First Epistle of Peter in Easton's Bible Dictionary
This epistle is addressed to "the strangers scattered
abroad",
i.e., to the Jews of the Dispersion (the Diaspora).
Its object is to confirm its readers in the
doctrines they had
been already taught. Peter has been called "the
apostle of
hope," because this epistle abounds with words of
comfort and
encouragement fitted to sustain a "lively hope." It
contains
about thirty-five references to the Old Testament.
It was written from Babylon, on the Euphrates, which
was at
this time one of the chief seats of Jewish learning,
and a
fitting centre for labour among the Jews. It has
been noticed
that in the beginning of his epistle Peter names the
provinces
of Asia Minor in the order in which they would
naturally occur
to one writing from Babylon. He counsels (1) to
steadfastness
and perseverance under persecution (1-2:10); (2) to
the
practical duties of a holy life (2:11-3:13); (3) he
adduces the
example of Christ and other motives to patience and
holiness
(3:14-4:19); and (4) concludes with counsels to
pastors and
people (ch. 5).
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