Can the word “spirits” be applied to human beings? If so, this is the only case of it
being so applied in the entire Bible.

Preacher’s Preference at the Present Time (subject to change without notice!):

Interpretation #4 seems to be less problematic than the other three views. In addition it
seems to fit best into the immediate context of this passage, as well as the Bible as a
whole.
• Earlier in this letter (1:11) Peter said that the prophets had searched intently
trying to find under what time and circumstances the “Spirit of Christ in them was
pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would
follow”. In this context Peter tells us that by His Spirit Christ preached to these
“spirits in prison”. If the Spirit of Christ was in the prophets, it stands to reason He
could also be in Noah.
• The text tells us that He (Christ) preached to those “who disobeyed long ago
when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the Ark was being built” (v.
20). Christ was not preaching to saints, but to the disobedient. If they were from

18 Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis

 “long ago”, doesn’t it make sense that Christ preached to them “long ago”, rather
than sometime between the Cross and resurrection?
• In this immediate context Peter is talking of suffering “for doing good” (v. 17). Just
like in the days of Noah, Christ is pleading for the souls of men. But also like in
the days of Noah, only a few will believe while others will scoff at the preachers
of good news and cause them suffering by persecuting those who have trusted in
Him.

III. Baptism as a Pledge (vv. 20-22)

A. What does baptism have to do with Noah and his family?
1. The people in the ark correspond to .
2. The water of the corresponds to the water of .
3. The of Noah's family from drowning corresponds to the
of believers.
B. Baptism...."saves" you (v.21).
1. It saves you because you have made a " of a good
conscience toward God".
2. It saves you because of the of Christ.
3. Baptism does not save you by virtue of the .
4. Baptism is meaningless if not accompanied by the above.

"Baptism saves you" is simply a shorthand way of saying, "God saves you in and
through the act of baptism, which is the outward expression of the twin facts that He
regenerates you by His Spirit on the basis of the atonement wrought by Christ and that
you come committing yourself in faith and repentance to Christ as your Savior."
~ I. Howard Marshall

Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis 19

 LESSON NINE
FIRST PETER 4:1-11

I. Don't Live In Your Pagan Past (vv. 1-6)

A. Follow v.1
1. We are to have the (or attitude) of Christ (Matt. 22:37; Rom.
8:6, 12:2; Phil. 2:5; 1 Cor. 2:13-16).
Î In this context, we are to have the same attitude as Christ
toward .
Î We are to suffer because we have to
live righteous lives.
Î We are that it is better to do right and suffer
than to do wrong.
2. To be “done with sin" means to make a with sin.
Î This does not mean we will again (1 John 1:8).
Î The idea here is that our obedience mindset in the face of
suffering carries over into an obedient .
B. Follow will v.2
1. Our commitment is for .
2. Our struggle is with Whenever we give in to the
flesh we declare ourselves in opposition to God’s will for our lives.
C. Forget the Past v.3 (Don't live like this anymore)
1. debauchery = living without any regard for ,
especially in giving oneself over to acts of sexual immorality or acts of
physical violence.
2. lust = unbridled and uninhibited of the flesh.
3. drunkenness = characteristic of a life bent on following physical desires.
4. orgies (KJV, "revellings") = this term refers to banquets and feasts that
were given to , hence "orgies".
5. carousing = descriptive of a couple or group who sat down and
competed against each other to see who could drink the most.
6. detestable idolatry = this was idolatry that was not only against God's
Law but also against the laws of the . This type of idol
worship was often connected with immorality.
D. Face the Facts vv. 4-6
1. Your pagan friends won't you.
2. Some will treat you badly because of the changes you've made.
3. They will have to give an of their actions to God.
4. Though men living in the realm of the flesh condemn and abuse us by
speaking against us, we (and those who accepted the gospel who are now
dead) live in the spirit realm, approved by God.

