Peter means “a stone.” Like James, 1 Peter is addressed to Jewish believers who were dispersed in Asia Minor, but not as connected with Judaism. Rather, they were separated from Judaism. They were suffering, and strangers and pilgrims in more than one sense. In a far higher sense than had ever been true of the nation of Israel, they were a people not reckoned among the nations. Theirs was an eternal election of God; a sanctification or “setting apart” of the Spirit, not of mere formal ordinances as in the Old Testament; and an inheritance reserved in heaven. These blessings were because Christ is raised and at the right hand of God.

Their suffering was simply the needed chastening of a Father’s governing hand. He governs wisely among His own children for their good in view of eternity. On the other hand, their suffering would manifest the woeful end of those who obey not the gospel.

The line of truth given in 1 Peter is clearly that of the kingdom rather than of the body of Christ, the Church, for to Peter were given the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Indeed, in Peter personally is seen the effective dealings of the Father’s government. It is precious to see him graciously and powerfully used by God after so sad a failure in his denying the Lord at the time of the Lord’s crucifixion. This book is simple to understand, vigorous and stirring, producing a wholesome fear of God. It presses every exercised conscience to walk in subjection of heart to the Lord.