Journal: Puritan Reformed Journal
Volume: PRJ 01:2 (Jul 2009)
Article: Significance Of Suffering In The Study Of First Peter
Author: Brian Golez Najapfour

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PRJ 1:2 (July 2009) p. 23

Significance Of Suffering In The Study Of First Peter

Brian Najapfour

This article will briefly show how the subject of suffering is significant in the study of First Peter. Though not all commentators agree, it will be argued that suffering functions as the controlling theme in the book—that is, suffering is the main motif around which the contents of the epistle revolve. At the end, some implications of this scrutiny will be given for Christians, especially for their suffering.

Significance Of Suffering In First Peter

Historical Setting

In considering the historical background of First Peter, three important questions need to be dealt with: who wrote it, for whom it was written, and when it was written. From the opening verse of the epistle, an undisputed conclusion can be made that the author is the Apostle Peter, and that he writes it to “the strangers” (1:1). But who are these “strangers”? There are basically three interpretations. Some commentators, including John Calvin, maintain that they are Jewish Christians who, because of persecution, left their native land and lived in another place. Second, others take “strangers” figuratively, applying the term to all Christians ( Jews or Gentiles) who are temporarily here on earth but are heavenly citizens. Third, some scholars combine these two views. They contend that Peter writes this letter primarily to the Jewish Christians and secondarily to the Gentile believers.

From verse one, we are certain that these “strangers” are those “scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,” which are provinces of Asia Minor or modern Turkey. Since Peter addresses his letter to a large group of people, to determine with specificity the kind of people whom he has in his mind is difficult. Frank Thielman states: “We should not expect, therefore, that Peter

PRJ 1:2 (July 2009) p. 24

will give us a detailed account of the conditions of his audience.”1 Thus we can safely say that these “strangers” are Christians, possibly mixed Jews and Gentiles, living in those five regions.

When did Peter write his first epistle? Answering this question is vital to understanding the condition of these Christians at the time Peter was writing. The date commonly given to this epistle is either before or shortly after the great fire of Rome in 64 A.D. If after, the letter was intended for Christians who suffered under Emperor Nero (54-68 A.D.), who burned the city. When the citizens of Rome were told by their emperor that the Christians burned the city, they increased persecution against this sect. This po...

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