II. Do Live Like A Christian Now (vv.7-11)

A. The End is Near (v.7)
1. This could be a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

20 Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis

 2. Most likely he is referring to the dissolution of the
with the final intervention of God in history to set up His own rule in the
new world.
3. Associated with the concept of the end of the world was the general
belief that it would immediately be by a time of increasing
of God’s people as the forces of evil engaged in one
last attack before their final doom.
4. This is why we have the pictures of fearful conditions in the teaching of
Jesus in Mark 13 and similar passages (and especially in Revelation).
5. Peter’s line of thought here is that the persecution afflicting the church
should be viewed as of the world’s imminent end.
6. The Christian belief was that the End was near as a
result of the first coming of Jesus.
Î The manifestation of the kingdom of God in Him was the
in the complex event that we regard as the End of the
old order.
Î The vital fact was that the coming of Jesus had inaugurated the
“last days” and that everything
must be seen in the light of the approaching End.
Î The persecution experienced by Christians took its place as an
expected sign of the End – something that would not go on
indefinitely, or even successfully, but as a response by the
to the coming of Christ.
B. Live Like A Christian (vv.7-10)
1. Therefore – because the End is near, live like this…
2. Be clear minded and self-controlled = literally "sober", be mentally and
spiritually prepared so that you will be in a state of mind that is
to prayer life.
2. Love each other deeply = If the church is to deal with difficult times both
in Peter's day and today we must be a and unit.
When love is the controlling force in our lives, we will not be for
sins in our brother's lives (1 Cor. 13:4-5; Prov. 10:12).
4. Offer hospitality = more is involved in this than just having Christian
guests in our home. We should them there, and treat them kindly
& helpfully.
5. Use the gifts God has given you = Whatever gift(s) God has given us,
we must use in His service – “administering God’s grace in its various
forms” (1 Cor. 12:7-11).
C. Speak and Serve Like a Christian (v.11)
1. When we accurately preach/teach/witness to the Word of God it is the
same as if God were speaking . The Word of God is
whether it is heard audibly or it is in written form.
2. We serve God, not in our own strength, but in the strength He
(Acts 17:28).
3. The ultimate purpose of our service is to bring to God.

Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis 21

 LESSON TEN
FIRST PETER 4:12-19

I. Christian Suffering
A. Suffering for Christ should be a occurrence (v.12-13; 2 Tim. 3:12).
Î We should not be “surprised” by it. This means to be ,
, and . It doesn’t refer to the short-term
shock or surprise that we might experience in the face of pain.
Î This suffering is a cause for rejoicing (v. 13)! We rejoice because
through suffering we with Christ.
Î The word “participate” (v. 13) is – to share or fellowship
with someone (Phil. 3:10-11).
Î When Christ’s glory is revealed (2nd Coming; 1:11), our joy from
suffering with Him becomes complete (“overjoyed”).
Î Joy occurs when our drives us to on God.
B. When we suffer it must be for the of Christ (vv. 14-16).
Î v.14 "because of the name of Christ"; v.16 "if you suffer as a
Christian"...
Î Apart from two references in Acts (11:26; 26:28) this (v.16) is the only
other use of " " in the New Testament. Many Bible scholars
believe opponents of Christianity used this term in a derogatory sense.
Î The blessings that come from suffering are only promised to those who
suffer as a result of being a Christian, not for just any type of suffering
(Matt. 5:10-11).
Î Peter stresses that we will be blessed during these times because the
Holy Spirit “rests” on us. This indicates that the Holy Spirit is within the
believer continually to and .
C. Our suffering should be “ ” (v.19).
Î This does not mean that God always chooses suffering for us, but that
if we are suffering for the right reasons (v.16) God can use our suffering.
Î In other words, if the impose suffering on Christians,
then this falls within the sphere of what God allows and what He can use
as part of His purpose.
Î This suffering can be used for our good: It is us; drawing
us to our Lord; and making us more like Him in our lives.
II. The Nature of Christian Suffering
A. It is (v.12)
Î Literally, "fiery trial".
Î Fire is painful, but it is also necessary in the process (1:7).
B. It is a Participation in Christ's suffering (v.13)
Î Union with Christ involves not only union with Him in His death and
resurrection (Rom. 6:4-5), but also union with Him in the
____________of His life, which includes His suffering for righteousness
(2:20-21; 3:17-18; Rom. 8:17; Phil. 3:10; Col. 1:24; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Jn. 2:6).
III. The Church and Suffering (vv. 17-18)

22 Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis

 A. The word for judgment (krima v. 17) does not necessarily mean
'condemnation' (which would be 'katakrima') but is a broader term, which can
refer to a judgment that results in good and bad , a judgment
which may issue in or as well as condemnation.
Î The picture is that God has begun judging the church, and
will later move outward to judge those the church.
Î The refining fire of judgment is leaving no one , but
Christians are being purified and strengthened by it--sins are being
eliminated and trust in God and holiness of life are growing.
B. Verse 18 is a direct quote from Proverbs 11:31.
Î If a Christian is saved under the disciplining and chastening hand of
God, what will be true concerning the future life of the unsaved?
Î If there are difficulties involved in saving a godly and holy person, how
much more difficult is it for one to be saved who does not have the
reassuring promises of the Gospel?
Î The salvation of such a man is not only difficult--it is !

