I. PETER. Simon Peter, son of Jonas, a fisherman at Bethsaida, was one of the foremost apostles, by whom three thousand were converted on the Day of Pentecost (Acts ii.), and the first Gentile family admitted by baptism into Christianity (Acts x. 47, 48). He is said to have preached to the Jews scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, i.e. the countries of Asia adjacent to the Black Sea, to whom he addressed this Epistle from Babylon, probably about A.D. 63. Its general design was to comfort them under afflictions.

The First Epistle.

Summary. I. The necessity, use, and transitory nature of earthly trials (i. 1–12). II. An exhortation to walk worthy of their vocation, and to follow the example of Christ, who died to purchase their glorification (i. 13–ii. 10). III. Practical advice as to their duty in various relations of life, e.g. as citizens, slaves, husbands, wives, &c. (ii. 13–iii. 8). IV. An exhortation generally to unanimity, peaceableness, sanctifieatiori; with a warning of the Second Advent, enforced by a reference to the previous judgments of God on those who neglected the preaching of Noah (iii. 9–iv. 19). V. Practical exhortation to pastors on their duties.