PETER 1, BOOK OF

Peter addressed this letter to "the elect," i.e., Christians, who are dispersed in Asia Minor. The main theme of the epistle is explicitly stated. He urges the brethren to "stand fast" in the "grace of God" (5:12). The apostle appeals to these Christians to maintain courage, to be pure, and to remain loyal to Christ. He exhorts the saints to live lives that correspond to the gospel (1:13-2:10). He urges them to yield to God's sovereignty as manifested in the world's affairs (2:13ff). Saints are encouraged in view of the suffering they must endure (3:13-5:11).