PRINCIPLES:
• Followers of Jesus Christ are to adopt toward suffering.
• God’s could come at any time.
• God can use our suffering for Christ to benefit both the as well as us.
• The Holy Spirit continually the believer.
• Faithfulness to Jesus Christ and persecution in a
believer’s life.
• Follows of Jesus Christ are not when they suffer for Christ.

Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis 23

 LESSON ELEVEN
FIRST PETER 5

I. To the Elders... (vv. 1-4)

A. The word "elder" ( )--where we get our words "presbyter"
"presbyterian".
1. The word generally refers to an .
2. Seventeen times in the NT this word is used, as it is here, of those who
are , and of the house of God.
3. Two other terms in the NT for the same office are:
a) Elder, Bishop, or Overseer ( ) compare Acts 20:17
with 20:28; also Titus 1:5 with 1:7.
b) Shepherd or Pastor ( ) In 16 occurrences of this
word in the NT, it is rendered Shepherd, in one instance (Eph. 4:11)
it is rendered Pastors.
c) Using biblical terminology the names elder, bishop, overseer,
shepherd, and pastor all refer to the same person or persons.
B. Peter was not only an Apostle he was an elder (v.1).
1. Peter can relate to the position since he is a -elder.
2. Peter never claims to be elder (Roman Catholic Teaching).
3. Peter was a witness ( ) of Christ's sufferings.
4. Peter will share "in the glory to be revealed" (1:5)
C. Peter appeals to the elders [both ancient and modern] (vv. 2-3)
1. Positive commands:
a) Be shepherds of God's flock
1. A shepherd the flock from those who would
destroy or scatter it (Jn. 10:12-13; 1 Sam. 17:34-36).
2. A shepherd goes the sheep, leads them,
and guides them safely (see Ps. 23).
3. A shepherd finds for the flock (Ps. 23:2)
4. A shepherd the flock. He tries to keep them
from straying, but if one goes astray, he goes after it and
brings it back to the fold (Luke 15:3-7).
b) Serve willingly as "overseers" = look upon, inspect, care for, look
after.
c) "Be to serve". Serve with zeal and enthusiasm.
d) Be an to the flock. The elder should be one who
so lives in his everyday life that he provides a pattern for imitation
to the members of the congregation.
2. Negative commands
a) Don't serve because you (someone talked you into it).
b) Don't serve for .
c) Don't " " the flock (Matt. 20:25-27).
D. A Crown Awaits the Under-Shepherd (v. 4)

24 Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis

 1. Jesus is Head, not only of the Church, but also of the Church’s
Shepherds (Heb. 13:17).
2. The Chief Shepherd will honor those who have been faithful, godly,
shepherds with an Crown of glory.
3. This crown is most likely not a physical crown; rather, the crown is the
itself that is bestowed by God.

II. To Everyone (vv.5-11)

A. The term, young men (v.5), identifies those in the church, both men and
women, who are not pastors and who, most likely, are younger in the faith.
B. "those who are older" is a reference to older people , not the
office of elder.
C. Be "submissive" = be respectful, kind, courteous, and thoughtful to "those
who are older".
D. Be humble toward (v. 5)
E. Be humble toward (v. 6)
F. "Cast all your anxiety (lit. " ") on
Him He cares for you" (v.7; Heb. 13:6).
G. Resist the devil by being , , and by
in the faith (vv.8-9; James 4:7).

A survey of the results of demonic influence in the New Testament will indicate certain characteristics
which a self-controlled and alert Christian may suspect to be caused, at least in part, by the devil or
demons: bizarre or violently irrational evil behavior, especially in opposition to the gospel or Christians
(Mk. 1:24; 5:2-5; 9:18; Acts 16:16-18; Rev. 2:10); malicious slander and falsehood in speech (John
8:44; 1 Jn. 4:1-3); increasing bondage to self-destructive behavior (Mk. 5:5; 9:20); stubborn advocacy
of false doctrine (1 Jn. 4:1-6); the sudden and unexplained onslaughts of emotions (such as fear, hatred,
depression, violent anger, etc.) which are both contrary to God’s will and inappropriate in one’s
situation; and simply the deep spiritual uneasiness which might be called the ‘discernment’ (cf. 1 Cor.
14:20) of spiritual evil.
- Wayne Grudem, 1 Peter, Tyndale NT Commentaries, pp. 196-197

H. After a time of suffering God will (v. 10);

a) R you;
b) Make you S ;
c) Make you F ;
d) Make you S .
e) In other words, , and that for eternity.

III. Final Greetings (vv. 12-14)

- "She who is in Babylon" = .

Copyright 2003 by Barry L. Davis 25