PETER
In this letter written by Peter, a disciple and Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the Holy Spirit-sanctified and born-again Jewish Christians in the Churches dispersed throughout Asia Minor (part of present-day Turkey), he instructed them to be holy and obedient to God in their conduct and manner of living and to love one another fervently from a pure heart.
He encouraged them to first come to God and offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable and pleasing to Him through the Righteous One and Living Stone (Christ) Who had died for the sins of all mankind and had redeemed and purchased them for all times with His precious blood when He freely gave up His life and was crucified on a cross.
The born-again saints (believers) of Jesus Christ were admonished to pattern themselves after God and live in the Spirit, which would enable them to not be discouraged by trials and suffering but instead to rejoice in them as they share in Christ�s suffering, for this is how their faith was to be tested and purified.
NARRATIVE:
Peter reminded the Jewish saints that they were a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and part of a holy dedicated nation called out of darkness to display the virtues and perfections of God among the Gentiles so that they too may come to glorify God.
The men and women were taught proper behavior toward each other in marriage, and they were informed that baptism is an expression of belief in their deliverance from unrighteousness and provides a clear conscience before God.
The elders and those lower in rank were told to humble themselves in their Christian walk, always being aware that the devil (Satan, a fallen angel and God�s greatest enemy and the great deceiver and liar who promotes evil throughout the world) roams around like a roaring lion seeking someone (everyone) to seize and devour.
Peter�s instructions for the Church (the whole assembly of believers) included the following:
1. In your hearts set Christ apart as holy, and always be ready to give in a courteous and respectful manner a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope (the assurance of salvation and eternal life with God and His Son, Jesus Christ) that is in you;
2. Those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with God�s will must do right and commit their souls to the One Who created them and will never fail them;
3. After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace (blessing and favor) Who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be (as born-again believers); and
4. Cast the whole of your care on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and watchfully.